HOW-TO: Hollywood Loves the Hot Retro Chic Hairstyle Trend

Retro chic hairstyles have been seen everywhere in Hollywood this year, and beauty pros in-the-know say they will be hot for celebs and salon clients alike in 2012. Styles like finger curls, seen on singer Natasha Bedingfield, are versatile enough to work on short or long hair, while victory rolls have often been seen worn with a punk-rock twist, like Rihanna’s electric red hair color.

Salon owner/lead stylist Nicholas Penna, Jr. of SalonCapri in Newton and Dedham, Massachusetts (www.saloncapri.com) gives us the scoop about why these styles are making a comeback and how to give these looks a modern update for today.

MODERN: Why are these retro hairstyles making a comeback?
NICHOLAS PENNA: Like with all great trends, it seems that at one point or another, everything eventually comes back into style. Retro hairstyles evoke a sense of glamour and sophistication very different than the type of ’dos we see today. I think people are fascinated by the past (perfect example is the “Mad Men” style craze that we saw when the show launched) and they want to bring a piece of history back, in whatever form that they can. Hair is one of the easiest things to transition and because the styles that you create don't have to be permanent, it can be a great way to play with the past and bring to life iconic hairstyles.

MODERN: How do you put a modern twist on these styles?
NP: I think that hair is meant to be fun and that putting a modern twist on looks from the past is a great way to reinvent style history. For instance, we love the victory rolls, but it could be fun to incorporate them into a modern updo for a special occasion, instead of the conservative looks that were often associated with this style. I think for these retro looks to make a true comeback, people have to adapt them into today's style forecast.

MODERN: Do you see these retro styles being more formal or for everyday too?
NP: I think this depends on the person wearing the style. For many, rocking victory rolls or a beehive wouldn’t be something that they’d wear for work or even out on Saturday night. I think for the majority of people, these looks are great options for a special occasion—think New Year's Eve, a birthday bash or gala—and an updated beehive would pair perfectly with a formal dress. I do think that of all the retro styles making a comeback, the pin curls would be the most wearable for every day. Pin curls work great with long hair, worn down and short hair pinned back.