Since the pinup era’s heyday in the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s, these 21 retro hairstyles have experienced a resurgence in popularity. With simplicity being their greatest virtue, many of these styles are deceptively straightforward to recreate with some basic practice. So, without any further introduction, let’s dive into this collection of vintage-inspired hairstyles that have captured the hearts of many:
Glamorous Wavy Style
Contrary to popular belief, achieving pinup-inspired hairstyles doesn’t necessarily require curling irons. With a combination of smart blow-drying techniques, your hair straighteners, and some strategically placed hair grips, you can easily recreate glamorous wavy styles without breaking out the curlers. The key is in shaping your hair rather than curling it, which allows your hair straighteners to help create the desired flick or curl as you pull it down your hair.
To set the curls in place, simply hold them there with hair grips until they’ve had a chance to fully set, and you’re ready to go.
Pin Up Curls
When opting for curly locks with curling tongs, it’s essential to brush out the curls to achieve the iconic pin-up curls. This effortless, tousled look is transformed into luscious waves instead of tight curls. The key to this glamorous style lies in the side parting, which adds an instant touch of sophistication to any hairstyle. This clever trick is a must-remember for anyone looking to elevate their hair game.
Cute Updo with a Scarf
Whether it’s to conceal an unwashed mane or add a pop of color to your outfit, a scarf is a versatile accessory that can instantly elevate your look. When bad hair days strike or you need a quick fix, a scarf can cover up any imperfections, providing a stylish solution to your styling woes.
As any self-respecting pinup girl will attest, the right accessories are essential to completing one’s overall aesthetic – and what better way to add some flair than with a scarf that perfectly complements your outfit?
Tight Curls & Short Bangs Hairstyle
For some, tight curls can be intimidating, especially when paired with short hair and bangs. However, this redheaded look somehow effortlessly works together, creating a unique and adorable style. This Gatsby-inspired look is not exactly like the iconic character’s, but its simplicity and charm make it an attractive option for those who can pull it off. Those with the right facial structure and bang length can rock this super short and bold hairstyle.
Victory Rolls Updo
Mastering victory rolls is an essential part of embracing the iconic pinup style. To get started, you’ll want to work with one day post-washed hair that’s free from excessive product buildup. This will allow your natural texture to shine through and provide a better foundation for the styling process.
Begin by sectioning off the front half of your head and securing the rest with pins or a ponytail.
Divide this section into two equal parts, which will serve as the canvas for your victory rolls. To achieve the signature curl, use light back-combing techniques to loosen the hair slightly, then spritz with hairspray to set the style in place.
Gently manipulate the strands using your fingers, guiding them into the desired shape and securing them with bobby pins. If you’re rocking blonde locks, opt for blonde pins to maintain a seamless finish.
In contrast, black pins can sometimes appear visible and detract from the overall aesthetic.
Once your victory rolls are in place, set the style with additional hairspray and secure any stray strands with a few strategic bobby pins. Finally, add a stylish scarf to complete the pinup look and channel your inner 1950s siren.
Retro Bridal Hairstyle
For a effortless, one-day look that’s perfect for post-washed hair – even when it’s a bit greasy – try this style. The best part is that it’s easy to achieve with curls from the night before. Simply brush them out with a large paddle brush while adding some gel or hairspray to keep everything in place. Then, use your straighteners to curl the front sections, gently flicking the hair under as you go. To set the look and ensure those waves stay in place, reapply some gel and you’re good to go.
Modern Bettie Page Look
Achieving a stylish look with short bangs requires dedication and regular maintenance, as this haircut doesn’t work well with all face types. However, for those willing to invest time in their hair, baby bangs can be a great option when combined with perfectly groomed eyebrows. A round face, in particular, may find it bold to go for blunt and straight bangs that accentuate the face’s natural fullness and shortness.
In contrast, oval faces can look flattering with this style as long as the bangs are done just right, although a slightly longer version might be more advisable.
The Bombshell Hairstyle
The classic pinup hairstyle is an undeniable beauty that captivates our hearts. If you’re looking for a way to effortlessly achieve this look, heated rollers are the answer. You don’t always need to rely on curling tongs and hair straighteners to get there. In fact, with a few simple techniques, you can coax your locks into submission. A light volume-Infusing mousse applied before blow-drying can add a boost of oomph and protection to your strands.
Using a large, round brush while drying can also help distribute the volume evenly. And for an added touch, try blow-drying your hair upside down to give your roots an extra lift. The end result is a voluminous, bouncy hairstyle that’s sure to turn heads.
Victory Rolls Half Updo
When incorporating victory rolls into your hairstyle, it’s crucial to utilize the technique correctly to maintain their shape and prevent them from becoming loose or messy. A simple trick to achieve this is to position the wavy side of the roll towards your head, rather than the straight side as many people tend to do naturally. Furthermore, before securing the roll with bobby pins, place the pins on a piece of kitchen paper and lightly spritz them with hairspray to ensure they stay in place.
Bumper (Faux) Bangs
Imagine recreating the iconic 50’s pin-up hairstyle without actually cutting your bangs – that’s where this clever technique comes in. By rolling your longer hair under, you can achieve a similar effect to the classic victory roll, but with a more subtle and secure finish.
This styling method is perfect for those who aren’t ready to take the plunge with a new haircut or simply want to add some vintage flair to their look.
To get started, backcomb and curl your longer locks, then secure them in place using grips and a quick spritz of hairspray. The finishing touch? A stylish headscarf that adds an extra layer of glamour to your overall style.
