Hair trends are like a carousel, constantly spinning between the old and the new. What our grandparents rocked in their youth is finding its way back to salon chairs everywhere. I’ve been cutting and styling for over 20 years, and trust me, the boomer generation had some seriously fabulous hair moments that deserve their comeback tour!
1. The Beehive Bubble
Honey, the towering beehive isn’t just for the history books anymore! I’ve seen this structured style making waves at weddings and galas lately.
Though we’re using less hairspray than our grandmothers did (thank goodness for our ozone layer), the dramatic height and polished look still turn heads everywhere.
2. Feathered Farrah Flip
Whenever clients bring in those vintage Farrah Fawcett references, my styling fingers start tingling with excitement! The bouncy, feathered layers framing the face create instant glamour.
Unlike the stiff versions from yesteryear, today’s take incorporates more movement and less product, making it wearable for everyday goddess moments.
3. The Shaggy Mullet
Well, well, well… look who’s back and cooler than ever! The mullet has shed its trailer park reputation and transformed into the edgy style choice for fashion-forward folks.
Where once we whispered “business in front, party in back,” now we proudly proclaim it as the ultimate statement in gender-fluid hair freedom.
4. Curtain Bangs Comeback
If you’d told me five years ago that I’d be cutting curtain bangs by the dozen each week, I’d have laughed my scissors right off! Yet here we are.
These face-framing, center-parted wisps have evolved from their 70s origins. Now they blend seamlessly with layers, creating that effortlessly chic vibe everyone’s after these days.
5. The Flipped Bob
Heavens to Betsy! The flipped bob has swung back into my salon with gusto. Those perfectly curved ends that flip outward just below the chin? Pure retro magic.
Though we’ve traded hot rollers for flat irons to achieve the flip, the effect remains delightfully nostalgic while feeling surprisingly fresh on modern faces.
6. The Voluminous Pageboy
Heavens, how the pageboy has evolved! This sleek, rounded style with its signature curved under ends has matured like fine wine.
Where once it sat primly at jawline level, today’s version often falls to the shoulders. I adore how we’ve maintained that gorgeous curve while adding modern texture and movement.
7. The Pixie Revolution
Short hair, don’t care! The pixie cut never truly vanished, but its current renaissance brings textures and asymmetry our boomer clients could only dream about.
Instead of the uniform, close-cropped look, we’re now playing with longer tops, undercuts, and dimensional color. Who says rebellion can’t be comfortable and low-maintenance?
8. Bubble Ponytails
While pulling a client’s hair into these delightful segmented ponytails, I often chuckle thinking about how my grandmother would recognize them instantly! The technique hasn’t changed much since the 60s.
However, today we’re adding more texture between the “bubbles” and often incorporating braids or accessories for extra personality.
9. The Afro Renaissance
Nothing makes my heart sing like seeing natural texture celebrated! The Afro’s triumphant return isn’t just about style—it’s a powerful reclamation of identity and heritage.
Unlike the perfectly rounded shapes of the 70s, today’s Afros embrace natural variations in curl pattern and often feature tapered sides or creative shape-shifting.
10. The Shag Resurrection
Holy chopsticks, the shag is everywhere! This rebellious cut with its heavily layered, rock-and-roll attitude has stormed back into fashion with a vengeance.
While maintaining those signature choppy layers and textured ends, modern shags incorporate curtain bangs and work beautifully on all hair types. The versatility is simply mind-blowing!
11. Flipped Wing Tips
Grab your winged eyeliner and get ready to match it with those flipped ends! This sassy style where just the very tips curl outward is having a major moment.
Rather than the stiff, shellacked look of the 60s, we’re creating softer flips with more movement. It’s giving retro secretary realness with a contemporary twist!
12. The Bouffant Boost
When clients ask for “a little extra oomph” at the crown, I know exactly what they’re after! That delicious height at the top of the head is pure 60s elegance.
Today’s bouffant is more wearable—less extreme height and more natural texture. Though I still tease the roots (shh, don’t tell the hair health police), I finish with flexible-hold products.
13. The Chelsea Cut
Punk never dies—it just gets reinvented! The Chelsea cut with its short crown and longer fringe is making waves among the brave and bold.
Unlike its rebellious origins, today’s version often incorporates softer edges and even color gradients. I’ve done more of these edgy transformations in the past year than the previous decade combined!
14. The Flip and Curl Combo
Remember those perfect curls that flipped up at the ends? They’re back, darling, but with a relaxed attitude adjustment!
Instead of the uniform, roller-set precision our mothers slaved over, we’re creating lived-in texture with strategic curling iron placement. The result? Vintage silhouette meets modern-day ease.
15. The Geometric Bob
Straight lines and sharp angles aren’t just for architecture! The precision-cut geometric bob from the mod era is slicing its way back into fashion.
Though we’re keeping those satisfyingly clean lines and dramatic shapes, modern techniques allow for more movement and customization. Nothing frames a face quite like these bold, artistic statements!
16. The Bombshell Blowout
Voluptuous volume never truly goes out of style! Those full-bodied, bouncy blowouts that defined the late 60s and 70s are heating up styling chairs everywhere.
However, we’ve traded stiff setting lotions for heat protectants and volumizing mousses. My round brush gets quite the workout creating these luxurious waves that move naturally while maintaining that coveted body.