Peaky Blinders Hair and Makeup Looks
Vintage 1920s hairstyles | Peaky Blinders makeup tutorials | Retro wedding hair ideas
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So I have a confession. Every time I watch Peaky Blinders I end up wanting to throw on a long coat and pretend I run Small Heath even though I live nowhere near Birmingham and the strongest thing I drink is masala chai. But honestly the style in that show is just gorgeous. Sharp elegant dramatic and somehow still wearable for us normal people who are not gangsters.
As a bridal hair and makeup artist I get brides asking me all the time how to do that Peaky Blinders vintage vibe but softer and more feminine for weddings or parties. So I thought let me just put it all in one place for you. Here are fifteen looks inspired by the show that you can actually recreate whether you have a wedding coming up or you just fancy feeling like Grace Shelby for the day.
I kept everything simple no complicated techniques and I added image prompts for each look in case you want visuals or inspiration. Let me walk you through them.
Classic Finger Waves With Matte Skin
This is the signature Peaky women look and honestly it never gets old. Soft S-shaped finger waves right at the front of the hair then everything else tucked smooth behind the ears or pinned low at the nape.
For the hair you want to section the front into about two inches width and apply strong hold gel or mousse. Use a comb to create the S-wave pattern by pushing the hair forward then back in smooth curves. Pin each curve with clips while it sets and once dry release the clips for those gorgeous vintage waves. The rest can be slicked back into a low bun or left smooth.
Makeup wise matte skin is absolutely key so use a matte foundation and set it well with powder. Thin brows were the fashion back then but you do not have to go that far just groom them neatly. Add soft peachy or rosy blush, thin eyeliner along the top lash line and nude or soft pink lips. Keep everything understated and elegant.
Wear this with a silk slip dress or a long coat over trousers. Add gloves if you want full Grace Shelby energy. Very sophisticated very put together.
Image Prompt: soft 1920s finger waves hairstyle woman matte skin makeup thin brows vintage Peaky Blinders style neutral tones soft lighting cinematic 35mm film aesthetic
2. Low Bun With Side Sweep Wave
If finger waves all over feel like too much this is a lovely compromise. One elegant wave swooping across the side of your face and the rest of the hair pulled back into a neat low bun at the nape of your neck.
For the hair create one finger wave on the heavier side of your parting and pin it in place with grips. Brush the rest of your hair back smoothly and twist it into a low bun. Use pins to secure it neatly and add a bit of hairspray to keep everything sleek and shiny.
The makeup is soft brown eyeshadow in the crease, clean thin eyeliner, nude or soft mauve lips and a touch of highlighter on the cheekbones but keep it subtle. Very classic very timeless. This works beautifully for brides who want vintage elegance without going too dramatic. Pair it with a lace gown or even a modest long-sleeved dress. Looks gorgeous for Nikah ceremonies too.
Image Prompt: low vintage bun with side finger wave 1920s inspired makeup nude lips soft warm lighting Peaky Blinders elegant style modest regency tone
3. Sharp Bob With Bold Lips
If you have short hair or you are thinking about cutting it this look is absolutely stunning. A sharp clean bob either straight or with a soft wave and bold deep red lipstick to make it pop.
If your bob is straight use a flat iron to make it sleek and shiny with a sharp blunt edge. If you want a bit of wave use a medium barrel curling iron and brush through the curls for soft vintage waves. Keep the parting deep on one side. For makeup go with matte skin as always, soft smokey brown eyeshadow, thin eyeliner and bold dark red or berry lipstick.
This gives proper boss energy, very Ada Shelby vibes. Wear this with tailored trousers a blazer or a midi skirt. Very powerful very chic.Image Prompt: 1920s sharp bob haircut bold dark red lips matte skin soft smokey eyes Peaky Blinders woman dramatic cinematic film look
4. Loose Waves With Beret or Baker Boy Hat
You cannot talk about Peaky Blinders without the iconic hats. For women a soft wool beret or a small baker boy cap looks absolutely gorgeous. Loose waves underneath and minimal makeup with a berry stained lip.
