Similar to classic styles, vintage hairstyles are perpetually in vogue and provide women with a nostalgic approach to styling their hair for any special occasion. Apparel, footwear, home decor, and HAIR surge into style, only to fade out and re-emerge as a slightly different version the following year. Perhaps enhanced and larger, or sleeker and more polished. One thing is certain, you can rely on all styles to evolve…and make a return once more.
Insider how-to tips and product suggestions are provided below, so enjoy recreating these timeless looks yourself at home, or in the salon.
Before your upcoming hair appointment, explore these gorgeous vintage hairstyles.
#1: Classic Hollywood Waves
The “Veronica Lake” look is experiencing a resurgence as the most sought-after red carpet style for today’s starlets. Don Hollywood waves at any event for an unforgettable appearance!
How to Style Hollywood waves:
- Build up body in the hair by blow drying a mousse into the hair.
- Curl one-inch sections around a one-inch ceramic curling iron and clip each curl.
- Allow hair to cool before removing the clips.
- Brush hair smoothly with a soft bristle brush.
Looking for a great soft bristle brush? Try Angelo David’s smoothing brush.
#2: Chic Vintage Curly Bob
A chic vintage curly bob is a stunning style on most, but those with a slimmer or longer face would benefit from the widening effect this bob adds. The beautiful curated curls sit close to the face then fill out from the jaw area, giving width to faces that need strength in this area.
#3: Contemporary Victory Roll Look for Medium Length Hair
This half up modern interpretation of a classic victory roll was crafted and styled by cosmetology student Tori Morton of Frederick, MD. “As far as texture goes, I opted for soft Hollywood waves. This is a striking, distinctive style with vintage vibes for a medium hair length,” she explains.
Morton used a 1-inch Marcel curling iron and a teasing comb to create this half up vintage hair. Then finished with a generous blast of Redken 28 Control Addict Hairspray.
“I recommend this style to anyone who desires a distinctive retro look inspired by 50s hairstyles,” says Morton. “While many vintage styles are easiest to produce on thick and textured hair, I’m a firm believer in encouraging women to rock whatever style she chooses, regardless of face shape, hair type, lifestyle, and so on!”
#4: Elegant and Timeless Chignon
Opt for an elegant and timeless chignon to achieve a sleek, polished hairstyle. Draw inspiration from this updo crafted by a bridal hair artist from New York, Marcella Palumbo. “It’s customizable to suit any face shape, hair type, and personality,” she shares.
“To replicate the look, you’ll need an oil or wax spray along with a medium hold hairspray,” Palumbo recommends. “Once your hair is secured into a ponytail, tease it to create a full-shaped chignon bun. If you prefer this style to be more voluminous, you can achieve that with the assistance of hair extensions or hair padding.”
#5 Chic Bohemian Hairstyle
This chic bohemian hairstyle is perfect for adding a stylish touch to your look. Featuring long, straight hair with subtle highlights and delicate braids woven throughout, this style exudes a carefree yet polished vibe. The braided headband adds a unique touch, perfect for festivals or casual outings. Ideal for medium to thick hair, this style suits various face shapes. To achieve this look, use a smoothing serum and a flat iron for sleekness, and incorporate small braids for an effortless, boho finish.
#6 Timeless Pageboy Cut with Straight Bangs
This timeless pageboy cut showcases straight bangs and a rounded silhouette that hugs the jawline. Perfect for those with straight, fine to medium-density hair, this cut adds volume and structure. The straight bangs highlight the eyes, making it an excellent choice for oval and heart-shaped faces. While this style is classic and easy to maintain, it does require regular trims to keep its precise shape. This look is versatile, flattering for all ages, and imbues a chic, vintage feel.
#7: Classic Side-Parted Look for Long Hair
Embrace a classic side-parted look for long hair that effortlessly enhances volume. The waves are styled in the same direction and then gently brushed through to significantly boost volume and width, complemented by a side part that elevates the roots even more for an elegant vintage appearance.
#8: Vintage Pomp with a Unique Flair
There are numerous varieties of texturing products available. For this hairstyle, consider using Pravana’s Lived In Powder Potion. It’s a powder that converts into a liquid, making it incredibly simple to apply and providing remarkable texture and volume!
