24 Modern Retro Haircuts That’ll Make You Glow

Are your hairstyles starting to become boring? Do you want to give your looks a fresh vintage touch? Retro hairstyles are making a comeback and putting a unique spin on classic hairstyles. These 23 retro hairstyles will help you glow and give you the confidence to stand out.

Just a couple of days ago, one of my clients showed me a picture of her mom from a 1978 college graduation. When she saw the hair, she said “that, but make it now.” Honestly, that’s where we are with retro cuts now. We are looking at inspirations from decades back and mixing them with what we know works today, the right textures, the right products, and the right techniques. These haircuts are some of the most flattering styles I’ve seen in years.

I love how retro-inspired haircuts pay a lot of attention to shape and movement, which modern trends seem to ignore. When aiming for an effortless unstructured look, we tend to lose the structure that great hair relies on. These 23 looks bring that back. I have a strong opinion on every single one — some I’d want to do on every client who sits in my chair, and a couple that are more aspirational than practical, but we’ll get into that.

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#1: That Big Retro Bob with the Soft Waves Everyone Asks About

I’m really looking forward to this style! It’s the type of cut that gives me excitement when the perfect client is sitting in my chair. With the right amount of volume, it will look expensive. Chin length might feel like a big commitment, but it looks phenomenal on medium to thick hair. The right kind of waves should feel loose and not tight. More like soft bends coming from a large barrel curling iron. Also, mousse at the roots before blow drying is a must. It’ll take a little bit of skill, but the perfect amount of layering will provide that retro style fullness, but without the helmet. All together with the warm color, it captures a modern feeling while keeping the shape that is super 60’s.

#2 A Really Pretty Layered Bob with Soft Waves

Although this cut may appear simple, the technique requires a lot of thought. With the specific layers, they create movement around the face while keeping the ends from looking thin. Achieving this length is no easy task. It sits just above the shoulders, allowing for multiple styling options: tuck behind the ears, clip up, wear it down, etc. The dark tones add dimension without appearing like an expensive color service, and not everyone wants to sit at the salon every six weeks. If your hair is straight and dense, this style will maintain its shape for a long time. If you don’t keep up with your trims every seven weeks to avoid shapelessness, the layers will grow out.

#3 A Textured A-Line Bob with Just a Little Highlight

A-line hair cuts always work and that is why it is one of the most timeless styles. This style has highlights that are subtle enough to not be too flashy, but not too faint as to be too unnoticed. It also has texture to give it a look that is more relaxed and informal as opposed to stiff and too polished. This is a great style if you have fine hair because it creates the illusion of more hair. However, this is a style that requires a lot of work to maintain because it is not going to look like this after a wash. To maintain the bounce and volume, a round brush will need to be used.

#4 A Modern Pixie with Subtle Layers

Pixie cuts can be beautiful, but I have mixed feelings about them. They take a certain kind of confidence to pull off, and a commitment to going to the salon regularly. This one is beautiful. The soft layers make it less harsh, and the tousled ends add to that look. It best suits someone with finer hair, as we want those layers to settle and retain their shape instead of flying out in different directions. If you’re serious about going this short, think about how your hair will look when it grows out, because you will have to deal with an annoying in-between stage. It will definitely test your patience.

#5 A Textured Lob with Soft Waves That Actually Works

This haircut has to be the most versatile on the list. The lob hits that sweet spot where it’s long enough to pull back in to a ponytail but also short enough that it has shape and movement. The effortless waves give you that “I have perfect hair” look without the need to actually do anything. If your hair is fine to medium density, you will get plenty of volume and movement without the haircut being too heavy. The layers in this haircut may look subtle but trust me, they will make styling so much easier. You may need some texturizing spray to hold the waves, but your efforts should be minimal. Overall, this haircut requires the least amount of effort and has the most payoff.

#6 Textured Bob with Those Soft Bangs

I believe the bangs are the best part of this hairstyle! They are soft and wispy. For small faces, I think that they soften the overall feel of the look. The tousled texture makes it seem effortless, like they truly just woke up like that, but I think it looks a little more intentional. Because of the movement in this cut and the added layers, I think it makes finer hair look thicker and more voluminous, which I think is a huge bonus! I want to be honest, though; bangs like these require a bit of maintenance. They tend to look really flat, and the shape can get weird really quickly. So, a little round brushing in the morning can go a long way. If you can commit to that, I believe it is totally worth it!

