Vintage Ponytail Hairstyles That Look Like Old Hollywood, Feel Like Now

Let’s face it—no hairstyle captures the essence of elegance and timeless glam like a well-executed ponytail. But not just any ponytail. We’re talking about vintage ponytail hairstyles that echo the sophistication of Old Hollywood while feeling modern enough to wear on today’s red carpets—or your next dinner date.

These styles are the beauty world’s equivalent of a handwritten love letter—nostalgic, charming, and unforgettable.

In this comprehensive guide, we’re diving deep into the allure of vintage ponytails, exploring the classics inspired by icons like Grace Kelly and Brigitte Bardot, and showing you how to master each look using today’s tools and techniques. Whether you’re seeking a sleek silhouette or big, voluminous waves, you’ll find everything here to elevate your ponytail game.

Why Vintage Ponytails Still Reign Supreme

In an age of bold trends and fast fashion, vintage hairstyles remind us that simplicity, when done right, is the ultimate form of sophistication. Unlike fleeting TikTok fads, Old Hollywood ponytails have stood the test of time.

These styles were born in the golden era of cinema—think 1940s to 1960s—when leading ladies didn’t just wear their hair. They wore it with intent. Their ponytails weren’t tossed-up afterthoughts but carefully sculpted silhouettes, designed to highlight cheekbones, elongate the neck, and complement flawless winged eyeliner.

And guess what? These styles are more relevant than ever.

Thanks to a resurgence of retro glamour in fashion and beauty, vintage ponytails are having a major moment. They’re versatile, flattering, and—best of all—timeless.

The Icons Who Defined the Vintage Ponytail

Grace Kelly’s Low-Slung Elegance

Grace Kelly’s beauty was classic, and so was her hair. Her low-slung ponytail, often paired with a deep side part, personified 1950s refinement.

Key features of the Grace Kelly ponytail:

• Positioned at the nape of the neck for maximum sophistication
• Smoothed to glossy perfection with no visible flyaways
• Secured with satin ribbons or subtle accessories
• Always paired with soft curls at the ends for a romantic finish

Today, this look is ideal for formal events, weddings, or even minimalist office glam. It’s the definition of chic without shouting.

Brigitte Bardot’s Bombshell Crown Ponytail

If Grace was elegance, Brigitte Bardot was edge. Her teased crown ponytail gave off unmistakable bombshell energy with tousled, undone volume.

What made Bardot’s ponytail iconic:

• Mid-height placement for balance and bounce
• Teased crown for signature 1960s volume
• Face-framing layers and wispy strands
• Carefree texture with deliberate imperfection

This style works wonders when you want to turn heads. Add smoky eyeliner and a nude pout to complete the look.

Essential Tools for Styling Vintage Ponytails

Before you dive into curls and combs, make sure your styling station is stocked with these retro-inspired essentials:

The Must-Have Tools

• Boar Bristle Brush – To smooth flyaways without flattening volume
• Teasing Comb – For creating structured height at the crown
• Duckbill Clips – To hold sections in place while styling
• Hot Rollers or Foam Curlers – For those signature soft waves
• Flexible Hold Hairspray – So you set without crunch
• Silk Hair Ties – To prevent breakage and add a luxe touch

Having these tools on hand sets the stage for a successful throwback transformation.

Step-by-Step: How to Create the Perfect Vintage Ponytail

Let’s break down the process into easy-to-follow techniques so you can recreate a vintage ponytail at home—even if you’re not a pro.

1. Prep and Set Your Base

• Start with clean, dry or slightly damp hair.
• Apply a volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat protectant throughout.
• Use a round brush and blow dryer to create smooth volume, especially at the crown.

2. Create Retro Curls

• For Grace Kelly waves, use hot rollers on large sections.
• For Bardot texture, opt for foam curlers or a curling wand on random sections.
• Let curls set, then gently brush out with a boar bristle brush to soften.

