When it comes to your big day, a vintage wedding hairstyle is the perfect way to add a touch of timeless elegance to your overall look. Whether you’re rocking long hair, medium-length locks, or a short and sassy ‘do, there’s a vintage style out there that’s sure to make you feel like a true bride-to-be. From sleek chignons to playful pin curls and beehives, finger waves, and more, the options are endless. And the best part? These hairstyles will only continue to get more iconic with time.
So why settle for anything less than a hairstyle that’s truly unforgettable? Let us take you on a journey through the ages, highlighting some of the most stunning vintage wedding hairstyles out there.
Brides Often Ask
What is a vintage hairstyle?
Nostalgic charm is woven into vintage hairstyles, which draw inspiration from iconic looks of bygone eras. Ranging from the glamorous flapper dos of the Roaring Twenties to the laid-back, free-spirited styles of the 1970s’ hippie movement, these timeless coiffures celebrate simplicity and subtlety.
Unlike modern hairdos that often prioritize styling over substance, vintage hairstyles focus on showcasing each strand’s natural texture and tenderness, while also safeguarding against damage by minimizing manipulation.
What are some great vintage hairstyles for a wedding?
Vintage wedding hairstyles exude elegance and sophistication. The iconic Beehive, paired with twisted French rolls, victory rolls, and Marcel finger waves, is a timeless choice. For added flair, consider combining the Beehive with a chic chignon, Hollywood waves, or a pompadour. Alternatively, opt for a soft, romantic look featuring teased coif on sleek bangs, retro waves, and a ballerina bun.
Where to look for inspiration for a vintage bridal look?
When seeking inspiration for a vintage-inspired bridal look, start by scouring wedding blogs, vintage magazines, and social media platforms. Instagram and Facebook are treasure troves of ideas, with countless vintage bridal hashtags to explore. For a more tactile approach, purchase or subscribe to these magazines, and spend time browsing Pinterest and other visual discovery platforms. Alternatively, movie lovers can draw inspiration from classic films featuring weddings.
And if all else fails, Google is a vast repository of real-life vintage brides’ photographs, just waiting to be discovered.
Vintage Wedding Hairstyle – Bouffant Updo
The bouffant, a classic retro-inspired hairstyle, is a perfect fit for vintage-style brides. Its versatility allows for various interpretations – from a subtle, low-profile look that grazes the shoulders, to a more dramatic style that sweeps to the sides or even remains towering above. When paired with a statement dress, a bouffant can truly steal the show without requiring additional embellishments like veils or oversized headpieces.
Instead, let your hair be the focal point and complement it with understated yet elegant accessories, such as simple earrings or a dainty necklace.
Vintage Bridal Look with Chignon
A timeless beauty, the chignon has become a staple in many a bride’s wedding day look. And it’s easy to see why – not only is it simple to create, but its versatility knows no bounds. This classic hairstyle can be styled to suit any face shape, and pairs perfectly with everything from a delicate veil to a bold pair of bangs. Whether worn high on the crown or swept low around the nape, the chignon exudes effortless elegance. And the best part?
It’s just as stunning for medium-length hair as it is for long locks. With its sleek, polished finish, this hairstyle is sure to turn heads – and with so many ways to wear it, you’ll be hard-pressed to choose just one.
Chic Bridal Beehive
The beehive hairstyle from the 1960s is a timeless classic that exudes elegance and glamour. This vintage updo is ideal for medium-length to long hair, offering numerous styling options. The beehive can be worn high on top of the head, in the middle, or even lower down, making it a versatile choice. Furthermore, it can easily be transformed into a half-up, half-down hairstyle. When done well, this look will transport your guests back to an era known for love, romance, and iconic fashion trends.
The beauty of the beehive lies in its adaptability – you can opt for a high or low beehive, depending on your personal preference. For the ultimate vintage look, consider completing your style with a birdcage veil.
Retro Inspired Victory Roll Updos
Imagine a wedding hairstyle that effortlessly combines elegance, timelessness, and sophistication. Look no further than this classic 1940s updo, which exudes refinement and poise. Whether you’re wearing a long or medium-length hair style, this vintage-inspired look is sure to complement your wedding dress perfectly. The beauty of this hairstyle lies in its versatility. You can opt for a twisted updo, finger wave design, Victorian twists, or even a chic top knot – the possibilities are endless!
Pair it with bold red lipstick, statement nails, and matching shoes, and you’ll be the epitome of glamorous vintage charm. With so many styling options available, this timeless look is sure to remain a stunning choice for your special day.
Vintage Wedding Bumped Hairstyles
Elegance and sophistication are synonymous with the classic bumped-up hairstyle that has stood the test of time. This timeless style is effortlessly paired with various wedding gown styles, regardless of facial shape. The versatility of this look is attributed to its many variations, including ponytails, chignons, side sweeps, center parts, and more. To achieve this 1960s-inspired glamour, simple styling tricks come into play.
