20 Historic Hairstyles That Have Made a Comeback in Pop Culture

Louise Brooks made the short bob with a clean, natural-looking fringe a staple in 1920s films, even though it clearly took a lot of effort to keep it so sleek. Today, this look is making a comeback and automatically boosts self-confidence. That’s why we often see it styled sleekly on red carpets and in magazines, notably on Kelly Rowland in 2025.

The classic bob became very popular in the 1920s, linked to changing attitudes toward women’s independence and modern life. It can be seen in magazines and street photographs from that era. It has regained popularity because it suits almost all hair textures, and the current trend of layered bobs and long cuts continues to draw inspiration from this original style.

The pompadour hairstyle has enjoyed two periods of popularity: an 18th-century version associated with aristocratic fashion, and a revival in the middle of the last century that made it a signature look of rock and roll. It’s still seen today in rockabilly circles and on stage, because its height and volume instantly transform your entire look without requiring new clothes.

Deep, shiny waves were all the rage in the 1940s, particularly in Hollywood, where hairstyles from the studio era emphasized shine and control. Rita Hayworth’s mid-length waves are a well-documented icon, and this style has resurfaced in modern glamour, notably with Selena Gomez, who sported a 1940s-inspired wavy hairstyle at the 2026 Golden Globes.

The 1950s favored soft, well-groomed, brushed curls, which can be seen in countless official portraits and classic films from that era. Grace Kelly’s chin-length curls are a perfect example. This look makes a regular comeback because it photographs well and remains elegant when paired with modern makeup, such as the look recently adopted by Pamela Anderson.

The 1960s pixie cut exudes a lively, modern energy that remains relevant today. When it comes back into style, it usually brings a touch of freshness and boldness, proving that hairstyles considered modern 60 years ago can adapt to any decade.

The French bun has become an elegant and polished hairstyle, ubiquitous at mid-century events and in Hitchcock-era films, with Tippi Hedren often cited in discussions of the fashion of that time. Today, it is making a major comeback on the red carpet, as it looks elegant from every angle, making it the ideal choice for photo shoots.

The “beehive” hairstyle is typical of the 1960s, created using backcombing, bobby pins, and enough hairspray to pierce the ozone layer. It resurfaces whenever pop culture embraces nostalgia, and Nicole Kidman’s tribute to it in 2025 proved that this hairstyle is still relevant when done right and paired with a simple outfit.

The sleek, high bun isn’t a new trend, but the late-1960s version—with its curls—became particularly recognizable thanks to the beauty photos and fashion features of the era. The modern revival of this hairstyle emphasizes clean lines and a flattering frame for the face, making it popular among those who favor the “clean girl” aesthetic.

In the 1960s, Brigitte Bardot often wore her hair long and loose, accessorized with a headband, creating a casual look without appearing unkempt. This style regularly comes back into fashion because it frames the face and adds volume to the hair, while retaining that same soft, tousled vibe.

The 1970s shag featured tapered layers and movement, and photos from that decade show just how well it complemented backcombed styles and air-dried textures. Jane Fonda’s tapered cuts helped define that era, and the modern revival of the shag works because it adds shape without requiring a perfect, uniform finish.

The origins of the mullet hairstyle date back to the counterculture of the 1970s and 1980s, when the uneven lengths of the cut seemed to be a deliberate rejection of neatness and propriety. Its modern resurgence is linked to punk and grunge influences and has become a popular staple among Generation Z.

Big, crimped curls became an iconic look in the 1980s, and Dolly Parton’s hairstyle helped make this voluminous curly style instantly recognizable. If you’re thinking of a modern take on this iconic style, Sabrina Carpenter will immediately come to mind.

In the 1990s, the trend was for voluminous hair, shiny curls, and large, brushed-out curls that were ready for the camera. Cindy Crawford’s iconic hairstyle is a widely cited example. The modern version often appears on the runway and with formal attire, and Amal Clooney is frequently associated with this type of full, well-groomed curls.

The “Rachel” haircut became the iconic hairstyle of the 1990s thanks to the character played by Jennifer Aniston in the TV series Friends. Its layered style, which frames the face, is immortalized in countless music videos and magazines from that era. It regularly comes back into style because its layers flatter many different face shapes. Its resurgence in 2025 on social media and in hair salons—notably in a striking version by Cristina Cheni—is a testament to the timeless appeal of this cut.

The straight, tapered bob associated with ancient Egypt has been featured in art and historical imagery for centuries, although the exact everyday style varied depending on social status and occasion. The modern version is elegant and graphic, creating an almost angular jawline thanks to its ultra-sharp style.

Princess Leia’s two buns are technically a product of 1970s pop culture, but they draw inspiration from older hairstyling traditions and became an iconic visual symbol almost overnight. They’re making a comeback in cosplay, fashion editorials, and playful fashion moments because their shape is instantly recognizable and transforms any outfit into a fashion statement without needing much else. If you liked the “space buns” trend of the mid-2010s, this hairstyle might be right up your alley.

Audrey Hepburn’s elegant ponytail exudes a sense of sophistication and youthfulness in classic film stills and advertising photos. The times Ariana Grande sported a high ponytail in 2025 helped preserve this sleek, elevated look, proving that this style remains effortlessly elegant.

Nineteenth-century portraits depict loose, cascading curls styled to look soft and pleasant to the touch, even in formal settings. The modern revival often takes the form of Old Hollywood-inspired waves in long hair, and Jessica Chastain has worn styles that echo these historic curl patterns while maintaining a modern touch.