14 Trending Retro Hairstyles For Girls To Try

In an age where every new thing gets old within hours, the old world charm still holds a great value and relevance. Yes, we’re talking about classic retro hairdos! Big blowouts, curly bobs, side ponytails, Afros, and so many other distinct old school hairstyles have never gone out of style. And now, thanks to the existence of so many social platforms, like Instagram and TikTok, celebrities and fashion influencers from all around the world have been flaunting these looks, even creating their own versions of retro hairstyles. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to style your hair in a chic or playful retro look, this article is for you!

Before You Get Started

• Retro hairstyles are all about loud looks. Big curls, voluminous hairdos, extra-polished finishing, and vibrant hair colors.
• Pick accessories that are just as loud in color and pattern. You can also use lots of pearls, glitter, and shiny fabric.
• These hairstyles are best paired with heavy and dark liner, heavy lashes, shimmery eyeshadows, and face highlights.

Retro Hairstyles For Girls

Here is a list to learn more about the top 14 groovy retro-futuristic hairstyles ever.

1. Vintage Curly Lob

For all the women out there who adore an antique or vintage look, this 70s voluminous lob with curls will definitely satisfy your old soul. It is one of the quickest hairstyles you can sport that will create the illusion of a fuller mane, ideal for anyone with low volume or thin tresses.

Jennie, a blogger exploring diverse topics, shared her thoughts after experimenting with the Vintage Curly Lob hairstyle, expressing, “It’s basically a dream for me style wise! One thing I always envied was the hair of Martie’s girlfriend Jennifer [Film: Back To The Future] (not least because she has the same name as me). That volume! That curl! Wow (i)!”

2. Loose Ringlets With Subtle Pouf

Nothing encapsulates the retro vibe better than loose ringlets and gentle poufs commonly noted in 1950s hairstyles. If you have stunning blonde curls, then you are bound to have your own Marilyn Monroe moment. The playful hairdo exudes femme-fatale energy and speaks endless volumes, giving you a throwback to the past, perfect for casual or red-carpet events.

3. Bandana Bun

This hairstyle is one of the easiest ones to sport and looks cool too. The picture explains the step-by-step procedure of achieving this retro hairstyle.

Quick Tip

A wrinkled bandana doesn’t stay in place for long. So, air-dry it after washing and iron it on low heat.

4. Side Ponytail With A Teased Crown

Side ponytail with a teased crown is almost a rage these days. Tease your crown area a little and tie a side ponytail thereafter, secure using a rubber band. Make sure the teased part stays safe by using bobby pins at the nape. Expert hair stylist Megan Senner recommends using a backcombing brush to achieve perfectly teased hair.

5. High Twice-Bound Pony

Obsessed with your pony but eager to try something different? Well, here is your answer. This style is ideal for people with lengthy hair. Follow the instructions given with the picture to sport this high and twice-bound pony.

6. Teased Double Bun

If you are looking for a sophisticated retro look, a teased double bun is what you are searching for.

Divide your hair into two sections, one at the middle of the head and the rest at the lower part. Now clip the upper part away and tease the lower part to get some volume. Now, cover the lower part with the upper part and make a bun. It looks formal yet casual.

7. Rolled Back Updo

Match your lacy dress perfectly with this feminine retro hairstyle. Part your blow-dried hair from the middle. Twist one side and pin it up at the back of the nape. Do the same with the other side. Now connect both the ends and roll them making a bun and you are ready with a rolled back updo. You might also enjoy experimenting with some ‘60s updo hairstyles like beehives and voluminous buns, perfect for a classic look.

8. Finger Waves

Finger waves were a notable feature of flapper hairstyles, and are a fashionable legacy of the roaring ‘20s. This flirty nostalgic retro hairstyle is one of the most popular hairstyles today.

Dry your hair and separate into different 1-2 inches’ sections. Use some mist on your hair and use a curling rod. When the rod cools completely, use your fingertips to sculpt the curls and your flirty finger waves are ready to be flaunted. Licensed hair stylist Megan Senner adds, “You can also use a large barrel crimping wand to achieve this look.”

Trivia

The finger wave hairstyle was popular during the 1920s and early 1930s. Famous actresses Josephine Baker and Esther Philips are known to have popularized it.

9. Long Waves

Curl your long hair using hot curling rollers. Now spray some dry shampoo just at the crown to get some lift and volume. In this way your curls would be much more manageable and look more natural. Let your curls be open and enjoy the long waves created by the curls.

