Your Essential Retro Toolkit
Before you start twisting and pinning, gathering a few essential tools will make the process much smoother. Most vintage updos rely on creating a solid foundation and securing it well. You don’t need a professional kit, just a few key items. Make sure
you have plenty of bobby pins that match your hair colour, a strong-hold hairspray to lock everything in place, and a teasing comb or brush to build volume. A smoothing brush will help tame flyaways for a polished finish. For some styles, having a hair tie, a hair donut or 'rat' (a mesh styling insert), and some decorative pins or a scarf can elevate the look from simple to stunning.
The Elegant Gibson Tuck (Early 1900s)
The Gibson Tuck is a beautifully simple updo that evokes the grace of the Edwardian era. It’s surprisingly quick to create and works wonderfully on long hair. Start by gathering your hair into a low, loose ponytail, securing it an inch or two away from your scalp. Part the hair just above the elastic to create a small pocket. Next, flip your ponytail up and begin rolling it downwards, tucking it into the pocket you created. Once the entire ponytail is neatly rolled and tucked, use bobby pins to secure the roll firmly against your head. Pin from the inside of the roll to hide the pins. For an authentic touch, you can gently pull out a few face-framing tendrils or adorn the tuck with a decorative comb or ribbon.
Iconic Victory Rolls (1940s)
Perhaps the most recognizable vintage style, Victory Rolls were a popular 1940s look that projected confidence and glamour. While they may look complex, the basic technique is a rolling motion. It's often easier to work with hair that hasn't been freshly washed, as it provides more grip. Start by creating a side part. Take a two-to-three-inch section of hair from the front, on the fuller side of the part. To create the roll, hold the section of hair up, wrap the ends around two fingers, and then roll the hair down towards your scalp. Once you have a neat roll, carefully slide your fingers out and secure it with bobby pins. Repeat on the other side. The back of the hair can be left down in soft waves or pinned up into a simple bun or French twist to complete this classic wartime look.
The Voluminous Beehive (1960s)
The 1960s were all about height, and the beehive is the ultimate statement of volume. Creating this look at home is all about building a strong, teased base at the crown of your head. Section off the top part of your hair, from ear to ear. Clip the front sections out of the way for now. Working with the back section, take small horizontal subsections and backcomb or 'tease' the hair at the roots to create a cushion of volume. Alternatively, you can use a hair rat or a bun donut as a foundation, pinning it to your crown and covering it with hair. Once you’ve built your desired height, gently smooth the top layer of hair over the teased section or foundation, creating the classic 'beehive' shape. Gather the smoothed hair at the back and secure it with pins. The remaining hair can be flicked out at the ends or tucked into an elegant French twist. Finish with a generous amount of hairspray to hold everything in place.
