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The Editors
Updated on February 26, 2025
40 of 40

40. Retro Curls with Modern Color

funky pin up hairstyle

@retro_jojo

As mentioned, when it comes to pin curls short hair is best, but medium comes in at a close second. As long as you don’t have too much hair to pin, you’re generally okay – in that, you won’t get frustrated after twenty minutes and give up on the whole look.

The point is, there are pin up hairstyles for every type of hair – long, short, or medium; thick, fine, or curly; red, black, or pink. It comes down to picking a style that defines your features and works with your locks. What’s your choice?

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40 of 40

Pin up hairstyles have never really gone out of style. If you want to update your look by giving it a retro twist, try one of these classic hair ideas.

Polished curls, sleek, smooth waves, delicate pin curls and mind-blowing Victory rolls are some of the most popular options to try. Want to upgrade the chosen retro hairstyle? Think of an intriguing hair color solution to add to your glam. Scroll through the following gallery for more inspiration!

1. Voluminous Victory Rolls

half up victory rolls pin up updo

@beautymarkbymiriam

Victory rolls are one of the most popular looks from the 1940s. It was a particularly patriotic ‘do, but now it encapsulates vintage glamour. Now, you can wear it as a reminder of the past trends or mix the style with other elements like bangs or hair accessories.

2. Retro Pony with a Bow

Love hair accessories? Not all that into hats? You can still embrace trendy hairstyles. Big, colorful bows evoke the ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s, so give your retro ponytail a little extra flair.

pin up ponytail with a red bow

@missvictoryviolet

3. Rolled Half Updo

Here’s another gorgeous girl rocking the starlet look. Many African American trendsetters of the day helped propel this style to popularity – fierce forerunners like Dorothy Dandridge and Lena Horn stepped out and inspired the era even before the fashion models and runway walkers.

formal side pin up hairstyle for long hair

@beautiful_expectation

4. Loose Waves with Micro Bangs

A retro hairstyle gets a modern update thanks to the stunning silky gray hair. The edgy dye job combined with the flawless styling of the defined waves and cropped bangs show how you can bring a throwback style into present times.

Curly Gray Pin Up Hairstyle With Bangs

@_missbo

5. Hairstyle with Flowers

There are lots of cool hairstyles, but the most popular looks are those that draw inspiration from the Vargas girls. To master the ‘do, style your hair into a polished low updo with pinned bangs. Finish the glam with two flowers on each side to accentuate your eyes.

Auburn Pin Up Hairstyle

@hisvintagetouch

6. White and Purple Half Updo

Check out this time-spanning hairstyle. It draws inspiration from many famous decades. The white blonde and purple ombre hair is certainly a more modern touch, but the half updo with defined curls and rolled bangs recalls glorious eras of the past.

Blonde And Purple Half Up Pin Up Hairstyle

@hairbymisskellyo

7. Curled Pin Up ‘Do

You don’t need elbow-length hair to create a beautiful hairstyle. This look is proof of that. The mid-length mane is styled into defined curls, while the bangs are curved to open the forehead and caress the temple. A beautiful bloom completes the style.

Medium Red Pin Up Hairstyle

@missvictoryviolet

8. Green Vintage Curls

You probably won’t find any old pictures of green hair, but that doesn’t mean you should skip the look. A funky hair color is a great way to modernize your curls. Here, the black contrasting bangs add another unique touch.

Mid-Length Curly Pastel Green Hairstyle

@modernsalon

9. Long Orange Retro Style

If your hair is long and lovely, you can create a vintage look out of the simplest half updo. Her front layers have been pulled back off her face and the crown has been teased to create a voluminous mane. Finally, the ends were curled for an old school polish.

Long Pin Up Hairstyle

@haayyday

10. Box Braids in Vintage Style

Show off your beautiful braids in a beautiful hairdo. You get to really appreciate the texture of your braids with this vintage-inspired half-up look. The hair flowers add a pop of color to the look.

Black Pin Up Hairstyle With Braids

@modernsalon

11. Medium Pin Up Curls

Channel your inner Marilyn Monroe with blonde curls and red lipstick. It’s an iconic glam of the 50s. However, the classic hairstyle like this has transcended decades, so it looks as good now as it did then. Just take a gander at the beautiful ‘do for proof.

