Anybody with even a loose understanding of fashion knows that trends are circular: what was popular decades ago might be reincarnated on next season’s catwalk. ‘But the saying “trends repeat themselves” doesn’t just apply to fashion,’ says Los Angeles-based hairstylist and vintage-clothing collector Gregory Russell, who has been pulling images from 1950s, 1960s and 1970s Hollywood to create buzz-generating styles for clients including Anya Taylor-Joy and Lily Collins. ‘We have reached the saturation point of beach waves on the red carpet, so now I’m looking back in time for inspiration to create styles that feel fresh and different.’
Unlike the women of eras past, who spent hours in the salon under a drying hood or went to bed with their hair pin-curled, those pursuing anything from a subtle finger wave to a sky-high bouffant now have technology on their side. With today’s styling tools and haircare products, replicating a vintage look – whether you’re sitting in a stylist’s chair or going the DIY route with a YouTube tutorial or retro hairstyling guidebook – is much easier than you’d expect.
![los angeles, california october 25 anya taylor joy attends focus features los angeles premiere of last night in soho at academy museum of motion pictures on october 25, 2021 in los angeles, california photo by frazer harrisonwireimage,,](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/gettyimages-1349103754.jpg?resize=640:* "Focus Features' Los Angeles Premiere Of "Last Night In Soho" - Arrivals")
Most experts recommend starting with a photo of a classic style that speaks to you, keeping in mind your own hair texture and cut. For voluminous curls, consider Diana Ross or Bianca Jagger in the 1970s; for bobbed hair, look to Lauren Bacall in the 1950s; and for dramatic long locks, think Brigitte Bardot or the Ronettes in the 1960s. Ariana Grande collaborated with her stylist Josh Liu, for example, to create a sleek, ponytailed wedding-day look based on Audrey Hepburn’s Funny Face updo, while stylist Renato Campora used disco-era Jerry Hall as inspiration for Jessica Chastain’s effervescent curls at The Eyes of Tammy Faye’s premiere.
Once you’ve selected your inspiration, the next step is choosing the right styling tools and products to help you achieve it. Campora swears by Fekkai Full Blown Volume Shampoo, £20, which he used to add lasting body and bounce to Chastain’s spirals. For a glossy Marilyn Monroe blowout, like the one stylist Jason Alarcon created for Saweetie at the MTV Video Music Awards, try BabyLiss’ Big Hair rotating brush, £50. Other tools that can make retro styling a cinch: Schwarzkopf Professional Silhouette Setting Lotion, £9.45, preps hair before setting; T3 Volumizing Hot Rollers Luxe, £115, create pin-up-worthy waves; and Hershesons The Everyday Essentials Brush, £26, smooths and shapes hair after heat styling.
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BaByliss Big Hair Care Hot Air Styler
The goal with any new (or old, but reimagined) style is to feel confident when you wear it. ‘Sometimes when people are trying retro-inspired hair, they worry it will look costumey,’ Russell says. ‘So I remind them that the women we’re using as inspiration are among the chicest in the world. Why wouldn’t you want to look like them?’
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