30 Vintage Hairstyles That Need to Make a Comeback main image
Scroll Down To Continue

30 Vintage Hairstyles That Need to Make a Comeback

We love everything vintage from haircuts to style. After doing a guide on how to make vintage clothing more modern, we realized that we need to see more vintage hairstyles. The styles worn by women in the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s were classy and defined what it was to be casually beautiful. Many of them were inspired by movie stars, but that didn’t mean women of that time didn’t mimic it. They were more than happy to visit a stylist and have them create the same cut on them.

The only problem is that the hairstyles died out. The next best thing came along, and women of the era forgot all about the looks of yesteryear. We loved what they came up with, but why drop them altogether? Unlike hairstyles nowadays, these vintage ‘dos are timelessly flattering for women of any hair type – not to mention they’re incredibly fun to pull off.

So, we’ve made a list of 30 vintage hairstyles that need to make a comeback. They may take a little while to master, but once you’re done, you’ll love it. Styles this gorgeous need to leap from the pages of history books and land on modern fashion runways.

Finger Waves

Finger Waves

Finger waves were at the height of popularity in the 1930s, but this style is timeless. Finger waves can be worn down all on their own or incorporated into a variety of updos.

This style needs to come back because it is fairly easy to accomplish and can elevate an otherwise casual outfit to a state of elegance.

Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images)

Victory Rolls

Victory Rolls

Victory rolls rose to popularity in the 1940s due to their sexy, feminine nature. Victory rolls look great with feminine outfits, adding a soft flair.

Pair them with a lace dress. They also provide wonderful contrast for edgier outfits, such as moto leggings and a crop top. It's a versatile look!

Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images)

Rosie the Riveter Hair

Rosie the Riveter Hair

Rosie the Riveter was a huge feminist symbol during World War II, and as a result, her quintessential updo with a headband started growing as an everyday hairstyle.

We would love to see women wearing this style nowadays to not only keep hair out of their faces in the hot summer months, but to also honor one of the first feminist icons.

Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Mod Textured Bangs

Mod Textured Bangs

Bangs might not be the most popular style right now, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t visually appealing. Especially mod textured bangs, which were popular in the '60s, give your hair an interesting visual element.

Bangs make bad hair days look better and they help frame your eyes, so there are many reasons this vintage hairstyle should come back in the near future. 

(Image via Midjourney)

Shag Hair

Shag Hair

Shag hair is essentially blunt-cut hair with a natural texture, and it was fairly widespread in the 1970s. (This shouldn't be surprising, considering the hippie movement!) 

We believe this hairstyle is long overdue for a resurgence, perhaps with a modern twist like an asymmetrical cut. Either way, this look is a showstopper.

(Image via Midjourney)

Side Ponytail

Side Ponytail

The volumized side ponytail had its day in the '80s, but we think this classic, adorable look could easily be updated for more modern times.

Instead of adding a ton of volume to the crown, you could keep it sleek and straight, which looks stunning with off-the-shoulder tops and dresses.

(Image via Midjourney)

Geometric Bob

Geometric Bob

The geometric bob was all the rage in the 1960s as part of the mod movement, but now it is quite underrated. This bob shows off your gorgeous neck and cheekbones.

It also frees up your ears to wear statement earrings. The only drawback is that this precise style requires frequent trims, but the look is worth it!

(Image via Midjourney)

Big Hair

Big Hair

Volume is starting to make a comeback, but we still haven’t hit the crazy volume of the '80s. Big hair would fit right in with the natural hair trend.

We would love to see the volume get even bigger, especially on the runways. Big hair contrasts wonderfully with elegant attire, such as a pantsuit or an evening gown.

(Image via Midjourney)

Bardot-esque Waves

Bardot-esque Waves

Brigitte Bardot brought this loose, curly style to popularity in the 1950s, and because so many trends from that era have already started coming back, we think the Bardot-esque waves should be next.

Nothing goes better with a pair of cat-eye sunglasses than a beautiful set of vintage waves! Someone, please start this new trend—we need it now!

(Image via Instagram)

Super-Short Bangs

Super-Short Bangs

Your parents probably scarred you with short bangs when you were in elementary school, but trust us, they really can be chic when done properly!

These bangs would fit right in with a pixie cut and a culotte jumpsuit for a look that is effortlessly timeless. Such a fabulous style!

Jon Furniss/WireImage/Getty Images

Pinback

Pinback

The pinback was a classic during and after the war. It was super simple to accomplish, and it was a stylish way to look great while working. It got the hair out of our faces without sacrificing our looks.

 

This was the hairstyle of a woman that was about to get down to business. We think this hairstyle could easily merge into a modern look. 

(Robert Coburn, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

Faux Bob

Faux Bob

In the 1920s, women preferred to put their hair up in a faux bob, and we understand why. It was a way to get the trending bob look without having to chop off your hair.

All you needed was curlers and bobby pins, and it was possible to get a bob. You could also braid the bottom portion of your hair and use the remaining hair to cover it.

Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images

Gibson Tuck

Gibson Tuck

The Gibson Tuck (also the Gibson Roll) appeared early in the 19th century. It’s fairly easy to accomplish but looks beautiful with minimal effort. All you need is two strips of fabric.

Put your hair in between the two strips and begin to twist until you feel it in the back of your head. Then simply tie it like a headband.

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images

French Twist

French Twist

The French Twist was a common ‘do in the ‘50s through the ‘70s. It isn’t easy to accomplish and can be especially tough for someone with fine hair.

To get the French Twist, simply gather your hair up in one hand and twist it until it turns itself against your head. Then secure it with bobby pins or a barrette.

Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Flipped Ends

Flipped Ends

Love Mad Men? You may have seen this style since it was popular during that time period. To get it, it’s incredibly easy. You just need a curling iron, a round brush, and some bobby pins.