3. Section and Tease

• Part your hair as desired (side part for Grace, middle for Bardot).
• Take a triangle section at your crown and backcomb using a teasing comb.
• Set the tease with hairspray and smooth the top layer gently.

4. Ponytail Placement

• For a Grace-inspired look: gather hair low at the nape.
• For Bardot: secure at mid-head, letting volume flow from the crown.
• Wrap a section of hair around the elastic for a polished finish.

Face-Framing Elements That Elevate Your Look

The secret weapon of any vintage ponytail? Wispy bangs and side pieces. Here’s how to choose them based on your face shape:

These small tweaks make your ponytail feel custom-fitted to your features.

Victory Rolls & Pin Curls: Add-On Glam for Ponytails

Want to go beyond the basics? Combine your ponytail with classic vintage elements like:

Victory Rolls

• Take two front sections and roll them inward toward your face.
• Secure with pins and blend them into your ponytail.
• Gives a 1940s vibe that’s dramatic and theatrical.

Pin Curls

• Use bobby pins to pin curl damp sections.
• Let dry, then brush out for soft S-waves.
• Perfect for achieving that Hollywood studio starlet glam.

Side Ponytails and Pompadours: Retro With a Twist

Let’s not forget about the vintage side ponytail—a romantic variation that works beautifully for formal occasions or red carpet glam.

Sleek Side Ponytail Tips

• Part your hair deeply to one side.
• Smooth hair to one shoulder and secure low.
• Wrap with a jeweled clip or silk ribbon.

Pompadour Ponytail

For maximum drama, try this style:

1. Tease the entire front third of your hair.
2. Roll backward into a pompadour and pin.
3. Pull the rest into a sleek high ponytail.
4. Lock in the style with firm-hold hairspray.

It’s a power look—and a total head-turner.

Modern Twists on Classic Styles

You don’t have to recreate vintage hair exactly—it’s 2025, after all. The best part of these retro styles is their flexibility.

Modern Adaptations Include:

• Using clear elastics instead of ribbons for a clean finish
• Leaving a few face-framing tendrils loose for softness
• Incorporating subtle balayage highlights to give depth to the curls
• Blending in textured waves for that modern edge

These tweaks make your ponytail feel vintage but not dated.

How to Make It Last All Day (or Night)

No one wants their perfectly sculpted ponytail to deflate before dessert. Here’s how to lock in your style:

Long-Lasting Vintage Hair Tips

• Prep with mousse and set lotion—foundation is everything.
• Use sectioning clips to keep your parts neat while styling.
• Blow-dry upside down for built-in volume.
• Always use two elastics: one for security, one for polish.
• Top off with a flexible yet strong hold hairspray.

Vintage Accessories That Complete the Look

Sometimes it’s not about the hair—it’s about the details that make it sing.

Add-Ons for Instant Retro Glam:

• Pearl-studded hairpins for that Grace Kelly finish
• Silk scarves tied around the base for Bardot flair
• Rhinestone barrettes to reflect light and sparkle
• Vintage headbands that offer that 1950s housewife aesthetic—refreshed

Accessorizing is the cherry on top of your vintage ponytail sundae.

Red Carpet Looks That Reimagine Old Hollywood

Celebrities are tapping into the vintage ponytail wave and redefining it in dazzling ways.

Notable Red Carpet Looks:

• Lana Del Rey with a deep side ponytail and teased crown
• Zendaya channeling Bardot with a mid-ponytail and curled ends
• Scarlett Johansson pairing victory rolls with a high tail
• Taylor Swift blending soft waves with a velvet ribbon

These styles prove that retro never goes out of fashion—it just gets reinvented.

Final Thoughts: Timeless Glam, Your Way

Vintage ponytail hairstyles are more than just hairdos—they’re statements of grace, drama, and timeless femininity. Whether you’re slipping into a satin dress or jeans and a t-shirt, these retro styles elevate your look with very little effort.

So the next time you’re wondering how to make your hair feel special, don’t overthink it. Just channel Old Hollywood, add a little modern flair, and tie it all together in the form of a perfectly placed ponytail.