They were popular in the past, but have been brought back into fashion. Examples include finger waves, victory rolls, and beehives from the 1920s and 30s, bouffants and pixie cuts from the 1950s & 60s. These hairstyles are characterized by bold, voluminous looks and are achieved using a combination of hair styling products & techniques.
A Blast from the Past: Re-Discovering
In recent years, many people have chosen to embrace the daring, vintage aesthetics of the past, making retro hairstyles quite trendy. The following are some of the most popular current trends in vintage hairstyles:
Pixie Style: In the 1960s, celebrities like Audrey Hepburn and Twiggy made this short, boyish cut fashionable. It is still a well-liked option today for anyone seeking an edgy, low-maintenance aesthetic.
Bob: The bob has been a well-liked haircut for many years and has appeared in a variety of ways over time. The bob has changed from a chin-length bob to a short, sleek bob between the 1920s and the 1960s.
Beehive: Known for its towering, rounded form that resembles a beehive, the beehive hairdo gained popularity in the 1960s. Backcombing the hair and using hair spray to hold it in place are common methods for creating this look.
Finger Waves: The wavy, finger-shaped patterns in this 1920s hairstyle are produced by using a comb and setting lotion.
The mullet: The mullet haircut, which has shorter layers on top and longer layers in the back, first gained popularity in the 1980s. Recently, this look has become more popular thanks to a more fashionable and sophisticated approach.
Curtain bangs: The curtain bangs are distinguished by a long fringe that is separated in the middle, giving them the appearance of curtains. The 1970s saw a resurgence of this fashion, which is currently fashionable.
Bouffant: The 1960s saw a rise in the popularity of the bouffant hairstyle, which is distinguished by its voluminous, teased crown. Backcombing the hair and using hair spray to hold it in place are common methods for creating this look.
The History Of Hair Trends, From The Early 1960S To The Present Day.
Retro hairstyles have been popular historically, with various looks being fashionable in various decades. The Jacqueline Kennedy-inspired bouffant hairstyle was popular in the early 1960s. This hairstyle had a high, rounded hairline and thick hair that was frequently backcombed or teased to add volume.
1960 Styles
The beehive hairdo rose to popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s. This hairstyle was characterized by high-raised hair that was frequently shaped conically and was frequently created with the use of hair rollers or pin curls.
1970 Styles
In the 1970s, the shag cut was a preferred hairstyle. Choppy, layered hair that was frequently fashioned with a side part typified this look.
1980 Styles
The mullet and perm were fashionable hairstyles in the 1980s. A chemical procedure called a perm, commonly referred to as a “permanent wave,” curled or waved straight hair. Short hair on top and sides with longer hair in the back defined the mullet haircut.
1990 Styles
The bob cut and the Pixie cut were fashionable hairstyles in the 1990s. Short, chin-length hair can be styled in a bob cut either straight or curly. The Pixie cut is a short, layered, close-to-the-head hairstyle.
The Rachel is a layered cut from the 1990s that can be modified to many different facial shapes and hair types. Jennifer Aniston made it famous in the Friends television series.
2000 to 2010 Vintage Hair Styles
The hair coloring techniques of ombre and balayage gained popularity in the 2000s and 2010. These methods of hair coloring involve gradually integrating one hue into another as opposed to having a distinct, stark line between colors.
Current
Some vintage looks, such the bob, shag, and perm, are currently making a resurgence in the 2020s. In addition, we have observed a significant resurgence of vintage waves and numerous pastel hair color trends.
Retro Hair Styles Popular Today
Basically all the retro styles are popular today!
Pixie Cut: The Pixie cut is a short, layered, close-to-the-head hairdo. Due of its low maintenance requirements and adaptability, this 1990s-era trend is currently regaining popularity.
The Bob cut is a short, chin-length hairstyle that looks good curled or straight. Women still favor this look now, despite how popular it has been throughout the years.
Shag Cut: A side part is frequently used to style the shag cut’s jagged, layered hair. Due to its adaptability and ability to be worn by individuals with various hair kinds and lengths, this style, which peaked in popularity in the 1970s, is currently making a resurgence.
