12 Vintage Hairstyles That Are Trending Again

It’s no secret that in beauty and fashion, trends are recycled from previous decades. While raiding your mom’s closet is the perfect way to score some vintage apparel, you may find yourself wondering, “How do I make my hair look vintage?” as trends start to resurface. You see, vintage hair requires a bit more finesse. Not only do you have to choose the perfect retro hair look, but you also have to find the right styling products and tools to achieve it. Fortunately for you, that’s where we come in. Below, we’re sharing 12 vintage hairstyles that have made a comeback in 2020.

#1. FINGERS WAVES

As far as vintage hairstyles go, fingers waves are by far one of the most popular. There’s just something about this defined, polished 1920s hairstyle that we’ll always swoon over. You likely recognize them as a style worn by some of your favorite celebrities on the red carpet. If you want to recreate the look for yourself in lieu of traditional ringlets, we’ve got you covered.

What you’ll need:

L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Clean Style Gel

Fine-tooth comb

Bobby pins

L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray

Get the look:

Step 1. Apply hair gel. Starting with towel-dried hair, apply a generous amount of hair gel. Focus the product on the roots and mid-length of your hair and less on the ends.

Step 2. Part your hair. Use a fine-tooth comb to create a perfectly straight part. While you can rock any part you like, a deep side part is synonymous with the classic version of this hairstyle!

Step 3. Pin your hair. Place your finger two inches away from your part, keeping it parallel. Then, lift your finger and secure a bobby pin in its place.

Step 4. Create your finger waves. Put your finger overtop the bobby pin. Then, place the fine-tooth comb about one inch away (on the side of the bobby pin that’s closest to your ends) and gently comb upward toward the pin. This will create a small, pretty wave! Secure as needed with bobby pins.

Step #5. Repeat and seal. Continue this process down the rest of your length and throughout your mane until you have a head full of finger waves! Mist hair spray over your strands.

Step #6. Wait it out. You aren’t done quite yet—give your hair time to air dry. Once dry, remove the pins to reveal beautiful, retro finger waves.

#2. BEEHIVE

This ‘60s hairstyle has gotten a modern upgrade. Sure, it’s still all about the volume, but just a little less extreme. To give it that 2020 twist, you’ll want to create a half-up, half-down beehive. First, part your hair from ear to ear and clip the bottom section out of the way. Then, use a volume spray and a fine-tooth comb to tease your roots throughout the top section. Gently smooth the top layer of the section with your comb, taking care not to remove any volume, and use bobby pins to secure your strands at the back of your head. Release the bottom layer of hair, and show off your ‘do!

#3. PIN-UP CURLS

Many of us have been using this heat-free curling method for years, and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere for 2020. Originating in the 1960s, this hairstyle involves using your fingers to roll one-inch sections of damp hair into little swirls at the roots before pinning each into place with a hair pin. After sleeping on your pin curls (wrap a silk scarf around them to help eliminate frizz), remove the pins from your dry hair in the morning to reveal your heat-free look.

#4. CRIMPED HAIR

Crimped hair may have had its start in the 1970s, but this is one hairstyle we’ve seen hold the test of time, making appearances in the ‘80s, ‘90s, and beyond. Even better, the look is super easy to achieve. All you need to do is spritz your strands with a heat protectant, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BLOW DRY IT Quick Dry Primer Spray and use a hair crimper to give your strands gorgeous texture. Want a step-by-step tutorial? Check out our article, Crimped Hair Is Back! Here's How to Do It Right.

#5. AFROS

Afros are a classic natural hairstyle that had a major moment in the ‘70s. This hairstyle is all about embracing your hair's texture. For those who are all about hair that’s packed with volume, look no further.

#6. FEATHERED HAIR

Do you love layered haircuts? Well, feathered hair is likely to be right up your alley. This ‘70s hairstyle can be worn on short or long hair and works for any hair type. Featuring cascading soft layers, we’re sure you’ll fall in love. For some styling inspo, head over to our article, Feathered Hairstyles Are the Next Big Thing.

#7. PERMED HAIR

We get it, perming your hair seems a little scary. While the look was totally in during the ‘70s and ‘80s, what you’re probably picturing in your head doesn’t resemble anything close to how you’d want your hair to look in 2020. But, permed hair has gotten a serious upgrade, and it should be on your radar. One of our favorite ways to rock this vintage hairstyle in 2020? A beach wave perm! Learn all about it in our article, Beach Wave Perms Can Offer Permanent Beachy Hair.

#8. CURTAIN BANGS

One last ‘70s vintage hair look for you: curtain bangs! Yup, you’ve probably seen your favorite influencers rocking this middle-parted fringe. These long, face-framing bangs are ultra-flattering, not to mention a great way to test the waters if you’ve never had bangs. We hope this hairstyle trend never goes out of style!

#9. BUBBLE PONYTAIL

Let’s move on to the ‘80s, shall we? While the ‘80s were known for big hair, it was also a time for funky, out-of-the-box hairdos. One example of this is the bubble ponytail. While this vintage look may be a blast from the past, we know this updo will make you feel and look like a princess straight out of a fairytale.

#10. HALF-UP PONYTAIL

The half-up ponytail, also known as the party pony, is one of our favorite vintage hairstyles to resurface. Not only does the ‘80s look have a fun, carefree vibe, but it’s also practical, allowing you to keep your strands out of your face in style. To get the look, part your hair from ear to ear. Then, smooth the top section of hair into a ponytail. Gently tug at the sides of the base of the pony for extra lift, and your trendy retro hair look is complete.

#11. MULLET

We have to admit, the mullet has totally regained fame in 2020. With quite a few celebrities sporting the look, it just may be time to consider making the chop. In case you didn’t know, this ‘80s hairstyle features short hair at the sides and front of your head and long strands at the back. The varying lengths leave plenty of room to play with volume.

#12. SCRUNCHIES

While not necessarily a hairstyle on its own, scrunchies are a hairstyle accessory that has seriously regained popularity. It’s safe to say they’re one of the most sought-after hair accessories at the moment. So, if you’re looking for an easy way to get vintage hair, consider using one to upgrade your messy bun—‘90s style!

Next: The Biggest Makeup Trend From the Year You Were Born