Create soft loose waves with a curling wand and do not brush them out too much you want them bouncy and full. Position the hat slightly to one side so some waves peek out at the front and sides. Keep the makeup natural with a bit of blush, soft brown eyeshadow and berry or wine coloured lip stain. Very fresh and simple. Perfect for autumn photoshoots or themed parties. Wear it with a long wool coat and boots for that street style vibe.
Image Prompt: loose waves hairstyle with wool beret hat vintage 1920s makeup berry lip colour Peaky Blinders inspired street style cinematic moody lighting
5. Textured Messy Updo With Smokey Eyes
This one is more evening glam. A slightly messy textured updo with little bits purposely falling out around your face. Pair it with deep grey smokey eyes and a soft nude lip.
Start by backcombing sections of your hair for volume and texture then twist and pin sections randomly to create an updo that looks effortless but structured. Pull out a few face framing pieces and set with hairspray. For makeup go with dark grey or charcoal smokey eyes blended well, nude or soft pink lips to balance the dramatic eyes and matte skin with soft contour. This works beautifully for evening events weddings or formal dinners. Pair it with something beaded or velvet.
Image Prompt: textured messy updo 1920s inspired dark smokey eyes soft nude lips dramatic Peaky Blinders feminine look warm vintage tones
6. Smooth Hollywood Waves With Berry Lips
Hollywood waves suit the Peaky era perfectly even though they became more popular in the thirties. Deep side part smooth glossy waves and a bold berry lip.
Create deep waves with a large barrel curling iron and brush through them while still warm to create those smooth S-shaped curves. Pin them in place until they cool then apply shine spray for that glossy finish. The makeup is a matte base, soft brown eyeshadow, thin liner and bold berry or wine coloured lipstick with subtle highlight on the cheekbones. Gorgeous for weddings or black tie events. Wear it with a satin gown or beaded dress.
Image Prompt: smooth glossy Hollywood waves berry lipstick vintage matte makeup 1920s Peaky Blinders elegance high quality studio lighting
7. Curled Updo With Feather Hair Accessory
Back in the twenties accessories were everything. A vintage feather clip or a jewelled hairpiece adds instant glamour. Curl the hair pin it up loosely and add the accessory on one side.
Curl all your hair in small to medium sections then pin the curls up randomly to create a soft romantic updo. Secure a feather accessory or vintage clip on one side near the ear. The makeup can be peachy blush and lips, soft brown eyeliner and a touch of gold shimmer on the inner corners. Keep it soft and glowing. This works beautifully for bridesmaids or garden parties. Very pretty very feminine.
Image Prompt: soft curled updo with feather hair accessory peach toned makeup 1920s glamour Peaky Blinders inspired feminine style warm cinematic effect
8. Sleek Centre Part Low Ponytail
This is very clean and modern but still has that vintage edge. Middle part straight sleek hair pulled back into a low ponytail with a little vintage curl at the ends.
Straighten your hair completely and create a sharp centre part. Brush everything back into a low ponytail at the nape and curl just the ends of the ponytail for that retro touch. The makeup is dark eyeliner top and bottom lash line, brown or mauve lipstick and soft contoured cheekbones. Very sharp very modern gangster energy. Wear this with tailored clothing or leather jackets for an edgy vibe.
9. Side Part Wavy Bob With Rosy Cheeks
If you like softer looks this is lovely. A wavy bob with a dramatic deep side part lots of volume on one side and rosy flushed cheeks.
Create a deep side part and curl the hair in medium sections. Brush through for soft waves then pin the lighter side behind your ear and let the heavier side fall forward over one eye. For makeup use rosy pink blush on the apples of your cheeks, soft pink lips and natural brown eyeshadow. Very soft very romantic. Wear it with lace or velvet and it works perfectly for daytime events or tea parties.