#9: Retro-Inspired Faux Bob
This retro-inspired faux bob is a page boy. It was created by vintage hairstylist Asia Zamora of Las Vegas, NV. “I love the waves that frame the face and smooth details. This look is popularized in today’s retro culture by the lovely Dita Von Teese,” explains Zamora.
For styling, Zamora used a 1-inch curling iron, long Duck Bill clips, a Denman brush, and Suavecita Pomade.
“The style is very suitable for any face shape,” she adds. “The best haircut to have for this type of look is a Middy haircut. There are different versions of the Middy at different lengths. It just depends on what length you feel comfortable with.”
#10: THE GIBSON GIRL HAIRSTYLE
This classic updo was celebrated in the 1890s. A light, airy texture creates an ethereal look for the modern woman. The Salon Tech Flat Iron is ideal for use with robust titanium plates. For optimal results, select lower temperatures for finer, color-treated hair and higher temps for coarse, resistant hair.
#11: Rev Up Your Greased Lightening Look
How To Achieve Grease-Inspired Hair:
- Before blow-drying hair, apply a volumizing mousse. Blow-dry hair using a small round brush.
- Using a 12-inch curling iron, start curling hair from the nape of your neck. Clip any hair not being curled up with a clip. Roll some curls towards your face, and some away from your face.
- When you reach the front sections, make sure to curl away from your face. When curling the bang or fringe area, hold hair out from your head and roll the iron down onto the base of the section.
- Let all of the curls cool completely before you use a wide-tooth comb to pick through them. Don’t over-comb them though!
- Lift the front section and spray with hairspray, holding it in place while it dries.
Just like the 70s, a fabulous hairspray is essential for these nostalgic curls. Give hair a good spray to keep it in place all night. The best part is that it’s water-soluble, making it easy to wash out!
Round, heart or square face shapes look stunning in this vibrant style featuring side-parted curls.
#12: 1940s Inspired Beauty with a Contemporary Flair
“I would describe this retro hair as 1940s inspired style with a contemporary flair,” says stylist Amanda Kopitz of Southgate, MI.
“My favorite aspect of styling vintage looks such as this is the process,” says Kopitz. “Roller sets, wet sets, pin curls, smoothing brushes, and backcombing are no longer used daily, but I think they are the most fun.”
Kopitz says to keep in mind that this vintage roll updo takes a bit of time, curl setting, hairspray, and lots of backcombing.
“Don’t be afraid of big hair,” she adds. “That’s what this look is all about, those big and voluminous victory rolls! Anyone with shoulder-length hair or longer can rock this fun retro style.”
#13 Sleek Quiff
How to Create a quiff for women:
- Starting with dry hair, use a tapered curling wand and wrap one-inch sections around the wand.
- Lightly tease hair on top to create height.
- Smooth back the top and side sections and pin to secure.
- Back comb ends for extra texture.
Oribe Dry Spray will provide stunning volume and delightful texture to this pompadour hairstyle. This style is incredibly adaptable! It suits all face shapes and hair densities and is extremely manageable for those with naturally wavy hair.
#14: Elegant Shoulder-Length Hairstyle with Gentle Curls
These adorable vintage rosy curls are sure to make a statement at any event you’ll attend! You’ll be certain to inspire everyone with this charming retro hairstyle featuring vintage pin curls! Feel free to add hair accessories to enhance the overall look.
#15: Vintage Pin Up Princess Look
This exquisite pin-up creation truly showcases the charm of vintage ’40s fashion. You’ll require ample hairspray and pins to perfect this pinup hairstyle, ensuring it reaches new heights of elegance. This classic wave updo is ideal for women with medium to long locks.
#16: The Mod Look is Revived
Long, sleek hair paired with mod textured bangs brings this Austin Powers-inspired aesthetic back into the limelight.
How To Achieve a mod look:
- Starting with damp hair, apply a straightening cream and comb through to ensure it is evenly distributed.
- Blow dry hair using a flat brush. Make sure to keep your blow dryer air flow facing the floor to help prevent flyaways.
- Once your hair is completely dry, turn your flat iron to the lowest heat setting for your hair type.
- Bring the flat iron through your hair in small sections. Give a slight bend toward the ends and fringe.
- Now rock this shagadelic look, baby!
Picking a smoothing cream that won’t weigh your hair down or give you a greasy appearance is crucial! Try Pravana’s Model Behavior. It smells amazing and most importantly, it smooths your hair out, giving it shine and control.
