Retro female hairstyles have been around for decades. When you think about it, the style has had more than enough time to evolve into various permutations and combinations. We see new takes on retro hairstyles all the time – that is, of course, if we’re looking in the right places. One very good place to look is at some of your favorite musicians’ styles over the past few decades. Many of these ladies have downright rocked the retro look.
Many of the iconic looks have been replicated for this generation, often to extreme lengths. From the classic Marilyn Monroe waves to the modern-day side bun, these hairstyles are adored and copied by many women around the globe. This is why we’ve compiled a list of the best retro hairstyles that you can play with this season.
Modern-day women are constantly in search of statement-making hairstyles, which is why they often go to extremes to get hold of such looks – especially when it comes to retro styles and their prints. There’s something very appealing about these hairstyles and we can’t seem to stop talking about it.
Let’s take a walk down memory lane as we take a look at the retro female hairstyles that rock:
- Classic Marilyn Monroe Waves
- Side Bun
- Retro Bangs
- The Librarian Look
- The 50s ‘Doll’ Look
- The Classic Low Ponytail
The Classic Marilyn Monroe Waves
The classic Marilyn Monroe waves was very popular in the 50s. Even today, this hairstyle is adored by many women – especially those who are looking for that perfect ’50s inspired look. Wavy hair is big news this season and you’re sure to turn heads with your gorgeous locks.
The classic look of Marilyn Monroe is replicated by many celebrities, with Katy Perry as one of those who sported it best. She wore her hair in a voluminous wave that was pinned back on either side of her head in order to achieve the look.
Back in the days when Marilyn was still around, this look would have been paired with red lips and pale foundation. So, if you want to get the look, you will need hair that is at least shoulder-length can be best paired with a medium-sized barrel curling iron. Also, you need to add a few drops of red lipstick on your pout and dust some powder on your face.
Side Bun
Side bun hairstyles are a unique and timeless option for female retro hairstyles. The side buns look classy and chic at any hour of the day and can be perfect with a variety of outfits. Side buns have been used by generations to achieve quick hairdo solutions, but there is nothing “old school” about them now.
Side buns were worn mostly by those who had long hair, but now anyone can use this retro hairstyle option. It became quite popular during the 1940s and 1950s among movie stars such as Ava Gardner and Rita Hayworth.
Actresses today still love to sport side buns at many red carpet events, including Saoirse Ronan and Emma Stone.
Many women who love prim and proper hairstyles incorporate a side bun in their collection of retro hairstyles. To achieve a thick and full look, hair should be parted down the middle and styled to create a long braid that is secured on one side.
However, for women with naturally thick hair, or women who want to add volume, braiding the hair before securing it into a bun will help.
Women should use their fingers and comb through each side of the braid to create a smooth and sleek appearance. To add an extra layer of polish, hairspray should be added after styling is done.
Side bun hairstyles are versatile for women of all ages. If you’re looking for retro hairstyles that are easy to handle, consider the classic (and classy) option of side buns.
Retro Bangs
Retro bangs became popular as a hairstyle for women of the 1950s, but the style has been relevant ever since. One of the female retro hairstyles that have been used by generations, there are infinite ways to rock them.
Retro bangs were originally popular with women who wanted a “soft” look – a look where their bangs swept over one eye and fell over the rest of their hair. While this was a popular option in decades past, modern-day women often switch up where they part the hair to achieve their desired look.
Retro bangs are a popular option for women who want a unique look that is sophisticated and mature. Retro bangs are long, straight, or wavy pieces of hair that fall across a woman’s forehead. These fringe pieces add both style and an element of mystery to any female retro hairstyle.
Retro bangs can be very high-maintenance but their elegance and sophistication is well worth it for some women. Bangs can be styled in different ways to add volume or height, but the most classic and retro way to style them is with a side part.
Women should brush and comb their bangs down and part them on one side of the head. Retro bangs look best when they’re brushed back and to the side, creating a smooth and glamorous look.
If you’re comfortable wearing your hair down, retro bangs are an excellent option for any hairstyle. They can be worn with updos as well, but they may interrupt the silhouette of some retro hairstyles. To get the most out of your new retro bangs, consider incorporating them into all styles of retro hairstyles.
The Librarian Look
The librarian look was first popularized in the 1940s and 1950s. At the time, it was a popular look for both young adult women and older housewives – many of whom were not “professional” women.
However, there is nothing childish or unprofessional about retro hairstyles with glasses now. Any woman can wear librarian-inspired looks today to create a professional and mature appearance.
Retro hairstyles with glasses are a great choice for women who want a fun and classy style that is both retro and empowering. They can be worn during the day or the evening, depending on how they’re styled.
To achieve this look, retro hairstyles with glasses should be parted down the middle and brushed back. Long bangs can also be added for an extra style boost, but should not cover the eyes or the bridge of the nose.
Women who want to achieve this look should invest in a high-quality pair of retro eyeglasses – preferably cat eye-shaped.
The 50s ‘Doll’ Look
The 50s ‘Doll’ Look became popular in the 1950s with teenaged high school girls. It was a cute and fun way to style hair, but it had nothing on the amazing retro hairstyles of today. This look is still used by many women who want a youthful yet stylish hairstyle that they can wear anywhere.
To achieve this look, hair should be worn down in long, loose waves. Hair can be parted in the center or on the side depending on your preference. To add height and volume to this style, women should tease their hair at the crown of their heads before they begin to brush it out.
Women who are comfortable wearing their hair down with retro hairstyles will love the 50s ‘Doll’ Look. This hairstyle is easy to achieve and maintain, but will still make a fashion-forward statement whenever it’s worn.
The Classic Low Ponytail
The classic low ponytail gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s, but it’s just as popular now as it was then. Women of all ages love this look because it’s fun, youthful, and very easy to style.
The classic low ponytail has been around for decades, but it has never gone out of style. It can be worn by women of all ages and with virtually any retro hairstyle imaginable. To get the classic look, hair should be pulled straight back into a low ponytail that sits just above the nape of the neck.
To add extra volume to this style, hair should be teased first at the crown. It should then be tied up tightly before the hair is wrapped around the base of the ponytail. Hair that is worn straight back forms a curved silhouette that adds volume without adding too much height or length to an existing retro hairstyle.
Women who are wearing their hair down with retro hairstyles may want to consider switching to a ponytail. This look can be worn during the day or for formal events and is appropriate for women of all ages. A modern twist on this classic look is to wear it with extra volume and height, creating a sleek silhouette that is ideal for short hair.
In this article, we’ve covered a range of retro hairstyles from the past that are still popular today. From bobs to beehives and everything in between, these iconic styles have continued on as fashion mainstays for decades. In many cases, they’re considered timeless because their versatility is unmatched. These looks will never go out of style – no matter what decade you happen to live in.
So if you’re bored with your current hairstyle or just want something new for spring break, take some time to explore our list of favorite retro female hairstyles! We guarantee there’s at least one look here that will make coming up with an idea significantly easier.
