Men's hairstyles of the 1930s reflected societal ideals and cultural trends of the era. Grooming was an important part of maintaining the gentlemanly facade so prized during the depression era. Men wore their hair short and visited the barber often in order to maintain immaculately shaved faces and sharp cut styles. The 1930s were focused on well-kept perfection as exemplified by the decade's heartthrob, Clark Gable. Short cuts, dapper hats and fashionable facial hair were of the utmost importance to the depression era gentleman.
Short Hair
Short, well-kept and meticulously maintained hairstyles were the 1930s ideal. The back of a man's hair could never touch his collar, and though men maintained length on top, the entire style was clean cut and perfectly styled. The longer top portion of hair was often combed over the back of the head and secured in place with a pomade that gave the hair a shiny, and often immovable, finish.
Side Parts
The short hair sported by most of the decade's gentlemen was sure to be meticulously parted and well kept. Because hair was kept long on top, men parted their hair on the side in order to appear groomed and keep with the trends of the day. Side parts were most popular and any deviation from that norm was notable as seen by the intentionally off center part sported by actor Ramon Novarro.
Curly Hair
Though hairstyles were kept quite close to the head, curly hair was fashionable for both men and women. While women favored exceptionally voluminous finger waves, men tended to slick back their curls over the tops of their heads for a waved look. Curls were fashionably favored, but good grooming and precise styles were still necessary and as such, men's curls were cemented in place with waxy pomades that would hold up even under their fedoras.