25 Classic Vintage Hairstyles For Women
Everything old becomes new again in the world of beauty and fashion.
Vintage hairstyles have made a spectacular comeback, offering timeless elegance with a touch of nostalgia.
These classic styles have endured for good reason—they combine sophistication with femininity in ways modern cuts often miss.
From the roaring twenties to the swinging sixties, each era brought distinctive looks that continue to inspire.
Ready to add some retro glamour to your look? Here are 25 vintage hairstyles that will transform you into a classic beauty from any decade!
1: Victory Rolls
Channel 1940s glamour with this iconic style featuring large, voluminous rolls at the front or sides of your head.
You’ll make a dramatic statement with these structured curls that symbolized hope and triumph during WWII.
Creating victory rolls requires some practice but delivers major impact.
Start by sectioning front hair, backcombing for volume, rolling outward, and securing with pins for this quintessential vintage look.
2: Finger Waves
Embrace 1920s sophistication with these sleek, S-shaped waves molded close to the scalp.
You’ll achieve ultimate flapper elegance with this structured style that defined the Jazz Age.
Create this look on damp hair using a fine-tooth comb and styling product.
The precise technique creates a sculptural, glossy finish that looks particularly striking on shorter cuts.
3: The Bob with Pin Curls
Combine two classic elements with this 1920s-inspired cut featuring tightly wound curls.
You’ll love how this versatile style works on various hair lengths while maintaining authentic vintage appeal.
The precision-placed pin curls add texture and movement to the structured bob shape.
This adaptable style works beautifully for special occasions or can be softened for everyday wear.
4: Gibson Girl Up-do
Transport yourself to the turn of the 20th century with this elegant, voluminous style.
You’ll achieve timeless sophistication with this pompadour-inspired updo that symbolized the ideal of feminine beauty.
The dramatic height at the crown creates a striking silhouette that elongates your neck.
This romantic style works wonderfully for formal events when you want to make a memorable impression.
5: Rockabilly Pompadour
Add edge to vintage style with this 1950s-inspired look featuring dramatic height at the front.
You’ll turn heads with this bold style that combines rebellious attitude with retro glamour.
The contrast between the voluminous front and sleeker sides creates a striking profile.
This statement-making style pairs perfectly with victory rolls or pin curls in the back for authentic rockabilly flair.
6: Marilyn Monroe Curls
Channel your inner bombshell with these soft, voluminous platinum curls. The side part and face-framing shape flatter virtually all face shapes.
You’ll capture that iconic 1950s glamour with this feminine style featuring bouncy, inward-directed curls.
This timeless look maintains its appeal decades later—proof that some styles never truly go out of fashion.
7: The Beehive
Create dramatic height with this 1960s statement style featuring a conical shape.
You’ll make an unforgettable impression with this structured up-do that epitomized mid-century sophistication.
The impressive height elongates your silhouette while the smooth exterior creates a polished appearance.
This bold style requires substantial backcombing and hairspray but delivers major impact.
8: The Pageboy
Embrace 1940s elegance with this shoulder-length cut featuring distinctively rolled-under ends. The smooth, curved line creates a polished, finished look.
You’ll love how this sophisticated style creates a sleek silhouette while framing your face beautifully.
This versatile style transitions easily from professional settings to evening events with timeless appeal.
9: Rita Hayworth Waves
Channel Old Hollywood glamour with these deep-set, soft waves that epitomize 1940s sophistication.
You’ll capture silver screen elegance with this romantic style featuring a side part and cascading movement.
The face-framing waves highlight your features beautifully while the length offers versatility. This timeless look requires some effort but delivers undeniable star quality.
10: The Poodle Cut
Embrace 1950s charm with this short, tightly curled style that revolutionized women’s hair. The voluminous curls create a soft frame around your face.
You’ll appreciate the playful sophistication of this practical yet feminine cut pioneered by stars like Lucille Ball.
This distinctive style symbolized the perfect balance between proper femininity and modern practicality in post-war America.
11: The Farrah Flip
Capture 1970s glamour with this feathered style featuring distinctive outward-curling ends.
You’ll achieve that quintessential Charlie’s Angels volume with layers that frame your face in soft wings.
The feathered technique creates natural movement throughout the style.
This iconic look revolutionized women’s hair in the seventies and continues to inspire with its effortless glamour.
12: 1940s Bandana Up-do
Combine practicality with vintage charm using this WWII-era style featuring hair wrapped around a colorful scarf.
You’ll appreciate both the historical significance and modern convenience of this adaptable look.
The bandana adds instant vintage flair while concealing any styling challenges.
