3 Ways to Modernize Vintage Hair

Hairstyles naturally evolve as fashion and makeup trends come and go, but some styles are just too pretty to forget. We take a look at three ways to modernize some of our favorite twentieth century hairdos.

THE FAUX BOB

The modern faux bob is much looser and softer than the deep finger waves of the roaring ’20s,. The look is loosely pinned so you get a sophisticated coif with a natural texture.

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Apply a golf ball-sized dollop of mousse at the roots. Set your hair with medium- to large-sized hot rollers for 15 minutes, then remove. Emulsify a dime-sized amount of shine serum through your hands and rake it through the hair to give curls a softer, more natural finish. Gently swoop the excess length of your hair underneath and secure it with bobby pins clipped in an “X” shape. Don't worry about perfection—allow some strands to hang loosely around your face for a more relaxed take on bob.

ROCKIN' ROLLS

To create the original ’40s victory rolls, Beauties would twist and twirl every strand on their head. Today, the rockabilly look is modernized with a few selective coils placed atop the head—either exaggerated in the fringe or dramatically swooped to one side.

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Scrunch mousse into the roots before you blow-dry for added texture and mobility. Mist each section with hair spray prior to rolling, then set the top of your head with medium-sized hot curlers. After letting your hair cool for 15 minutes, take out the curlers. If you want the roll to end up on the left side of your hair, brush it out to your right. Then, begin rotating the hair towards the left side, using your thumb to keep a clean shape. When you've finished, pin the roll down with bobby pins. Zig-zag the pins inside the coil for the tightest hold. Leave the rest of your hair down in loose waves or twist a simple chignon in the back. Finish with more hair spray.

GLAMOUR CURL

There's nothing sexier than lustrous red-carpet locks, and stars are currently taking major inspiration from Hollywood's golden gals. When it comes to glamorous hair, we're inspired by Marilyn Monroe's bouncy curls and Veronica Lake's film noir peek-a-boo waves. So what's different about these nouveau-glamour 'dos? It's in the texture and shine. Modern waves are bouncier and healthier. "There's stronger curl definition and shape, and the overall look is much more polished."

GET THE LOOK

Apply a curl-enhancing cream on damp hair and blow-dry as usual. Then, create a deep side part. Spray each section with hair spray, then set your entire head with medium-sized hot rollers. Leave the rollers on for 15 minutes and remove them all at once. Brush out your curls with a paddle brush—this will soften and blend the waves. You'll notice a natural wave formation start to appear in your hair. Enhance this swirling pattern by attaching duck clips to alternating sections of the wave. Leave the clips on for 10 minutes, then work a small amount of finishing cream into the hair and mist with more hair spray.