
Vintage hairstyles
through the decades
Hair has undergone a glamorous evolution over time. Take inspiration from the last century with these vintage hairstyles, stretching from the 1920s to the 1990s.
Betty Grable’s sleek victory rolls, Madonna’s mane of crimped hair, Brigitte Bardot’s voluminous locks - iconic vintage hairstyles have revamped the way we style our tresses. Over the last century, each decade has had its own distinct spin on hair.
Shake up your style and get creative - playing with retro hairdos can revolutionise your look. Wave, pin and backcomb your way to classic glamour, transforming your look from a sultry 30s siren to an edgy 90s It-girl with our guide to vintage hairstyles.

1920s: FINGER WAVES
Think 1920s hairstyles and the finger wave is likely to spring to mind. Glossy and elegant, the decade’s quintessential style is the perfect way to unleash your inner flapper. Gatsby-esque styling wouldn’t be complete without a glitzy headband – recreate the look with this step-by-step guide.
step 1:
Create a deep side parting.
step 2:
Use the ghd platinum+ styler to create waves. Start close to your parting, curve the styler towards the front of your head, creating a C-shape wave. Apply pressure with the styler then release the iron.
step 3:
Create another C-shape wave on the same piece of hair, going in the opposite direction away from your head. This will create the distinct 1920s wave.
step 4:
Continue creating waves down the length of your hair, alternating between steps 2 and 3 as you go. Repeat all over your head.
step 5:
Gently comb through the hair using the ghd paddle brush, taking care to blend the sections of hair together.
step 6:
Place hair clips along the waves where they change direction and set the style with a mist of ghd final fix hairspray. Remove the hair clips and finish with a vintage headpiece.

1930s: HOLLYWOOD WAVES
Tumbling Hollywood waves were the hallmark style of the 1930s. Softer and longer than those of the 20s, this vintage hairstyle was championed by the sirens of cinema’s golden age. Pair with chic rouge lips and a statement necklace to truly embrace this retro look.
step 1:
Take a 2-inch section of dry hair just above the ear and prep with ghd curl hold spray.
step 2:
Flat-wrap the section of hair over the ghd curve® classic wave wand barrel and hold diagonally for 5-8 seconds.
step 3:
Repeat steps 1 and 2 throughout your hair.
step 4:
Once you have a mane of curls, work through your hair with the ghd paddle brush to transform them into soft waves.

1940s: VICTORY ROLLS
Victory rolls embody the style of a generation. Pay homage to the era and channel that sultry pin-up look by sweeping your locks into this bold 1940s hairstyle.
step 1:
Create a head of beautiful waves using the ghd curve® soft curl tong.
step 2:
Once your hair is fully curled, divide it into two layers – a top and bottom half, going from the ear upwards.
step 3:
Backcomb the top section of hair by pulling it up and using the ghd tail comb to brush from the ends downwards.
step 4:
Once backcombed, divide the top layer of hair again along your natural parting into two sections.
step 5:
Tightly twist each section of hair upwards, rolling in on itself to create a knot effect towards the front of your hairline.
step 6:
Use hair pins to secure in place and spritz with ghd final fix hairspray.

1960s: BARDOT
Tease and tousle your hair to make a high impact vintage statement. Of all the 1960s hairstyles, Brigitte Bardot defined the era with her famous voluminous mane. Recreate the beauty icon’s look by pairing with a shift dress and a flick of eyeliner for the ultimate 60s style.
step 1:
Create a centre parting.
step 2:
Take a 3-inch section of hair at the front of your crown and backcomb using the ghd tail comb. Achieve this by pulling your hair up and gradually working from the ends downwards.
step 3:
Repeat step 2 throughout the crown of your head.
step 4:
Smooth out the top of the backcombed section with the ghd oval dressing brush.
step 5:
Pull the rest of your hair back into a low ponytail under the bouffant and hold it in place.
step 6:
Twist the ponytail section upwards to create a vertical roll. Tuck the ends under and secure with hair pins.
step 7:
Loosen strands at the front of your parting to frame your face.

1970s: DISCO CURLS
Ensure all eyes are on you when you take to the dancefloor with a mane of ultra-luxe disco curls. 1970s hairstyles are all about maximum volume – channel your inner soul sister and rule the weekend for full-on Saturday Night Fever kudos.
step 1:
On dry hair, take a 3-inch section and spritz with ghd style curl hold spray from your roots to the ends. Comb through using the ghd paddle brush.
step 2:
Wrap the same section of hair around the barrel of the ghd curve® creative curl wand. Hold it for 5-8 seconds then release.
step 3:
Repeat steps 1 and 2 throughout your hair.
step 4:
Pump ghd style smooth & finish serum into your hands and run the product through your hair to break up curls and smooth any flyaways using your fingers.

1980s: CRIMPED
What you’ve heard is true: 80s-inspired styling is back. Trade in straight locks for rigid kinks to create a throwback look that’s as hot right now as it’s ever been. You don’t need to dust off your crimpers to replicate the textured vintage hairstyle. Use the ghd platinum+ styler for a modern effect:
step 1:
Apply ghd heat protection spray to locks.
step 2:
Divide your hair into 12 equal sections.
step 3:
Braid each section tightly, using a classic three-strand technique. The tighter the braids the better. Secure each braid with a hair tie.
step 4:
Glide the ghd platinum+ styler over each braid, applying pressure throughout.
step 5:
Once your hair is cool, undo each braid and spritz with ghd final fix hairspray.

1990s: DOUBLE BUNS
Turn the clock back to the 90s with a pair of super-hot high buns. This seriously cute updo proves some vintage hairstyles shouldn’t be left in the past. Seal the oh-so-now look with deep berry lips and a statement choker.
step 1:
Create a centre parting to divide hair into two equal sections.
step 2:
Take one section of hair and pull it upwards to form a high ponytail. Secure in place with a hair tie.
step 3:
Repeat step 2 on the other side, so you’re left with two high ponytails.
step 4:
Wrap each ponytail around the hair tie to form a bun shape. Secure in place with another hair tie.
Give a nod to the past by experimenting with these vintage hairstyles. Make your way through each decade’s greatest hair hits to channel retro styling in a truly modern way.
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