Pin-up hairstyles have never truly gone out of style. Though the pin up era is most famously associated with the 1940s and 1950s, the style can be traced back to the 1890s, a period known for its frivolity, and includes signature styles from the 1920s and 1950s. The point is that there is a style for every length, cut, and color of hair. If you want to update your look with a retro twist, indulge in some hair envy.
Polished curls, sleek, smooth waves, delicate pin curls, and mind-blowing Victory rolls all look incredibly sexy and glamorous. Want to upgrade your chosen retro hairstyle? Consider an intriguing hair color option to enhance your appearance. Add pink and black highlights to blonde hair, or try the pastel hair trend. Here are some cute hairstyles to try.
1. Voluminous Victory Rolls
Victory rolls were one of the most popular looks in the 1940s. It was a particularly patriotic hairstyle, but it now exudes vintage glamor. To be honest, this girl is nailing the ’40s look: the hairstyle, the color, the red lip – everything!
2. Retro Pony with a Bow
Do you love hair accessories? Not really into hats? You can still enjoy pin-up girl hairstyles. Big, colorful bows evoke the ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s, so add some flair to your retro ponytail.
3. Darling, You Should Be in Pictures!
Here’s another stunning girl rocking the starlet look. Many African American trendsetters of the time helped propel this style to popularity; fierce forerunners such as Dorothy Dandridge and Lena Horn stepped out and inspired the era long before fashion models and runway walkers.
4. Gray Pin Up Hair
A retro hairstyle is given a modern update thanks to the stunning silky gray hair. The edgy dye job, combined with the flawless styling of defined waves and cropped bangs, demonstrates how to bring a throwback style into the present day.
5. 40s Pin Up Hairstyle with Flowers
There are many different pin up hairstyles, but the most popular are those inspired by the Vargas girls. To perfect the look, style your hair in a polished low updo with pin up bangs. Finish the look with two flowers on either side to highlight your eyes.
6. White and Purple Half Updo
Check out this timeless hairstyle. It draws inspiration from a variety of famous decades. The white blonde and purple ombre hair is certainly more modern, but the half updo with defined curls and rolled bangs evokes glorious past eras.
7. Curled Pin Up Hair
You don’t need elbow-length hair to achieve a stunning pin up hairstyle. This look is proof of that. The mid-length mane is styled with defined curls, and the bangs are curved to open the forehead and caress the temple. A stunning bloom completes the look.
8. Green Vintage Curls
You won’t find many old photos of green pin-up girl hair, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid the look. A funky hair color is an excellent way to update your pin-up curls. The black contrasting bangs add a unique touch.
9. Long Orange Pin Up ‘Do
If your hair is long and lovely, you can achieve a pin-up look with the simplest half-updo. Her front layers have been pulled back from her face, and the crown has been teased to create a full mane. Finally, the ends were curled for an old-school finish.
10. Box Braids in Retro Style
Show off your lovely braids with a pin up hairstyle. You can really appreciate the texture of your braids with this vintage-inspired half-up look. The hair flowers add a pop of color to the overall look.
11. Medium Pin Up Curls
Embrace your inner Marilyn Monroe with blonde curls and red lipstick. It’s an iconic 1950s look. However, pin up hair has stood the test of time and looks just as good today as it did back then. Just look at this stunning ‘do for proof.
12. Bandana Glam Hairstyle
Hair accessories are prominent in many pin-up looks. Instead of a clip, this long side ‘do features a bandana that matches the rest of the outfit. When it comes to pin up hair, don’t overlook the details.
13. Curly Half Up Style
Try experimenting with the size and shape of your curls. You can achieve a variety of looks without losing the pin-up feel. The hairstyle has smaller ringlets and bangs styled into an off-center victory roll.
14. Long Pin Up Hair
Pin up girl hairstyles are simple for those with flowing long hair. The right curl can easily give your hair the desired retro finish. These defined curls, combined with the mini pompadour and red bandana, scream pin-up girl.
15. Voluminous Blonde Pin Up Hair
If you want a true pin-up girl look, go for big, unapologetically voluminous hair like this. The tousled waves and sweeping bang flip make this shoulder-length hairstyle look extremely glamorous.
16. Victory Roll Pin Up Updo
If you can’t get enough of victory rolls, try this oversized look. It’s quite a statement, but it’s also very wearable. Use a strong hold hairspray to keep your hairstyle in place. Then wrap a kerchief around your large hair.