Short hair on the front and sides and longer hair in the rear define the mullet haircut. This fashion trend, which was prominent in the 1980s, is currently returning.
A perm, commonly referred to as a “permanent wave,” is a chemical procedure that bends or waves straight hair. The 1980s saw a resurgence of this trend, which is currently becoming more fashionable as consumers seek after curls that look more natural.
Vintage waves: Vintage waves are glitzy, soft waves that have a vintage appearance. The 1920s saw a resurgence of this fashion since it gave off a classic and elegant appearance.
Jacqueline Kennedy made the bouffant hairstyle popular. It has a high, rounded hairline and thick hair that is sometimes backcombed or teased to add volume. This fashion is now popular since it gives off a classic and exquisite appearance.
Beehive: The Beehive hairstyle is characterized by high-raised hair that is frequently shaped conically and was frequently created using hair rollers or pin curls. This fashion is now popular since it gives off a classic and exquisite appearance.
What Are The Different Ways Hair Can Be Styled?
There are numerous methods to style retro hair, here are my favorites:
Straightening: For a sleek and contemporary appearance, retro hairstyles like the bob and Pixie cut can be straightened. Blower dryers or flat irons can be used for this.
Curling: For a more voluminous and textured appearance, you can curl vintage hairdos like the shag and Pixie cut. Hot rollers, curling irons, or a wand can all be used for this.
Tease: To add height and volume to vintage hairstyles like the bouffant and beehive, backcomb the hair. A brush or comb for teasing can be used for this.
Setting: To get a vintage appearance, retro hairstyles like the bouffant and beehive can be set using hair rollers or pin curls.
Finger Waves: This method of hair styling involves using the fingers to produce waves and curls in the hair, and it may be used to create retro hairstyles like the vintage waves.
Braiding: For a more vintage appearance, you can style retro hairstyles like the bouffant with braids.
Setting Lotions: For vintage hairstyles like the bouffant and beehive, setting lotions can be used to set and hold the hair in place.
Hair Dyeing: To create a fresh look, old-fashioned hairstyles like the shag and the bob can be dyed in various tones.
My Tips For Styling Retro Hair The Right Way
Select the appropriate goods: Utilizing the proper products for your hair type and the vintage look you’re going for is crucial. Use a setting lotion or a mild styling cream, for instance, if you want to create a retro wave to assist keep the waves in place.
Use heat protectant: To assist prevent damage to your hair when using hot tools like curling irons or flat irons, make sure to use a heat protectant spray.
Be aware of your hair’s health because retro hairstyles can be difficult to maintain and call for a lot of styling supplies. Thus, it’s crucial to consider your hair’s health. Use a high-quality shampoo and conditioner, and try to avoid over-styling or using too many chemicals.
Learn from popular hair magazines: These publications frequently feature articles and lessons on how to create various retro hairstyles. Utilize these as a starting point and try out various methods and goods.
Before attempting to style your hair in a retro style, think about obtaining a haircut from a professional that is suitable for your face shape and hair type.
Try the hairdo you desire before a particular function on a day when you have no plans so you may make any required alterations before the event.
Don’t be scared to try new things: Playing around with retro hairstyles may be a lot of fun. Don’t be afraid to experiment with various methods and products until you find the appearance that suits you the best.
Be patient: It may take some time and effort to master some retro hairstyles, so be patient and don’t give up if it doesn’t turn out perfectly the first time.
My Advice On How To Keep Your Hair Safe
Avoid using hot equipment excessively: While hot products like hair dryers, curling irons, and flat irons can be useful for styling vintage hair, it’s vital to avoid using them excessively as they can harm the hair and scalp.
Use a heat protectant: To assist prevent heat damage to your hair when using hot tools, it’s vital to use a heat protectant spray. Your hair will be protected from the heat by this barrier, which can lessen breakage and dryness.
Use the lowest heat level that will still allow you to create the desired style when using hot tools; avoid utilizing high heat settings.
Give your hair time to relax and recover in between styling sessions by taking breaks. Your hair will remain healthy and be protected from damage as a result.
