There’s just something about a retro haircut that can make you think: elegant. Whether your’e sampling 1940s-style pin curls or trying out a classic French twist, so many of these styles have effortlessly made the transition from “the good old days” to today. But there are a few well-known and even beloved retro hairstyles that will instantly look out of place and can make you look older than you really are. If that’s something that doesn’t appeal to you, there are ways to pay homage to certain vintage hair dos without producing a carbon copy of them. These three retro haircuts instantly age you — but the good news is there are ways to update them and look fantastic no matter what year it is.
Classic Bouffant
If you leaf through your mom or grandma’s high school yearbook you are likely to see this retro style everywhere: the classic bouffant, which s characterized by its high volume and smooth silhouette in which the hair is swept away from the face with no layers or texture. The problem with this style is that it can look extremely stiff, which isn’t all that surprising since it requires quite a bit of hairspray to keep it in place. Its height can also add length to your face, something you may not be eager to do.
But it’s still so adorable, isn’t it? If you’re not eager to throw the entire hairstyle out the window, Lauren Udoh, a hairstylist and the hair creative director of WigReports.com, has solid advice: “To recreate a modern version of this ’60s hairdo, use a curling iron to add wave throughout your crown before teasing it into place,” she said.
The Beehive
Few modern women have been brave enough to attempt a ‘60s beehive, an extremely voluminous style that resembles, well, a beehive! Singer Amy Winehouse rocked one well, but unless you are performing on a stage in front of thousands of people, this can be a difficult style to carry off at the office. But it’s so cute, we hear you saying — not to mention, it’s an amazing way to give thinning hair oomph. By all means, give it a whirl with just a few adjustments that make it 2023-friendly. “For an updated beehive style updo, pull the front section of your hair back tightly and use bobby pins to secure it in place for the added lift before smoothing down flyaways with pomade or hairspray,” Udoh advises.
Feathered Layers
In the 1970s few celebrities had more enviable hair than actress Farrah Fawcett. The blonde Charlie’s Angels celeb absolutely rocked a feathered layered look categorized by tons of short layers that could be dramatically blown away from the face. Sadly, this adorable look will instantly age you because it’s SO of its time. But you can pay tribute to the spirit of the Farrah layered cut by getting longer layers that create soft definition around your face while adding movement throughout your mane without too much weight at the ends, Udoh says. “Just spritz some hairspray on each section to hold your waves all day long,” she said.
What is a retro hairstyle that actually works to make you look fresher?
There’s no doubt that some retro hairstyles have been able to make the leap to 2023 better than others. One such cut is the shag.
“A shag haircut is a great retro style that makes you look fresher,” Udoh said. “It's characterized by choppy layers and texture all over the head, giving it a slightly disheveled but still polished appearance. The layers can be cut at different lengths, and with added texture, they create volume without sacrificing movement or body. This makes it an ideal style for any age, as it can always be tailored to your face shape and hair type while still looking updated and modern.”
Looking to the past for hair inspiration is a creative way to think about your next style — and with some modifications, many retro haircuts can look gorgeously modern and fresh.
