MomSkoop
Fashion has a funny way of bringing the past back to life, and nowhere is this more obvious than in the world of hairstyles. From the glamorous waves of old Hollywood to the bold mullets of the eighties, vintage looks are popping up everywhere—on runways, red carpets, and even in everyday salons.
These classic styles have been updated with modern twists, making them fresh and wearable for today. Whether you want elegance or edge, these throwback hairstyles prove that everything old can be new again.
1. Finger Waves (1920s)
Picture the glitz and glamour of a Jazz Age party, where flappers danced the night away with perfectly sculpted hair.
Finger waves are those gorgeous S-shaped curves that hug the head, creating a sleek and polished appearance.
This iconic twenties style requires patience and styling gel to shape each wave by hand.
Today, celebrities love wearing finger waves to award shows and fancy events because they scream elegance.
Modern stylists have made the technique easier with updated products and tools.
The look works beautifully on short to medium-length hair and adds instant vintage sophistication to any outfit.
2. Victory Rolls (1940s)
During World War II, women rolled their hair up high and proud, creating a look that symbolized strength and femininity.
Victory rolls feature sections of hair rolled into voluminous tubes that frame the face on one or both sides.
The name came from the victory rolls that fighter pilots performed in the sky.
These dramatic rolls have found new life in rockabilly culture and vintage-inspired fashion scenes.
You can wear them with loose curls, ponytails, or updos for different vibes.
While they look complicated, plenty of tutorials make learning this statement style easier than ever before.
3. The Beehive (1960s)
When you think of the sixties, you might imagine go-go boots, mod dresses, and sky-high hair that defied gravity.
The beehive gets its name from its rounded, cone-like shape that sits high on the crown.
Creating this look involves serious teasing, backcombing, and lots of hairspray to build impressive height.
Icons like Audrey Hepburn and Amy Winehouse made this towering style unforgettable.
Modern versions tone down the extreme height but keep that signature lifted silhouette.
Brides and prom-goers still choose updated beehives for formal occasions when they want drama and elegance combined.
4. The Shag Cut (1970s)
Rock stars in the seventies knew that messy, layered hair with tons of movement was the ultimate cool-girl look.
The shag features choppy layers throughout, creating texture and an intentionally undone vibe.
Originally popularized by icons like Jane Fonda and David Bowie, this cut screamed rebellion and freedom.
Today’s shags are softer and more wearable, with face-framing pieces that flatter different face shapes.
Stylists love how versatile this cut is—it works on straight, wavy, or curly hair.
The best part is that shags look great even when you roll out of bed, making them perfect for low-maintenance lifestyles.
5. The Modern Mullet (1980s)
Business in the front, party in the back—this infamous eighties motto described one of the most controversial hairstyles ever.
The mullet features short hair around the face and sides while keeping length in the back.
Once considered a fashion disaster, this daring cut has been completely reimagined with softer shapes.
Modern mullets blend the lengths more smoothly and work for all genders, becoming surprisingly fashion-forward.
Celebrities and influencers have embraced this once-mocked style, proving that confidence makes any look work.
The updated version feels edgy without being over-the-top, perfect for anyone wanting to make a bold statement.
6. Curtain Bangs (1960s–70s)
Remember those groovy bangs that parted perfectly down the middle and swept gracefully to each side?
Curtain bangs frame the face like, well, curtains, creating a soft and flattering look that suits almost everyone.
This style dominated the sixties and seventies, worn by everyone from Brigitte Bardot to Farrah Fawcett.
Unlike blunt bangs, curtain bangs are longer at the sides and blend seamlessly into the rest of your hair.
They add instant movement and dimension while being easier to grow out than traditional bangs.
Social media has exploded with curtain bang transformations, making them one of the most requested styles in salons today.
7. The Bouffant (1960s)
First ladies and movie stars in the sixties loved piling their hair high on top while keeping the sides sleek and smooth.
The bouffant creates dramatic volume at the crown through teasing and strategic pinning.
Jackie Kennedy made this elegant style a symbol of grace and sophistication during her White House years.
Unlike the beehive, the bouffant spreads volume more horizontally across the top of the head.
Contemporary versions skip the stiff, lacquered finish for softer, more natural-looking lift.
This style works wonderfully for adding height to fine or flat hair while maintaining a polished, refined appearance for special events.
8. Old Hollywood Glam Waves (1930s–50s)
Silver screen sirens like Veronica Lake and Rita Hayworth made waves that looked like liquid silk flowing over their shoulders.
These deep, uniform waves feature consistent S-curves with incredible shine that catches the light beautifully.
Creating this timeless look requires setting hair in pin curls or using a large-barrel curling iron with precision.
The key is brushing out the curls and molding them into smooth, connected waves rather than separate ringlets.
Red carpet events constantly feature modern takes on this glamorous style because it photographs so stunningly.
When you want to feel like a movie star from Hollywood’s golden age, these glossy waves deliver pure elegance.