Table of Contents
Introduction

Retro curls are elegant curls hairstyles that today’s women can embrace and sport; they are common features we see in many magazines and fashion ramp shows today. This is a timeless hairstyle; is seen in the background during the late 1920s and even, survives up to the mid-twenties rock ‘n’ roll era. This blog seeks to show how styles of retro curls have evolved, how they can be done, and why they continue to be popular amongst people of fashion in this present generation. Whoever is opting for the soft waves or the super tight ringlets, retro curls have it all, from the glamour of the 70s and versatility for the occasion.
What Are Retro Curls?
Retro curls are characterized by big round curls that look like those they used to use in the older days of Hollywood glamour. Such hairdos are reminiscent of famous Hollywood movie stars, such as Marilyn Monroe, who wore vibrant curls of bumpy waves in her prime time, and Rita Hayworth. The retro curls are motives of retro clothing style where hair was immaculately designed with slightly curling waves or narrow curling spirals. Retro curls are easy to respectively for every type of woman: tight hair curls of 1930 or wild loose curls of 1980 are available.
The retro curls in the modern world can be created using new forms of curling tools and the basic principle remains the same. Ranging from strictly aligned and tight curls to more casual, busy waves, retro curls can be both glamorous and rather very easygoing every season. The characteristic feature of retro curls is glossy and bouncy hair which maintains the style of the retro age.
The History of Retro Curls
Historically, retro curls can be dated back to the beginning of the twentieth century when the techniques of waving began to change to more refined styles for women. The 1920s and 1930s can be considered the cornerstone of what is now referred to as retro curls. Women at that date loved the bob cut with finger waves or curls around the face region. During this period one of the most remembered hairdressing apparatus of the era known as the pin curl was greatly embraced as it was widely used to produce marvelous retro curls.
Nevertheless, in the 1950s, innovations Adorned with new hair care instruments like hot rollers and curling irons, retro curls received new meanings. Several decades back stars such as Marilyn Monroe enhanced light curls and curls making what was considered glamour. The process with locked curls in combination with soft waves as a style gave women rich natural volume which in contrast was considered stylish and sophisticated. Through the years’ multiple changes and developments, the retro curls hairstyle has remained popular and more developed while still maintaining the retro vibe.
Retro Curls and Their Popularity in the 2020s
Fast forward to the present and it appears the retro curls trend is back in the fashion world bigger than ever. This styling technique has been recently seen on many celebrities; including Blake Lively, Zendaya, and Rihanna, among others, united by a love for retro curling. The rise of throwback fashion practices including the curls is based on the advancing need to embrace timeless beauty. Today people turn to classics that predominate how it was several decades ago and retro curls can help to create such a look.
It appears retro curls have also been made popular again by younger generations, the new social media platforms- Instagram and Tik Tok where beauticians and makeup artists display retro versions of curls. No longer are retro curls reserved for retro parties or a themed party, they are now that classic and timeless chic hairdo. Retro curls are versatile and appropriate for almost any occasion starting from a wedding, a night out, and ending with a brunch.
How to Create Retro Curls?
As with most styles, getting the desired retro curls is a process of understanding, timing, and proper tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the classic retro curls:
- Prep Your Hair: Begin with shampoo and conditioner that contain volume and texture boosters to get the right foundation. If you are going to style your hair with a volumizing mousse or a heat protectant spray, do so. Wash your hair with warm water, pat it dry using a towel to avoid making your hair frizzy, and apply a smoothing serum.
- Section Your Hair: Start by partitioning the head with graduation from the nape of the scalp down towards the hair ends. But, fold up the top layers and, ideally, work with one layer at a time. This will enable you to get a good result as far as the curls are concerned and also guarantee equal sectioning of hair for curling.
- Curling Tools: There is nothing better than a curling iron or even a set of hot rollers. If you’d like your curls to be more tight and well-defined then use a small barrel curling iron. Think about the barrel size; for looser and softer curls use a larger barrel iron. Ensure that your brand of curling iron is well heated as you desire it to be before you apply it to your hairs.
- Curl the Hair: Pick a small strand of hair and slide it through the barrel of the curling iron with the curl side directed outwards towards your face. Press for some time, roughly 10-15 seconds before releasing. Do this step on every part of the hair and start the process with low hair sections to the higher ones.
- Set the Curls: Once all the hair is curled one is supposed to allow the curls to cool right down before they attempt to touch them. After that, wash and let it cool to either sleep in it or immediately undo the curls by combining them gently to achieve a fuller look. You will find it easy to remove those lumps by brushing through the curls with a paddle brush.
