There is an undeniable romance to vintage hairstyles, from the sculpted waves of the 1920s to the bold volume of the 1960s. But achieving these looks often seems daunting. Luckily, modern tools and products make it easier than ever to capture retro glamour.
The Modern Finger Wave
The original finger wave, an iconic 1920s look, required wet hair, a lot of gel, and painstaking precision with a comb to create its signature 'S' shape against the scalp. While the authentic method is still an art form, you can achieve a similar sculpted effect with much less fuss. The modern shortcut involves using a flat iron or a small-barrel curling wand on dry hair. For a soft wave, clamp a section of hair with your straightener near the root, bend it one way to create a curve, then move down the hair shaft and bend it the opposite way. For a more defined look, you can use a wand, alternating the direction of the curl with each section. Instead of heavy gels, a light mousse or styling foam provides hold without stiffness. Finish with a glossing spray to get that classic, polished shine.
Victory Rolls Without The Fuss
Victory rolls, the emblematic hairstyle of the 1940s, were a symbol of glamour and strength during WWII. Traditionally, they involved meticulously rolling and pinning sections of hair on top of the head. This could be time-consuming, especially for those with fine or slippery hair. Today, creating these voluminous rolls is far simpler. Modern styling aids like hair donuts or even foam rollers can provide an instant framework. Simply wrap a section of hair around the form, roll it towards your scalp, and pin it securely. Dry shampoo or a texturizing spray applied beforehand will give your hair the grit it needs to hold the shape, reducing the need for aggressive backcombing. You get the same dramatic silhouette with half the effort.
The Wearable Beehive
The beehive defined the 1960s, a towering style synonymous with icons from Audrey Hepburn to Aretha Franklin. The original required intense backcombing (or teasing) and a helmet-like coating of hairspray to achieve its signature height. A modern, softer version offers volume without the rigidity. The key is strategic teasing at the crown, focusing on the under-layers of your hair while keeping the top layer smooth to cover the teased section. Rather than creating a stiff structure, aim for a soft bump. You can even use a volumizing insert or a clip to create lift with minimal teasing. A flexible-hold hairspray provides control while still allowing for natural movement, making the style feel less like a costume and more like a chic, everyday look.
The Effortless '70s Shag
The shag haircut, popularised by stars like Jane Fonda and Joan Jett in the 1970s, was all about choppy layers, texture, and a rebellious spirit. While the cut itself is key, modern styling has made achieving the look incredibly low-maintenance. Instead of complicated blowouts with multiple round brushes, today's shag relies on enhancing your hair's natural texture. For wavy or curly hair, scrunching in a curl cream or mousse and letting it air-dry (or using a diffuser) is often all you need. For straighter hair, a few spritzes of sea salt or texture spray will create that perfectly undone, piecey look. The modern shag is less about perfect styling and more about embracing a relaxed, lived-in feel.
Old Hollywood Waves, Reimagined
The cascading, uniform waves of Old Hollywood stars like Veronica Lake evoke pure glamour. This look was traditionally achieved through a meticulous wet-set with pin curls, a process that could take hours. Today, you can create these soft, romantic waves in a fraction of the time. Use a 1-inch or larger curling iron on dry hair, curling all sections in the same direction. After curling each section, you can either pin the curl to your head to let it cool and set for longer-lasting results, or simply let it hang. Once all your hair is curled and cooled, the most important step is to brush through the curls with a paddle or boar bristle brush. This is what transforms individual curls into a cohesive, flowing wave pattern. A light mist of hairspray will keep it in place without sacrificing its soft, touchable finish.
