When you think of vintage hair, the first thing that comes to mind is the classic pin-up girl look. Whether it’s glam waves or perfectly polished updos, these hairstyles are timeless—and with the holiday season in full swing, pin-up girl hairstyles are a must-try for any seasonal event.
If you’re looking to play around with this hair trend, gather up a teasing comb, a curling iron, hot rollers, and some bobby pins. These 10 pin up girl hair ideas are sure to inspire you.
What does a pin up girl look like?
The typical pin-up girl look incorporates some sort of waist-cinching dress, high waisted pants (which we all know and love), or a pencil skirt to show off your hourglass figure. She almost always has a flawless makeup routine, with neutral eyeshadow, a bold winged eyeliner, and a classic red lipstick. Don’t forget about the perfect final touch to your makeup look—a drawn-on beauty mark. Complete the pin up girl look with hot rollers to create simple tight curls, and add a hair scarf or headband to emphasize your neat hairstyle.
The Best Pin Up Girl Hair Looks To Try Right Now
Good hair day by @matrix.
Victory Roll
We have a general hairstyling rule: If you can make a ponytail, you can do anything. In pin-up style, however, the basic building block of every updo is the victory roll. The voluminous style is flattering and charmingly retro. Best of all, it’s not that hard to accomplish at home.
Sectioning off a U-shaped area at the top of the head (just behind your hairline), use a curling iron on small, even pieces. Shape ringlets that all face the same direction. When you’ve completed that step, use L’Oreal Professionnel Tecni.Art Extreme Lacquer High Hold Hairspray and backcomb your hair at the roots to build volume.
Next, begin lightly smoothing and shaping your rolls into a shape that resembles the spiral of a conch shell resting nicely on your hairline. Use two fingers to roll the teased section back on itself, aiming for an oversized roll with a small curl inside of it.
When your victory roll looks the way you’d like, criss-cross pins at the end of the strand to keep it in place. Coat everything with a healthy dose of hairspray. If the style looks more like a lopsided pool float than a roll, don’t be afraid to tackle it again. Practice really does make perfect when it comes to hairstyling.
Good hair day by @mustafaavci.
Glam Curls
These shiny, perfectly set waves are all about bringing the drama to any event, whether it’s a Christmas party or a Zoom happy hour with friends you’re just really amped about. You may notice there’s nary a hair out of place, which is all due to the fact that this pin-up girl hair is the work of a professional. While you may be able to achieve similar-looking results at home with a curling iron and a can of hairspray, make an appointment with a trusted stylist to really execute this look perfectly.
Good hair day by @mustafaavci.
Victory Roll Updo
Now that you know how to make a victory roll, every other pin up style will be a breeze. To create this double roll situation, you’ll start by curling all your hair into ringlets going the same direction. After each curl is done, roll it back up and pin it to your head. Skip the front section of your hair, which will become two victory rolls.
Start unpinning your curls, giving them a spritz of hairspray before you even think of touching them. Leave them aside while you create two victory rolls an inch or two back from your hairline using the tutorial above. When they’re totally set, use a brush to gently loosen your curls (they should form one consistent wave if you’ve curled evenly enough). All done!
Good hair day by @michelleoconnorbeauty.
Victory Twist
Once you’ve mastered the victory roll, you’re on your way to becoming a pin up pro. Using the style you’ve already learned, you can create dozens of looks.
Case in point: the victory twist, which is best for ladies with medium or very long hair. To make this style work for you, you’ll want to follow the same roll creation process detailed above. If you don’t have any ribbon available, feel free to use a beautifully printed scarf or embellished pins to accent the style. Finish off with a few spritzes of Kérastase Discipline Fluidissime Anti Frizz Spray to ensure your style will maintain shine and look fresh all day.
Good hair day by @shell.vega.
Modern Bumper Bangs
For this hairstyle, we’re going to cheat a little bit by using a premade bun “rat”, a synthetic cylinder that makes your updo seem more complicated than it really is. Section off the requisite U-shape from the top of your head, then curl and set the rest of your hair using the above tutorial.
When your curls are complete, unpin your top section of hair. Starting at the end of your lengths, roll the bun rat in toward your hairline. Be sure you’re rolling under, not over, curving the rat into a slightly bent U-shape when you’re finished. Then, pin and spray your new faux bangs.
If you love this style, don’t be afraid to use it for everything pin up: ponytails, buns, and the like. Bumper bangs are a quick, easy fix for second-day hair.
Good hair day by @sorayahstyles.
Pixie Wave
Here’s a lazy day style, one you can conquer if you have 10 minutes before running out the door. Start with a cropped cut in an unconventional color, using either your natural wave or pro-created perm to maximize the flirty texture. Use Matrix’s Style Link Texture Builder Messy Finishing Spray for added texture and volume. For an extra pin-up touch, tie a patterned scarf around your head and head out for the day!
Good hair day by @matrix.
Rolled Updo
To achieve this look, you’ll want to start with sleek hair. Using a long-tailed comb, create a deep side part. Then, beginning on the side farthest from the part, create a loose victory roll that sits just above your ears. Using sections of hair that are about three inches wide, repeat the process around the nape of the neck until you’re totally out of hair.
The goal here is to make these small rolls create the illusion that they’re one cohesive updo, so pin and adjust them as necessary. This style is an excellent choice for a wedding, especially with a few fresh flowers tucked into it.
Good hair day by @mustafaavci.
Pin-Up Inspired Ponytail
This modern look pays tribute to vintage styles with glamorous curls and a shiny metallic cuff. It’s also a great way to show off the long hair you’ve worked so hard to grow.
To replicate the look, use hot rollers or a wide-barrel curling iron to create ringlets throughout the mid-lengths and ends of your mane. Pin each one in place as you finish, using a quick spritz of hairspray to ensure you have some hold. Once your hair is cool, brush out all your ringlets and fasten them back into a sleek, dramatic tail.
Good hair day by @michelleoconnorbeauty.
Vintage Waves With Deep Side Part
These Hollywood-inspired waves, paired with a deep side part is perfect for any occasion. Create tight pin curls and gently brush them out to create this effortless wave that looks stunning on any hair length. To make the style last, use Matrix Vavoom Shapemaker Extra Hold Shaping Spray to provide 24-hour humidity resistance and 24-hour anti-frizz protection.
Good hair day by @oluchizelda.
Funky Pixie Waves
If you want to put a modern twist on your pixie waves, play with some color! Not only is this look going to be an exciting change for you, but it will also be one you will want to show off to your friends. Be sure to use Matrix Total Results Keep Me Vivid Shampoo and Conditioner to keep your hair color looking fresh and vibrant all season long.
Looking to get your hair professionally styled by a pin-up expert? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.