The loose curls, gorgeous waves, beautiful tresses! The vintage hairstyles surely deserve mention. For women who love classic and sophisticated looks, vintage hairstyles have always been a dream. However, the world often runs with new fashion trends evolving; one can never let go of the good old looks that were jaw-dropping beauties for years.
I have wondered how those days, how these ladies perfectly styled their hair without any of these modern hair styling products. Not just that, a vintage hairstyle was a bit more complicated than the contemporary hairstyles we do today. The best thing about vintage hairstyles is that they can be styled in long, medium, or short hair lengths. Whether you have thick or thin hair with curls or not, a vintage hairstyle goes well with any hair type.
We personally always loved vintage hairstyles and looks and can never let go of them. If you are interested, let’s explore the famous and most popular vintage looks today!
20 Best Vintage Hairstyles for Women:
It is always good to look back to the old times from where we came from. Be it in memories or style. Check out these top 20 vintage hairstyles, along with images that are very dramatic yet modern. You can pick bob, waves, retro, bangs, and other of them to decorate yourself.
1. Vintage Curly Hairdo Female Hairstyle:
If you love vintage curly hairstyles, you can recreate this hairstyle makeover for women with medium hair length. The vintage hairstyle features side tied twisted braids with open hair tied to give it an elegant and charming look. The hairstyle is perfect for women with round and oval face shapes and can instantly elevate the entire appearance with ethnic wear and gowns.
2. Victorian Vintage Hair:
Who doesn’t love the good old Victorian dramas and the outfit ensembles? While we all admire the costumes and looks, we have similar Victorian vintage haircuts and hairstyle makeovers. Women with blonde hair dyed can try this lovely look for a sophisticated, charming and beautiful appearance. It exudes feminine hues and elegance.
3. Vintage Hairstyles for Long Hair:
If you have very long hair, this is a perfect choice for vintage haircuts for long hair. This vintage cut for ladies features recreating the famous portrait of Kaiserin Elisabeth, and undoubtedly, you can succeed in a seamless way if you love such dramatic looks.
4. Vintage French Hairstyles for Medium Hair:
Women with medium hair length can try this French vintage hairstyle makeover! Unlike the very English vintage hairstyles, this French-inspired hair makeover is all about recreating the normal women’s life back at the end of the 1790s. It is going to stay unique, special and incredibly beautiful. Those with oval and rectangular face shapes with curly tresses or wavy hair textures can try it out.
Read: Latest Medium Hairstyles for Women
5. Simple Vintage Hairstyles for Short Hair:
If you do not prefer to go overboard, you can also try out simple vintage hairstyles for women with short hair. This shoulder length short hair look features the classic wavy haircut with side fringes, exuding elegant feminine vibes. Women with any face shape and facial features can try this gorgeous and alluring hairstyle for an instant sophisticated makeover. What do you think?
6. Victory Rolls:
A classic example of the 1940s inspired hairstyle, Victory Roll’s styling is beautiful and simple. For this vintage twist hairstyle, you need hair to be slightly more than the jaw length, making it suitable for girls with medium to long hair. In this look section of hair is folded into rolls securely held by pins on both sides. Victory Roll’s hairstyle looks best on long faces.
- Best Suitable hair type: Wavy or straight hair with no tangles
- Suitable face type: Heart-shaped face or diamond face shape
- Suitable occasion: School or college occasions
- Preferred age: Teens
- Best season to wear: Winter and monsoon
- Suitable dress: Formal wear with a collared neck.
7. 50’s Pinned up Curled Hairstyle:
This is one of the oldest elegant hairstyles. Inspired by the late ’50s, the pinned-up curly hairstyle is a unique and stylish hairstyle one can try for any special occasion. The pinned-up curled hairstyle definitely gives a vintage look. Accessorizing the hair with bright bows and hair buns will enhance the look.
- The Suitable hair type: Wavy straight hair
- Best Suitable face type: Square face shape or rectangle face shape
- Suitable occasion: Any special occasions
- Preferred age: Girls, women of young age
- Best season to wear: Spring and fall
- Suitable dress: Any occasional wear
8. Marilyn Curls:
If you have short hair and want to try an elegant vintage hairdo, this style is best for you. To get the look, simply curl your hair in small sections. Clip and let it cool. Slowly brush back and smoothly roll the top section. This vintage hairstyle can accentuate all face shapes, especially if you have a small forehead.
- Best Suitable hair type: Wavy or curly hair
- Adaptable face type: Square face shape with a sharp chin
- Acceptable occasions: Party, weddings, engagements
- Preferred age: Women of all age groups, especially young women
- Best season to wear: Suitable for all seasons, preferably summer
- Suitable dress: Partywear
Read: Choppy Hairstyles
9. Asymmetric Bob:
This is one of the most popular vintage hairstyles for short hair that is a rage among modern women. The asymmetric bob hairstyle is inspired by the 1960s and is best for short to medium length hair. This hairstyle looks great on oval and long face shapes.
