24 Stunning Portraits of Young Dorothy Lamour Posing With Her Long Hair in the 1930s

Dorothy Lamour (December 10, 1914 – September 22, 1996), a glamorous actress and singer of Hollywood’s Golden Age, was widely known for her long, dark, and lustrous hair, which became a significant part of her iconic look. Often remembered for her roles in the Road to... movies, Lamour’s hair added to her allure in her many “sarong girl” roles, especially in films like The Hurricane (1937). Her reportedly 30 inches (76 cm) of hair when measured in 1936.

Lamour’s beauty and charm quickly made her a standout in Hollywood, and her long hair became one of her most recognized physical features, enhancing her roles as a glamorous leading lady. Lamour’s long hair, either styled elegantly or left natural, was a key element of her on-screen persona. It complemented her soft-spoken demeanor, giving her an air of mystery and allure. Her hair often framed her face beautifully, enhancing her striking features in both black and white and Technicolor films.

Dorothy Lamour famously cut her long, dark hair in 1940, a decision that was both practical and symbolic. At the time, her long hair had become a defining feature of her “sarong girl” image, which she had cultivated in films like The Hurricane (1937). However, by 1940, Lamour sought to break away from being typecast in tropical or exotic roles and to be taken more seriously as an actress.

The decision to cut her hair was part of a broader effort to transition her image. She stated in interviews that the haircut symbolized her desire to modernize her appearance and take on more varied and sophisticated roles. This marked a shift in her career, as she began to appear in a wider range of films, including the famous Road to... series with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope.

Lamour’s shorter hair didn’t diminish her popularity; rather, it showcased her versatility and enduring appeal. The change was seen as a bold move for a star so closely associated with a specific image, but it demonstrated her willingness to adapt and evolve in the highly competitive world of Hollywood.