Let's play a little game: What comes to mind when you think of the 1920s, 1940s, and 1960s? If you think sleek bobs, pin curls, and bouncy blowouts, then you're just like us: hair-obsessed.
Sure we did great things in those decades, like winning World War II and landing on the moon. But it's the fabulous retro hairstyles that really stick in our heads. The bold geometric haircuts, scarf-tied updos, and finger-waves are timeless -- and to prove it, they're currently making a huge comeback.
Just as the '60s color-blocking trend and bug-eyed sunglasses are circling back into our fashion, the Bardot-esque curls and finger-wave updos are getting another go in the limelight -- with some gorgeous updates. Gone are the stiff, helmet-like ringlets and gravity-defying beehives. Instead we have touchable waves, romantic texture, and piecey bangs.
So, try these styles before the trend becomes history (again). We grabbed the most stunning retro hairstyles from Pinterest and asked experts to weigh in on how to wear them without looking like we got caught in a bad time warp. See how to update the prettiest retro styles to look chic and trendy now.
Image via Imaxtree
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Scarf-tied updo
The head scarf updo makes us think of the classic "Rosie the Riveter" poster, but you don't have to work in a factory to make the head scarf look work for you. Danielle Bucco-Regazzi, Farouk Systems Creative Artist, says it's an easy style for the busy mom on the go, or a fun touch for brunch with the girls.
Keep it modern: For your scarf, ditch the red and white polka dots and go for a fun floral print in a trendy color like mint green. This is also the perfect updo for hair that's overdue for some shampoo.
How to: Spritz a volume booster into your damp hair, like Chi Volume Booster, $14. Create a deep side part and tie your hair into a ponytail at the crown. Take random strands of hair and apply a little Redken Velvet Gelatine 07, $17.50, before setting your hair with a medium barrel iron to create the curls, says Kris Sorbie, Education Artistic Director of Redken 5th Avenue. When the curls have cooled, rake your fingers through them to break them up and randomly pin the curls into a messy bun. Tie a pretty scarf around your head to complete the look.
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Side ponytail with a teased crown
"This classic vintage look always evolves with time," says Bucco-Regazzi. "I absolutely love it! It is the most trendy look coming out of the salons right now." But the best part is that it's simple and easy to do.
Keep it modern: Make sure the hair at your crown isn't too teased. You want to have the volume be fluffy, not stiff. And you can choose to add waves to your hair to give it a tousled, beachy look.
How to: Turn your head upside down and spray a generous amount of dry shampoo throughout your hair to amp up volume, says Sorbie. Try Redken Powder Refresh 01, $14. Then apply the dry shampoo to your crown, teasing with a tail comb to create lift. Smooth over the teased area, and place bobby pins to anchor the volume. Then tie your hair into a side ponytail behind your ear, keeping the front flat and finish with a spritz of a volumizing finishing spray.
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Geometric cut
"This '60s mod look is timeless," says Hollywood, Calif,-based hair expert, Philip B. "The drawback to this retro hairstyle is that you have to commit to constant touchups — a trim every two weeks and you can't have any frizz." The stylist says it's best for those with medium-to-thick straight hair.
Keep it modern: "It's sculpted to play up a beautiful neck and cheekbones. It's also right in step with the revival of the color-blocking look in fashion." For the modern update, the cut has less volume than the original inspiration, which "makes the hairstyle sleeker and a little more gamine, I think," says Philip B. He adds that it's fun to pair this look with feminine clothes and makeup.
How to: Use a great conditioner, like Philip B. Oud Royal Forever Shine Conditioner, $85, to make the hair really soft and shiny. Blow dry with a paddle brush and then smooth on a touch of anti-frizz serum to keep the style looking really glossy and smooth.
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High ponytail bound twice
"This timeless, sexy look is really practical," says Philip B. Anyone can do it with a hair elastic and a couple of bobby pins." Even better, it's a very neutral and versatile style — it's equally great for work, the beach, or a big night out. Bonus? This retro pony works beautifully on unwashed hair."
Keep it modern: "Stick to minimal makeup and minimalist clothing," says Philip B.
How to: Brush your hair and pull it into a high ponytail. Smooth hair with a touch of gel and secure with an elastic. Brush out the ponytail, and add another elastic two inches down, and brush out the ponytail again. Finish by rubbing a dab of finishing cream between your palms and smoothing it over the ponytail to give it extra shine.
Let's play a little game: What comes to mind when you think of the 1920s, 1940s, and 1960s? If you think sleek bobs, pin curls, and bouncy blowouts, then you're just like us: hair-obsessed.
Sure we did great things in those decades, like winning World War II and landing on the moon. But it's the fabulous retro hairstyles that really stick in our heads. The bold geometric haircuts, scarf-tied updos, and finger-waves are timeless -- and to prove it, they're currently making a huge comeback.
Just as the '60s color-blocking trend and bug-eyed sunglasses are circling back into our fashion, the Bardot-esque curls and finger-wave updos are getting another go in the limelight -- with some gorgeous updates. Gone are the stiff, helmet-like ringlets and gravity-defying beehives. Instead we have touchable waves, romantic texture, and piecey bangs.
So, try these styles before the trend becomes history (again). We grabbed the most stunning retro hairstyles from Pinterest and asked experts to weigh in on how to wear them without looking like we got caught in a bad time warp. See how to update the prettiest retro styles to look chic and trendy now.