- Finishing Touches: To set your curls and also finish off the look use a hair spray of high staying power. As a touch of a more contemporary feel, it is suggested to sprinkle a bit of the texture spray for more of the ‘just out of the water’ look on curls Voila!
Retro Curls for Different Hair Types
Although retro curls look best on those with second to third-level hair, they can be done to any hair length or type. Here’s how you can adapt retro curls to suit your hair type:
- For Fine Hair: Babyliss curls can be useful to give volume and thickness to thin hair. Apply a volumizer mousse to your hair before curling and to achieve tighter curls, use a curling iron with a smaller barrel. After styling blow dry your hair with a root-lifting spray for extra volume for your curls.
- For Thick Hair: Again, it will take longer to style thick hair into the desired curled form and the curl will not last for long. It is advisable to use a curling iron that has a large barreled one so that you get those voluminous free-flowing curls. To conclude use a smoothing serum to avoid the occurrence of frizzing and give the hair that natural shine.
- For Curly Hair: One nice hairdo that fits well with curly hair is retro curls. Take advantage of your natural hair texture which is often in the form of curls and define it further using a curling iron. Do not have the curls defined as much as you would for a tighter and more rigid curls look. A light styling cream to aid in making these curls which do not easily hold could be made to hold without getting crunchy.
Retro Curls in Modern Fashion
Retro curls are now widely popular, especially among individuals in the fashion industry who wish to make their hairdo more retro-inspired. Today’s glamour gurus including Kylie Jenner and Ariana Grande are not averse to rocking the vintage curls on the red carpet, and for good reason. This style is classier than some other curls, yet retains some playfulness that can easily suit any stylistic choice.
It doesn’t matter if you are dressing formally for a fancy occasion, or casually for a day going out, retro curls are great to spice up the looks. A sweet thing about retro curls is that they can be worn with anything. Match it with a classy evening dress for the glamorous look or with any vintage style dress for a glamour retro touch.
Checkout: Extended Layers Hairstyle: The Ultimate Guide for a Fresh, Trendy Look.
How to Maintain Retro Curls Throughout the Day?

There are, however, some tips worth considering so that your retro curls will last all day long. First, employ a strong-hold hairspray to ensure they stay in place all day and night and most importantly, the next morning. This will prevent the bounce and volume from diminishing throughout the day, thus providing an impetus. Furthermore, do not go around touching, pulling, or running your fingers through your curls; it will affect the shape of the f curls.
If you are planning on leaving the house for a long day or night then you should consider carrying your travel-sized hairspray along with you to make touch-ups on the curls now and then. To increase the volume, try grabbing the roots of your curls between your fingers and then spray them again for a quick boost. Last but not least, never forget to either braid or use a shower cap before styling curly hair to reduce heat damage which brings early decline of the curls.
Conclusion
Gender curves are one of the most universal and enchanting hairstyles of the past that do not lose their appeal in the present day. The result of retro curls can be attributed to their origins in the golden age of Hollywood Movies, and revamping them for the modern world, they are a style that suits the retro movement of today with equal finesse. The variety in the shape of the rolls gives a great versatility of this hairstyle, for women who want to create a softer look for a romantic date or a brave curly look for everyday wear.
Perfect retro curls are very possible with proper technique, equipment, and some time of patience and the outcome is exquisite. Being conventional hairstyles, the retro curls can be achieved on any occasion thus spanning an elegant touch on casual and formal outfits. This is a timeless trend that can be incorporated into various styles and incorporated into your hair routine: master retro curls today!
For More Info: Click Here.
FAQs
How long do retro curls last?
The time that you get with retro curls depends on your hair type, the products utilized, and how you style it. If the right styling products like strong-hold hairspray, and heat protectant are used, retro curls can dwell for several hours thus, throughout the day. If you want your curls to last longer, you would want to use hot rollers or a curling iron with a small rod to get a tighter set of curls.
Can retro curls work on short hair?
Of course, retro curls can be created for short hair and today I will explain how to do it. It is possible to have short retro curls if one intends to make a stylish and elegant hairstyle in a wink. For tighter curls try a smaller barrel for the curling iron or use the hot rollers; also, section hair in smaller parts to achieve the best curl grouping. In case of low density, you can follow with a texturizing spray after the styling is complete.
How do I prevent frizz with retro curls?
The key issue that a lot of black women experience when styling retro curls is frizz, especially in the hot, humid weather. To minimize the problem of frizz, apply a smoothing serum or anti-frizz spray before blowing the hair. Besides, wash your hair with a heat protectant spray so that it is protected in case it comes into contact with hot tools. The final rinse uses the strong-hold hairspray to maintain your curls and prevent them from drooping throughout the day.