Retro styles continue to influence the fashion and beauty looks of today. Particularly, if they were well done and made a statement: not only for sophistication, but for creativity. Hair has long been an expression of a person’s creativity and/or mood. Style and beauty experts say that just about every style that surfaces has been done and there’s nothing new under the sun. And while the saying still applies, especially in the face of newer generations taking on the styles of old, there are new spins developing. The styles our grandmothers and aunties wore that characterized a certain era are showing up in hair inspo content, in magazines and on red carpets. In particular, here are the french roll & 7 retro hairstyles that are making a comeback.

Retro Hairstyles That Are Making A Comeback: Pixies, Finger Waves & Bobs

Hairstyles for High Foreheads pictured: Rihanna Fenty Hair — (Photo by Kayla Oaddams/WireImage)

The Pixie Cut that was popularized by Halle Berry, and many of the women in our community and family, has a special place in our hearts and hair history. It’s become a very feminine although untraditional way for women to wear their hair. The long locks that we’re taught to embrace and desire aren’t there for this style that combines ease and flirtiness. Similarly, Finger Waves are also on the short hair train, transforming our idea of curls to details that can be sculpted to our heads. Wet or dry, these waves continue to make a statement that’s fun and stylish. Another short style, that can be worn curly or straight, is the classic bob. The extra length, from that of the pixie or finger wave, presents the option of a pigtail or a short, half-up, half-down look which can also be achieved by the longer, soft waves.

Soft Waves & Pin Curls

Black woman with long wavy black hair — Photo courtesy of Abode Stock

Soft Waves, like the finger waves, also have a very aquatic and ethereal vibe. They’re ready for the party while adding a hint of beauty that feels classic and yet mysterious. Different from waves of all kinds are the Pin Curls. Although similar, this style uses pins to extend the life of the curls. It’s another option for those who would rather not wear their hair straight and so it’s lasted the test of time as a style. Easy to manipulate on below-the-ear to pass-the-shoulder length hair, pin curls are no longer a style of the past as they continue to be recycled with new ways of making it feel custom to the wearer. Similarly timeless is the ponytail.

Dressed-Up Ponytails & The French Roll

Different from our weekly go-to, the Dressed-Up Ponytail might have a bang or swoop with the star of the show being a ponytail that’s typically curled at the ends. The style has been donned by a host of celebrities, usually to awards shows or for other forms of media. It’s a great way to not have to deal with much of your hair: a small portion of it possibly framing the face while most of it is swept up into something that still showcases style. Along the same lines, TikTok has seen a surge in the wearers of french rolls; first made popular, as mentioned above, by the sexy-sophisticated women of film and our neighborhood functions. Considered the formal go-to of our elders’ days, the french roll is making a comeback.

The updo had been transformed to fit the style of the wearer, some more formal and sophisticated while others are more whimsical and curl detailed. It’s a fancier updo that emphasizes the face and the fit.

Retro hairstyles