8 Vintage Hair & Makeup Looks To Unlock Your Inner Glamour Girl

Are you an old soul trapped in a young body? Looking to revamp your personal style in a way that pays homage to your favorite era of yesteryear?

Throughout history, hair and makeup trends have reflected the style and culture of their time. Vintage hair and makeup looks have always been a popular choice amongst ladies who love to experiment with different styles.

From the roaring 20s to the groovy 60s, vintage hair and makeup looks have continued to inspire modern-day trends.

These look not only bring back the glamour and sophistication of nostalgic bygone eras, but also allow individuals to express themselves in a unique, fun, and unconventional way.

If you are looking to switch up your style in favor of a more timeless look, you’ve come to the perfect place. Today, we share 8 vintage hair and makeup trends to unlock your inner glamour girl, so grab your curling iron and read on to find out more! 

Vintage Hair Makeup Looks 1

Classic Hollywood Waves 

If you’re looking to recreate a sultry 1940s look, look no further than the classic Hollywood waves, also commonly referred to as Jessica Rabbit waves. This iconic look from yesteryear features smooth, sleek hair with dramatic, defined waves. 

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this timeless and sophisticated hairstyle:

  1. Start by washing and blow-drying your hair. You can also add some volumizing mousse or spray to help create a more full-bodied look.
  1. Part your hair on one side and begin curling your hair in small sections using a large barrel curling iron which you can find at most beauty retail outlets such as Sephora. Start at the roots and curl your hair towards your face.
  1. Once you have curled your entire head of hair, brush out the curls and create a more wavy, voluminous look. Make sure to brush your hair towards the side where you have the deep side part.
  1. Using bobby pins, pin back one side of your hair to create the “swoop” or “wave” that goes over your forehead. Pin the hair securely and use hairspray to hold it in place.
  2. Finish off the look by applying some shine serum or spray to add some extra shine and polish to your hair. 

The Bold Red Lip

Is there anything more classic than a bold red lip? Bold red lipstick is a classic vintage look because it’s timeless, glamorous, and flattering, and adds a pop of color to any outfit.

It’s a look that has been popular for decades, and it’s a great way to add some extra polish and sophistication to your style.

Most importantly, red lipstick looks good on almost everyone, regardless of skin tone or hair color. It’s a fail-safe hue that flatters everyone, and it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

To get the most out of this makeup look, we recommend adhering to the following guidelines: 

Choose the Right Shade: Red lipstick comes in a variety of shades, from cool blue-reds to warm orange-reds. It’s important to choose a shade that complements your individual skin tone and personal style. Experiment with different shades to find the one that suits you best.

Use a Lip Liner: A lip liner can help define and shape your lips, prevent feathering, and make your lipstick last longer. Choose a lip liner that matches your lipstick or is slightly darker.

Keep It Simple: Red lipstick is a statement in itself, so it’s important to keep the rest of your makeup simple. Opt for natural-looking skin, minimal eye makeup, and a light blush.

The 1960s Beehive 

The 1960s beehive, also commonly referred to as the ‘Amy Winehouse’ in more recent times, is characterized by a high, voluminous updo that resembled the shape of a beehive.

This iconic hairstyle was made famous by celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, and Dusty Springfield. The beehive was a symbol of the 1960s mod culture, and it represented a departure from the more traditional hairstyles of the previous decades.

It was a statement of youthfulness and rebellion, and it became a popular choice among young women who wanted to stand out and express their individuality.

Although the beehive hairstyle can be somewhat challenging to achieve, with the right tools and techniques, you can create this iconic look. 

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do a beehive hairstyle:

  1. Create a side parting on the left or right side of your head. This will give your beehive more shape and dimension.
  1. Take a small section of hair from the crown of your head and backcomb it with a teasing brush. Gently tease the hair in a backward motion to create volume and height.
  1. Spray the teased hair with hairspray to help it hold its shape. Repeat this process with small sections of hair, working your way from the crown of your head toward the front.
  1. Smooth the top layer of your hair over the teased hair to create a sleek, polished look. Use a boar bristle brush or a comb to smooth out any bumps or tangles.
  1. Gather the hair at the back of your head into a high ponytail. Use a hair tie to secure the ponytail. Use a rat tail comb to gently tease the hair in the ponytail. This will add volume and texture to the beehive.
  1. Twist the ponytail around the base to create a bun. Use bobby pins to secure the bun in place. Use your fingers to gently shape and smooth the beehive. Finish the look with hairspray to hold the style in place.

