When it comes to style, there are not a lot of things that are outdated. There’s always something from the past that’s timeless and finds its way back into the mainstream world of beauty and fashion, such as vintage hairstyles. Truthfully, anything vintage from around and before the1970s has an appeal that we can’t ignore.
If you’re a fashion and beauty connoisseur, then you’re probably always experimenting with your look, from clothing and accessories to makeup and hair. Hair is a big deal because it can totally transform your image (and personality) in an instant. The more daring one is, the more fashion-forward they generally are. Vintage hairstyles, although a thing from the past, are as daring as they are impressive to pull off because these hairstyles are sometimes challenging to create.
Nowadays, more women are sporting vintage hairstyles for elegant and formal events. Many of these styles embody sophistication, bold femininity, and innocence. Look at many bridal magazines, and even consider weddings you’ve attended. A lot of brides choose the French Twist, the Gibson Roll, even the Big Bouffant. For formal events, especially the red carpet, women are sporting Hair Flips, Victory Rolls, and the ultra-popular Old Hollywood Waves.In this article, you’ll get the tools you need to recreate these stunning vintage hairstyles at home.
We’ll focus on 10 popular styles that are timeless and mention the occasions (and who) they’re best suited for. We’ll answer common questions women have when wanting to experiment with these vintage looks. Afterward, you’ll be armed, like Rosie the Riveter, with knowledge and confidence to head straight to your bathroom or vanity and give yourself an impressive makeover with a modernized version of these timeless vintage hairstyles.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What Is a Vintage Hairstyle?
Vintage hairstyles are hair looks that originate from the years before the 1980s. These hairstyles are distinctive, detailed, and timeless. They are recognizable by the general public and were worn frequently on celebrities of the era they debuted.
2. What Are the Essential Tools Needed to Create These Hairstyles?
To recreate these hairstyles, you need at least these tools: hairspray, bobby pins, rollers or a basic curling iron, and a comb or brush.
3. Which Hairstyles Are the Most Challenging to Create?
Generally, the hairstyles that contain a lot of curl are the most challenging, especially in keeping their hold. Styles such as Victory Rolls, Bumper Bangs, and Foxy Fro are especially challenging to execute.
4. Which Hairstyles Are the Easiest to Create?
Rolled and pinned up hairstyles are the easiest to create because they don’t require a lot of manipulation of the hair. Styles such as the French Twist, Gibson Roll, and Headscarf are simple since they’re tied up styles that can be done in minutes.
5. What Occasions Are These Hairstyles Generally Appropriate For?
There’s a vintage hairstyle that’s suitable for any occasion, but they’re generally popular informal and elegant settings. Brides love sporting vintage updos, and many celebrities sport wavy bobs and long locks. Casually, the Headscarf is becoming a trend and bobs will always be the style of choice if you want to be a little bold.
How We Reviewed These Vintage Hairstyles
In researching trends on social media and celebrity news, we found 10 vintage hairstyles that are rising to the surface (or really never left). These hairstyles are popular among celebrities, and many women are finding creative ways to sport these looks. Among the selection we’ve reviewed, you’ll find one that’s sure to fit your mood, personality, and style.
We’ll explain exactly what these vintage hairstyles are, what you need to create them on your own, and who, from face shape, to personality and style, these styles best suit.
What We Reviewed
- Old Hollywood waves
- Faux bob
- Gibson roll
- Victory rolls
- Bumper bangs
- Headscarf
- French twist
- Hair flip
- Big bouffant
- Foxy ‘fro
Old Hollywood Waves
How Would You Describe This Look?
Think Rita Hayworth, the glamorous actress of the 1940s. She sported Old Hollywood Waves often, which are long sweeping curls that are polished, full of volume, and ultra soft. This hairstyle parted anyway, is dramatic and eye-catching.
What Products Do You Recommend to Create and Maintain?
To create this look, you’ll need to get clip-in hair extensions for the high volume and length that this style embodies. Other tools and products needed are strong hold mousse, flexible hold hairspray, and a barrel curling iron or heated hair rollers. One product we recommend is the Philip B Maui Wowie Beach Mist.
To maintain it this look, avoid high heat and humid conditions, and windy conditions, which will quickly mess up this do.
Who Is This Look Best Suited For?
This look suits the woman with a glamorous, feminine style. This style flatters all face shapes, and as far as occasions, this is a definite high society hairstyle that you’d wear to an elegant dinner, a premiere showing, or a New Year’s bash.
Faux Bob
How Would You Describe This Look?
This is a pageboy hairstyle that can be short but rarely goes past the neck. It can be evenly cut, sharply cut, or asymmetrical. It’s perfect for framing the face and is reminiscent of the 1920s flapper era.
What Products Do You Recommend to Create and Maintain?
To create this look, you’ll need a curling iron, duckbill clips, brush, and pomade. One product we recommend is the Suavecita Pomade.
Who Is This Look Best Suited For?
For those who want a no-fuss style, but still want that polished trendy look, this hairstyle is perfect. It’s a timeless trend that will never fade and works as an everyday and professional office look.
Gibson Roll
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How Would You Describe This Look?
This hairstyle is inspired by the Gibson girls of the 1890s, who sported a loosely rolled updo. Modernized in the 1940s in a tighter style, it’s highly popular among brides and is romantic in nature. It’s a great style for showing off your necklace or the neckline of blouses and dresses. It’s also great for those with curly hair since it holds well.
What Products Do You Recommend to Create and Maintain?
To create this look, you’ll need a rubber hair tie, bobby pins, and hairspray for light hold.
