Think about your favorite modern hairstyle. Chances are, it has retro roots. The sharp bobs, voluminous waves, and even the effortless shags we love today all pull inspiration from past decades. A great retro hair style has a way of feeling both classic and completely current. Some looks are just too good to be left in the past. Here’s a fun look back at the iconic hairdos that have proven to be truly timeless, solidifying their place in our modern style rotation.
Channel the Roaring Twenties with a Blunt Bob
The 1920s marked a major shift for women across the world, as they began shedding the age-old pressures of conforming to an outdated perception of femininity. For centuries, women had worn their hair long, but as the flapper revolution began to sweep the globe, shorter styles debuted with a bang.
One of the most famous short hairstyles from the 1920s was the flapper bob, a distinctive look that was inspired by actress and showgirl Louise Brooks. Her blunt bob and sleek banks made a statement, one that sparked a major interest in short and sassy styles.
If you’d like to recreate this fabulous flapper-inspired look at home, you don’t necessarily have to see your stylist for a haircut. In fact, a faux bob can be the perfect way to have some vintage fun without a long-term commitment. With a handful of bobby pins and our Perfect Hold Hairspray, you’ll feel like a modern-day flapper.
Get Old Hollywood Glam with 1930s Finger Waves
As Hollywood evolved into the epicenter for celebrity style, glamorous pin curls and finger waves made their way from the silver screen into the homes of millions of women. Soft, voluminous, and fantastically flirtatious, finger waves were the signature style of film icons like Bette Davis and Anita Page. In the 1990s, the style saw a resurgence (think Missy Elliot and Madonna), and today, they’re back yet again.
One of the key characteristics of this vintage hairstyle is the glossy shine and flawlessly frizz-free texture. Whether you prefer a tight wave or opt to brush out the curls for a softer look, using finishing products such as our Nourishing Styling Foam and Daily Smoothing Cream can take your style from amateur to iconic.
Hollywood Ringlet Curls
Hollywood ringlet curls are a quintessential vintage hairstyle that exudes glamour and sophistication. This iconic look, often associated with the golden age of cinema, showcases beautifully defined, bouncy curls that frame the face and add a touch of elegance to any occasion. Legendary actresses made this style famous, and its allure continues to inspire modern interpretations on red carpets and beyond. To get this timeless look, you can use pin curls or rollers—whether hot or traditional—to create the voluminous curls that are so characteristic of old Hollywood. The key is to create a uniform curl pattern that cascades perfectly.
For a polished, long-lasting finish, using the right styling products is essential. A quality styling foam can help define the curls while maintaining their bounce and shape without any stiffness. After styling, a small amount of a smoothing cream will ensure a frizz-free texture, giving your curls that signature glossy shine. Accessories also play a crucial role in completing the vintage aesthetic; consider adding a jeweled clip or a decorative headband to enhance the overall effect. This style isn't just a nod to the past; it's a celebration of timeless beauty that continues to inspire.
The Practical Elegance of the 1940s Updo
What started as a necessity for practicality during the World War II era became a sophisticated style choice for women of the 1940s. Perfectly coiffed updos like the Gibson roll (or tuck) received a modern update during this decade, and the playfully practical victory roll was popularized by the era’s legendary pinup girls.
Now, it’s not unusual to see celebrities take inspiration from the updos of the 1940s when creating their most talked-about event looks. From industry awards shows to movie premieres, styles inspired by the Gibson tuck are everywhere.
But you don’t have to be headed to a star-studded occasion to try this vintage hairstyle for yourself – it’s perfect for even a casual day around town. Instead of trying the style with freshly-washed hair, apply our Dry Shampoo for a boost of volume and texture in “day two” hair. If needed, work in a small amount of Smoothing Cream for added shine and manageability, then finish with the Perfect Hold Hairspray to keep every last strand in place.