- Adaptable Suitable hair type: Silky smooth hair
- Best Suitable face type: Small face shape
- The Suitable occasion: Casual occasion
- Preferred age: Teens
- Best season to wear: Suitable for all seasons
- Suitable dress: Any casual dress, with or without sleeves
10. The Milk Maid Braid:
Yet another classy and feminine vintage hairstyle, the milkmaid braid, has passed the time test and emerged once again as a popular hairstyle choice by fashionistas. Inspired by the 1940s, this vintage braid hairstyle can bring out all face shapes and looks amazingly good if you have long, straight hair. The braided look in this style can be accessorized with flowers to make it more glam.
- Best Suitable hair type: Wavy or straight hair without any tangles
- Suitable face type: Round face shape with a sharp chin
- Suitable occasion: Weddings, birthday parties, engagements, bridesmaid
- Preferred age: Young women
- Best season to wear: Spring and fall
- Suitable dress: Partywear
11. Quick Quiff:
If your desire to look younger for your age, all you need to do is to try on this upswept hairdo style. This classic vintage hairstyle is easy and does not require elaborate settings. If you have naturally wavy hair, this updo hairstyle can make you look surprisingly 10 years younger. Quick Quiff vintage hairstyle for long hair can rock all face shapes.
- Which type of hair is suitable: Wavy or slightly curly hair
- Suitable face type: Oval or thin face shape
- Suitable occasion: Party, music shows, award nights
- Preferred age: Teens and younger women
- Best season to wear: Suitable for all seasons, especially spring and autumn
- Suitable dress: Any casual dress
Read: Barbie Hairstyles for Girls
12. Pompadour Hairstyle:
Inspired by 1940, the pompadour style is an example of a timeless up-style hairdo that is so feminine and gorgeous. Wear this vintage short hairstyle to feel and look like a celebrity without much ado. This vintage hairstyle looks best on long faces and thicker long hair.
- Preferred hair type: Silky straight hair
- Suitable face type: Slim face shape with sharp jaws and chin
- Suitable occasion: Suitable for any occasion, preferably casual occasion
- Preferred age: Women of age group 25-35yrs
- Best season to wear: Summer
- Suitable dress: Casual or party wear
13. Famous Veronica Lake Curls:
This vintage hairstyle has become extremely popular among stars and has been used time and over again for the red carpet hairstyle look. The soft curls in this Veronica Lake style can make you look glamorous effortlessly. The hairstyling looks best on long, thick hair and complements all face shapes.
- Suitable hair type: Wavy or curly hair
- Best Suitable face type: Oval-shaped face
- Suitable occasion: Nightwear, party wear
- Preferred age: Women of young age
- Best season to wear: Winter or monsoon
- Suitable dress: Gown, frocks, maxi dress
14. Soft Curls For Medium Hair:
This is another popular vintage hairstyle inspired by the 50s. The soft curl look in this hair styling is very versatile and looks good on medium to long hair. As the hair is rolled into soft curls, this style can make fine hair fuller. The length of the curls in this vintage hairstyle can be varied according to your wishes. This is one of the best vintage hairstyles with curls which is suitable for most girls.
- Adaptable hair type: Curly or wavy hair with slight curls on the end
- Best Suitable face type: Square face shape
- Suitable occasion: Photoshoots, party
- Preferred age: Teens and young women
- Best season to wear: Suitable for all seasons, preferably summer
- Suitable dress: Sleeveless casual or party wear
Read: Fringe Cut Hairstyles
15. Wrapped Up Twisted Bun For Wedding:
The classic vintage wedding hairstyle picture from the 1960s is here with this one. Add this to your bucket list, since you will love everything about this one. The bun is perfectly wrapped up, and it is a wise choice for your wedding hairstyle. What’s more is, if you have short hair, it will look good on you anyway. Now add a veil to the face and the hairstyle, and you will see where we are going with this. Gorgeous, isn’t it? The hairstyle can easily make any face shape look good, but in particular, oval-shaped people can shout out a hurrah since it won’t get better than theirs!
- The Suitable hair type: Wavy thick hair or curly hair
- Suitable face type: Small square-shaped face with a sharp chin
- Suitable occasion: Party, bridesmaid, wedding, engagement
- Preferred age: Women of age group 25-40yrs
- Best season to wear: Winter and monsoon
- Suitable dress: Monsoon wear or winter wear
16. Vintage Hairstyle:
The girl looks like Ariel from The Little Mermaid with the whole red headband and eyeliner. This vintage hairstyle for curly hair adds to the effect. Curling using rollers helps bring out the style featured here best. The upper section of the hair is parted towards the side. If you have thick hair that gets difficult to be tied up, this one is your easy pick if you want to go to a retro-themed party. Not only will it help bring out your features sharply, but it will also save you the hassle. In any case, focusing on your hair will get half your job at looking flawless done.