Blonde Pin Up Hairstyle

@modernsalon

12. Bandana Glam Hairstyle

Hair accessories feature prominently in many styles. Instead of a clip, this long side ‘do introduces a bandana which coordinates with the rest of the outfit. Don’t overlook those details when you’re working on your hair.

Side Pin Up Hairstyle For Long Hair

@hairdreams_

13. Curly Half Up Style

Try playing around with the size and shape of your curls. You can create a variety of looks without losing that classy feel. The hairstyle features smaller ringlets with the bangs styled into an off-center victory roll.

Half Up Curly Pin Up Hair

@miss_agavi

14. Long Pinned Style

Pin up hairstyles are a cinch for those with flowing long hair. The right curl can easily give your look that coveted retro finish. These defined curls combined with the mini pompadour and red bandana work great together.

Pin Up Hairstyle With A Scarf

@miss_kryptonite

15. Pumped Up Hairstyle

If you want a proper hairdo, go for big, unapologetically voluminous hair. This shoulder-length hairstyle is very glamorous thanks to the tousled waves and the sweeping bang flip.

Marilyn Monroe Inspired Curly Bob

@princeangelll

16. Victory Roll Pin Updo

For those who cannot get enough of victory rolls, you need to try this oversized look. It’s quite the statement but it is still very wearable. Ensure that your ‘do holds its shape by using a strong hold hairspray. Then tie a kerchief around your big hair.

Vintage Pinup Updo

@modernsalon

17. Pink Hair in Tight Curls

When you’re searching “vintage ‘dos” on the internet, you see many images of hairstyles where the curls are clearly defined like these ones. You may not see many hairstyles featuring bubble gum pink hair, but it is a cute look that updates an old ‘do and introduces it into today’s fashionable reality.

Curly Pastel Pink Vintage Updo

@madmoisellehairstylist

18. Short Blonde Curls

Calling all girls with short hair that is on the thinner side, you need to remember this vintage-inspired hairstyle. The soft waves add volume to your mane, making it appear thicker than it actually is.

Curly Blonde Vintage Bob

@fernthebarber

19. Flowing Red Hair

When it comes to retro dos, there is no such thing as having too many curls or too big hair accessories. Her beautiful red hair looks stunning thanks to the undone waves and rolled bangs. Add in a large hair flower, and you’ll be a modern-day Vargas girl!

Red Wavy Hairstyle With Pin Up Bangs

@missautumndevine

20. Sleek Waves

Are you a bit intimidated by how voluminous pinup hair can be? In that case, opt for a sleek style. To achieve a retro look, ensure that your waves are defined by using a lightweight serum or gel. You’ll end up with a modern take on a throwback ‘do that is easy to create.

Medium Brunette Pin Up Hairstyle

@allieliliokalani

21. Retro Oversize Updo

Even an updo with a headband can be as glamorous as flowing curvy waves. To achieve this old school look, gather your hair onto the top of your head, leaving out some face-framing tendrils. Divide your mane into three sections and style each one into a roll. Curl your tendrils and add a polka dot bandana.

Blonde Pin Up Updo With Bandana

@american_salon

22. Vintage Half Up Half Down

One victory roll is great, but two is better. Don’t worry about trying to scoop your bangs off your forehead. This girl opted to leave her bangs completely out of her victory rolls and the finished look is stunning. The petroleum color only adds to the appeal.

Pin Up Hairstyle For Pastel Hair

@hairbymisskellyo

23. Spiky Pixie with a Bow

Pin up hairstyles can work for those with very short hair too. It’s just a matter of how you style it. She has used the length of her hair to the maximum advantage by sweeping the bangs to the side and backcombing the crown section. You can copy this cute hairstyle if you wear a pixie. Add in a polka dot bow and you’ll get proper short hair.

Pin Up Hairstyle For Short Hair

@modernsalon

24. Bowed Rolls

It just happens so that another iconic look is an excellent fix for second or even third day hair. Some dry shampoo, a little shine serum, and a few bobby pins take care of your roll – a signature of all retro hairstyles, by the way. A scarf takes care of the back, but remember that bolder is better.

pin up updo with a modern update

@diablorose

25. Classic Retro Curls

The soft curls framing the face, pinned perfectly in place – this is a classic retro look. It’s perfect for medium hair and because curls always do better on the second day, here is another fab style for days when you want to skip the shampoo.