The Nape Roll
Another classic from this era is the Nape Roll, a style that perfectly balances sophistication with simplicity. Like many 1940s updos, it was born from a need for practical hairstyles that kept hair neatly away from the face, yet it never sacrificed elegance. This look involves sweeping the hair back and tucking it into a clean, horizontal roll at the nape of the neck. Its enduring charm is why we still see variations of it today. To get that polished, frizz-free finish essential for any retro style, start by prepping your hair with our Keratin Infused Leave-In Conditioner to ensure it's smooth and manageable before you start styling. For a final touch, you can accessorize with a decorative clip or a silk scarf, truly capturing that timeless vintage appeal.
Rock the 1950s Pompadour and Rolled Bangs
The rockabilly movement of the 1950s ushered in a new range of signature hairstyles, including the sky-high pompadour and “bumper” (rolled) bangs. Style icons of the era, like Bettie Page, made these new looks all the rage, capturing the sophisticated but sexy aesthetic of the midcentury decade.
Now, these vintage 1950s hairstyles have made a major comeback with today’s celebrities, including the style-forward Gigi Hadid, Scarlett Johannsen, Pink, and Dita Von Teese.
If you’re hoping to infuse your daily style with a bit of 1950s flair, you’ll need to have an excellent hairspray in your styling product arsenal. Our Perfect Hold Hairspray delivers the perfect combination of hold, shine, and softness in a light, easy-to-use mist.
The Side-Swept Wavy Bob
A modern take on a classic, the side-swept wavy bob blends vintage elegance with a relaxed, contemporary feel. The soft waves and deep side part create a beautiful, face-framing effect that works for just about any occasion. The key to this look is achieving waves that are touchably soft and completely free of frizz, not stiff or crunchy. To get that effortless texture, start by working one of our styling products, like the Nourishing Styling Foam, through damp hair. This helps define your waves while adding moisture and shine. Once your waves are set, a light mist of hairspray will keep everything in place without weighing your hair down, ensuring your style looks polished from morning to night.
The Pageboy Haircut
With its roots in the 1960s, the pageboy is celebrated for its chic simplicity. This haircut is defined by a straight, blunt cut that falls anywhere between the ears and the shoulders, and it’s often paired with bangs. What makes the pageboy so enduring is its versatility—it can be worn perfectly sleek and polished or slightly tousled for a more casual vibe. For that ultra-smooth finish, find a product from our smoothing collection, like the Daily Smoothing Cream, and apply it to damp hair before blow-drying. It fights humidity and frizz, leaving your hair with a glossy, healthy-looking shine. This single step makes it much easier to achieve that sharp, classic pageboy silhouette that looks so effortlessly stylish.
The Daring 1960s: From Pixie Cuts to Beehives
During the 1960s, two unique looks emerged that stood at opposite ends of the style spectrum – but both made an equally significant impression on hair history.
First, the beehive hairstyle challenged women to answer to the challenge: “How high can your hair go?” Whether the beehive was styled as an elegant updo or a playful half-up, half-down look (as shown off by style legend Bridgette Bardot), it took styling to new, towering heights. Wondering how to do a beehive hairstyle at home? Use our Dry Shampoo for a generous amount of non-drying texture, then spray with the Perfect Hold Hairspray to make the style last all day long.
The second popular hairstyle of the 1960s was the pixie cut, which ranged from soft and feminine to edgy and textured. Whichever pixie you prefer, try our Daily Smoothing Cream and Argan Oil to ensure the ultimate in sleek style.
The Flipped Bob
Another 1960s look that’s making a major comeback is the flipped bob, famously worn by style icons like Jackie Kennedy. This chic and polished hairstyle features ends that are curled up and away from the face, creating a bouncy, sophisticated silhouette. While the original version required some serious styling effort to keep it perfectly in place, today’s take is a bit softer and more playful. You can see modern interpretations everywhere, from sleek ponytails with flipped-out ends to shoulder-length cuts with a gentle, flirty curl. To get that smooth, frizz-free finish that’s essential for a great flip, prep your damp hair with a small amount of Daily Smoothing Cream before blow-drying with a round brush.
