40 Iconic Vintage Hairstyles Inspired By The Glorious Past Decades

There have always been icons of style whose signature images are presently considered timeless: Marilyn Monroe, Veronica Lake, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot and many others. Today their hairstyles are copied with slight modern updates for the biggest events. Vintage hairdos are paired with the most elegant evening gowns and expressive make ups to come up with the classiest and most feminine looks. Since fashion is cyclic, everything comes around. So why not to look into the past for inspiration? They say everything the best in this world was invented long ago. Well, anyway, past can always give us some brilliant concepts to work on.

Vintage Or Retro?

There's a constant confusion with these 2 concepts. At the same time, some people don't understand at all why to wear outdated styles when fashion constantly supplies us with bright fresh ideas. Actually, today's fashion is actively using trends of the past decades, therefore, vintage elements frequently appear on the runways of fashion shows in Paris, London, New York and Milan. And the most interesting thing is that these elements, borrowed from the past, are experiencing their hour of triumph once again, becoming hot tendencies of the present day.

So, what's the difference between vintage and retro? All the antique and outdated items and styles are considered retro, while vintage is associated with the outstanding trends of the past years which are becoming popular again. Pompadour hairstyle, for instance, introduced into fashion in the 18th century by Madame de Pompadour, was very popular again in the 40's and late 50s of the previous century. Modern Pompadour is sported by Rihanna, Jenny McCarthy, Pink, Kathleen Robertson, Scarlett Johansson, Kim Kardashian and many other celebs.

Vintage Hairstyles Screaming With Chic

Here are 40 fantastic vintage updos and downdos you can adopt as a hairstyle idea for your wedding, theme party or any other major event.

#1: Pin Curled Beauty

Vintage hairstyles would never be very accurate without the addition of pin curls. This style is much easier than it looks, and it can be beautifully accented with a flower or a fancy clip.

Source

#2: Vintage Updo

Even those who usually style modern hairstyles can enjoy the beauty of a retro updo. Swept up and sectioned dramatically, hair is then rolled, secured and set. Add large, bold accessories to the side to cover any flaws or to soften the face.

Source

#3: Shoulder Length Retro

This 1940s inspired look is made beautiful thanks to the solid dark colored hair combined with bright red lipstick. True to the era, vintage hairdos were often paired with dark makeup and fair skin.

Source

#4: Natural Curls

Retro hairstyles are always popular for both theme parties and every day wear. If you have medium hair, try some shapely curls that can be achieved with a simple round of hot rollers.

Source

#5: Sweet and Colorful

Combine retro hair with a pop of color. In this case, yellow was added to the bottoms of the hair – a spray-in hair color is perfect for a temporary style like this. You can, of course, have your hair dyed in an ombre style or all over in a bright color for a totally beautiful look you'll love.

Source

#6: Retro Ethnic Hair

Combine styles of yesteryear with a dramatic color for a formal look that comes off awesome on ethnic hair. Black women will love the beauty of the color contrast paired with an old-fashioned style. If you normally sport natural hair, it will easily go into this style – perfect for hot weather or just a quick updo to dress up for a fancy occasion.

Source

#7: Bold Accessories

Vintage hair doesn't have to be fancy or complicated – instead try adding a fun accessory that truly makes a statement. Diamond headbands are a worthy 1920s-inspired choice, while large flowers or feathers are other accepted options.

Source

#8: Bright Shades

Pair a throw back hairstyle with a modern color like a bright burgundy or marsala. You can achieve this with henna, a permanent box dye or a professional salon visit. If you like to wear your hair with bangs, other retro style possibilities will open up.

Source

#9: Feathered and Fabulous

Pin hair under into a faux bob to pull off this look that is finished off with a vintage feather headband. This style will, of course, also work for short hair and will take a lot less effort. You can make your own vintage hair bands if you look for how-to tutorials on the Internet, and sometimes you can even purchase them at thrift stores or costume shops.

Source

#10: Strong Contrast

Retro style doesn't always hold to a particular color scheme. This Cruella Devil inspired hair is paired perfectly with a vintage coif. If you're searching something easy but still absolutely glamorous, this hairdo might be just the ticket. Try it out for a costume party, and then prepare to fall totally in love with it and work it into your daily style rotation.

Source

#11: Curly and Romantic

Long, lovely curls are always in style. To get a throw back look, part hair with a sweep, securing a half with bobby pins. Dark or light, spiraled or rolled, curly hair is very lovely for any occasion and truly never goes out of style.

Source

#12: Multiple Blonde Buns

Go blonde and have some fun with big, chunky buns placed all over. Roll hair into a side bundle in the front for vintage bangs, or dress up your vintage updo with bandanas or scarves for a day out. This style might take a few practice tries – especially if your hair is exceptionally long and thick.

Source

#13: Straight Forward Bangs

Sleek, straight and flirty – those are the words that will come to mind when you style your hair into this attractive retro bob. Vintage updos are beautiful, but if you want something simple and beautiful, go for short glam.

Source

#14: Timeless Curls

Curled updos are truly timeless, and this style is reminiscent of the hair trends from the 1970s. From the pompadour to the pin curls, this fusion of hair history is gorgeous and perfect for the prom or wedding day.

Source

#15: Choppy Shortcut

Vintage styles don't have to be elaborate. This 1940s inspired 'do is simply accomplished on the base of a shoulder-length cut by curling hair with hot rollers or a large barrel iron. Secure to the side with an era-appropriate clip and you're good to go.

Source

#16: Curly Girl

Get some Marilyn curls by coloring your locks a platinum blonde and sweeping hair to the side. Sleep in pin curls or cut hair to an angle and use traditional rollers to get this classic look. Vintage hairstyles get their inspiration from different places, but Marilyn's hair is truly the epitome of yesterday's glam.

