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Home • Short Hairstyles

17 Iconic Vintage Hairstyles We're Still Obsessed With Today

Like fashion, beauty trends have evolved so quickly that it can feel like we're always going back in time. Although most of us find hair inspiration by perusing Instagram, creating Pinterest boards or collecting the most current magazines, we're still eager to emulate those legendary screen sirens, models and singers whose coifs are as memorable as their music. And because we always appreciate a throwback or two, these vintage beauty shots are giving us life and then some. 
By Nikki Brown · Updated October 26, 2020
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01
Billie Holiday

The blues legend was known for adorning her updos in white gardenias before most performances. And the floral trend shows no signs of slowing down. 

17 Iconic Vintage Hairstyles We're Still Obsessed With Today
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
02
Diahann Carroll

The Tony Award winner has worn several hairstyles throughout her iconic career, but this one is by far our favorite. 

17 Iconic Vintage Hairstyles We're Still Obsessed With Today
Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
03
Cicely Tyson

Throughout her 50+ year career, Tyson has worn more slay-worthy hairstyles than we can count. This slick, short coif is by far one of our favorites! 

17 Iconic Vintage Hairstyles We're Still Obsessed With Today
Jack Mitchell/Getty Images
04
Nichelle Nichols

During her time on Star Trek, the beautiful actress served one of the fiercest updos of all time. 

17 Iconic Vintage Hairstyles We're Still Obsessed With Today
CBS via Getty Images
05
Pam Grier

The Afro was elevated when this Blaxploitation icon started hitting the silver screen. 

17 Iconic Vintage Hairstyles We're Still Obsessed With Today
Michael Ochs Archive/Getty Images
06
Grace Jones

If you ever need inspo to go for the big chop, look no further than the singer/actress. She oozes confidence and we love it! 

17 Iconic Vintage Hairstyles We're Still Obsessed With Today
Ron Galella/WireImage
07
Ella Fitzgerald

Throughout her illustrious career, the jazz singer rarely deviated from her signature short do and equally cute ensembles. 

17 Iconic Vintage Hairstyles We're Still Obsessed With Today
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
08
Bethann Hardison

The legendary model always served looks; accessories included! 

17 Iconic Vintage Hairstyles We're Still Obsessed With Today
Bruce Weber
09
Diana Ross

The singer and actress is solidified as one of the flyest hair chameleons to walk the planet. Case in point: this mushroom cut realness. 

17 Iconic Vintage Hairstyles We're Still Obsessed With Today
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
10
Naomi Sims

Often credited as the first black supermodel, Sims always looked effortless in her hey day. 

17 Iconic Vintage Hairstyles We're Still Obsessed With Today
Michael Ochs Archives
11
Eartha Kitt

Even Catwoman herself has worn the simplest of dos and made it look fierce. 

17 Iconic Vintage Hairstyles We're Still Obsessed With Today
Harry Hammond/V&A Images/Getty Images)
12
Ruby Dee

The late actress and activist exuded natural beauty with her effortless look. 

17 Iconic Vintage Hairstyles We're Still Obsessed With Today
Afro American Newspapers/Gado/Getty Images
13
Lena Horne

The actress’ various hairstyles are elegance and grace personified. 

17 Iconic Vintage Hairstyles We're Still Obsessed With Today
Gilles Petard/Redferns
14
Dorothy Dandridge – Nov. 9

The late actress would have turned 95 on Nov. 9.

17 Iconic Vintage Hairstyles We're Still Obsessed With Today
Donaldson Collection/Getty Images
15
Judy Pace

Pace, another icon from the Blaxploitation era, frequently brought the slay in her full fro. 

17 Iconic Vintage Hairstyles We're Still Obsessed With Today
Michael Ochs Archives
16
Tamara Dobson

Back in the day, this gorgeous actress taught us how to rock an afro with confidence. 

17 Iconic Vintage Hairstyles We're Still Obsessed With Today
Warner Brothers/Getty Images
17
Iman

The supermodel and actress has been serving hair inspo since she first hit the Hollywood scene. Love it! 

17 Iconic Vintage Hairstyles We're Still Obsessed With Today
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
TOPICS:  Celebrity Hairstyles Diana Ross Iman