#7 A Playful Short Cut with Soft Layers

How lovely. It’s so clean and straightforward like you just got up and left without much effort. And you would be correct in assuming that’s what a lot of people want with a haircut. The layering around the face is especially helpful here. They create softness so that the look isn’t too masculine. I would recommend this haircut to people who genuinely want low maintenance hairstyles because while it’s true the shape requires regular trimming to keep up the maintenance on this cut is a breeze. And oval face shapes are especially lucky with this haircut.

#8 Choppy Short Cut with Layers That Frame Everything

I really like the raw quality of this style, it feels honest and not trying too hard, which is nice to see. The light blonde is warm and not too brassy, and it gives a nice bright post-holidays vibe. The chin length is super flattering and versatile. You can wear that cut poker straight or wavy and both will look great. Although, choppy cuts do grow out quite quickly and can look messy, so you will need to keep on top of your trims.

#9 Curly Ponytail with Wispy Bangs

I’ll mostly talk about the bangs but I need to say that the ponytail style is something more people should try. The wispy bangs and ponytail is a very cute look, and honestly, the ponytail and bangs alone is super cute. Having curls in the ponytail is great because it gives the ponytail more life, it makes it look like you didn’t just throw your hair up because you were running late to work. The curls and bangs together soften the whole look. If you have naturally wavy or curly hair, it should be easier to get the volume in the ponytail than it would be for someone with straight hair. If your hair is straight, you’ll need a curling iron and some patience, but the effort will definitely be worth it, even for a Tuesday when you want to feel more put together. This look would be great for a special occasion or just because.

#10 Curly Bob with Soft Volume

I have always had a love for curly bobs because they have so much personality. They don’t require much effort to look good, but the bouncy fun and full curls that sit right above the shoulder really help. With some movement and defined curls, it looks like a really fun hairdo. If your hair is naturally wavy, you are in luck. If not, just grab a one inch curling iron and be patient. Of course, if you are planning to do this style often keep in mind that curls always require maintenance, and you’ll need to do some more than others depending on your curl holding time. This is definitely something to keep in mind before making the commitment.

#11 Vintage-Inspired Curly Bob That Feels Glamorous

The style has old Hollywood curl glam, and with how perfectly placed each curl is, I feel inspired to add red lipstick and a silk top to my outfit! It works especially well with medium length, fine to medium dense hair because the curls will add plenty of volume, but let’s be honest with ourselves about how done this style is. There isn’t going to be a time when you wake up in the morning and don’t take any time to do anything with your hair and end up with this great curl look, and to achieve this style is going to take intentional curling of your hair and it might have to be done regularly because this is going to lend itself to the occasions when you want to be a little dressed up.

#12 Soft Textured Bob with Wispy Bangs

The bangs on this style are so soft and airy they hardly feel like bangs, and for some clients, this offers the perfect opportunity to ease into bangs. The bob has been waved softly, which adds some movement while keeping the overall look effortless and polished, and the layers add to the breezy feel, which is great for finer textures. I really like this style on clients who want to have a more polished look without having to do much. I will say, however, that for fine hair, this will make your bangs quite high maintenance. Bangs and layered cuts tend to start looking a little scruff after five to six weeks, so if you don’t want to hit that point, be prepared to book trims every five weeks.

#13 Textured Bob with Soft Layers Around the Face

This is a nice bob haircut, and sometimes that’s all it takes. The front layered looks smart, directing attention to the face and creating some volume just where you need it without overly layering the rest of the head or the ends looking thin. For fine straight hair, it is a good hairstyle because the shape does most of the work. You won’t need a lot of products or tools, maybe a straightener to smooth it and a light serum to add shine. It’s the type of haircut that looks good even when it is simple.

#14 A Sleek Long Bob with Face-Framing Layers

Long bobs can be a little tricky, as there’s a risk of looking too similar to just having long hair, but I think this one captures the vibe perfectly. The face-framing layers create a bit of an identity and the slight graduation at the back helps to add visible shape. It has that polished look, and softened with the more casual juxtaposition, it almost looks like you go to the hairdresser all the time, which you definitely should! It is lightweight and easy to manage, so I would recommend it to anyone looking for a change but not quite ready to let go of a lot of length. Just be sure to stay on top of your trims because the straight hair at this length is going to show split ends quickly, and the whole look can really go from sleek to scraggly in a flash.

#15 Short Textured Bob with a Little Volume

For someone looking for a shorter cut with some length still left, this is a great chop. The layers give soft volume to the crown and the highlights are slight enough that they are won’t be a huge commitment. This is best suited for fine to medium hair. This is really nice if you have good cheekbones because the length really draws the eye there. The shape may require some styling and you’ll need a round brush and blow dryer to achieve the look, but once you get the hang of everything it should only take you about ten minutes to get ready.