medium-length blonde pin up hairstyle

@modernsalon

26. Pin Curls with a Hat

Here’s an excellent, glamorous updo for long hair or medium hair. The hat isn’t necessary, but you have to admit that it really makes the look. Though the finished product appears intricate, pinning your curls is just as easy.

curly blonde pin up updo

@shannonjmcconnell

27. Laid-Back V-Rolls

Your hair doesn’t have to be perfect. This is laid-back and a little tousled version of victory rolls you can do yourself even if you are a beginner in hair styling.

blonde asymmetrical victory rolls hairstyle

@modernsalon

28. Voluminous Side-Swept Pin Waves

Many classic ‘dos strive for this kind of perfection. The sheen of dark brown or black hair lends itself well to the signature shine of the era’s hairstyles – the idea was for loose but structured gleaming curls.

glamorous wavy pin up hairstyle

@hisvintagetouch

29. Front Roll and Brushed Barrel Curls

This is an ideal retro look. Seriously, it’s top-to-bottom perfection, from the long curls to the cute hat. She has it cocked at the perfect angle with that big, beautiful, rolled curl styled to balance the hat.

curly pin up hairstyle with rolled bangs

@zanetasw

30. Side-Swept Hollywood Waves

Not everyone’s blessed with curly hair. You might have a little bit of wave but not a lot of definition. What you can do is to add a few large, defined curls with a thick barrel curling iron. It looks like that’s what this lovely lady’s done.

side-swept curly pin up hairstyle for medium hair

@modernsalon

31. Thick Side-Swept Waves

Those are some serious curls, perfectly arranged but still bouncy and natural. Wear tem loose or tight deoending on the occasion and enjoy a glamorous feel they give you each time you make a step forward.

pin up curly hairstyle for thick hair

@iconicpinups

32. Pin Up Rolls Updo

These enormous bouffant rolls make the style so on point. So, if you’ve been thinking of trying something new this time, get the look and customize it all you like.

brunette pin up roll updo

@modernsalon

33. Vividly Colored Curls

Vintage pin curls meet the modern ombre trend, with a shock of bright purple dip-dye. Check out some images for the mix, there are several colors that actually add to the look.

blonde and magenta pin up hairstyle

@hairby_dana

34. Headscarf Hairstyle

Here’s another reason retro looks go well with black hair. It’s inexplicable but it somehow works. The more important point is this pin up hairstyles itself. It’s a little edgier and grittier than other styles of the era, more like the Rosie the Riveter signature glam.

pin up hairstyle with a headband

@modernsalon

35. Curly Upswept Style

The intricacy involved in this style won’t be easy, but the patience is worth it. Actually, once you have your hair up, the curls shouldn’t be too hard to pin and spray in place. It’s just a very involved process.

blonde curly pin up updo

@laurenkurtz23

36. Bumper Bangs with Bandana Updo

Although this is still technically a vintage ‘do, there’s something vivaciously ’50s about it too. The high ponytail, the bouncy curls, the straight curled under bangs, and that adorable headband – they speak of soda shops, jukeboxes, and poodle skirts.

pin up updo with bangs and headband

@diamxnddoll

37. Wrapped Hairstyle

It seems too good to be true, the ability to create signature hairstyle when most of your hair is covered. However, the headscarf is practically iconic, especially with perfectly curled bangs peeking out.

brunette pin up hairstyle with a scarf

@yesipinup

38. Sleek Pinned Curls

To make an ideal vintage hairstyle a lot of patience and serious styling skills are needed. Sleek and neat, it can’t be messy and undone. That is why if you want to create a glamorous look, you have to find the best hairstylist you can. This is your priority number one!

Sleek Curly Pin Up Hairstyle

@carlbrownhair

39. Front Barrel Roll Updo

Here we have another enormous roll that definitely impresses. Because it is so big, you’ll have to work to get the volume, but structuring a roll this large isn’t that hard at all.

voluminous pin up updo

@hubbahubba_hair_n_makeup

40. Retro Curls with Modern Color

As mentioned, when it comes to pin curls short hair is best, but medium comes in at a close second. As long as you don’t have too much hair to pin, you’re generally okay – in that, you won’t get frustrated after twenty minutes and give up on the whole look.

funky pin up hairstyle

@retro_jojo

The point is, there are pin up hairstyles for every type of hair – long, short, or medium; thick, fine, or curly; red, black, or pink. It comes down to picking a style that defines your features and works with your locks. What’s your choice?

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