5 retro hairstyle Hairstyles That Are Trending Everywhere Right Now

Fashion is cyclical, and hair is no exception. Just when you thought a style was relegated to old yearbooks and vintage films, it comes roaring back with a fresh, modern twist. There’s a certain magic in retro hairstyles—they carry with them the glamour, rebellion, and distinct character of their eras, yet when adapted for today, they feel utterly new and exciting.

In a world saturated with trends, these classic looks offer a unique way to express individuality and timeless elegance. Whether you’re craving the effortless cool of the 70s, the bold volume of the 80s, or the minimalist chic of the 90s, there’s a throwback trend waiting to become your new signature look. Get ready to time-travel with your tresses as we break down the five retro hairstyles that are dominating the style scene right now.

1. The Modern Shag: 70s Rebellion Meets Effortless Texture

First popularized by rock icons like Jane Fonda and Joan Jett in the 1970s, the shag haircut was the epitome of cool, nonchalant rebellion. It was messy, textured, and full of attitude. Today, the shag has been resurrected, but with a softer, more wearable approach. The modern shag is all about lived-in layers, curtain bangs, and a general aura of “I woke up like this.”

What sets the contemporary version apart is its customization. Unlike the sometimes harsh, uniform layers of the past, today’s shag can be tailored to any hair type and face shape. The layers are strategically cut to create movement and volume, starting at the crown and cascading down. The signature element? Wispy, face-framing layers and curtain bangs that blend seamlessly into the rest of the cut. This isn’t a high-maintenance style; it thrives on a bit of natural texture and wave. To style, simply scrunch in a texturizing spray or mousse and let it air dry, or use a diffuser to enhance your natural curls. The goal is effortless, piece-y perfection.

2. The Wet Look: A Nod to 90s Sleekness and High Fashion

Remember the slicked-back styles seen on runways and in music videos in the late 90s? The wet look is back, and it’s bigger than ever. This trend, which mimics the appearance of hair just emerging from water, has evolved from an avant-garde statement to a mainstream red-carpet and street-style favorite. It’s the ultimate in sleek, controlled glamour, offering a stark, beautiful contrast to the textured shag.

Achieving this look is all about the right product. A strong-hold gel or a dedicated slick-back cream is your best friend. Start with damp (not soaking wet) hair, and apply a generous amount of product from roots to ends, using a comb to ensure every strand is perfectly saturated and smoothed back. You can opt for a low bun or ponytail for a chic finish, or leave it down for a dramatic, shoulder-grazing look. The key is to eliminate all frizz and flyaways, creating a high-shine, sculptural effect. This style is perfect for a formal event or when you want to make a powerful, undeniably fashionable statement.

3. The Voluminous Blowout: Classic 80s Glamour Reimagined

Big hair is officially back, but fear not—we’re not talking about the sky-high, aerosol-laden hairspray helmets of the 1980s. The contemporary blowout takes that era’s love for volume and refines it with modern tools and techniques. The result is bouncy, shiny, healthy-looking hair with soft, cascading waves and immense body that moves. It’s the signature look of celebrities on the red carpet and influencers at brunch, exuding a sense of luxury and put-togetherness.

This look requires a round brush and a good blow-dryer. The technique involves lifting the hair at the roots while you dry to create a solid foundation of volume. Once straight and smooth, large-barrel curling irons or hot rollers are used to create soft, loose waves. The final step is crucial: flipping your head over and gently teasing the roots for extra lift, then flipping back and smoothing the top layer with your fingers. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to lock in the bounce without the crunch. This style celebrates body and movement in its most glamorous form.

4. Bubble Braids & Space Buns: Playful 90s/Y2K Nostalgia

For a dose of pure, unadulterated fun, look no further than the return of bubble braids and space buns. Straight out of the late 90s and early 2000s playbook, these styles have been embraced by Gen Z and millennials alike for their playful, quirky charm. They are a celebration of nostalgia and a rejection of taking hair too seriously.

Bubble braids are created by making a high ponytail or pigtails and then securing sections of the tail with elastics at regular intervals, gently pulling on each section to puff it out into a “bubble.” It’s simple, adorable, and adds instant interest to a basic ponytail. Space buns, on the other hand, are the quintessential festival look. Part your hair down the middle, create two high ponytails, and twist each into a bun, securing it in place. The modern twist is to leave them a little messy, with face-framing pieces loose for a softer, more effortless feel. These styles are perfect for a concert, a day out with friends, or just when you want to inject a little joy into your routine.

5. The Curtain Bang: The Timeless Allure of 60s and 70s Icons

While it has roots in the hippie era of the 60s and 70s, championed by icons like Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin, the curtain bang has proven its timeless appeal by continuously resurfacing in every decade since. Its current popularity, however, is arguably at an all-time high. This style is the most low-commitment way to dip your toes into the retro hair trend.

Curtain bangs are characterized by their long, face-framing layers that part perfectly down the middle, creating a “curtain” effect that flatters virtually every face shape. They are versatile, growing out gracefully and blending beautifully with the rest of your hair. The beauty of this trend is in its ease. They can be styled with a blow dryer and round brush for a polished, retro feel, or simply parted and left to fall naturally for a bohemian vibe. They work with long hair, short bobs, and everything in between, making them the ultimate accessory to modernize any haircut.

Embrace Your Inner Vintage Vixen

The resurgence of these retro hairstyles is more than just a trend; it’s a testament to their enduring power and versatility. These looks have been refined and recontextualized for the modern individual, offering a blend of nostalgia and contemporary flair. They remind us that great style is eternal.

So, why not take a page from the style manuals of the past? Whether you opt for the textured rebellion of the shag, the sleek drama of the wet look, the glamorous volume of the blowout, the playful energy of bubble braids, or the effortless chic of curtain bangs, you’re not just getting a new hairstyle. You’re connecting with a rich sartorial history and making it uniquely your own. The past has never looked so present.