The Hair Reference Project
A WIP catalogue of hairstyles, categorized into female and male hairstyles. and hairstyle types. This developed from a research into […]
The Low Side Bun Updo
The Low Side Bun Updo is a graceful and asymmetrical hairstyle that adds a romantic twist to the traditional bun. Gathered at the nape but positioned slightly to one side, it softens the profile and creates visual interest while remaining elegant and polished. Loose tendrils frame the face, lending a natural, approachable charm. This versatile style has been popular in both historical and modern contexts, often chosen for formal events, weddings, and artistic portraits due to its flattering balance between refinement and individuality.
The Half-Up Twist-Bun Updo
The Half-Up Twist-Bun Updo is a playful yet refined hairstyle that combines the casual ease of loose hair with the polished detail of an updo. The top section of the hair is gathered, twisted, and styled into a small bun, while the remaining lengths flow freely over the shoulders. Loose tendrils frame the face, enhancing softness and approachability. This hybrid style is versatile, lending itself equally to relaxed daytime wear, bohemian bridal looks, or modern reinterpretations of vintage half-updos.
The Curly Updo
The Curly Updo is a lively and romantic hairstyle that emphasizes natural movement and volume. By gathering curls upward into a textured bun or cluster at the back of the head, this style achieves both elegance and playfulness. Loose spiral tendrils are left around the face, softening the look and highlighting the natural beauty of curls. Frequently chosen for formal events, period pieces, and bridal styling, the curly updo embodies timeless femininity and creative flair, making it an enduring favorite for both fashion and art.
The Twisted Updo
The Twisted Updo is a romantic and textured hairstyle that combines structure with softness. Hair is loosely gathered and twisted into overlapping sections, creating a voluminous bun with natural depth and movement. Strands are gently pulled free around the face, enhancing the relaxed yet elegant aesthetic. This style blends historical inspiration with modern adaptability, making it a favorite for weddings, evening events, and period dramas. Its layered twists create visual complexity, ideal for artistic references that emphasize flow, dimension, and graceful imperfection.
The Loose Chignon
The Loose Chignon Updo is a soft and romantic variation of the traditional chignon. Instead of being tightly coiled, the bun is styled with relaxed volume and wisps that frame the face, giving it an effortless yet elegant appeal. Positioned low at the nape, it strikes a balance between casual charm and refined sophistication. This style is especially favored in bridal fashion, period-inspired looks, and modern adaptations that emphasize natural beauty with a touch of vintage grace.
The Beehive Updo
The Beehive Updo is an iconic high-volume hairstyle that exudes retro glamour and dramatic presence. Characterized by its height and rounded form, the style lifts the hair upward and backward into a structured silhouette resembling a beehive. With smooth, teased volume at the crown and neatly tucked ends, it creates an instantly recognizable vintage look. The beehive is bold yet elegant, making it both a fashion statement and a cultural symbol of the 1960s.
The Messy Bun Updo
The Messy Bun Updo is a relaxed and effortless hairstyle that blends casual charm with understated elegance. Positioned high on the head, the bun is loosely gathered with wisps and strands intentionally left free, creating a soft, undone look. This style exudes modern versatility, equally at home in everyday settings as it is on screen, stage, or in art. Its appeal lies in balancing informality with beauty, making it a cultural favorite for depicting natural femininity and grace.
The Pompadour Updo
The Pompadour Updo is a bold and dramatic hairstyle defined by its voluminous height at the front, sweeping upward and backward into a sleek finish. The hair is lifted away from the face, creating an elongated profile that emphasizes strong features and a confident, glamorous look. Paired with a smooth bun at the back, the style combines striking volume with polished elegance. Long celebrated in both men’s and women’s fashion, the pompadour remains a versatile and iconic choice for making a statement in portraiture, performance, and high fashion.
The Victory Rolls Updo
The Victory Rolls Updo is a bold and iconic vintage hairstyle that epitomizes the glamour and resilience of the 1940s. Characterized by large, sculpted rolls of hair that sweep away from the face, this style combines volume, precision, and symmetry. Originally popular during World War II, Victory Rolls became a patriotic symbol as well as a fashion statement. The style frames the face dramatically while allowing the rest of the hair to be styled into waves, curls, or a bun, making it versatile yet unmistakably retro.