The 1940s Edit

THE PERIOD STYLIST ACADEMY MINI-COURSE

Learn to Create Structured 1940s Hair with Professional Control

Master the rolls, curls and construction techniques behind beautifully polished wartime hairstyling, taught by film-industry hair and make-up artist Gemma Waugh.

This course gives you lifetime access to professional techniques developed across nearly three decades in film, television, bridal and education.

as trusted by

"I have worked with Gemma for many years on film sets all over the world. I can vouch from first-hand experience that she is a fabulous hairdresser. I would highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to upskill and increase their earning potential."

Meinir Jones Lewis | BAFTA Award-winning Hair & Make-up Designer

"Gemma's understanding and obvious expertise in handling hair, along with her sense of colour balance and style, all combined to create the exact look I required."

Jenny Shercore | BAFTA Award-winning Hair & Make-up Designer

Master the Structure Behind Iconic 1940s Hair

1940s hairstyling is structured, polished and instantly recognisable.

But creating beautifully balanced victory rolls and controlled pin curls takes far more than simply rolling the hair into shape.

Without the right preparation and construction, rolls can feel bulky, uneven or unstable, while curls can quickly lose their definition and shape.

The 1940s Edit will help you understand how to build these iconic styles with the control, balance and security expected in professional period hairstyling.

Inside The 1940s Edit

Gemma will teach you the core techniques behind bold, structured and beautifully finished 1940s hair.

You’ll learn how preparation, placement and pinning work together to create recognisable wartime shapes that remain secure and polished.

Victory Roll Construction

Learn how to prepare, direct and shape the hair into clean, controlled victory rolls with greater consistency.

Pin Curl

Setting

Understand how to create and position pin curls to support the movement, shape and finish of the completed style.

Shape and

Balance

Learn how size, placement and proportion affect the overall silhouette so your rolls feel balanced rather than bulky.

All-Day

Hold

Discover how to build security into the style from the beginning, helping the hair maintain its shape without relying on excessive pins or finishing product.

Self-paced learning · Lifetime access · Immediate access after purchase

All for just £97 one time payment.

Learn from Nearly Three Decades in the Film Industry

Gemma Waugh has worked as a professional hairdresser and make-up artist for nearly three decades, predominantly within film.

Her credits include productions such as:

James Bond: The World Is Not Enough

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

X-Men: First Class

And much more...

Gemma has also taught future industry professionals at respected London hair and make-up academies.

Inside this course, she brings that experience into clear, practical training, helping you understand not only how 1940s hair should look, but how it needs to be prepared, constructed and secured to a professional standard.

Is This Course for You?

The 1940s Edit is suitable for hairstylists and hair and make-up artists who:

Want to learn how to create clean, balanced victory rolls
Struggle with rolls that feel bulky, uneven or difficult to secure
Want to understand the preparation behind polished pin curls
Work with brides or clients who want a bold, unmistakably vintage look
Are interested in bridal, film, television, theatre or editorial work
Want to add a recognisable 1940s style to their specialist portfolio

No previous 1940s styling experience is required, although some general hairstyling knowledge will help you get the most from the training.

What people who have worked with Gemma say

Gemma shaped my skills and taught me a lot about period styling over the years and has the most amazing way of understanding what her protégés need and how to teach them in the best way for them. Would recommend!"

- Rosie Oction

Hair & Makeup Artist

"Gemma brings her fantastic film experience to both hair and makeup — and that is why I chose her. I wanted a period twist to my hair and makeup to suit the grandeur of the day and the venue, and Gemma did an amazing job."

- Antonia Wright

Bride

"Gemma has years of experience and it is really obvious when you work with her. At the trial she convinced me to try a hairstyle that looked slightly sixties, because my dress was a shift dress. It should not have worked — but it absolutely did. I am so glad I found her."

-Katherine Evans

Bride

"I was looking for someone who could give me a 1920s hairdo, but was worried it might look a bit over the top. I was so wrong. I looked like a black and white movie star."

-Tamara Moore

Bride

- Antonia Wright

Bride

"If you are wondering which stylist to book, then Gemma is definitely your woman. Having someone with a background in wigs and hairpieces was a massive plus."

- Stephanie Isbell

Bridesmaid

Klarna and Clearpay is available at checkout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the course live?

No. Wartime Glamour is a prerecorded online course that you can complete at your own pace.

How long will I have access?

You’ll receive lifetime access to the training.

Do I need previous experience creating victory rolls?

No. The course is suitable for stylists who are new to 1940s hair or have attempted victory rolls but want a clearer, more professional method.

Is personal feedback included?

No. This is currently a self-paced course without personal feedback.

Is this only suitable for bridal stylists?

No. Finger-wave techniques are relevant to stylists interested in bridal, film, television, theatre, editorial work and historical styling.

Why do my victory rolls look uneven or bulky?

Victory rolls rely on careful sectioning, preparation, direction and tension.

If those foundations are not controlled, it can be difficult to achieve a smooth, balanced shape. The course will help you understand how each part of the construction affects the finished roll.

Will I learn how to make the style last?

Yes. The course includes techniques for building security into the style so the rolls and curls can maintain their shape for longer.

Will this course make me a period-hair specialist?

The course gives you professional 1940s techniques and a clear method to practise.

Developing any specialist skill requires repetition and practical application, but learning victory rolls and pin curls can be a valuable addition to your period-styling portfolio.

Gemma also offers the complete Period Stylist Academy if you would like more comprehensive training across several eras and styles: https://theperiodstylistacademy.com/sign-up

Join The 1940s Edit Course

A single investment. Lifetime access to the full programme to learn at your own pace.

Self-paced learning · Lifetime access · Immediate access after purchase

All for just £97 one time payment.

THE PERIOD STYLIST ACADEMY - LONDON

Gemma Waugh is the founder of the Period Stylist Academy and a specialist in period and vintage bridal hairstyling. She grew up in her mother’s wig company in London, which created wigs for some of the biggest film productions of the 1980s and 90s - including Star Wars, the James Bond films and Superman. She later worked in the film industry herself before transitioning into bridal work, bringing with her the technical standards and professional precision of a film set. Through the Period Stylist Academy, she teaches hairstylists how to develop a recognised specialist niche in period bridal styling, move away from competing on price, and build a career defined by genuine expertise.