Who Is This Look Best Suited For?
This look suits those who don’t want to fuss with their hair but still want a look that’s elegantly casual. It also fits all face types and can be worn for special occasions, such as weddings, and even casually at work.
VICTORY ROLLS
How Would You Describe This Look?
When it comes to retro hairstyles, this one takes the prize. This vintage hairstyle is a rolled back updo. Classically, it consists of two or more spiral rolls on the sides (and front) with a notable tucked in a roll in the back. For a modern look, the front parting is not precise, and the rolls are pinned loosely.
What Products Do You Recommend to Create and Maintain?
To create this look, you’ll need a texturizing spray, a blow dryer, a parting comb, and hairpins.
Who Is This Look Best Suited For?
Those who have a true vintage style will love this look. It’s great if you want high volume updos and is easily achievable with shoulder length hair or longer; however, it takes time to create.
This look is for the one who’s daring, and it can be worn for fancy dinners or casually out on the town.
BUMPER BANGS
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How Would You Describe This Look?
Think Bettie Page. This is another retro hairstyle that’s sharp with bluntly cut bangs that lie front and center on the face. The rest of the hair is generally long and wavy or curled.
What Products Do You Recommend to Create and Maintain?
To create this look, you’ll need a fine-toothed comb, a curling iron 2 inches or more, bobby pins, and hairspray.
Who Is This Look Best Suited For?
This suits those who love retro glam looks. You can sport this look casually at a picnic lunch or car show, or at a formal art event or dinner.
HEAD SCARF
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How Would You Describe This Look?
This is a classic vintage look that’s seen on Rosie the Riveter and women of the 1940s. An updo bun style with a thin scarf tied around the head, this style has been worn many ways and is modernized by incorporating trendy colors and prints, such as mint green and floral.
What Products Do You Recommend to Create and Maintain?
To create this look, you’ll need your favorite thin scarf (washed silk is recommended for a better hold), barrel iron if you want some curl, gel, and hairspray. We recommend Redken Velvet Gelatine 07.
Who Is This Look Best Suited For?
Anyone can sport this style. It’s the perfect casual look when you have no time to fuss with your hair. At the very least you can tie your hair in a bun, wrap a nice scarf around it, and you’re good to go run errands or lunch with friends.
FRENCH TWIST
How Would You Describe This Look?
The definition of elegance, this is one vintage hairstyle that never truly went out of style. Born in the 1950s, this is a side twist updo that can be worn loosely or tight, and still, look nicely put together either way.
What Products Do You Recommend to Create and Maintain?
To create this look, you’ll need bobby pins, a comb, hairspray, and to decorate your look you can add a nice hairpiece or pin.
Who Is This Look Best Suited For?
This is best for elegant events, especially weddings and this is another look that’s popular with brides. Many variations come out of this style, so this is another one that’s suited for all face types.
HAIR FLIP
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How Would You Describe This Look?
Popular in the 1960s, this style is worn by the women of the TV show Mad Men. It’s a reverse curl style, where ends of the hair are curled out. Generally, the hair is neck or shoulder length, but shorter hair can pull it off.
What Products Do You Recommend to Create and Maintain?
To create this hairstyle, you’ll need a curling iron, a comb, a round brush, duckbill clips, a bobby pin to secure the front part or bangs, and hairspray.
Who Is This Look Best Suited For?
This style will appeal to those who have a girly style. This look pairs well with casual dressy looks and fits the work environment.
BIG BOUFFANT
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How Would You Describe This Look?
This is the classic big hair updo, sometimes known as the beehive. There are many variations to this style, such as it being tightly pinned high, or teased and tousled. The modernize style is loose with lots of volume.
What Products Do You Recommend to Create and Maintain?
To create this hairstyle, you’ll need a fine tooth comb, duckbill clips, bobby pins, hair spray, mousse, and a hair tie.
Who Is This Look Best Suited For?
This style is professionally elegant. It works for bridal looks and the office. Depending on how you create it, it can even be a party hairstyle. The possibilities are endless in how and where you can sport this look.
FOXY ‘FRO
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How Would You Describe This Look?
This is a timeless style made popular in the 1970s. A natural curly look, it’s high on volume, no matter its length. It’s a cloud of curls look, where your natural (or made) curls are free and elevated.
What Products Do You Recommend to Create and Maintain?
To create this look, you’ll need hair clips, thermal styling spray, twisting cream or gel, large perm rods, endpapers, and a hair pick. If you have natural curls, however, you only need styling spray and a hair pick.
Who Is This Look Best Suited For?
For those with natural curls, this style will be easy to maintain, however, anyone who loves curls and craves ultimate volume in their hair will enjoy sporting this look. It’s a party look but can be worn in every situation.
The Verdict
After our review of these 10 vintage hairstyles, we found that Old Hollywood Waves, French Twist, and Faux Bob are popular among women in the media and on the street. These styles are naturally timeless and are relatively easy to create. They’re highly versatile, perfect for the most elegant of occasions, but suitable for office settings, everyday events, and formal dinners.
However, vintage hairstyles that continue to be trendsetters no matter the decade are the Foxy Fro, the Bumper Bangs, and Victory Rolls. These styles will never be outdated, and for those who love things of the past, they are styles that even those who are very much modern can appreciate. These styles are more of the party glam looks you’d sport at a fun occasion, such as New Year’s Eve.
One style that seems to be on many people’s radar is the Headscarf. It’s the easiest to create while being sophisticated. It’s an everyday look that everyone can pull off, and it’s our most favorite out of the rest.
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