Be cautious with chemicals: Be sure to follow the directions carefully and prevent misuse if you use chemical treatments like perms or hair colors. Use high-quality hair care products that are appropriate for your hair type and condition as well.
According to Meesh, Contributing Editor and HairBrushy Chief Product Analyst, “Be aware of your hair’s health because retro hairstyles can be difficult to maintain and call for a lot of styling supplies. Thus, it’s crucial to consider your hair’s health. Use a high-quality shampoo and conditioner, and try to avoid over-styling or using too many chemicals.“
What Are The Easiest Vintage Hairstyles To Create?
The Victory Roll
The Victory Roll: During the 1940s, this hairstyle gained popularity and is regarded as one of the simplest to recreate. To get a voluminous effect, pieces of hair are rolled up and back.
- Start with styled, dry hair. Hair that is at least shoulder length and has some wave or curl to it is ideal for the Victory Roll.
- From the ears up, divide the top of your hair into sections. The hair you will utilize to make the Victory Rolls will be from this portion.
- From the top area’s front, separate a little bit of hair the size of a pencil, and roll it backwards toward your head, tucking the ends under the roll. The roll can be held in place using bobby pins.
- On the opposite side of your head, repeat step 3 to create a second roll that is an exact replica of the first.
- The leftover hair from the top area should be taken, smoothed back under the rolls, and pinched in place as necessary.
- To maintain the rolls, finish the look with a medium-hold hairspray.
The Pin-up
The Pin-up: The Pin-up is a simple to get retro hairstyle that combines volume, curls, and a side part. With a curling iron, bobby pins, and some hair spray, you can create this flirtatious and playful hairdo.
- Start with styled, dry hair. Hair that is at least shoulder length and has some wave or curl to it works best for the Pin-Up hairdo.
- From the ears up, divide the top of your hair into sections. You will utilize this part of hair to arrange your hair in a pin-up fashion.
- From the top area’s front, separate a little bit of hair the size of a pencil, and roll it backwards toward your head, tucking the ends under the roll. The roll can be held in place using bobby pins.
- On the opposite side of your head, repeat step 3 to create a second roll that is an exact replica of the first.
- The leftover hair from the top area should be taken, smoothed back under the rolls, and pinched in place as necessary.
- Take a roll of hair from the bottom area, roll it backwards, tuck the ends under, and pin it in place using bobby pins.
- To maintain the rolls, finish the look with a medium-hold hairspray.
The Finger Wave
With the proper method, you can easily achieve the famous retro hairdo known as the finger wave. With a comb, setting lotion, and a little bit of patience, it’s simple to get a wavy look.
- Begin by setting damp hair with setting lotion or mousse.
- You can part your hair in the middle or on one side.
- Starting at the front of your head, make a small diagonal part in your hair using a comb. Comb the hair in the opposite direction of the wave you want to achieve. For instance, comb the hair to the left if you want to make a wave that goes to the right.
- By applying pressure to the hair and moving your finger in a wave-like way, use your index finger to make a wave. Make the wave permanent with a bobby pin.
- To ensure that the waves flow smoothly across the head, repeat steps 3 and 4 across the entire head, being careful to alternate the direction of the wave with each area.
- Either let the hair dry naturally or use a hooded dryer to finish the job.
- When the hair is dry, take out the bobby pins and separate and fluff the waves with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to give them a softer, more natural appearance.
- To maintain the waves, seal the look with a medium-hold hairspray.
The Retro Ponytail
The Retro Ponytail: Getting a vintage look without investing a lot of effort in hair styling is easy with a retro ponytail. You may achieve this style by tucking your hair behind your ears and binding it with a scarf or hairband.
- Start with styled, dry hair. Hair that is at least shoulder length and has some wave or curl to it works best for the Retro Ponytail.
- With a brush or wide-toothed comb, gather all of your hair at the crown of your head and smooth it back.
- Put an elastic band over your hair to hold it in place.
- If you have short hair, you can tease the crown area to elevate it or add volume with a hair doughnut.
- To conceal the elastic band, take a tiny length of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around it. A bobby pin is used to hold the section’s end in place.