Brigitte Bardot's Curtain Bangs
Perhaps no 1960s style is more relevant today than the curtain bangs made famous by the one and only Brigitte Bardot. These thick, face-framing bangs are parted down the middle and swept to the sides, creating a soft and effortlessly romantic look. What makes them so timeless is their versatility; they blend seamlessly with various hair lengths and textures. To style them, you want to create volume at the root and a gentle curve away from your face. Applying a bit of Nourishing Styling Foam to damp roots before blow-drying with a round brush will give you the lift and shape you need for that signature Bardot-inspired sweep.
Channel Your Inner Farrah with 70s Retro Waves
From long, loose waves to the feathered layers of star Farrah Fawcett, the hairstyles of the 1970s were all about movement and volume. Many of today’s festival styles – including mermaid waves, accent braids, and flower crowns – are inspired by these beloved 1970s ‘dos.
To achieve the effortlessly cool look that captures the free spirit of the 1970s, you’ll need silky-smooth locks that can hold plenty of volume. Our Rapid Rescue is the ideal foundation for a 70s-inspired hairdo, so you’ll style your throwback tresses with ease.
The Iconic Shag Haircut
If any haircut defines an era of rock and roll rebellion, it’s the shag. Known for its choppy layers and incredible texture, the shag became the signature look of the 1970s, famously worn by icons from Jane Fonda to Stevie Nicks. More than just a hairstyle, the shag was a statement of freedom and individuality, perfectly capturing the spirit of the times. Its effortless, cool-girl vibe is why it’s made such a huge comeback.
The beauty of the shag is its versatility. It’s all about that "choppy, layered look with bangs and lots of texture," as Southern Living puts it. To make those layers pop and get that piecey definition, try working a small amount of our Daily Smoothing Cream through your hair. It helps control frizz while giving your style that perfect, lived-in finish.
The shag’s return to the spotlight proves its timeless appeal. It’s true that great "fashion trends often come back around," and we’re seeing modern versions of this cut everywhere. Whether you want to add some edge to your style or just want a low-maintenance look that’s always in fashion, the shag is a fantastic choice.
How to Modernize Your Favorite Retro Hair Style
If there’s one thing that hairstyles over the decades have had in common, it’s gorgeously healthy hair. Full of shine and silky-smooth, nourished hair is the foundation for any style statement – no matter what era you’re drawing inspiration from.
Keratherapy’s collection of stylist-approved hair styling products don’t just create a beautifully finished look; they also help boost your hair health from the inside out. Create your signature looks, from vintage to ultra-modern, with our selection of professional-grade finishing and styling products today.
Updating Classic Cuts and Curls
Some of the most enduring hairstyles come from the early 20th century, but they don't have to look dated. The key to bringing these looks into the present is to soften the edges and prioritize hair health. A classic bob or a set of glamorous waves feels fresh and modern when your hair is shiny, smooth, and full of life. Instead of rigid, heavily styled looks, the contemporary approach focuses on touchable texture and natural movement. It’s about capturing the spirit of the original style while adapting it for today’s aesthetic, which values healthy, nourished hair as the ultimate accessory for any cut or curl pattern.
The Softer French Bob
The blunt bob of the 1920s was a revolutionary statement, symbolizing a break from outdated traditions. Today, the French bob captures that same chic energy but with a softer, more relaxed feel. Instead of a severe, helmet-like shape, the modern version features subtle layers and texture for a lived-in look. To achieve that polished-yet-effortless finish, work a small amount of Daily Smoothing Cream through your hair before styling. It fights frizz and adds a beautiful shine without weighing your hair down, giving you a sleek look that still has plenty of movement and personality.
Healthier, Defined Curls
The glossy, perfectly sculpted finger waves of the 1930s are the epitome of Old Hollywood glam. While the look is timeless, the techniques used to create it have evolved. The modern take on vintage curls is less about stiff, untouchable waves and more about creating defined, frizz-free texture that looks and feels healthy. One of the key characteristics of this style is its incredible shine. To get that flawless finish, start with a foundation of well-moisturized hair. Using products from our Moisture Collection will help you achieve soft, manageable curls that are ready for styling into a glamorous, modern wave.
