16 Retro Updos for Anyone Who Loves Vintage Hair
Hairstyles that have been around long enough are typically filed under "retro." And lately, we've seen tons of hairdos from decades past reemerge. From bouffants to French twists, the recent red carpet revivals of some of the most classic updos from the '50s and '60s have us basking in their timeless glory. So, of course, we had to round up some of our favorites. Below, find 16 celeb-worn retro updos that have revived classic hairstyles yet again.
Meet Our Expert
Danielle Priano is a celebrity hairstylist and Sexy Hair ambassador. Her clients include Hailey Bieber, Mariah Carey, and Ashley Graham.
Sophie Rose Gutterman is a celebrity hairstylist based in Los Angeles.
Feathered Beehive
The beehive, as seen here on Kim Kardashian, is the epitome of glamour, according to celebrity stylist Danielle Priano. To achieve the foundation of a beehive, she recommends backcombing the crown section of the hair to create volume and then shaping the hair into a rounded form. You can secure the updo by placing pins throughout.
Byrdie Tip
To add a more modernized look, try adding a few textured pieces or leaving out a few loose strands of hair around the face for an effortless touch.
Bangin' Bouffant
Bouffants are known for their height and shape, and Cardi B has put a fun twist on both characteristics with this bang-heavy bouffant. "If you don't have enough hair, try adding some extensions to enhance volume," Gutterman says. Adding clip-in extensions can help you achieve bangs, length, or added fullness to the top of your style.
Teased and Tousled
To keep a teased and tousled style like Elle Fanning's beehive in tact, Priano recommends keeping these items handy: hairpins, a fine-tooth comb for teasing, quality hair ties to create and maintain the updo, and SexyHair Big Spray & Stay Intense Hold Hairspray ($23).
Side-swept Bouffant
Adding a heavily side-swept bang to your bouffant-inspired updo like Keke Palmer requires some serious prep work. "I recommend prepping the hair with a volumizing spray for added support," Priano says. "You can also opt for using larger, heavy-duty hairpins or U-shaped pins to secure the style without causing any discomfort."
Poodle Ponytail
Margot Robbie's Barbie ponytail is reminiscent of the '50s era classic but features some '20s-inspired waves. If you want to sculpt long, thick sections of hair as Robbie has, Priano suggests using strong-hold styling products, like a gel or mousse. "This will help the hair stay intact all night," she says.
Naturally Shaped
Working with your natural texture and the shape of your haircut, as Yara Shahidi has, can really update a classic look into something that feels totally new. "Most updos I give my clients for red carpets are all modernized by working with the client's natural texture," Gutterman says. "My best-kept secret is letting the hair do what it wants to do." For curly hair updos, Gutterman recommends the All About Curls Bouncy Cream ($14). "You can easily layer it with other products," she says.
Soft Twist
Here, Samara Weaving is wearing a softer version of the French twist. Her bouncy blowout framed by heavy curtain bangs gives her updo a modern "undone" vibe.
Dramatic 'Do
When you're turning to a classic beehive for dramatic volume like this style worn by Precious Lee, Priano suggests using the SexyHair Big Powder Play Volumizing & Texturizing Powder ($21) to achieve added lift.
Reimagined Bouffant
When the goal is to modernize a retro updo, Priano tells us it's all about being unconventional, and this reimagined bouffant Janelle Monae wore is exactly that. "I’d suggest incorporating braids, twists, or unconventional partings into the look," Priano says.
Half-Up Hive
Half-up 'dos are still up-dos in our book. Anne Hathaway's beehive-inspired look adds volume and character to the hair without compromising the comfort of a half-down 'do.
Sassy and Snatched
Many retro updos are all about the volume, but Laura Harrier's snatched high ponytail shows that timeless styles gone sleek are just as swoon-worthy. When prepping the hair for a sleeker updo, Priano recommends SexyHair Healthy Active Recovery Blow Dry Foam ($22) for that glassy, frizz-free finish.
The Natural Flapper
Flapper hairstyles in the '20s and '30s were all about finger waves, but we love how Rachel Brosnahan used her natural waves instead of more sculpted pin curls. After wearing your hair in natural waves like this, Gutterman suggests using a paddle brush to brush the hair out to create a second, fluffier style. "The curls will last you days," she says.
Gibson Tuck
One of Priano's favorite retro updos is the Gibson tuck. Here are her tips for recreating this chic look: Create a low ponytail, twist it up, and then secure your twist with hair pins. "I suggest slightly teasing the crown of the hair to add a bit more volume and leaving out a few face-framing strands for that more effortless, undone look," Priano adds.
Profile Pouf
For those with thicker hair, like Lana Condor, Gutterman suggests braiding your hair at the base to ensure your updo stays put. "Braids and twists will ensure all the hair stays up, and you won't need to use as many bobby pins," she says.
Smooth and Textured
The contrast of Keke Palmer's smooth curtain bangs against a textured bouffant makes this retro updo feel up-to-date. "I love to experiment with different textures," Priano says. "Incorporating messy waves or sleek straight strands can give a classic style a contemporary edge."
Put A Bow On It
A classic French twist, like what Carolyn Murphy wore to the Met Gala, is Gutterman's personal favorite when it comes to retro updos. "What's amazing about the French twist is you can either go with something super polished or a little lived in," she says. "My suggestion is always to make sure the back is twisted and pinned in a way that shows the twist. You can play around with the top," she notes. Accessorizing the style with bows or clips is one way to add some extra pizzazz to the look.
Up Next: 31 Retro '50s Hairstyles That Are Making a Comeback
Read the original article on Byrdie.