10. Wavy Bob With A Side Part

You can flaunt your love for retro themes even with short-length hair inspired by iconic 60s short hairstyles that bring chic sophistication. And if you love your bob, you will love this trendy hairstyle even more. Use hot rollers to curl each 1-inch section of your hair. When you feel the rollers have cooled down, let your hair out and curl them using your fingertips and style them the way you want. Make a deep parting of your hair and let the waves add fun to your look.

11. High Side Pony

This is another variation for people who love sporting their ponytails. You just need to tie your pony high at the crown but position it sideways. You may even curl the end of the pony with a curling iron to get a more authentic retro look.

12. Low And Wavy Side-Bun

If you are blessed with wavy hair, this one is for you. Curl the ends of your hair. Now comb them all together and collect at one of the sides behind your ear. Now start rolling it into a bun and secure using bobby pins. You may use hair accessories to adorn this look.

13. Long Cornrows Hairstyle

We are absolutely in awe of this stunning cornrows hairstyle on long tresses! And, who can carry this look better than our very own Zendaya. This protective hairstyle is also a chic and neat look that can be variously styled for a range of events, from everyday work lunches to late night bar hopping with besties.

14. Voluminous Afro

This afro hairstyle donned by the gorgeous actress, Viola Davis is one that is bound to fetch you endless compliments. The veteran star has often been captured with this statement hairstyle, choosing to spruce up her god-gifted kinky hair to say curly is beautiful. It is super easy to rock, and some texturising spray can make it come alive.

These top retro looks sported by celebrities over the years are truly rad! If you have selected your favorite and want to recreate it, there are a few essential tools you will need. Learn more about them in the next section!

Essential Tools For Creating Retro Hairstyles

Here are a few tools that you will need to create iconic, vintage-inspired hair looks. Scroll down.

• Curling Tools: They help create classic curls and pin-up styles. Depending on the hairstyle you want to recreate, you can use hot rollers and curling or flat irons. You should also use a curl defining cream, before styling your hair, to enhance your look.
• Bristle Brush: This brush smoothes out flyaways while enhancing the volume of your wavy or curly hair.
• Rat Tail Comb: It helps part the hair into precise sections. It can also be used to tease the hair near the roots to add a natural volume.
• Hair Mousse & Hairspray: This product holds the hair’s shape in place and retains the hair’s bouncy effect.
• Bobby Pins: These clips are essential to secure curls in place and push back baby hair for a cleaner, dramatic look.
• Headbands & Ribbons: These retro accessories add a vintage look and feel to the hair.

Infographic: All Things Retro

Retro hairstyles are classic, elegant, chic, and timeless. They offer women a chance to experiment with different styles for any occasion. If you need some inspiration for your own retro hairstyle, check out the celebrities who sported different retro hairstyles over the years. Additionally, we have listed a few accessories you can use to take your retro hairstyle to the next level.

Check out the infographic below to know more.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some tips for maintaining retro hairstyles throughout the day?

Apply a generous amount of hair gel or mousse to your hair before styling it for extra staying power. Once the styling is done, spritz a strong hold hairspray to set the hairstyle in place. Use bobby pins to secure loose ends or flyaways. Keep a small hairbrush handy for touch-ups.

What hairstyles were popular in the 70’s?

Farrah Fawcett’s feathered hair, the shag, the wedge, curtain bangs, dreadlocks and deep side part hairstyle are some of the most popular hairstyles from the 70’s.

How do I get 80’s fluffy hair?

Add volume by using a dry shampoo on your hair, and then blow dry it upside down. You can also use hot rollers to get some fluffy waves in.

Is 80’s hair coming back?

Yes, some popular styles such as crimped hair, high ponytails, fluffy hair and deep side parts are making a comeback in these modern times.

Illustration: Trending Retro Hairstyles For Girls To Try

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn how to create a glamorous and retro hairstyle that exudes elegance and captures the essence of timeless beauty in this tutorial video. Get ready for picture-perfect perfection!

Image source: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Megan SennerLicensed Hairstylist

 

Megan Senner is a professional hairstylist who has spent the last 10 years doing hair with some of the biggest bands in the world, including 30 Seconds to Mars, Misterwives, Vinyl Theatre, and Smallpools. She is obsessed with hair color, trending hairstyles, and all things fashion.

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Jyotsana RaoBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Jyotsana Rao is an engineering graduate from NIT, Nagpur, who discovered her love for writing during her undergraduate days. She is passionate about writing about everything related to beauty - makeup, fashion, hairstyles, skin care, or hair care and has 4 years of experience on writing in these genres.

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Madhumati ChowdhuryAssociate Editor

Madhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.

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Aparna HarryBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Aparna Harry is a beauty and lifestyle content writer with over three years of experience in writing for different genres. She has a master’s degree in English Literature from The English And Foreign Languages University and a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Mysore.

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