Whether they’re from the 20s, the 60s, or any decade in between, vintage hairstyles for women definitely have a charm of their own.
Adored by women around the world for their feminine glow, retro hairstyle trends will never go out of style.
We’ve done the research for you and picked some of the most representative and glamorous vintage hairstyles to flatter your style.
Choose your favorite retro hairstyle below!
1. Vintage Pin-Up Hairstyles for Women with Long Hair
The longer your locks are, the more pin-up hairstyles you can have fun trying out.
One way you can accentuate your length while styling your hair creatively is through a half up half down. Don’t forget the curls to get that vintage glam.
2. Vintage 1920s Hairstyles for Women
We’ll be exploring a few decade-specific vintage hairstyles, beginning with the iconic trends of the 1920s.
The Roaring Twenties was a time of energy, glamour, and cultural change, and that spirit showed up clearly in fashion and beauty. Hairstyles became bolder, and showy accessories weren’t just popular, they were essential for completing the look.
3. Soft Curls Vintage Hairstyles
Many vintage hairstyles are built around soft, flowing curls that feel effortless and romantic.
No matter your hair length, you can create a retro-inspired look by gently curling your strands. The key is to skip tight ringlets and instead go for delicate, easygoing waves that look natural and timeless.
4. Retro 1930s Hairstyles for Women
Margaret Sullavan is a wonderful example of how chic hairstyles were in the 1930s. Although haircuts were generally maintained on the short side, they sparkled with femininity through graceful waves or curls.
5. Vintage Hairstyles for Women with Short Hair
You don’t require waist-length hair to benefit from vintage hairstyles. In fact, if you’re looking for a hairstyle inspired by the first half of the 20th century, having short hair is an advantage.
It’s all in the charming waves and fabulous accessories!
6. Bandana Vintage Hairstyles for Women
When it comes to pin-up style, this is one iconic hairstyle you can’t ignore.
Thanks to Rosie the Riveter and the unforgettable “We Can Do It!” campaign, paisley bandanas became more than just an accessory; they turned into a household staple and a symbol of bold, vintage confidence.
7. Retro 1940s Hairstyles for Women
To represent the vintage hairstyles of the 1940s, we have no better example than the enchanting Marlene Dietrich.
As you can see, trends slowly turned into hairstyles with longer locks, mostly around shoulder-length. The curls remain.
8. Vintage Finger Waves Hairstyles for Women
One of the few hairstyles that will instantly make you think of “vintage” when you see them is finger waves.
Regardless of the length of your hair, you can look up tutorials for obtaining these sophisticated and highly elegant curls.
9. Vintage Hairstyles for Weddings
Weddings are arguably the most popular occasions for rocking vintage hairstyles.
If the bride has a vintage wedding dress, of course, she’ll want a hairstyle to match. Go for a sweeping updo that will also help you reveal your bridal jewellery.
10. Retro Faux Bob Hairstyles for Women
Just as bob haircuts are top trends today, they have been in style for decades. If you want a vintage hairstyle that won’t involve cutting your hair, you can style your strands in a faux bob.
After curling your hair, pin it underneath to make it seem shorter.
Check out these celebrity hair changes that you might want to try.
11. Side-Swept Vintage Hairstyles for Women
Half-up hairstyles are a perfect choice for recreating a classic pin-up look. They add volume, charm, and just the right touch of vintage flair.
At the same time, side-swept styles are equally iconic and instantly recognizable.
For an even more polished effect, combine both ideas with a classy half-up, side-swept hairstyle that brings the whole look together beautifully.
12. Victory Roll Hairstyles
When it comes to pin-up vintage hairstyles, victory rolls are an absolute must.
You can make them as subtle or dramatic as you like, usually starting with the section near your bangs.
Be sure to roll the hair inward, away from your face, and secure it tightly with pins so the style stays in place all day. That signature shape is what gives victory rolls their timeless charm.