Source

#17: Rolled Up Retro

Updos don't have to be difficult – if you have long, thick hair, try this style on for size. Simply rolling and pinning can give you this vintage effect that is nicely paired with glasses or other accessories.

Source

#18: Formal Vintage

Brides of yesteryear often adorned their hairstyles with diamond hairpieces and slicked curls back. Such styles are set with pomade for smooth, buttery texture.

Source

#19: Accent Victory Roll

Looking for retro hairstyles that are super easy to pull off? Check out this style that only demands one curl in the corner of your forehead. The thicker your hair, the easier and bigger the roll will be. This 1940s style is great for a theme party, a night out swing dancing or just for a day at the office.

Source

#20: Pin Up Chic

Pin up hairstyles are popular again, likely due to the incredible beauty of women in those days. Steep twists and tight rolls are charming, especially when complimented with hair flowers.

Source

#21: Bouffant Style From The 60s

Bouffant hairstyles are famous for an amazing volume on the crown that works fantastic for formal updos. Penelope Cruz has a modern touch to her stunning bouffant style – chocolate highlights.

Source

#22: Vintage Glamour

Scarlett Johansson is ravishing in this vintage look that is, actually, made by a little detail in her hairstyle – the bangs rolled into a victory roll. Other than that she looks like a modern glamorous diva.

Source

#23: Splendid Victory Rolls For Wedding

Vintage hairstyles generally and Victory rolls in particular are a great idea for bridal hairdos. This hairstyle is featuring two prosperous asymmetric rolls, complimented with back locks swirled gracefully and tucked up.

Source

#24: Milkmaid Braids From The 40s

Headband braiding in the milkmaid style, originating from 1945 has been updated to a chic vintage braiding hairstyle with a modern nonchalant look, where the breath of the past is still evident.

Source

#25: Ponytail Braiding

Sleeked back hair, shaped into a low ponytail has been further braided for a fancy bun style. This vintage-inspired look with circular braiding from Salvatore Ferragamo fashion show is very easy to duplicate.

Source

#26: Intricate Hairdo Inspired By The 50s

Downdos with tucked up ends, popular in the 50s, were reborn for the present day to introduce the notes of the glorious past into the hectic today's life.

Source

#27: Nostalgia After The 80s

A full mane of tight spirals in the spirit of the mid 80s was the result of perms every woman was eager to try back then. Now if you fancy sporting a bold big hair look, it may be something like this.

Source

#28: Rolled And Pinned Elegance From The 40s

This fantastic downdo with neatly rolled up and pinned back tresses features supple polished locks, opening the face in the most refined manner and communicating the sense of femininity in its every curve.

Source

#29: 1920s Style Solid Finger Waves

Perfect solid S-shaped wave, madly popular in the 20-30s still excites our imagination and reincarnates in the most breathtaking vintage styles, such as this ritzy asymmetric vintage downdo for long hair.

Source

#30: Bobs As They Were In The 20s

Almost 100 years have passed since the epoch of the Roaring Twenties, but our old good bob style is practically the same. Well, back then its ends were styled inwards and the bangs were more curvaceous. Check this charming look, inspired by Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby".

Source

#31: Sexy Marilyn's Curls

Every woman would like to experience at least a drop of Marilyn Monroe's success. Her signature blonde curls from the 60s are proudly rocked by the biggest Hollywood stars of our time.

Source

#32: Ever-Popular Pompadour

Pompadour hairstyles are an inspiration beyond time. This pinned up highlighted wave creates a fantastic dimensional effect and wonderful volume, balanced with the coquettishly curled ends.

Source

#33: "Veronica Lake" Style

The shapely curls from the 40s, sported by Veronica Lake, have been constantly cloned by celebrities for the biggest events. This eye-catching glossy hairstyle is a very successful copy, endowed with its own spirit.

Source

#34: Low Bun With Side Ringlets

Low bun hairstyles are always in demand, but this superb vintage look has an extra feminine flair thanks to the wave-styled bangs and 3 ringlets placed strategically above the ear on one side.

Source

#35: Vintage Curls With A Headband

Curly hairstyles with headbands pushed down on the forehead with a fabric flower on either side originate from the 20s. You can observe such looks in "The Great Gatsby" movie. It turns out they are quite easy to duplicate.

Source

#36: Thrilling Vintage Braided Hairstyle

The bangs of this fantastic hairstyle are pinned up like a pillbox hat and extended into a tight twist that settles just above the eye-popping loose braid. With a glossy finish as the final stroke this exceptional hairstyle turns into absolute perfection.

Source

#37: "Every-Hair-In-Place" Curl

Here is one of the most preferred vintage red carpet looks. These silky polished curls really look striking. The good news is you can shape them with a curling iron in a matter of minutes, not hours.

Source

#38: Golden Vintage

No other hairstyle will boost your sense of femininity as a vintage do. When you are rocking marvelous golden curls like these, you feel like a celebrity and a real Woman.

Source

#39: U-Shaped Victorious Rolls From The 40s

This is a simple and ingenious idea of an elegant vintage updo for medium length hair with a centre parting and rolled up locks, you can style with just a dozen of bobby pins and no previous weaving.

Source

#40: Enchanting Wedding Style With A Vintage Touch

This dazzling hairstyle is a fantastic choice for a bride with long hair, as it allows showing off the luxurious locks and has a very original, truly vintage solution for the main bridal hair accessory – the birdcage veil.

Source

Vintage hairstyles are recognizable from the curve of the curl, polished finishes, intricate twists and soft fluent lines. I'm sure you'll love rocking one of these once in a while, and I bet you'll remember that special feel, associated with vintage, you are going to experience.