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Audrey Hepburn


Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Diamonds and Dames~Episode 11~ 'Laura' Inspired 1944 Layered Waves


One of my most requested looks is the style worn by the exquisite Gene Tierney in the 1944 Film Noir classic, 'Laura'. I can already see the comments I'll get on the video tutorial: "Where do you get off trying to look like Gene Tierney?" I do get those comments...and I blame ignorance, of course. In no way am I trying to impersonate the actress in question with these videos, but instead I am attempting to help other ladies capture a similar hairstyle/makeup look, so that they can feel as beautiful as the ladies of these old films. After all, we need another Beyonce'/Miley Cyrus/Lady Gaga tutorial like we need a hole in the head.

This style consists of lovely layered waves. I am almost certain it was created with pin curls and since Gene had natural wave to her hair, it was a perfect look for her. My hair is stick straight and a bit too long to successfully use the following Pin Curl Setting Pattern, but it will achieve a very similar appearance to Tierney's sleek waves if your hair is tapered to the proper length . I based these diagrams on a vintage book that discussed how to achieve this exact style. Like an idiot, I neglected to write down the name of said book and proper credit can therefore not be paid. *sigh* Anyway, I use a setting lotion solution to spray each section damp before rolling. If I start with wet hair, I get too much frizz to manage.




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*The back can be tricky, if you're setting your own head. Therefore, attempt to be approximate with the pattern but don't sweat it if you just can't quite make it as uniform as the diagram. If your hair is just at shoulder length and layered properly, the reversed directions of the back setting will provide a lovely s-curve in the finished product.

To style:

1. Release curls carefully
2. Shake them out, pulling the individual curls into the direction they're meant to fall.

3. Brush thoroughly all over, using your hand (coated with pomade*) to control frizz.
4. If you have bangs, twist them back so that they blend w/ the resulting waves at the side. Brush all volume out of the top so that the appearance is sleek. Also, the part should be deep, on one side.
5. Use more pomade for shine, spray into place, and go.

* Pomade is Layrite Pomade, which I sell here on my shop. See link at the top of the page.

Video Tutorial, featuring the music of Spike Jones and his City Slickers, The Glen Miller Orchestra, and Anthony Warlow:




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Laura (1944)
Starring: Gene Tierney and Clifton Webb
Film Synopsis:


When beautiful Laura Hunt is found shot to death in her apartment, Detective Mark McPherson (Dana Andrews) delves into her life to determine who might be to blame. He finds himself, not only becoming obsessively drawn to the deceased, but also beginning to suspect two key players: Waldo Lydecker(Clifton Webb)and Shelby Carpenter(Vincent Price), both of whom were inlove with the victim. Through her diary and letters, Mark puts pieces of the puzzle together in a largely satisfactory way, that is, until someone unexpected walks through the door and throws the entire case into turmoil.

11 comments:

A said...

Gorgeous! I'll have to give it a try.

Miss CherryBubbles said...

'Laura' is my all-time favorite movie! And I do love Gene Tierney's hairstyle in this film :) Thank you for presenting this tutorial - your Gene-inspired waves came out lovely! I will definitely have to give this one a try!

The Zany Housewife said...

I love Gene Tierney and love this post!

Do you have any tutorials for longer hair? My hair is halfway down my back and fine. I struggle to re-create a lot of the vintage hairstyles because of the length. Other than cutting my hair (which I'm considering) do you have any tips?

jewlover2 said...

Zany,
The styles represented in these films are not really meant for long hair...even my hair is a bit too long to make a success of it. I suggest cutting your hair if you're going for an authentic look. If not, you can work with what you have but the result will be a more modern take on the classic styles.

The Zany Housewife said...

Thanks! I think I may just have to cut my hair :)

Casey Maura said...

This is one of my favorite movies and favorite hairstyles from the 40s! I have been so in love with Gene in this role that is what inspired me to get my hair cut in the 40s layers in the first place. ;) I love your version of it!! Bravo!

♥ Casey
blog | elegantmusings.com

Anonymous said...

I am so in love with your blog! I have been following you for a few weeks now and you are turning out to be one of my all time favourites! Really great content and I have followed your victory rolls instructions at the weekend and it was PERFECTION!

And without sounding to much like a slushy fan, you really are very beautiful, stunning! You should be a real movie star!!!!!

Big love, Sadie at Flea Market Chic xx

Sarsaparilla said...

I just watched your video, and I'm so inspired! I think I might have the right length hair to pull this off - if I can find the patience...

Thanks for all the time you put into your wonderful blog and tutorials. With your guidance, we are all going to be so gorgeous!

Peter Lappin said...

I am a huge Spike Jones fan and I LOVE this video -- very well done; great style!

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness, Laura is one of my top 5 all time favorite movies and I have long loved Gene Tierney's hairstyle in it. Thank you so much for the tutorial! I'm going to try this out and if I can make it work I will have finally figured out what to do with my hair for a wedding I'm in this fall. :D

Stephanie Lynn said...

Thanks for posting this tutorial. I tried it and my hair turned out great!

http://star-spangledheart.blogspot.com/2010/07/my-best-pincurl-set-yet.html

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