17. Pink Hair in Tight Pin Up Curls
When you search for “vintage pin up girls” on the internet, you will find many images of hairstyles with clearly defined curls, such as these. You don’t see many hairstyles with bubble gum pink hair, but it’s a cute look that updates an old ‘do and brings it into today’s fashion reality.
18. Short Blonde Pin Up Curls
Calling all girls with short, thinner hair: remember this vintage-inspired hairstyle. The soft waves add volume to your mane, making it look thicker than it is. Plus, this is a very elegant style.
19. Flowing Red Pin Up Hair
When it comes to pin up hairstyles, there is no such thing as having too many curls or too many hair accessories. Her beautiful red hair looks stunning with the undone waves and rolled bangs. Add a large hair flower, and you’ll be a sultry modern-day Vargas girl!
20. Sleek Pin Up Waves
Are you intimidated by how voluminous pinup hair can get? In that case, go for a sleek look. To achieve the retro look, define your waves with a lightweight serum or gel. You’ll end up with a simple modern take on a throwback hairstyle.
21. Retro Pin Up Updo
Even an updo with a headband can look as glamorous as flowing curvy waves. To achieve this retro look, gather your hair on top of your head, leaving out some face-framing tendrils. Divide your mane into three sections and style each one as a roll. Curl your tendrils and add a polka-dot bandana.
22. Vintage Half Up Half Down
One victory roll is excellent, but two is preferable. Don’t worry about trying to get your bangs off your forehead. This girl chose to leave her bangs completely out of her victory rolls, and the end result is stunning. The petroleum color only enhances the appeal.
23. Wispy Hairdo for Short Hair
Pin up hairstyles are also suitable for those with extremely short hair. It just depends on how you style it. She took full advantage of her hair’s length by sweeping the bangs to the side and backcombing the crown section. If you have a pixie cut, you can try this cute hairstyle. Add a polka dot bow and you’ll have proper short pinup hair.
24. Perfect Second Day Hair
It just so happens that another iconic pin-up look is an excellent solution for second or third-day hair. A little dry shampoo, some shine serum, and a few bobby pins will take care of your roll, which is a signature of pin up hairstyles. A scarf protects the back, but remember that bolder is better.
25. Classic Pin Up Curls
This classic retro look features soft curls framing the face and are perfectly pinned in place. It’s ideal for medium hair, and because curls always look better on the second day, this is another great style for days when you don’t want to use shampoo.
26. Easy Elegant Updo
This is an excellent, glamorous updo for long or medium-length hair. The hat is optional, but it really completes the look. Pinning curls is as simple as opening a bobby pin, despite their intricate appearance.
27. Loose and Laid-Back V-Rolls
Pin up hair does not need to be perfect. This is a laid-back and slightly tousled version of victory rolls that you can do yourself, even if you are a beginner at hair styling.
28. Classically Elegant Pin Up Style
Many classic pin-up hairstyles strive for this level of perfection. The sheen of dark brown or black hair complements the signature shine of the era’s hairstyles, which were designed to be loose but structured with gleaming curls.
29. The Perfect Curls for Long Hair
This is the ideal retro look. It’s top-to-bottom perfection, from the long curls to the adorable hat. She has it cocked at the ideal angle, with a big, beautiful rolled curl styled to balance the hat.
30. Easy Curls for Straight Hair
Not everyone is blessed with curly hair. You might have some wave, but not much definition. You can add a few large, defined curls using a thick barrel curling iron. It appears that is what this lovely lady has done.
31. From Pin Up to Starlet
This is beyond fabulous. This girl’s hair resembles Rita Hayworth. Those are some serious curls, perfectly styled but still bouncy and natural. Here are your hairstyle goals!
32. Pin Up Rolls Updo
Seriously, these are enormous bouffant rolls, and the style is spot on. This is authentic pin-up girl hair. Try it, we beg you!
33. Vintage Meets Modern
How cool is this? Vintage pin curls meet the modern ombre trend, with a pop of vibrant purple dip-dye – to die for! Check out some images for this mix; there are several colors that contribute to the pin-up aesthetic.
34. The Rosie Riveter Rock Star Look
Here’s another reason why retro looks complement black hair. It’s inexplicable, but it works. The more important point is the pin-up hair itself; just look at it. It’s edgier and grittier than other era looks, more reminiscent of Rosie the Riveter’s badass look. See: Alex Vause, OITNB.
35. The Curliest Updo
The complexities of this style will be difficult to master, but the patience will be rewarded. Actually, once your hair is up, the curls should be easy to pin and spray into place. It’s just a very complicated process.