#16 Silver Layered Cut with Soft Volume

I will be honest, this color is going to be beautiful when it is done, but it is a lot of maintenance and time, so this is a big commitment. And I must say, this haircut is beautiful. The layers are well placed, and it gives a lot of movement and body while still keeping the length. The silver is even and bright which displays the talent of the colorist. This is just below the shoulders which allows the silver to really shine. This is a beautiful way to embrace the gray if you are already gray.

#17 Chic Short Cut with Textured Volume

The layers on this style are cut to work with the hair’s natural wave pattern. The way the hair falls shows that the cut is not working against the hairs natural texture, but rather, is enhancing it. That is the sign of a really great cut! The warm color adds a lot to the overall style and gives a cozy and intentional feel. For finer hair, this is a great option as the layers and texture give the illusion of more hair. This style is pretty low maintenance and you will just need a curl defining cream or something to define the waves on heat free days.

#18 Sleek and Long with Bold Blunt Bangs

I really enjoy these styles of bangs. They are neat and audacious, completely changing the shape of the face. They make the eyes look bigger and give more direction to the entire appearance. For the long and straight hair underneath, it has to be in perfect condition because you have to show off every. single. strand. If your hair is naturally straight and your density is good enough, you are very fortunate. However, if you have a lot of frizz, or a lot of hair in general, it is going to be a really tough look to achieve. Expect to get these bangs trimmed every three to four weeks, because there are no exceptions. If you don’t, the bangs will lose their sharpness, and that’s just how it is.

#19 Sleek Bob with Blunt Bangs

Another blunt bang look and I like this one too, the bob length gives it a more retro feel than the long version above. It’s sharp and polished and the kind of haircut that makes people ask who does your hair, which is always the goal honestly. The subtle layering underneath keeps it form being too heavy or too one-note, and on straight fine hair it looks especially clean. This is a look that’s simple day-to-day but you do need to maintain it, the bangs will grow out fast and once they start hitting your eyelashes in a weird way the whole effect changes. Keep your appointments and this stays perfect.

#20 Layered Cut with Face-Framing Bangs and Warmth

The highlights around the face look amazing. They make the haircut feel bright and light, and they help brighten the whole face. The layers are a nice medium length too, so you could wear it straight one day and with loose waves the next and it would look like two different haircuts, which I love. The bangs aren’t too thick so they move with you and won’t sit like a wall all across your forehead. This sort of layering is great for fine hair because it adds volume without getting rid of all the density. The only thing to watch for is the bangs because they grow out so quickly.

#21 Soft Layered Cut with Face-Framing Bangs

Similar to the last one, the concept here is also similar, but the execution is slightly different. The layers are softer and give a more overall soft and romantic vibe. The bounce in the layers adds life, but in a good way and the bangs are beautifully placed to accentuate the cheekbones and soften the jaw which is a great touch. This sort of layering will create a lot of movement, especially when compared to a one length cut and will make blow drying your hair more interesting because it gives you hair somewhere to go. The maintenance is pretty moderate, you’ll want to come back regularly to keep the layers from blending into nothing.

#22 Short Curly Cut with Defined Waves

The definition of these curls in this haircut is really good. The curls are not stiff, which is perfect for short curly hair. The side swept bangs give that softness that really completes the whole look. Without bangs, the style would look really harsh. This can be achieved if you have some natural waves or curls, and then just use some curl enhancing cream in combination with a good haircut. For really straight hair though, be prepared for everyday styling. Just be honest with yourself about the commitment.

#23 Angular Bob with a Little Attitude

I like the subtle asymmetry; it’s interesting without being too much and adds more purpose to the cut. The smoothness at the crown and where it angles forward is extra nice, and with medium density hair like this, it is going to look the most smooth and intentional. The bob can work for a nice dinner look or a random Wednesday, it’s not trying too hard but it still looks great. For a bob of this quality, you will need a good straightener, plus you will want trims every 6 weeks or so to keep that angle, but if you like more rigid styles, then this is a great choice.

#24 Choppy Lob with Face-Framing Bangs and Copper Warmth

The copper color we’re using is stunning! It paired with the soft bangs and choppy layers provides warmth and an energetic feel to the overall look. The layers help with that messy, lived-in look that almost everyone seems to assume you have great hair. This particular style is great for medium to thick hair, because if the hair is too fine, it might lack the fullness necessary for the look. The ideal length for this is just above the shoulders, and it compliments most face shapes which is a plus! If you are thinking about a copper color, this cut would look gorgeous with it!