The Return of 80s Volume
The 1980s were all about making a statement, and the hairstyles were no exception. Big, bold, and full of texture, 80s hair was unapologetically voluminous. Now, these larger-than-life styles are making a comeback, but with a contemporary twist. The focus is on creating height and body while keeping the hair touchable and healthy-looking. Forget the crunchy, stiff hair of the past; today’s 80s-inspired looks are all about soft, airy volume and playful textures that move with you. It’s about embracing the fun and confidence of the era in a way that feels current and chic.
Big Perms and Textured Shags
Perms and shags were iconic in the 80s, and they're back in a big way. The modern perm, however, is more about creating a soft, natural-looking wave or curl pattern rather than tight, uniform coils. Similarly, today's shag haircut features blended layers that create effortless texture and movement. To style these looks, you need products that provide hold and definition without stiffness. Our Nourishing Styling Foam is perfect for enhancing curls and waves, giving you bouncy, defined texture that lasts all day while fighting frizz and adding a healthy sheen.
The Mullet for Men and Women
The mullet is arguably one of the most memorable hairstyles of the 80s, and it has returned as a surprisingly versatile and stylish cut for everyone. The modern mullet, often called a "wolf cut" or "shullet," is much softer and more nuanced than its predecessor. It plays with texture and length to create a look that is edgy yet flattering. The key is in the styling—it should look intentionally undone. A light texturizing spray can help you achieve that piecey, lived-in finish that defines the contemporary mullet, giving it shape without making it look overly styled.
Essential Styling Techniques
Mastering a few key styling techniques can make all the difference when recreating a vintage look. While the styles themselves may be retro, the tools and products we have today allow for a much healthier approach to achieving these hairdos. Techniques like backcombing can still provide incredible volume, but doing it correctly is crucial to avoid damage. Similarly, finishing products have come a long way from the heavy, greasy formulas of the past. Modern pomades and creams can give you that polished, high-shine finish without compromising the health and feel of your hair.
Creating Volume with Sprays and Backcombing
Volume is the cornerstone of many retro hairstyles, from the 60s beehive to 80s waves. While backcombing, or teasing, is an effective way to build height, it's important to be gentle to prevent breakage. Use a fine-tooth comb and work in small sections, gently pushing the hair towards the roots. To make the volume last, a reliable hairspray is a must. Our Perfect Hold Hairspray provides strong, flexible hold without any sticky residue, allowing you to build volume that looks and feels natural. It also helps protect your hair from humidity, keeping your style intact.
Using Pomades for a Polished Finish
For sleek, defined styles like 1930s finger waves or a sharp 1940s updo, a good finishing product is essential for achieving that polished look. Unlike the heavy pomades of the past, modern formulas are designed to provide shine and control without a greasy feel. A smoothing cream or a lightweight pomade can help tame flyaways, define texture, and add a beautiful, healthy-looking gloss. Apply a small amount to your fingertips and smooth it over the surface of your hair to get that perfect, photo-ready finish that holds your vintage style in place all day.
Tips for a Flattering Look
Pulling off a vintage hairstyle is all about making it your own. A retro look shouldn't feel like a costume; it should feel like an extension of your personal style. This means adapting the cut to suit your features and ensuring your hair is in its best condition. A great hairstyle starts with a healthy foundation, so regular maintenance and using the right products for your hair type are non-negotiable. When your hair is healthy, any style you choose—whether it’s from this decade or a century ago—will look its absolute best.
Considering Your Face Shape
Not every vintage hairstyle will work for every face shape right off the bat, but nearly any look can be adapted for a flattering result. For example, if you love the idea of a 1920s bob but have a round face, consider a slightly longer version that falls below the chin to elongate your features. If you have a square jawline, soft, face-framing waves from the 1930s can be incredibly flattering. The goal is to take inspiration from the era and work with your stylist to tailor the cut to you. Not sure where to start? Take our Hair Quiz to find products that suit your specific hair needs.
Maintaining Your Style with Regular Trims
Nourished hair is the foundation for any style statement, and regular trims are essential for keeping it healthy. Split ends can make even the most glamorous vintage style look tired and unkempt. Scheduling regular appointments with your stylist to dust off the ends will keep your hair looking sharp and prevent damage from traveling up the hair shaft. Healthy hair not only looks better but also styles more easily. To understand why maintaining your hair's integrity is so important, learn more about how keratin replenishment keeps your strands strong, smooth, and resilient against daily styling stress.