- Using medium hold hair spray, put the style in place after adding volume and shape with your fingertips to the crown of your head.
- You may also do a side ponytail as a variation, or you can add a scarf or ribbon to it to make it look more vintage.
The Retro Bun:
The Retro Bun: To create the Retro bun, twist and pin your hair into a bun form. It’s an easy and sophisticated haircut. For those who desire a vintage look without the hassle of intricate hairstyles, this haircut is ideal.
- Start with styled, dry hair. Hair that is at least shoulder length and has some wave or curl to it works best for the retro bun.
- With a brush or wide-toothed comb, gather all of your hair at the crown of your head and smooth it back.
- Use an elastic band to hold your hair up in a high ponytail.
- If you have short hair, you can add volume with a hair doughnut or tease the crown area to elevate it.
- Use bobby pins to hold the ponytail in place after twisting it over itself to form a bun shape.
- Using medium hold hair spray, put the style in place after adding volume and shape with your fingertips to the crown of your head.
- To change it up, you may also make a side bun or add a scarf or ribbon for a more vintage appearance.
The Headscarf
The Headscarf: A headscarf can be worn in a variety of ways and is simple to use to create a vintage look. It also goes well with any hairstyle.
- To begin, brush your hair to remove any knots and tangles.
- With the ends of the scarf falling down at the back, tie a knot with your headscarf around the base of your head.
- Hair from the front of your head should be combed straight back.
- So that it rests just above the headscarf, pin the hair portion in place with a hair pin.
- A second portion of hair from the front of your head should be combed straight back.
- With a hair pin, secure this portion of hair so that it is positioned directly above the first section.
- Till all of the hair is pinned in place, repeat steps 5 and 6 all the way around the head.
- Wrap the pinned hair with the headscarf ends.
- To keep the hair and the headscarf together, pin the ends of the scarf.
- Adjust the hair and headscarf as necessary and use a fine-toothed comb to smooth out any flyaways or stray hairs.
- To hold everything in place, lightly mist the hair and headscarf with hairspray after you are happy with the final look.
The Pin Curl
The pin curl can be used to produce a number of retro hairstyles and is simple to do. They can be produced on dry hair with a curling iron, or they can be done on wet hair and allowed to dry overnight.
- Start with moist hair that has been styled with mousse or setting lotion.
- Starting at the nape of your neck and working your way up, divide your hair into small portions.
- Take a tiny section of hair that is no wider than a pencil, then smooth it with the comb.
- Twist the hair part between your thumb and index finger away from your face, rolling it upwards toward the scalp.
- Make sure the bobby pin is parallel to the head when you secure the curl with it.
- Till your entire head is covered in pin curls, repeat steps 3-5 for each region of hair.
- Whether using a hooded dryer or letting the hair dry naturally, allow it to dry completely.
- To produce a softer, more natural look, remove the bobby pins after the hair is dry and use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to separate and fluff the curls.
- To keep the curls in place, seal the look with a medium-hold hairspray.
What Is A Classic Style That Will Last Beyond Trends?
A sleek, well-kept bob is a timeless, classic haircut that will remain fashionable for a long time. The bob is a versatile hairstyle that can be styled to fit different face types and worn at different lengths. It is a timeless design that is uncomplicated, tidy, and elegant. A bob can be worn straight or with gentle waves and is simple to dress up or down. Different hair lengths and textures can be used with this haircut and it will still look chic. A bob can also be worn with various hair colors, highlights, and lowlights to give the traditional style a contemporary spin.
How Do I Get Big Hair With Volume And Texture?
- Add body and volume to your hair by using a volumizing shampoo and conditioner.
- Use a round brush to blow-dry your hair upside-down while lifting the roots to add volume.
- On damp hair before blow-drying, use a volumizing mousse or texturizing spray.
- Create loose waves or curls by using a curling iron or heated rollers.
- To add volume and texture to your hair after it has dried, apply a volumizing powder or dry shampoo to the roots.
- To add volume, tease your hair at the top with a teasing brush or comb, lifting the hair at the roots.
- To keep the volume and texture in place, use a flexible hold hairspray to finish.
