How to Use Hair Clips for a Retro Hairstyle

How to Use Hair Clips for a Retro Hairstyle

Retro hairstyles have made a major comeback in recent years, offering a fun and nostalgic way to style your hair. From classic 1950s pin-up curls to the sleek waves of the 1990s, hair clips are a perfect accessory to enhance and hold these vintage looks in place. Whether you’re looking to create a bold retro style or add a subtle vintage touch, using the right hair clips can make all the difference.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to use hair clips for different retro hairstyles, provide styling tips, and show you how to incorporate hair clips into your vintage-inspired looks.

1. Vintage Curls with Hair Clips: A Pin-Up Look

One of the most iconic retro hairstyles is the pin-up curl, popularized by starlets like Marilyn Monroe and Betty Grable in the 1950s. This bold and glamorous look can be recreated with the help of hair clips, which are essential for setting curls and creating that perfectly styled, vintage feel.

• How to Style: Start by curling sections of your hair using a curling iron or by setting them in hot rollers. Once the curls are set, use large, sturdy hair clips to hold them in place until they cool. After removing the clips, gently separate the curls with your fingers and arrange them into voluminous waves. To finish, use a decorative clip to pin back one side for that classic, side-swept look.
• Best Hair Clips: Large, claw-style clips are ideal for setting curls. If you want to add a decorative touch, opt for crystal, pearl, or floral hair clips to pin back one section of your hair for added elegance.

2. Retro Bob with Barrettes: A 1920s Flapper Vibe

The 1920s flapper look, characterized by a sleek, chin-length bob and finger waves, is a glamorous and timeless style. To create this retro vibe, you can use hair clips to secure waves and add an extra flair to the final look.

• How to Style: Begin by cutting your hair into a sleek bob (or use a bob wig for a more temporary option). Create finger waves using a flat iron or by molding your hair with your fingers while wet. Once the waves are in place, use small, decorative barrettes or clips to pin the waves, especially around the temples and near the nape of the neck. This will help hold the shape and give it that authentic 1920s appearance.
• Best Hair Clips: Choose small, vintage-inspired barrettes, preferably in silver or gold tones. Clips adorned with pearls or rhinestones will add a touch of elegance to this retro hairstyle.

3. The Retro Chignon with Vintage Hair Clips

The chignon is a classic retro hairstyle that works well for formal events or evening outings. Often seen in old Hollywood films, the chignon is a low, elegant bun that can be enhanced with vintage-style hair clips for added flair and sophistication.

• How to Style: Start by gathering your hair into a low ponytail, then twist and roll it into a chignon at the nape of your neck. Secure the chignon with bobby pins, and for added vintage appeal, use decorative hair clips to hold the hair in place. You can choose to use a single clip or multiple smaller clips along the sides to give your chignon a more intricate, retro look.
• Best Hair Clips: Use clips with vintage charm, such as those adorned with rhinestones, pearls, or art deco designs. Larger clips that resemble combs or statement barrettes work well to secure the chignon in place.

4. The Retro Twist with Hair Pins: A 1940s Victory Roll

Victory rolls, a signature hairstyle of the 1940s, are another fantastic retro look that can be secured and enhanced with hair clips. This bold and voluminous style is perfect for special events, parties, or themed occasions.

• How to Style: To create victory rolls, start by sectioning your hair into two parts, one on each side of your head. Roll each section of hair upward and inward, securing them with hair pins. You’ll need to use hair clips to hold the rolls in place while you work on the rest of your style. The key is to create a smooth, sleek look at the base of the rolls while keeping the rolls themselves voluminous and full of bounce.
• Best Hair Clips: Small, vintage-inspired hairpins or crystal hair clips are perfect for this style. The pins will keep the rolls secured while the clips can add extra glam to the hairstyle.

5. The Retro Half-Up, Half-Down Style with Statement Clips

The half-up, half-down hairstyle is another popular retro look, especially from the 1960s. This look works well with voluminous waves and can be easily customized with hair clips to enhance its retro charm.

• How to Style: Begin by creating loose, voluminous waves with a curling iron or hot rollers. Take the top section of your hair and pull it back into a half-up style, leaving the rest of the hair down. Secure the top section with a hair clip. You can add extra volume at the crown for a more 1960s-inspired look. Choose a statement hair clip to add visual interest and make the hairstyle stand out.
• Best Hair Clips: Large, bold clips with rhinestones, pearls, or geometric designs will make a statement. Opt for vintage-style clips in gold, silver, or tortoiseshell for a retro vibe.

6. The Retro Bouffant with Hair Combs

The bouffant hairstyle, a voluminous look popular in the 1960s, is a perfect choice for creating a retro style that makes a statement. Hair combs and clips are essential tools for adding height and volume to this bold look.

• How to Style: To create a bouffant, start by backcombing the roots of your hair to add volume. Once the hair is teased, smooth the top layer over the volume and secure the bouffant with bobby pins. Use decorative hair combs or clips to hold the hair in place and add a vintage flair. Position the combs at the sides or in the back for a more polished, retro finish.
• Best Hair Clips: Use combs or barrettes that feature vintage-inspired designs. Pearls, rhinestones, and intricate patterns work particularly well with the bouffant style.

7. The Retro Pin-Curl Look with Mini Clips

Pin curls are a classic hairstyle that has been around for decades and can create an elegant, vintage-inspired look. To maintain the shape of each curl, mini hair clips are a must.

• How to Style: To achieve pin curls, divide your hair into small sections, curl each section tightly, and secure each curl with a mini hair clip. Let the curls set for several hours or overnight. Once removed, you’ll have tight, retro-inspired curls. You can brush them out gently for a softer look or leave them as they are for a more defined curl.
• Best Hair Clips: Small, lightweight hair clips are ideal for setting pin curls. Choose clips that are discreet and won’t leave marks in the curls.

8. Adding Retro Clips for Extra Detail

Sometimes, the key to achieving the perfect retro hairstyle is all in the details. Whether you’re wearing curls, waves, or updos, the addition of a retro-inspired hair clip can tie the entire look together.

• How to Style: Once your retro hairstyle is complete, finish it off by placing a decorative clip at the side or back of your head. This can be a statement clip or a simple vintage pin. Retro hair clips come in various designs, from elegant crystal clips to bold flower-shaped barrettes, and each can complement different vintage styles.
• Best Hair Clips: Look for retro clips in metallic finishes, adorned with rhinestones, pearls, or floral designs, to add an authentic touch to your hairstyle.

Final Thoughts: Retro Styles with Hair Clips

Using hair clips to create a retro hairstyle is a simple yet effective way to add vintage charm and elegance to your look. From pin-up curls to victory rolls, hair clips can help you achieve a polished, sophisticated appearance that is both timeless and stylish. The key is to choose the right clip for your chosen hairstyle and use it to add extra detail, structure, and glamour.

Whether you prefer bold statement clips or delicate vintage pins, hair clips are a versatile accessory that can help you perfect your retro-inspired look.