Here’s the thing about vintage, retro hair: It never goes out of style. Seriously though, do you think we’ll be recreating the hairdos of the ’80s and the ’90s in an unironic way 50 years from now? Sure hope not. But the looks of the ’20s, ’30s, ’40s, ’50s and ’60s are gorgeous — and still totally work today.
Here’s the other thing about vintage hair: It’s notoriously hard to pull off. How were these ladies perfectly coiffing their ‘dos without all of today’s modern technology? Nary a flatiron or ionic blow dryer, and still everyone seemed to be running around in hairstyles that are super complicated. But it seems like every time we try to recreate these styles, the venture ends in tears and a melting cat eye streaking down our cheeks.
But not with these tutorials, my friends. Beauty bloggers are guiding us through some simple steps that’ll have you swishing down the street singing The Drifters’ “There Goes My Baby” in no time.
More: 7 Easy Ways to Say Goodbye to Flat Hair In Less Than a Minute
1. 1920s Old Hollywood waves
Image: Hair and Makeup by Steph
Steph, a professional hair stylist and makeup artist, shows us step-by-step how to recreate these ultra-glam waves. This Old Hollywood look is a modern twist on the renowned finger waves of the 1920s and 1930s.
2. 1930s Faux bob
Image: Kier Couture
Keir (that’s key-air) brings back the retro faux bob — and with a super-sweet outfit, too (Check out her shoes!). She walks you through each step and before you know it, you’ll be out searching for a flapper dress.
3. 1940s Gibson roll
Image: Jamie Beck/Cup of Jo
The Gibson roll, or tuck, originated from the Gibson girls of the 1890s, but became modernized in the 1940s. Joanna, of Cup of Jo, shows you how to get the look.
4. 1950s Headscarf
Image: Keiko Lynn
When we think headscarves, we think Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Lucille Ball — icons of the 1950s. Keiko’s hair tutorial is really easy and only takes minutes.
5. 1950s Bumper bangs
Image: The Freckled Fox
This hairstyle was made famous by Bettie Page — the famous pin-up model and actress of the 1950s. Emily at The Freckled Fox, gives you some more background and guides you through the process.
6. 1950s Victory rolls
Image: The Freckled Fox
Emily actually has tons of pin-up hairstyle tutorials, so I couldn’t help but highlight her twice! In her tutorial for victory rolls she admits, “I like to do these tutorials when I have errands to run or a date to go on, because I love the funny looks I get from kids.” Emily, we agree: Why not spice up our errand-running with a fun hairdo?
7. 1950s French twist
Image: The Small Things Blog
Has the French twist really ever gone out of style? I think not. But, the trick is to do it well. That’s not always so easy. But Kate of The Small Things Blog takes the fear out of styling and shows us how to perfectly craft an adorable French twist.
8. 1960s Hair flip
Image: Powder Room
The 1960s had such amazing style trends. Mad Men fans rejoice — this tutorial is for you. Give your ends a flip with just a few steps.
9. 1960s Brigitte Bardot half updo
Image: Makeup Wearables
Brigitte Bardot, the French actress and sex symbol of the 1960s, may be the symbol of the 1960s. Her bouffant hairstyle has inspired women all over the world to achieve the look. This tutorial on Makeup Wearables shows you how.
10. 1960s Big bouffant
Image: hairstyle.com
If you’re obsessed with Breakfast at Tiffany’s, then this tutorial is your jam. The beehive is the definition of ’60s hair, and this Holly Golightly ‘do is so wearable still today.
More: 6 Product-Free Hair Tricks Every Curly Girl Should Master
11. 1970s Foxy ‘fro
We couldn’t complete this list without including the ’70s! My Natural Sistas breaks this look all the way down and walks us through the steps to get a natural hair curly Afro in this tutorial.
Originally published November 2015. Updated October 2017.
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