Start by curling your hair with the iron and pin it up. Leave it in for at least 20 minutes before you let them down. You can get a little more volume by teasing the roots.

(Image via Midjourney)

Big Bouffant

Big Bouffant

When hasn’t the bouffant been popular? Now. It was worn regularly throughout the ‘60s, thanks to First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy reminding everyone how stylish it was.

This style is all about teasing your hair to get that envious lift. You can get a little extra volume by purchasing a hair bump tool.

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Gamine Pixie

Gamine Pixie

A gamine was a slim and elegant pixie that was popularized by Audrey Hepburn in the ‘50s. Now, some women wear the style, like Anne Hathaway, but it still hasn’t gained the popularity it once had.

We think it should make a comeback because it’s cute and low-maintenance. Who doesn't want to look chic without all the extra effort? Let's make it happen.

Lester Cohen/WireImage/Getty Images

Pin Curls

Pin Curls

Pin curls were a classic that showed up several times throughout history. The curls could be tight or loose, depending on your preference, and it was more comfortable to sleep in than rollers.

All you need to do is twist damp hair into little curls and secure them with a bobby pin. Your left side should be twisted clockwise and the right side twisted counter-clockwise.

Angela Weiss/WireImage/Getty Images

The Betty Grable

The Betty Grable

Of course, if you love pin curls without taking them down, you can always slip out the pins and hairspray it down, making sure the hair is secure.

You may need to leave a few bobby pins in to keep it in place, but it should be easy to replicate if you have the time to put in.

(trailer screenshot (20th Century Fox), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

Chignon

Chignon

The chignon, either high or low, was super popular in film during the ‘50s and ‘60s. Audrey Hepburn was one of the most popular actresses that wore this style, so we naturally love it.

While we love the high chignon, the low chignon is much easier to replicate and requires much less hairspray. Whichever way it is worn, it always looks like perfection.

(Image via Midjourney)

Feathered Hair

Feathered Hair

What was the ‘70s without feathered hair? Nothing. It didn’t matter the hair type, which was funny since it was designed exclusively for straight hair.

It’s usually layered and then cut in a way to give it a light, flowy look like the feathers of a bird. We know now that many hair types can pull off this style.

(Image via Midjourney)

Beehive

Beehive

The beehive may have fallen out of style, but many people still mimic the style thanks to Amy Winehouse rocking it to bring it back.

Still, not enough people are wearing this iconic hairstyle. It looks dressed up, but casual at the same time. It is pretty easy to replicate and can be worn with a wide variety of outfit styles.

JMEnternational/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

The Elizabeth Taylor

The Elizabeth Taylor

Few women are as iconic as Elizabeth Taylor. She was a movie icon and women wanted to be her so badly. Well, you could mimic her hairstyle at least.

It was curly in all the right places where it almost looked like a mess, but an organized mess. And what's not to love about a messy look?

(Studio publicity still, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

Poodle Cut

Poodle Cut

The Poodle Cut has been around since 1945 and was famously worn by Lucille Ball. It looks like the top of a poodle’s head, but that wasn’t a bad thing at the time. French Poodles were a symbol of sophistication, so the hairstyle also had an air of sophistication.

To get this, start with pin curls all around the hair. Once the pin curls are done, pin your hair back for a little wave on the sides and major curl on the front and back.

(CBS Television, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

'Sabrina' Paris

'Sabrina' Paris

Sabrina was a film that starred the one and only Audrey Hepburn and was about a woman who attends culinary school in Paris and returns sophisticated.

Since Audrey Hepburn was such a huge star, the style of her hair became known as the Paris cut. Women wanted to feel sophisticated, and the style does give an air of class that we need to see again.

(Dell Publications, New York Photo by Paramount, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

Artichoke Cut

Artichoke Cut

The Artichoke Cut doesn’t have a beautiful name, but it’s definitely a beautiful cut. It looks best on thicker hair and is a mix of curly and straight.

 

It’s a take on a bob that we need for modern-day hair due to our lack of short hairstyles. But maybe we can update the name when we decide to bring it back.

Silver Screen Collection/Moviepix/Getty Images

Purdey Cut

Purdey Cut

Joanna Lumley is the one that made the Purdey Cut popular in the 1970s and became the high-fashion style to wear. It was a tongue-in-cheek take on a boy’s haircut that was famous in the ‘50s.

It can be made modern by making a few changes like side-swept bangs or soft feathering. Or, keep it classic by not making any changes—it rocks either way!

Mirrorpix/Contributor/Mirrorpix/Getty Images

The Sophia Loren

The Sophia Loren

Few movie stars were as famous as Sophia Loren in the ‘50s and ‘60s. Her seductive look became iconic in no time, and we absolutely adore it.

It’s a massive bouffant and beehive combination with delicate curls that frame the face in the most perfect way. Few hairstyles were as high-class as this one.

(Unknown photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

Bumper Bangs

Bumper Bangs

Bumper bangs may be best known as the “Bettie Page” look. This pin-up girl wore her bangs like this as an iconic look and it became even more popular as the rockabilly movement occurred.

It’s classy and sassy, and it deserves a comeback. To get bumper bangs, you can wrap the front portion of your hair around a bit of foam or a hair bumper. Secure it with bobby pins and wrap it with a scarf.

(Image via Midjourney)

Old Hollywood Waves

Old Hollywood Waves

Like now, women wanted to mimic the starlets of Hollywood. One of the most popular styles was old Hollywood waves. They’re made by curling your hair like you normally would, but brushing the curls gently with a paddle brush.

Then, you add some tease to the roots in the front. After doing all of that, you’ll look like you walked straight out of a movie.

(Image via Midjourney)