Elegant Updo
For the pinup enthusiast on-the-go, this understated updo is a versatile and effortless solution. Drawing inspiration from the classic victory roll, this version offers a spiral twist with less height and a more relaxed finish. To achieve this look, simply backcomb the front section of your hair, set it in place with a quick spritz of hairspray, then curl it into a miniature spiral shape and secure with bobby pins.
As you repeat the process three or four times, the technique becomes second nature, making it an ideal solution for those days when time is limited.
Faux Bob Style
Mastering the art of faking a bob with long hair requires a few simple techniques and some practice. As demonstrated by @missrockabillyruby, this look can be effortlessly achieved. To begin, use heated rollers to add volume at the roots and apply volume-adding mousse before drying for an added boost. Next, create a side parting and separate a section of hair at the front, setting it aside for later. The key to pulling off this style is to use the volume as a disguise to conceal the length.
Tuck the hair underneath, secure with pins, and finish by gently brushing away any stray strands with a baby brush. This results in a look that exudes beauty, boldness, and a quintessential pinup flair.
Bun, Faux Bangs + Scarf
When it comes to pinup style, a headscarf is an essential accessory that can also be used to conceal minor hair mishaps. Take faux bangs for instance – by tucking your hair under and back on itself, you can create the illusion of having bangs, which can then be cleverly hidden beneath the headscarf. This hack is perfect for those days when you’re short on time and don’t have the opportunity to wash your hair, but still want to look polished.
It’s a testament to the resourcefulness and style of pinup girls everywhere.
Sexy Pin Up Look
Jessica Rabbit, the original redheaded pinup, embodies the bold and daring spirit of the color red. For those looking to emulate her iconic style, embracing this vibrant hue can be a thrilling yet high-maintenance experience. To achieve this look, it’s essential to start with healthy, well-conditioned hair that can withstand the intense coloring process.
One wrong move or missed appointment can result in an unflattering orange tone, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and meticulous planning. By taking on the challenge, however, pinup enthusiasts can create a truly show-stopping look that turns heads.
Curly Pin Up Look
Instead of hiding or altering your luscious curls, why not celebrate their unique texture with a stunning curly pin-up look? As they say, if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em – in this case, embracing those frizzy locks and letting them shine. To achieve the sleek, straightened top half, consider using gel or wax to tame any stray strands, while leaving the lower portion of your hair to its natural, fluffy glory.
Add a generous dose of mousse to enhance the volume and texture, allowing your curls to truly flourish.
Victory Rolls Updo
Embracing creativity, why settle for just one victory roll when you can experiment with multiple styles? Once you master the quintessential pinup staple, the possibilities are endless. However, achieving this look requires more than just your own reflection. Having a mirror behind you and another in front of you allows you to create this illusion by yourself. We’ve experienced firsthand that attempting this feat without assistance from a friend can be a challenging endeavor.
While it may take some time to get the hang of doing things in reverse, with practice, you’ll find that the struggle becomes worth it.
Pompadour Hairstyle
For those days when styling hair seems like an overwhelming task, the quiff or pompadour hairstyle is a great option to consider. By incorporating some simple techniques such as backcombing, hairspraying, tousling and bobby pinning, you can achieve this iconic pinup style without too much fuss. To create the signature pouf, start by taking the entire front section of your hair and use a combing technique to lift it away from your face while smoothing out any stray strands.
Hold the base in place with pins and voila! You’ve got a stylish updo that can withstand even the windiest of days. Just remember to add an extra spritz of hairspray for those particularly blustery moments.
Modern Pin Up Curls
Embracing the timeless allure of pinup styles, we can easily modernize their beauty. By incorporating contemporary twists on classic looks, we can demonstrate the versatility and ease with which this aesthetic can be achieved. One way to do this is by adding a face-framing curl to an existing hairstyle, then sweeping it over to one side to fall elegantly across the shoulder. This results in a look that perfectly complements even the most subtle application of kitten-flick eyeliner.
Pin Up Updo
For effortless summer styling, consider the rolled-under look that can seamlessly transition from long to short hair. This versatile hairstyle allows you to add some excitement to your locks without resorting to a mundane ponytail. To achieve this style, start by using your curling irons to gently coax your hair into the desired shape. Secure the look with hair grips along the length, making sure they’re pushed in enough that they’re not visible.
Finish off the look by applying a generous amount of hairspray to keep everything in place. A quick blast of hot air from your hairdryer followed by a cool burst will help set the style and ensure it lasts all day.
Curls + Victory Roll Style
While mastering the victory roll may require some practice, there’s no shortage of YouTube tutorials to guide you through the process. To recreate the sassy look popularized by @missrockabillyruby, start by incorporating generous amounts of back-combing and utilizing kirby grips to achieve the desired texture. The simple curls at the ends can be easily replicated using either straightening irons or curling tongs. However, the victory roll itself will likely require a few extra minutes of effort.
The key is to carefully roll your hair while also securing it in place – this may prove to be the most challenging part. To help keep everything in check, consider relying on a generous dose of hairspray for added hold and security.
Cute Pin Up Hairstyle
Tess Holliday, the ultimate curvy pin-up girl, demonstrates how to revamp a classic hairstyle with large floral hair accessories. By adding these statement pieces to a side-swept style, you can create an entirely new look that’s uniquely yours. This styling trick is perfect for mixing and matching accessories with your outfit or trying something entirely different. Pin-up enthusiasts know that accessorizing is all about experimentation and self-expression.
With this versatile approach, the possibilities are endless! As the warmer weather approaches, there’s no better time to try out these adorable hairstyles and make a statement.