13. Swirled Curls Hairstyles
Here’s another beautiful idea for vintage wedding hairstyles. You can pick a chignon as the foundation for the look and embellish the rest with swirling curls.
Ensure that you stock up on hairspray beforehand, you’ll be needing a lot!
14. Easy Vintage Hairstyles for Long Hair
If you’d rather keep things simple with vintage hairstyles, you can always lean on texture.
As you’ve probably noticed, most retro looks revolve around soft waves or curls. To make the style your own, try loosening them up into a slightly messy finish. It creates a bold, effortlessly sexy look that feels modern while still staying true to vintage charm.
15. Curly Half Up Vintage Hairstyles
Another way to sport a half-up vintage hairstyle is by emphasizing the lower part. If you are looking for a decent and simple way to style your hair, then this is for you.
Instead of focusing on the top half that’s tied up, you can accentuate the curls underneath to make the whole hairstyle shine.
We definitely recommend it for our long-haired gals.
16. Super Short Vintage Haircuts
One of the best things about vintage hairstyles is that they leave room for even the shortest haircuts.
For example, if you’ve recently done the Big Chop and you’re growing out your natural hair, you can still embrace a retro look by softly curling the ends. It’s a simple way to keep things short, classic, and stylish while your hair grows.
17. Vintage Hairstyles for Bob Haircuts
We’ve talked about creating the illusion of a shorter hairstyle with a faux bob, but what if you already have a bob haircut?
Your job is already halfway done! All you have to do afterwards is work your way to big, loose, and soft curls all around. This is a perfect summer vibe hairstyle. Try it out!
18. Pin Curl Hairstyles
Wondering how to achieve those picture-perfect swirled curls that show up in so many vintage hairstyles?
The secret is the pin curl technique. Just as the name suggests, pin curls are made by shaping small sections of hair into curls and securing them with pins until they set in place.
19. Side-Pinned Vintage Hairstyles
Another option is to fan your curls out and draw attention to the back of your hair for a more glamorous finish.
To recreate Scarlett Johansson’s look from the photo, simply take a section from one side, brush it smoothly, and pin it back. This adds a soft, elegant twist while keeping the style effortlessly vintage.
20. Retro Scarf Hairstyles
Want to add a simple yet effective retro touch to your look? Sometimes, all it takes is the right accessory.
In this case, a satin or silk scarf does the trick. Pick one with a cute pattern, drape it over your head, and tie it neatly below your chin for an instant vintage vibe.
Finish it off with classic vintage sunglasses for the perfect throwback look.
21. Retro Eton Crop Hairstyles for Women
Now this one is a true favorite for dedicated vintage lovers. The Eton Crop is a retro hairstyle named after the English boarding school that helped inspire the trend.
Also called the boyish bob or the shortest version of a bob haircut, the Eton Crop became especially popular in the mid-1920s, offering a bold, chic look that still feels stylish today.
22. Classy 50s Hairstyles for Long Hair
As we get closer to the middle of the 20th century, we can observe a significant increase in length among vintage hairstyles.
In the 50s, it already became popular for women to sport longer locks, especially if they were gracefully curled.
23. Vintage Hairstyles with Headbands
Let’s step back into the Flapper Era, a time when women fully embraced glamorous party style and weren’t afraid to stand out.
Fashion often included bold, eye-catching details, like feathered headbands and other eccentric accessories that added instant drama to any look.
24. Retro Bold Hairstyles for Women
A fun way to refresh vintage hairstyles today is by mixing them with modern details. For instance, you can take a classic pin-up style and make it pop with an adventurous hair color.
It doesn’t have to be the bright blue shown in the example, but the idea is to keep that same bold, playful spirit in mind.
25. Vintage Pompadour Hairstyles
The pompadour is one of those vintage hairstyles that looks amazing on both men and women.
With its unmistakable retro shine, it instantly adds volume, attitude, and a touch of edge. It’s especially flattering for women with smaller, heart-shaped faces, since it helps balance and frame the features beautifully.