Complete Your Look with Accessories and Color
The final touches are what truly bring a vintage-inspired look to life. Accessories and color are powerful tools for modernizing a retro hairstyle. The right headband or a contemporary hair color can instantly bridge the gap between the past and the present, making your style feel fresh and personal. It’s a chance to be creative and show off your personality, whether you prefer a subtle nod to a bygone era or a bold, fashion-forward statement. These elements allow you to customize your look and make it uniquely yours.
Using Headbands, Scarves, and Clips
Accessories can complete a vintage look and add a special touch. A simple silk scarf tied as a headband can evoke a 1970s vibe, while strategically placed jeweled clips can give a nod to the glamour of the 1920s. The key is to choose modern accessories that complement the hairstyle without overpowering it. A sleek, minimalist barrette can hold back a 1940s victory roll, giving it a contemporary edge. It’s a fun and easy way to experiment with retro styles without committing to a new cut or color.
Pairing Vintage Styles with Modern Hues
One of the most effective ways to modernize a vintage haircut is by pairing it with a contemporary hair color. Imagine a classic 1950s pompadour with a soft balayage or a 1960s pixie cut in a vibrant, modern shade. This contrast between old and new creates a look that is both striking and stylish. If you do opt for a fresh color, be sure to protect your investment with products designed for color-treated hair. Our Color Protect Collection helps lock in your hue, keeping it vibrant and shiny while nourishing your hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a retro hairstyle look modern and not like a costume? The key is to focus on softness and hair health. A vintage style feels current when it has natural movement and a healthy shine, rather than looking stiff or overly perfect. Try pairing a classic cut, like a bob, with a contemporary color technique like balayage. You can also use modern accessories, such as a minimalist barrette instead of a vintage one, to bridge the gap between then and now.
My hair is fine and flat. Can I still pull off voluminous styles like the beehive or 70s waves? Absolutely. You just need to build a strong foundation for the style. Working with second-day hair can give you more natural grip and texture. Before you start styling, apply a product like a dry shampoo at the roots to create lift. A styling foam can also add body without weighing your hair down, giving you the support you need to create those bigger shapes.
What's the most important step to getting that polished, frizz-free finish I see in all the photos? A smooth finish always starts with well-moisturized hair. Frizz happens when your hair is seeking moisture from the air, so it's important to hydrate it from the start. Using a leave-in conditioner can make your hair more manageable before you even begin styling. After you've created your look, apply a small amount of a smoothing cream to tame any flyaways and add that signature glossy shine.
Are these styles damaging to my hair, especially with all the teasing and hairspray? They don't have to be. While vintage styling techniques could be harsh, today's products and methods are much gentler on your hair. When you backcomb, be gentle and use a proper teasing comb to avoid breakage. Also, opt for a flexible-hold hairspray that provides control without making your hair crunchy and brittle. As long as you prioritize your hair's health with nourishing, keratin-rich products, you can experiment with these looks without worry.
I'm not ready for a new haircut. Which retro styles are easiest to try without committing to a big change? You have plenty of great options. You can easily create a faux bob from the 1920s with just a few bobby pins, or try 1940s victory rolls to style the hair around your face. Glamorous Old Hollywood waves are another fantastic choice that you can achieve with a curling iron or hot rollers on any hair length. These styles are perfect for a special event or just for having some fun with your look.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize Hair Health for a Modern Finish: The secret to making retro hairstyles look current is starting with healthy, shiny hair. Focus on a softer, more touchable texture instead of a rigid, perfect replica to give classic looks a fresh feel.
- Use the Right Products for the Job: Specific styling products are essential for recreating these looks. A quality smoothing cream will give you a polished, frizz-free finish, while a flexible-hold hairspray can build incredible volume without making your hair feel stiff.
- Make Any Vintage Style Your Own: Don't be afraid to personalize a classic cut. Consider how a style works with your face shape, and use modern accessories or a contemporary hair color to bridge the gap between past and present.