Remember when hairstyles were bold, daring, and full of personality? Those vintage looks from decades past didn’t just frame faces – they defined entire eras! As your friendly neighborhood hair magician, I’ve seen trends come and go, but some classics deserve another moment in the spotlight. Here are 19 throwback styles that should make a grand comeback.
1. The Beehive Bouffant
Honey, nothing says ‘I mean business’ like adding six inches of height to your head! The 1960s beehive turned ordinary women into queens.
Though it required enough hairspray to deplete the ozone layer, the dramatic silhouette was worth every can. I’ve seen modern versions that use less product but keep all the attitude.
2. Farrah Fawcett Feathered Flip
Whoever said hair couldn’t have wings never met Farrah’s iconic 1970s feathered masterpiece! Those perfectly layered strands falling away from the face created movement that hypnotized a generation.
My clients still bring in that famous red swimsuit poster, whispering, ‘Can you make my hair do that?’ With the right layering technique, absolutely!
3. The Pompadour
The pompadour screamed rebellion while looking impossibly cool. High in the front and slick on the sides, this style commanded respect wherever it went.
While modern versions use less grease, the attitude remains unchanged. I’ve crafted contemporary pomps that turn heads without requiring a comb in your back pocket.
4. The Rachel
Ah, the haircut that launched a thousand salon requests! This layered masterpiece became the 90s’ most coveted style, with face-framing layers that moved like poetry.
Though some admitted struggling to style it, millions disagreed. Whenever I create a modern Rachel, clients practically skip out of my chair!
5. Victory Rolls
If hairstyles could talk, victory rolls would tell tales of resilience during wartime. These 1940s front-rolled loops became symbols of feminine strength when women entered the workforce.
Unlike today’s 15-minute styles, victory rolls required patience and skill. However, I’ve taught quick modern versions that retain all the vintage glamour without the hour-long commitment.
6. The Pixie Cut
When celebrities chopped their locks, they proved short hair could be utterly feminine. The pixie revolutionized women’s relationship with length, prioritizing facial features over curtains of hair.
Though never completely disappeared, today’s pixies lack the daring of their predecessors. I adore crafting pixies that reveal a woman’s eyes, cheekbones, and confidence.
7. The Shag
If rebellion had a hairstyle, it would be the shag! Those choppy layers and textured ends screamed rock and roll from the 1970s onward.
Celebrities made it iconic, while modern rockers keep flirting with variations. When clients want something effortlessly cool, my scissors naturally start creating those perfect disconnected layers.
8. Finger Waves
Before curling irons, there were skilled fingers sculpting wet hair into precise S-shaped waves. This 1920s technique transformed straight hair into architectural masterpieces that defined the flapper era.
Though labor-intensive, nothing matches their elegant precision. I’ve spent years perfecting this technique, creating modern finger waves for red carpets and vintage-themed weddings.
9. The Mullet
Business in front, party in back! Despite its controversial reputation, the mullet boldly declares individuality like no other cut.
From hockey players to rock stars, this versatile style offered the best of both worlds. While modern mullets are making cautious comebacks, I’m advocating for the full-throttle version – dramatic length discrepancy and all!
10. Curtain Bangs
They were made famous in the 60s, and for good reason! These face-framing, center-parted bangs create instant cheekbones while maintaining styling versatility.
Unlike blunt bangs, curtain bangs work with your face instead of covering it. My clients are often shocked at how this simple fringe change completely transforms their appearance without sacrificing length.
11. The Flipped Bob
This 1960s sensation featured ends curled outward rather than under.
Though requiring hot rollers and skilled brushwork, the playful flip transformed conservative cuts into statements. My modern versions use lighter products but maintain that perky, optimistic bounce that defined an era.
12. The Gibson Girl Updo
Before Instagram, there were Gibson Girls – the first American beauty standard with their impossibly voluminous updos piled high atop their heads.
These turn-of-the-century styles combined sophistication with an illusion of casual effortlessness. Though requiring hair rats (padding) and serious pinning skills, I’ve created simplified versions that capture that perfect pompadour front with modern techniques.
13. The Pageboy
Smooth, sleek, and curved under – the pageboy brought geometric precision to women’s hair in the 1950s. Its shoulder-length perfection required sleeping in rollers, but created an immaculate silhouette.
When clients want something sophisticated yet practical, my version adds invisible layers for movement while maintaining that classic shape.
14. Marcel Waves
Before electricity, there were heated metal tongs creating deep, rhythmic waves across women’s heads. Marcel waves transformed ordinary hair into oceans of symmetrical ripples during the Art Deco era.
Though requiring serious thermal commitment, nothing matches their structured elegance. I’ve mastered creating these without excessive heat damage, bringing this forgotten technique to special occasions.
15. The Ducktail
While the ladies had bouffants, rebellious 1950s men sported the ducktail – slicked back on sides with a central part forming a “duck’s behind” at the nape.
This greaser style represented youth rebellion through hair pomade! Though requiring serious product commitment, modern variations use lighter formulations. My male clients love how this throwback instantly adds vintage swagger.
16. The Wedge Cut
The wedge perfect weight distribution created movement that swung with every turn of the head.
Unlike today’s disconnected short cuts, the wedge maintained precision throughout. My updated versions maintain that satisfying swing while incorporating modern texturizing techniques for easier home styling.
17. The Afro
When natural hair broke free from chemical straighteners in the 1960s-70s, the Afro emerged as both style statement and political declaration. This celebration of natural texture literally expanded beauty standards!
Though requiring careful moisture management, nothing compares to its volumetric glory. My modern approach focuses on healthy curl definition while maintaining that magnificent shape that turns heads.
18. Rockabilly Pin Curls
Those perfectly placed pin curls created the foundation for rockabilly glamour! Small sections of hair were wrapped, pinned, and set to create springy, resilient curls with serious staying power.
Though requiring overnight setting, the results lasted for days. My modern technique uses flexible holding products instead of sugar water (yes, that was a thing!), creating vintage curls that move naturally.
19. The Bowl Cut
From medieval times to The Beatles to 90s skater culture, the humble bowl cut repeatedly makes history! This perfectly rounded shape creates an instant graphic statement that frames the face.
Though requiring confidence to wear, nothing compares to its bold simplicity. My contemporary versions incorporate subtle texturing and asymmetry while maintaining that instantly recognizable silhouette that never truly disappears.