Twiggy Inspired Lashes

Twiggy lashes refer to the iconic 1960s makeup look made famous by British model Twiggy, aka Dame Lesley Lawson.

Twiggy’s lashes remain a popular beauty trend today and are often seen on the runway and in fashion magazines. This iconic lash style involves applying multiple coats of mascara to both the top and bottom lashes to create a doll-like, doe-eyed effect.

Twiggy’s signature lashes were particularly long and spidery, with a slight curve towards the outer corners of the eyes.

The look is often achieved using false lashes or by using a lash curler to create a lifted effect. 

1950s Bumper Bangs 

The iconic 1950s bumper bangs hairstyle was first made famous by pin-up model and actress Bettie Page. This vintage hairstyle involves creating a large, curled “bump” at the front of the hairline, resembling a rounded bumper on a car.

To achieve the bumper bangs style, the hair is first sectioned into two parts, with the top section teased and backcombed to create volume. The hair is then curled and shaped into a rounded bump at the front of the hairline using a curling iron or hot rollers.

The ends of the hair are then curled and styled into loose waves or ringlets, giving the hairstyle a classic vintage look. The result is a playful, retro hairstyle that is perfect for special occasions or everyday wear.

Retro Mod Makeup

If you’re a fan of the sexy 60s, retro mod makeup is certainly something worth trying out. Mod makeup is a style of makeup that emerged in the 1960s during the Mod movement in Britain. Mod makeup typically features thick, black eyeliner on the upper lid, often winged out at the corners, paired with bright eyeshadows in shades of blue, green, and pink. In addition to bold eyeliner and bright eyeshadows, mod makeup often includes the use of false eyelashes, particularly on the lower lash line.

These lashes are typically short and spiky and are applied using individual clusters for a more natural look.

Lips are often kept neutral or lightly tinted with a soft pink or peach shade, while cheeks are slightly flushed with a natural-looking blush. Mod makeup is a playful and daring look that can be adapted to suit a variety of personal styles and occasions.

The Undone Marilyn Bob

Is there anyone more iconic than Marilyn Monroe? We think not! The undone Marilyn Monroe bob is a hairstyle inspired by the iconic actress’s signature blonde bob. Vintage hairstyles get their inspiration from different people and places, but Marilyn’s iconic hairstyle is truly the epitome of yesterday’s glam.

This stylish look features loose, tousled waves with a textured, undone finish that gives the hair a natural, lived-in look. The style is achieved by using a curling iron or hot rollers to create loose waves, then tousling the hair with fingers or a comb to create a relaxed, undone texture.

The style can be finished with texturising hair spray to hold the waves in place while still maintaining a natural, undone look. The undone Marilyn Monroe bob is a great option for those who want a classic, vintage-inspired hairstyle with a modern, relaxed twist.

The Pin-Up Girl 

Last but not least, no piece about vintage hair and makeup is complete without paying homage to the classic pin-up girl look. Chances are, when you think of vintage looks, this iconic style is exactly what comes to mind.

The pin-up look is a style that emerged in the 1940s and 1950s, characterized by vintage-inspired clothing, hairstyles, and makeup. The term “pin-up” originally referred to a popular practice of displaying photographs of attractive models or actresses on walls, typically in the form of posters, calendars, or magazine cutouts.

This look also involves a combination of retro elements, such as high-waisted skirts, form-fitting polka-dot dresses, cropped tops, and victory rolls or other classic hairstyles. Makeup is also an important aspect of the pin-up look, often featuring bold red lips, winged eyeliner, and defined eyebrows.

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And there you have it — 8 vintage hair and makeup looks that will allow you to inject a touch of nostalgia into even the simplest of modern-day outfits.

Will you be trying any of these styles out sometime soon? Don’t forget to let us know what you think if you do! 

What are some of your favorite vintage hairdos and makeup styles? Be sure to share your ideas in the comments section below! 

Julie Higgins
Author
Julie is a Staff Writer at momooze.com. She has been working in publishing houses before joining the editorial team at momooze. Julie's love and passion are topics around beauty, lifestyle, hair and nails.