Retro Updos

Retro updos have slowly made their way back into Hollywood over the past decade or so and have become a common style for wedding and prom in 2010.  While the word retro can refer to any hairstyle of a previous decade, it is the retro updos from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s that are really taking center stage on the red carpet.  From the Rockabilly and Pompandour styles of the 40’s to the Bouffant and Beehives of the 60’s, there are a large number of hairstyles to choose from when looking for that perfect retro updo.

1940's Retro Updos

The 1940’s was a very important time for women’s hairstyles.  It was a decade of Victory Rolls, Bettie Page Rockabilly, pin curls, peek-a-boo bangs and of course the classic updo.  The glam look of the 40’s was immortalized by some of the biggest movie stars of the era – Bette Davis, Ava Gardner, Judy Garland and Ingrid Bergmann.  Today’s stars such as Reese Witherspoon, Katherine Heigl, Drew Barrymore and Gwen Stefani have featured a number of elegant 1940’s updos both on screen and off. 

The 40’s updo is a great choice for prom as it is fairly easy to do and can provide a solid hold for a full night of dancing.  This is a great hair choice for the cost conscious prom-goer as you can create it yourself.  We suggest learning the basic updo and then adding your own style or modern touch.  The simplicity of the classic updo allows for some improvisation to make it truly yours.   Use some soft curls to frame your face and you are set to go 1940’s style!  To create the 1940’s updo, simply follow a few basic steps:

1. Do not wash your hair the day of your prom.
2. Pull your hair together in the back into a pony tail and tie with an elastic.
3. Separate into two sections.  Comb each section thoroughly starting in about the middle of the hair and going in the direction of the elastic.  Combing the hair backwards towards the crown essentially.
4. Take one section and twist it up towards the crown.  Use a bobby pin to hold in place.  Repeat with the second section.
5. Use hairspray to get extra hold for the loose strands.

Before prom, practice the updo a few times and try adding some curls.  Play around with it to get a messy look with a modern chic touch.  Remember, this updo is best for medium or longer hair and the possibilities are endless!

1950's Retro Updos

The decade of Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Sofia Loren and Bridget Bardot produced some of the most inspired updo hairstyles of the twentieth century.  Women were coming into their own in the workplace and experienced the freedom to experiment with elaborate more glamorous hairstyles.  The Poodle cut was born as was the use of the ponytail.  There were a number of variations on the simple updo which are emulated today.  2010 has already seen a number of celebrities donning 50’s inspired updos on the red carpet.  We expect to see this trend continued for years to come.  

1960's Retro Updos

As the years moved on, the updos grew higher.  The sixties provided us with the Bouffant which turned into the more well known Beehive updo.  The idea behind the high hair was that it provided an illusion of a slimmer, longer face.  This updo was considered a very formal elegant hairstyle that was worn by women of all ages. 

Several celebrities that have been seen wearing the beehive recently include Scarlet Johansson, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Lopez and Sarah Jessica Parker.

Retro Updos Image Gallery

Click on the image to see the full size version

Also be sure to check out:

Wedding Updo Hairstyles

Prom Updo Hairstyles

Party Updo Hairstyles

Elegant Updos