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Home • News

Hot Hair: Retro Waves

While we love an a sculpted, angular cut as much as the next diva, there's always something so romantic -- so throwback -- about soft, touchable waves. Whether it's a tightly waved flapper-esque 'do or loose, rippling tresses a'la Lena Horne, these retro styles are the last word in chic.
By Essence · Updated October 28, 2020
01
Cinnamon Bun

Zoe Saldana sweeps her perfectly marcelled waves up into a soft, loose bun.

Hot Hair: Retro Waves
02
Left Eye

Tiffany Hines lets her long, loose layers fall over one eye — very Veronica Lake!

Hot Hair: Retro Waves
03
Forties Fierce

Tia Mowry goes for a 1940s chic look with these lush, feminine curls and a dramatic, side-swooping bang.

Hot Hair: Retro Waves
04
Hollywood Hottie

Lala Vasquez channels Old Hollywood sirens like Lena Horne, Lana Turner and Dorothy Dandridge with these softly scuplted, oh-so-touchable waves.

Hot Hair: Retro Waves
05
She Bangs

Kerry Washington pairs side-swooping bangs with her tumble of curls. So pretty.

Hot Hair: Retro Waves
06
Pretty Hair

Jordin Sparks looks surprisingly grownup with these flawlessly defined, old school ringlets.

Hot Hair: Retro Waves
07
Hard and Soft

Jada Pinkett Smith contrasts the uber-femininity of her luscious, 1940-s style ’do with a tough motorcycle jacket.

Hot Hair: Retro Waves
08
Screen Siren

Iman looks like she stepped out of a black and white film with this exquisitely curled coif.

Hot Hair: Retro Waves
09
Glamour Girl

Garcelle Beauvais sweeps her tumble of loose curls over one shoulder for an effortlessly glam look.

Hot Hair: Retro Waves
10
Chic Chignon

Gabrielle Union’s retro waves are swept to one side in a low, loose chignon, creating the illusion of short hair.

Hot Hair: Retro Waves
11
The Best Part

Cynthia Bailey looks drop-dead gorgeous in soft, voluminous waves with an elegant center part.

Hot Hair: Retro Waves
12
Body Language

At the premiere of ‘For Colored Girls,’ Ciara rocked soft body waves just past her shoulders.

Hot Hair: Retro Waves
13
Wave Hello

Chanel Iman masters the retro chic look with this touchably soft, romantic updo. We love the asymmetry of a few loose waves escaping from the ’do!

Hot Hair: Retro Waves
14
Copper Tone

Mama-to-be Beyonce looks positively radiant in her copper-kissed curls and old school flippy bangs.

Hot Hair: Retro Waves
15
Sophisticated Lady

Long hit the red carpet in a glossy, luscious, roller-set bob. So sophisticated.

Hot Hair: Retro Waves