Getting the iconic Rosie the Riveter look involves styling your hair neatly up and adding a signature knotted bandana.
The classic Rosie the Riveter hairstyle features hair pulled up, often in a roll or bun, covered by a red and white polka dot bandana tied at the top.
Step 1: Prepare Your Hair
Start with clean, dry hair. The goal is to get your hair off your neck and face.
- Roll & Pin: A common method is to create victory rolls or simply roll sections of hair up and pin them securely against your head.
- Bun: Gather your hair into a bun at the back or top of your head and secure it with an elastic and pins.
- Tuck: Ensure all loose strands are pinned or tucked away neatly.
Step 2: Fold and Position the Bandana
Take your square bandana (traditionally red with white polka dots) and fold it into a triangle. Then, fold the longest edge of the triangle up a few times to create a band.
- Place the folded edge of the bandana across your forehead, just below your hairline.
- Bring the two ends of the bandana back towards the top of your head.
Step 3: Tie and Secure the Bandana
Bring the two ends of the bandana together at the top of your head and tie them securely. The knot is typically placed towards the front or slightly off-center.
- Tie the knot: Bring the two ends together and tie a basic knot.
- Finish the knot: As seen in tutorials like "Rosie The Riveter's Scarf/Bandana- A How To Tutorial!", you will tie the ends together. Then, pull a part of the knot or the ends forward. This part will fold over what you just tied. Finally, you will tuck it securely to hide the ends or create a specific knot shape.
- Adjust the bandana to cover the top and sides of your head, ensuring your pinned-up hair is mostly covered but perhaps leaving the very front hairline visible.
Step 4: Final Touches
Check for any loose hairs peeking out from under the bandana and tuck them in. Ensure the knot is firm but comfortable.
The result is a practical, stylish look that kept hair safely out of the way for women working in factories during WWII.
| Item | Purpose | Key Action |
|---|---|---|
| Hair | Keep off face and neck | Roll, Pin, Bun, Tuck |
| Bandana | Cover hair, add style | Fold, Position, Tie, Tuck |
By following these steps, including the specific method for tying and securing the bandana by pulling a part forward, folding it over the knot, and tucking, you can recreate the iconic Rosie the Riveter look.