26. Stacked Bob Vintage Hairstyles
If your base haircut is a stacked bob, you can easily obtain a retro hairstyle full of volume and charisma.
You just need to have some patience while curling all of your locks, separating them into medium-sized sections to tone down the curls.
27. 50s Hairstyles for Medium Length Hair
Medium hair possibly represents the best length for vintage hairstyles in general. You can curl your way to retro perfection, all while avoiding the notable length associated with most contemporary hairstyles.
Pins, hairspray, and curls are all you need.
28. Gibson Roll Hairstyles
Another elegant style with a beautiful vintage feel is the Gibson roll.
Popular during the Downton Abbey era, this look is created by rolling and tucking the hair at the nape of your neck. It’s a timeless option that works well on straight, wavy, or curly hair, making it both classic and versatile.
29. Hippie Hairstyles
Tap into your inner flower power spirit with a vintage hippy hairstyle. Out of all these retro looks, this one feels the most modern and wearable even today.
In most cases, all you need is a simple hippie headband worn across your forehead to capture that relaxed, free-spirited vibe.
30. Vintage Hairstyles with Big Accessories
Retro fashion was all about making a bold statement, whether through carefully styled curls or unforgettable accessories.
Something as simple as a large flower can instantly transform your hair into an eye-catching vintage look that feels playful and glamorous at the same time.
31. Vintage 60s Hairstyles
In the 1960s, Brigitte Bardot was one of the most attractive women in the industry. An authentic sex symbol of her time, the French beauty was also known for her half-up, teased, bouffant updos with curtain bangs.
32. Vintage Hairstyles with Hairpiece
In vintage fashion, hair accessories were just as important as jewelry. They weren’t an afterthought; they were part of the statement.
The good news is that you can give almost any wavy or curly hairstyle a retro feel simply by adding an elaborate hairpiece or a decorative pin for that instant vintage vibe.
33. Vintage Contour Curls
If you’re going for more of a Jessica Rabbit-inspired vintage look, contour curls are exactly what you need.
Keep most of your hair smooth and straight, then add large, loose waves around your face and at the ends. This creates a soft, glamorous frame that feels dramatic without being overdone.
34. Vintage Hairstyles with Ponytails
Ponytails have been around for ages and will most likely remain stylish for years to come. They’re a pretty and practical choice for comfortable hairstyles, regardless of the occasion.
To make yours a vintage-looking one, create a side part and then put your ponytail in place.
35. Old Hollywood Hairstyles
Just about anyone would agree that old Hollywood glamour is one of the most timeless expressions of femininity.
The key to achieving that look is shaping your hair into thick, wide, and soft curls with a smooth, wavy finish. Those luxurious waves are what create that classic red-carpet elegance.
36. Vintage Ombre Hair
Even though ombre hair is obviously a contemporary look, you can combine it with a vintage hairstyle to get the best of the past and present.
Owing to the curls that come with most retro hairstyles, the two colors in your hair will be effectively accentuated.
37. Vintage 50s Hairstyles Updos
Whenever you have a special event coming up, you can always count on an updo to help you look the part.
The bigger and more sweeping the style, the stronger the vintage-inspired effect will be. And of course, don’t forget that hairspray is your best friend for keeping everything perfectly in place.
38. Double Victory Rolls Vintage Hairstyles
One of the best things about victory rolls is how versatile they are. They don’t lock you into just one look.
You can wear a single roll for something subtle, or go for two if you want a more dramatic pin-up style. For double victory rolls, starting with a side part helps create a balanced, polished finish.
39. Beehive Hairstyles
If you want a hairstyle that channels Brigitte Bardot-level glamour, the beehive is the perfect choice.
It may not be a five-minute style, but the effort is worth it. With enough teasing and volume, you’ll end up with a look that’s truly spectacular and impossible to ignore.