10. Soft Half Up Half Down With Curls
Half up styles were not typical twenties but they work beautifully if you add a vintage twist. Soft curls with the top half pinned back and the rest flowing loose.
Curl all your hair then take the top section from the temples back and twist or pin it at the crown. Leave the rest down and pull out a few face framing pieces. The makeup is soft and romantic with peachy tones on eyes and cheeks, nude glossy lips and glowing skin. This is perfect for brides who want vintage vibes but still want their hair down. Works beautifully for walima or reception looks.
11. Rolled Vintage Fringe With Low Bun
The rolled fringe is very authentic twenties. You roll the front section of hair inward away from your face then create a neat bun at the back.
Section the front of your hair about three inches back and roll it forward and under using pins or a small hair rat for structure. Pin it securely then pull the rest of your hair into a low bun. The makeup is dark mauve or plum lipstick, soft brown eyeshadow, thin brows and matte skin. Very period accurate. This is quite bold so wear it for themed events or creative photoshoots.
12. Pearl Decorated Updo For Brides
If you want a bridal version of Peaky Blinders this is the one. Soft romantic updo with pearls pinned throughout. Natural matte skin and a soft lip.
Create a loose updo with soft curls or twists and pin pearl accessories throughout the hair randomly. Keep it romantic and slightly messy not too structured. The makeup is natural matte skin, soft brown eyeshadow, nude or soft pink lips and subtle highlight. Very bridal very elegant. Perfect for Nikah or modest bridal looks and it pairs beautifully with a long sleeved lace gown.
13. The Grace Shelby Signature Look
This is the most iconic look from the show. Deep vintage waves pinned back slightly thin groomed brows matte skin and a berry lip. Soft but strong at the same time.
Create deep finger waves or Hollywood waves and pin one side back with vintage clips. Leave the other side flowing forward. Very elegant very Grace. The makeup is thin groomed brows, matte foundation, soft contour, berry or wine coloured lips and minimal eyeshadow just eyeliner. Wear this with satin or beaded gowns and it looks absolutely gorgeous for formal events.
14. High Textured Bun With Dramatic Liner
This one is bold and gorgeous. High bun with lots of texture and volume. Dramatic smokey eyeliner and a nude matte lip.
Backcomb your hair for volume then pull it up into a high bun and secure it messily with pins. Pull out pieces for texture. The makeup is heavy smokey eyeliner top and bottom, nude matte lips and highlighted cheekbones. Very dramatic very evening glam. Perfect for nights out or formal dinners.
Loose Waves With Velvet Headband
A velvet headband gives instant luxury and vintage vibes. Loose soft curls a bit of volume at the roots and simple glam makeup.
Curl your hair loosely and add a velvet headband across your forehead or further back depending on your preference. Fluff the curls for volume. The makeup is soft glam with peachy blush, brown or nude lips and natural eyeshadow with a bit of shimmer. Perfect for themed parties Christmas events or just feeling fancy. Wear it with anything velvet or satin.
my thoughts on this era…
The whole Peaky Blinders aesthetic is about looking tough and elegant at the same time. Strong energy soft glam vintage drama. The women in the show always look put together even when things are chaotic and that is what makes the style so timeless.
Whether you are a bride wanting something different for your wedding or you need inspiration for a photoshoot themed party or even just experimenting with vintage looks these fifteen styles will give you loads to work with. And the best part is you do not need to actually join a Birmingham gang or shave your head to pull any of this off.
These looks work beautifully for Asian brides too especially if you want something different from the usual heavy glam. The soft matte skin the vintage waves the bold lips all of it translates gorgeously for Nikah walima or reception looks. Just adapt the colours to suit your skin tone and outfit.
If you want help recreating any of these looks for your wedding or event I would absolutely love to work with you. And if you try any of these styles yourself please send me pictures because I genuinely love seeing how everyone makes them their own.
If you like this post, check out this one next and let me know what you think? https://shahenabeauty.com/bridgerton-hair-and-makeup-looks/
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