- Acceptable hair type: Curly hair
- Suitable face type: Thin oval face shape
- Suitable occasion: Party, birthday nights, wedding eves
- Preferred age: Women of young age
- Best season to wear: Suitable for all seasons and especially summer
- Suitable dress: Summer wear or any cold shoulder tops with jeans
17. Classy 1950’s:
For a vintage hairstyle to sport at weddings, this one you see here can be your easy pick. Well, even particularly so if your hair is curly. The cute hair clip is to die for if you choose a black dress along to go with it. Don’t forget your necklace and accessories and those are just what will complete your look for you. Dramatic look all by itself, this hairstyle is ideal for short hair women who are tired of the same old straight hair look. Just make sure you have your hair gel around to get you through the whole style in one go.
- The Suitable hair type: Slightly curly hair or wavy hair
- Suitable face type: Small face shape
- Suitable occasion: Night party, award shows or any special occasions
- Preferred age: Teens and young women
- Best season to wear: Summer and fall
- Suitable dress: Partywear
Read: Grunge Hairstyles for Every Hair Type
18. Rolled Up Vintage Hairstyle:
In case all you want to do is look mature enough for your age, you can do this celebrity hairstyle, and it will get your deal done without even trying too hard. The classic hairstyle that you see here is super easy and does not even need a lot of accessories. Just some spray to keep your hair in place and a roller to get those upper curls. Easy to make, it is ideal for short hair. The hairstyle will make you look surprisingly good and bring out the best in you. All face shapes will look in this one, although our personal pick is more of an oval face.
- Which type of hair is suitable: Straight thick hair with no tangles
- Suitable face type: Square face shape or rectangle-shaped face
- Suitable occasion: Any occasion, preferably a party, wedding, engagement,
- Preferred age: Girls and women of young age
- Best season to wear: Suitable for all seasons
- Suitable dress: Bridal wear, party wear or any occasional wear
19. Two Braid Hairstyle:
If the two ponytails you usually do has gotten people asking for more from you, this vintage hairstyle should be your next option to rock the show. Look at the perfection with which the woman in the picture pulls this look off. You need long hair without strands running out from everywhere. So in case your hair just runs big enough, give this one a try for good.
- Suitable hair type: Wavy hair without any tangles
- Suitable face type: Square face shape
- Acceptable occasion: Casual occasion
- Preferred age: Teen and young women
- Best Seasons to wear: Spring, autumn and summer
- Suitable dress: Any casual wear
20. Side Bang Vintage Hairstyle:
The first thing you notice is probably that hairpin isn’t it? That most certainly brings out the vintage look for good. The next thing you take a hint of is the beautiful straight yet wavy look, which was so popular in the 1980s.
- The Suitable hair type: Wavy straight hair
- Suitable face type: Heart-shaped face with a sharp chin
- Suitable occasion: Any occasion, preferably weddings, parties or special events
- Preferred age: Women of all age groups
- Best season to wear: Suitable for all seasons
- Suitable dress: Occasional wear
Read: Retro Hairstyles for Women
Style Tips on How to Maintain Vintage Hairstyle:
- Wash your hair properly with a good shampoo that doesn’t dry your hair. This helps to avoid greasiness from the hair. As a vintage hairstyle is basically of shoulder/neck length, the chances of getting oily hair are faster than long hair.
- Teasing is another great way to beautify with retro hairdo. Take the front corners of your hair, tease, twist and pin.
- Curling plays a vital role in recreating the vintage look. Use a 3 prong barrel curler on a 1“ wide wand to make loose curls. Also, make the waves in the same direction.
- Pinned curls are the other highlighting style of vintage hairdos. To pin the curls, work with little sections of hair at a time before going to bed. Curl your hair into a small twist and clip it in so that it lies flat. The next morning, when you wake up, remove the clips and gently brush the curls to get that perfect wavy retro look.
The Vintage hairstyles discussed here is ultra-feminine and outstandingly beautiful. Even being inspired by the early 40s and 50s, each vintage hairstyle has a modern twist and gives you an edge of confidence as you wear them. Each of these styles mentioned above has a different look. So, that was all about vintage hairstyles and the top 15 among them to choose from. We hope we made your job easier and saved you time and hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How to Know if a Vintage Hairstyle Looks Good on Me?
Ans: To know whether a vintage hairstyle suits you or not, check with a good hairstylist. Only a hairstylist can figure out the best style for you.
2. How Much Maintenance is Required for a Vintage Hairstyle?
Ans: It depends on the cut/ style you have chosen. Certain vintage hairdos, like a side bang or two braid hairstyles, require less maintenance. While others require proper care to be taken to maintain that style.
3. Should I Consider Face Shape While Opting for a Vintage Hairstyle?
Ans: Yes. Face shape plays a crucial role in vintage hair looks. This is where many ladies make mistakes while doing vintage hairstyles. A vintage girl hairstyle requires pulling all the hair away from the face. The facial features are highlighted here. Hence face shape, and facial features play a vital role in enhancing the beauty of the vintage look. Consult with your hairstylist or hair expert to know which look suits you.