- For an easy, voluminous look, fluff and shape your hair with your fingers.
How To Make Old Fashioned Hairstyles Look Modern Again
Yes, it is feasible to update “traditional” haircuts to look more contemporary. Adding a contemporary element or updating the appearance with a modern twist are two ways to achieve this. A traditional bob haircut, for instance, can be made more current by adding a contemporary haircut method, like an undercut or a textured, jagged finish. Similar to this, you can update a classic haircut like finger waves or victory rolls by using a daring hair color or adding braids or twists.
Combining an ancient haircut with modern styling and fashion trends is another approach to make it look contemporary. For instance, a classic hairdo might look more current when worn with a contemporary outfit or accessories.
Additionally, it’s critical to keep in mind that both haircuts and fashion follow cyclical patterns, which means that previous trends frequently resurface. Therefore, something that is currently deemed “old fashioned” may become fashionable again the next year or season.
How To Capture The Vintage Vibe Without Looking Outdated
Instead than attempting to recreate a whole antique hairdo, incorporate vintage features into your overall look. For instance, you might utilize balayage or ombre color techniques or add a vintage hair item.
By using contemporary styling and techniques, modernize the historical haircut. To a historical hairstyle like finger waves, for instance, you may add a contemporary haircut method like an undercut or a textured, jagged finish.
Combine old clothing and accessories with contemporary looks. You can, for instance, pair a trendy clothing or statement jewelry with a historical haircut like pin curls.
Maintain a professional and well-groomed appearance generally. Ensure that your hair is tidy and well-groomed because vintage hairstyles have a tendency to look more polished and put-together.
Utilize the best style tools and methods for your particular hair type and texture. To get the desired vintage look, it’s crucial to employ the proper tools and methods.
According to Stacey, Hair Research Analyst, “Don’t overdo it, and exercise discretion. Instead of trying to combine too many aspects that could make you look like a costume, choose one or two vintage accents to use in your outfit.“
What Are The Right Styling Products?
For many classic hairstyles, a strong hold hair spray is necessary. To style your hair without making it crunchy or stiff, use a flexible hold hairspray.
Hair Gel or pomade: Gel or pomade for hair can be used to give antique hairstyles like finger waves or pompadours a sleek, polished appearance.
Setting lotion: For hairstyles that demand a lot of grip, such pin curls or victory rolls, setting lotion is a perfect choice.
Hair wax or clay: Clay or hair wax can be used to give vintage hairstyles a textured, matte appearance.
Heat protection cream or spray: When utilizing heat tools to create your retro hairdo, it’s crucial to use a heat protection cream or spray to prevent heat damage to your hair.
Dry Shampoo: For hairstyles that need to be rejuvenated, dry shampoo can be used to add texture and volume to the hair.
Hair setting rollers: For hairstyles like marcel waves, hair setting rollers can be used to add volume and curls.
Hair pins, combs, and hairbands: Depending on the vintage hairstyle you’re attempting to achieve, you could want hair pins, combs, and hairbands to hold your hair in place.
Can A Pixie Haircut Be Done In An Old-Fashioned Way Too Or Does It Always Stay Modernized?
It is possible to style a pixie cut in an antique manner. A timeless and adaptable hairdo with many different styling options is the pixie cut.
Hey try my pixie steps below style to give you that retro pixie look:
- Increase volume at the crown of your head by using a volumizing mousse or hair spray. Your pixie cut will look more retro and vintage as a result.
- Utilize a curling iron to produce soft, loose curls. Your hair will have more movement and texture after doing this, giving it a more vintage look.
- Use hair accessories: To give your pixie cut a hint of retro elegance, accessorize with headbands, barrettes, or scarves.
- Make a side part: A side-parted pixie cut is a timeless vintage style that can be created by using a comb or brush to make a deep side-part.
- Use hair spray or setting lotion to hold the style in place.
References
Vintage Hairstyling Retro Styles with Step-by-step Techniques
Vintage Hair Styles of the 1940s A Practical Guide
Vintage Hairstyles Simple Steps for Retro Hair with a Modern Twist