Oval and diamond face shapes look fabulous in this mod style with vintage bangs. Hair that is naturally straight and of medium density makes styling effortless.
#17: The Timeless Pixie
This chic crop has re-emerged among Hollywood style icons and bold trendsetters. A small amount of texturizing wax like GK HAIR Shaping Wax can be used to enhance separation on the ends. This look suits best on oval face shapes with medium to fine density.
#19: Classic Rosettes Updo
Experience a classic rosettes updo to allow your long hair to be pinned up, with added volume. The voluminous quiff provides height to your hair, while the classic rosettes are carefully rolled after being curled and pinned individually to ensure a secure and stable style for hair that typically feels too heavy to up-style.
#20: The Chic Blunt Bob with Bangs
Featuring the chic blunt bob with bangs. 1920s flappers like Louise Brooks opted for this haircut by trimming their long locks, a look that’s just as fashionable today. Looking for the ideal flat iron? The Salon Tech 1-inch Titanium 450 Styling Iron provides excellent smoothing results. The thick fringe in this style offers great balance for long faces.
How to Style a chic blunt bob:
- Apply a few drops of smoothing serum to your hands and distribute through lengths and ends.
- Beginning at the bottom and working your way to the top, blow dry hair in small sections.
- Pass over lightly where needed with a flat iron to eliminate frizz.
- Mist hair with light shine spray like Aquage Beyond Shine.
#21: Stunning 70s-Inspired Blonde Feathered Hairstyle
A stunning 70s-inspired blonde feathered hairstyle is perfect for women who wish to embody their very own Stevie Nicks vibe. One of the best ways to style a feathered cut hairstyle is by using a round brush when blow drying and finding a hairspray you adore that holds your style throughout the day. This haircut is excellent at creating the illusion of your hair appearing thick and full, even if you have fine hair. Aim to comb all your hair forward and just slightly parting in the middle when blow drying to achieve this 70s-inspired look.
#22: Classic Side Vintage Hairstyle with Defined Curls
Sport a classic side vintage hairstyle with defined curls for ultimate hair volume and bounce. Curling long hair tightly, then utilizing a wide-toothed comb to gently tease out the curls allows them to cascade upon one another, enhancing width and volume, making your hair appear fuller and effortlessly glamorous.
#23: Classic Marilyn Monroe
This look is incredibly adaptable! It suits every face shape and hair type. This silhouette is particularly flattering on a face with a petite forehead.
#24: Timeless Structured Vintage Wave
This is a timelessly structured vintage wave on short to medium hair with blonde balayage that adds texture and hold in the hair. It was created by independent hairstylist Anastasia Xenos of Sydney, NSW.
To achieve this effortless look, Xenos recommends you wash your hair the night before with two shampoos and no conditioner so it has a bit of grit. “I also recommend they dry it without any products,” she adds.
Retro hairstyles are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, a wedding, or a prom. They look stunning on every hair type and length. Even with fine hair textures, extensions can be easily applied to create volume and length if desired or necessary.
#25: Reviving Curly Victory Rolls
Steps to Achieve Victory Rolls:
- Starting with dry hair, use a 1-inch curling iron or wand to create curls throughout your head. The size of the sections will determine how strong the curls are. Smaller sections will create more volume, while larger sections will move you more towards a wave pattern.
- Part hair in center or slightly off center. Create sections from the front of the ear toward the crown.
- Brush hair straight up and smooth. Pinch at ends and begin rolling hair up towards scalp. This may take a few tries, so don’t get frustrated! Once it looks fabulous, use bobby pins to secure in place. Make an “X” pattern with your pins to lock them in.
- Finish off with your favorite hairspray and you’re ready to go!
To hold your curls and victory rolls in, PRAVANA’s Super Shape hairspray is a must. It gives more hold the more you apply. Diamond, heart, and round faces wear this look best. Hair that is medium to thick will make recreating this style easier, too.
#26: Vintage Fingerwave Bun Updo
A vintage finger wave bun updo is one of the timeless hairstyles that will never truly go out of fashion. It consistently finds a way to adapt with the times!
How To Style a vintage fingerwave updo:
- Starting with dry hair, section off a front top section and secure it with a clip. This is for your waves!