This versatile option works beautifully for casual outings or themed events with authentic period style.
13: The Bouffant
Create impressive volume with this 1960s style featuring height at the crown and softly curled ends.
You’ll achieve elegant drama with this structured style favored by fashion icons and First Ladies alike.
The controlled volume creates a sophisticated silhouette without the extreme height of a beehive.
This versatile style works beautifully for special occasions when you want polished glamour.
14: Gibson Tuck
Showcase elegant simplicity with this low-maintenance Edwardian style. The rolled tucked style creates a neat, tidy appearance perfect for various occasions.
You’ll love how this practical up-do creates a polished look with minimal tools or experience required.
This adaptable technique works on different hair lengths and offers authentic vintage appeal.
15: Veronica Lake Waves
Make a dramatic statement with these glamorous, cascading waves that defined 1940s allure.
You’ll capture silver screen magic with this face-partially-covered style featuring deep side part and cascading movement.
The dramatic sweep creates mystery while highlighting your features on the visible side.
This iconic look requires some practice but delivers undeniable Old Hollywood sophistication.
16: The Flipped Bob
Embrace 1960s mod style with this geometric cut featuring distinctive upturned ends.
You’ll achieve retro chic with this structured style that symbolized the decade’s youthful revolution.
The precise shape creates a graphic statement that frames your face beautifully. This architectural style works particularly well on straight hair for maximum impact.
17: Betty Grable Up-do
Add playful femininity with this 1940s-inspired style featuring rolled sections and height at the crown.
You’ll capture wartime glamour with this practical yet beautiful style that worked for everyday and special occasions.
The structured rolls create visual interest while keeping hair neat and controlled. This versatile style offers authentic vintage appeal with surprising ease of creation.
18: The Pixie Cut
Channel 1960s revolutionary chic with this ultra-short cut that challenged traditional notions of femininity.
You’ll make a bold statement with this practical style pioneered by icons like Twiggy and Mia Farrow.
The cropped length highlights your facial features beautifully. This groundbreaking style continues to symbolize confidence and modernity despite its vintage origins.
19: Psychedelic Hairband Style
Embrace 1960s flower power with this long, straight style featuring a statement hairband.
You’ll capture hippie-era authenticity with this simple yet iconic look that defined counterculture fashion.
The center part and sleek texture create the perfect canvas for colorful accessories.
This low-maintenance style offers instant vintage recognition with minimal styling required.
20: The Audrey Hepburn Up-do
Create timeless elegance with this sleek style featuring height at the crown and neatly gathered back section.
You’ll achieve sophisticated simplicity with this iconic look that epitomizes 1950s refinement.
The clean lines and minimal fuss create a polished appearance suitable for various occasions.
This adaptable style works with different hair lengths and offers undeniable star quality.
21: Dorothy Dandridge Curls
Channel 1950s sophistication with these perfectly defined, glossy curls.
You’ll capture golden-age glamour with this elegant style featuring precise, uniform curls and immaculate shaping.
The structured pattern creates a refined, elegant appearance. This timeless style continues to inspire with its combination of control and softness.
22: The French Pleat
Embrace timeless sophistication with this sleek updo that transitions beautifully between decades.
You’ll achieve instant elegance with this versatile style that works for virtually any formal occasion.
The smooth exterior creates a polished, refined appearance while the vertical structure elongates your neck.
This classic style has remained consistently fashionable throughout multiple eras.
23: 1920s Marcel Waves
Transport yourself to the Jazz Age with these distinctive, uniform waves created with heated tools.
You’ll achieve authentic flapper style with this structured technique that defined the decade’s revolutionary beauty standards.
The precise, rhythmic pattern creates a sculptural effect that frames your face beautifully.
This striking style makes a statement while celebrating an era of unprecedented female liberation.
24: Jackie Kennedy Bob
Channel 1960s sophistication with this structured, voluminous style featuring immaculate curves and movement.
You’ll capture First Lady elegance with this polished look that symbolized American refinement.
The controlled volume creates a perfectly balanced silhouette that frames your face.
This timeless style combines practicality with undeniable polish for enduring appeal.
25: The Rachel Haircut
Embrace 1990s nostalgia with this layered, face-framing cut that created a global sensation.
You’ll capture the decade’s most influential style with this flattering look featuring distinctive choppy layers and highlights.
The strategic face-framing creates a universally flattering effect. This iconic style has officially entered vintage territory while maintaining its modern wearability.
Conclusion
Whether you’re attending a themed event or simply love vintage aesthetics, these timeless styles offer endless inspiration.
Choose your era, grab your styling tools, and transport yourself to a more glamorous time!