40. Vintage Hairstyles with Chignon
Some vintage hairstyles look even better when combined for an extra touch of elegance. That’s exactly the case with pin curls and chignons, two retro classics that pair beautifully together.
Use the bottom half of your hair to create the chignon, then style the top section into swirled pin curls for a look that feels polished, romantic, and unmistakably vintage.
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41. Marilyn Monroe Hairstyles
It’s impossible to talk about iconic vintage hairstyles without mentioning Marilyn Monroe.
She became a true symbol of classic beauty, and her signature look is unforgettable: shoulder-length, platinum blonde curls that defined an entire era of glamour.
42. Asymmetrical Vintage Hairstyles
We’re back to a modern classic with the short asymmetrical bob.
The vintage influence comes through in the ultra-short bob shape, a style that was especially popular in the early decades of the 20th century.
Then the modern edge steps in with choppy, asymmetrical bangs, giving the look a fresh twist while still keeping that retro foundation.
43. Quiff Hairstyles for Women
If you have short hair, meet the cousin of the pompadour: the quiff.
This voluminous style is equal parts edgy and classy, featuring shorter hair lifted and swept toward the front and side. Best of all, you don’t need pins or complicated steps, just a bit of styling to create that bold retro shape.
44. Vintage Hairstyles with Bows
When it comes to vintage hair accessories, bows will always have an undeniable place in retro style.
Whether you’re wearing an updo, a half-up look, or something in between, bows instantly bring out the sweet, girly charm of a vintage hairstyle. Feel free to experiment with both small and oversized bows for different effects.
45. Retro Short Blunt Bob Hairstyles for Women
In the early decades of the 1900s, blunt bobs were the ultimate hair trend, especially when worn short.
To capture the look, keep your hair no longer than chin length. In fact, ear-length bobs work best for achieving that sharp, classic shape and a truly authentic vintage finish.
46. Vintage Pixie Cuts for Women
Just like Brigitte Bardot or Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn remains a true icon of her time.
In a decade when short hairstyles were considered to be boyish, Hepburn went against all odds with her famous pixie haircut.
47. Side Bun Vintage Hairstyles
If you have longer hair, you can turn a classic chignon or low updo into a side-swept style for a softer, more romantic effect.
To make it feel even more vintage, add a bold accessory on the opposite side of the bun. It’s a simple detail that instantly elevates the entire look.
48. Pastel Vintage Hairstyles for Women
We’ve mentioned bold, electric shades for modern-vintage hairstyles, but what about pastels?
Pastel tones can look just as striking when paired with a retro-inspired style. Soft pinks, lilacs, or blues add a fresh twist while still keeping that vintage charm.
And don’t forget to stay creative with accessories, they can make the look even more fun and unique.
49. Vintage Braids
Braids really started to rise in popularity after the 1950s, but they can still fit beautifully into a vintage-inspired look.
The trick is adding the right details. With a vintage accessory, even a simple braid can feel retro and polished.
For example, try tying the end with a silk ribbon and finishing it off with a sweet bow for an instantly classic touch.
50. Retro Wavy Updo Hairstyles for Women
Last but not least, a wavy updo is a beautiful way to show off your vintage style.
You don’t have to stick to a classic chignon or one specific shape. Instead, get creative and use your imagination to build a unique updo with soft, wavy texture on top for an elegant retro finish.
So, What Is Your Hair Motivation?
To sum up, vintage hairstyles will never narrow your options to just a handful of ideas.
Quite the contrary; you can select any iconic hairstyle from the last century for a fabulously vintage look.
When picking yours, consider the length of your hair and see if you’ll have to straighten or curl it.
Which vintage hairstyle will you slay with?
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Lorene Kendall is a professional hairdresser who has been around in the industry for quite some time. She has traveled to different countries and cities because of her undeniable passion for styling. Her creativity and eyes for fashion are what make her stand out the most. With her talent, she provides service that will beautifully translate what her clients want into actual art.