- Gather the rest of your hair and bring to the center back of the head. Smooth hair using a comb or brush and secure it into a ponytail with an elastic band.
- Wrap your ponytail around the base of the elastic band, creating a bun. Secure with bobby pins.
- Smooth out your front section. Using a deep waving iron, start towards the top of section and continue down through the length of hair. Arrange waves and secure them using hair pins and firm hold hairspray.
- Finish with your favorite hairspray.
The best hairspray for vintage wave hair is Pravana’s Super Shape Hairspray. It’s a buildable hold spray, meaning the more you spray, the harder the hold! You don’t have to worry about buildup, however, because it’s water-soluble and washes right out. Any face shape that is comfortable with their hair up can sport this timeless style, while hair that is long enough to put up in a bun is a must to recreate.
#27: Ultimate Glam for Long Locks
This hairstyle embodies sheer GLAM! It carries that classic Hollywood/vintage essence while maintaining a contemporary and refined appearance.
My favorite aspect of this classic downdo is everything! The volume, the shine, the softness, and undeniably the drama.
Women desiring this hairstyle should think about acquiring some clip-in hair extensions because length and fullness are essential to perfecting this look.
Styling starts with layering the appropriate products to guarantee your waves endure, but the manner in which the hair is set is the crucial step in obtaining this style. Without a proper set, the hair won’t fall correctly and may end up looking curled instead of waved. Always initiate with a strong hold mousse, then apply flexible and stronghold hairsprays. When setting the hair, begin at the back and proceed forward, wrapping the hair around the iron in the same direction.
#28: Retro Glow on Bob Cut
Illuminate your style with this stunning retro wavy bob for short hair. The perfectly textured yet sleek and lustrous waves are guaranteed to captivate anyone who appreciates classic hairstyles like this.
#31: Chic Vintage Appeal for Formal Occasions
This style exudes elegance and vintage charm with a contemporary holiday flair when highlighted with silver antlers. It was skillfully crafted by stylist and salon owner Tiffany Massey of Georgia.
“I used Play Dirty Spray Wax prior to heat styling, Healthy Soy Paste to manage ends, and Big Hairspray and Play Hairspray to finish,” says Massey.
The remarkable aspect of this look is that it suits women with medium to long hair seeking a classic appearance for any formal occasion.
#32 Vintage Hairstyles Inspired by Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Steps to Achieve the Upstyle:
- For the easiest styling, curl hair with electric rollers.
- Part hair from ear to ear to separate the front and the back.
- Create a deep side part in the front and sweep hair low across the forehead.
- Twist remaining hair up high, allowing curls to tousle.
- Pin to secure.
Calista Tools create body, which makes the perfect foundation for any updo. This style is great for thicker hair and the low sweeping fringe gives balance to long faces.
#33: Classic Short Curly Bob
A classic short curly bob is a stylish way to enhance shorter hair. Curl your hair with a tong in the same direction all the way around the head, flip your hair into a side part for volume, and twist and pin the smaller side part to create a sleek mini updo. With the right makeup, this certainly looks breathtaking on a bride!
#34: Classic Retro Blonde Icon
Achieve a classic retro blonde icon aesthetic! With this hairstyle, how can you not steal the spotlight? This long look exudes a ’60s romantic charm. What gives it a vintage twist is the beehive style at the crown, and the secret to its voluminous shape is the back-combing technique. If your hair is platinum blonde and you desire a bolder appearance, consider darkening the roots.
#35: Classic Charm in Side-Swept Hairstyle
This is a beautifully arranged side swept vintage hairstyle with a delightful twist that requires a great deal of technique to perfect. Those skillfully crafted waves and twists frame and enhance the face wonderfully.
#36 Elizabeth Taylor’s Classic Soft Curls
How to Style soft curls:
- Distribute an egg-sized amount of a volumizing foam like Aveda Phomollient through hair and blow dry.
- Curl hair on a 1 1/4-inch ceramic iron. Secure the curls with clips and allow the hair to cool.
- Brush hair with a smoothing brush.
- Twist and pin ends up to create the desired length.
A faux bob length can be securely pinned with bobby pins from Sally’s. This style is incredibly versatile! It complements every face shape and hair density and is a great choice to make fine hair appear fuller.
#37: Classic Hollywood Elegance
Explore timeless hair inspired by classic Hollywood elegance.
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