For instance, combing forward sections while styling the rest of your hair back creates the bump, while loose tying adds a relaxed touch. This iconic style has endured due to its inherent charm, beauty, and refinement.
Michael Gray, a Multi Award Winning Hairstylist, shares his expertise on crafting this Brigitte Bardot-inspired look: ‘The foundation of a Bardot-inspired style lies in backcombing and utilizing the right products to add height while ensuring the hair remains neither too stiff nor too loose. Living Proof’s dry volume texture spray is an excellent product for building height within a Bardot-inspired look.
When creating this style, I ensure that the desired level of height aligns with the client’s preferences. For those with longer faces, a slightly fuller look on the sides or a swoop creates the illusion of width. Conversely, individuals with rounder faces benefit from tighter sides and increased crown volume to elongate their face shape. The result is a stunning, timeless hairstyle that exudes classic elegance.
Vintage Wedding Ponytail
A timeless classic, the vintage ponytail requires a touch more volume on top than your natural hair texture would typically allow. This styling trick works wonders for both African American wedding hairstyles and longer vintage wedding hairstyles alike. To take it to the next level, consider adding a statement hairpiece that shines, delicate lace accents, or even a floral touch.
With these simple embellishments, you’ll be well on your way to creating a breathtaking look that exudes vintage charm.
Retro Inspired Half Up Half Down
When it comes to vintage wedding hairstyles that are half-up, the possibilities are truly endless. This versatile style offers a multitude of options, making it challenging to decide on just one. You could create bouncy waves paired with a retro updo or opt for a half-up look featuring twists at the top and flowing waves beneath. Alternatively, you might prefer pairing victory rolls with cute curls or going for a sleek ponytail adorned with effortless curls.
The hairstyle can also be elevated by being bumped up or taken to the side. To bring the entire look together, simply find the perfect headpiece or vintage accessory.
Returning Hair Trend – Finger Waves
As you plan your vintage-themed wedding, it’s essential to ensure that every detail complements each other. This includes your vintage-inspired decorations, gown, and even hairdo. For a 1920s-inspired look, finger waves are an excellent choice, suitable for any hair length. To achieve this glamorous style reminiscent of The Great Gatsby era, you’ll need a few essential tools: hair gel, a hot iron, a rat tail comb, hair clips, and some patience to get the desired look.
With these elements in place, you’ll not only create stunning wedding photos but also set the tone for an unforgettable celebration.
Pin-Up Style Wedding Hair Ideas
The epitome of whimsical charm can be achieved by incorporating 1940s-inspired victory rolls into your wedding hair. To add a touch of romance, consider pairing this style with a beehive hairdo and twisted French roll. A birdcage veil and silk dress would perfectly complement this look.
Another favorite is the understated yet glamorous 1950s pin-up hairstyle featuring waves and a jeweled headband. This can be effortlessly paired with a strapless Chantilly lace dress for a timeless look.
For those who prefer a more minimalist approach, a bow-tied beehive chignon or flawless marcel finger waves would bring an air of sophistication.
To further enhance your modern, retro, rustic, or chic look, accessorize your pin curls with pearls, gems, and floral accouterments.
Vintage Wedding Veils Ideas
The crowning glory of a vintage-inspired wedding is undoubtedly the wedding veil. With its intricate designs, flowing fabrics, and whimsical details, a veil can effortlessly transport you to another era. When selecting the perfect veil, consider how it will harmonize with your chosen hairstyle – a match made in heaven that elevates the overall look.
From delicate lace drop veils that complement any style, to shorter flyaway veils that perfectly frame a tea-length dress, and on to majestic mantilla veils reminiscent of 17th century Spain. The birdcage veil and Juliet cap veil of the 1950s are also not to be forgotten in this tale of vintage wedding veils.
Elegant Vintage Wedding Accessories
Embellishing Your Vintage Wedding Look: A Treasure Trove of Hair Accessories When it comes to vintage bridal accessories, romance and drama are the name of the game. With a wide range of options at your disposal, from elegant ribbons and silk bows to delicate flower halos, pins adorned with pearls or jewels, and intricate lace headpieces, finding the perfect accessory for your hairstyle is all about making the right choice.
To create a truly show-stopping look, pair a simple hairstyle with a statement-making piece that adds a touch of glamour. Whether you’re going for a classic 1950s-inspired wedding hairstyle or something entirely different, there’s an accessory out there waiting to help you achieve your vintage vision.
Conclusion
Vintage wedding hairstyles possess an eternal allure, making them a timeless choice for brides who crave a touch of sophistication. While their glamour is undeniable, it’s crucial not to overdo it, lest the look devolve into costume-like caricature. Instead, incorporate modern elements to create a harmonious blend that honors your overall theme. This approach ensures you exude class on your special day without sacrificing an ounce of vintage charm.
