Retro Hairstyles
Retro hairstyles have a visual impact that tells a story. From the 1940s’ victory rolls to the 1960s’ bouffant updos.
There are numerous retro and vintage hairstyles available, with something for everyone.
Some of the most popular retro hairstyles include:
- Victory rolls
- Bouffant updo
- Flapper
- Pin Up
Easy retro hairstyles:
For those of us short on time or hairstyling expertise (or simply short on hair!) here’s a few hairstyle hacks to achieve the polished vintage style.
- Got buns, hun?
The bun = classic. Long hair? Simply pull it into a bun to seamlessly and travel between decades. A high bun with jewelry around it harkens an old world elegance a la Audrey Hepburn. OR place a bun cage around your low bun for a retro look that fits a modern lifestyle. Check out Youtube for lots of great videos on making a retro bun here.
- Stylish Scarves
Scarves and other hair ornaments such as vintage hats, headbands, and hair clips are great for creating a retro hairstyle. Who needs hours of curling or heat styling? Scarves are versatile. They can be worn in a variety of ways and take up little storage space! Tie a scarf in your hair for the ultimate Rosie the Riveter pin-up hairstyle or to accent a bouffant updo. The sky’s the limit!
- With a Bang
Bangs are a great part of a hairstyle to show some pizazz. You can curl or style just your bangs and tie the rest of your hair into a ponytail and look more polished quickly. Bumper bangs are a popular retro hairstyle and you can even get them as extensions without having to wear a wig or commit to maintaining them or eventually growing out your bangs.
- Flapper Chic
Of course, if you’ve got short hair there’s always the classic flapper bob. The bob never goes out of style and depending on your hair type, may require very little styling. While bobbed hair was a radical statement during the flapper era, nowadays it can look very professional and fit into everyday life without screaming “retro” – unless you want it to! Whether you’re inspired by Gatsby or Downtown Abbey here’s a few easy to do flapper styles thanks to YouTube again, just click to see.
More retro hairstyles:
Other retro hairstyles include the bouffant updo and victory rolls. Victory rolls are a popular choice for retro pin up looks. With practice and the right haircut anyone can achieve this. For high drama, there is nothing quite like a tall bouffant updo. Be sure to stock up on the aquanet and get ready to knock ‘em dead!
Whatever retro hairstyle you favor, you can accomplish a polished and authentic vintage look from flappers to pin up and beyond with a bob, bouffant, victory rolls, bumper bangs, buns, and more.
For more retro hairstyles, check out Chicago’s own A Vintage Vanity on Youtube for great advice and tutorials!
Shop for the vintage accessories you need for your ideal retro hairstyle at the Nashville Vintage Clothing & Jewelry show in February!
