Retro hairdos like rockabilly styles are cool, but they are edgier with a modern twist. And the modern twist in question is none other than short hair! That’s right; today, we will explain rockabilly hairstyles for short hair. Have you seen some of the chic pin-up rolls and pompadours sported by celebs like P!nk? They’re otherworldly! So, if you are tired of your regular hairstyles and want to sport a modern 40s rockabilly hairdo, keep reading!
Before You Get Started
- Rockabilly hairstyles are suitable for people with long, angular, or round face shapes as these hairdos make them look leaner.
- Hair gel, pomade, and blow dryers are essential for rockabilly hairstyles.
- Rockabilly hairstyles are suitable for thick hair, as shaping and layering the hair strands are easy.
- Spray some dry shampoo on the scalp before creating the look to make hair appear voluminous. Finish it by spritzing hairspray while brushing your mane.
Read on to find out more about rockabilly hairstyles for short hair!
Fun FactRockabilly hairstyles are styles inspired from the 50s rock and roll era, sported by iconic Rockabilly artists like Elvis Presley.
In This Article
1. Victory Rolls Quiff Mohawk
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Gwen Stefani boldly flaunts a victory roll-up at the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas. Rockabilly pin-up hair is extremely edgy and always in style. Take the front and middle sections of your hair, and create a pin-up victory roll at the top using mousse, a round brush, and a hair dryer. Slick back and pin up the rest of your hair for a simple, elegant look.
2. Quiff With Frosted Tips
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Miley Cyrus, who is a rockabilly-punk queen, sports a quiff with frosted tips as she arrives at the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas. Take inspiration from this attractive and contrasting hairstyle. Keep your roots dark and get your top hair bleached. To really achieve a superior height for the finished appearance, be sure to apply enough volumizing spray.
3. Finger Wave Bangs
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Looking for a hairstyle that is not outrageously rockabilly? Look no further than queen Tay! She sports a stunning curly bob paired with sleek finger wave bangs. Those bangs look so effortlessly sculpted and really make the look. Recreate the look with hair mousse or gel, sectioning clips, and a blow dryer.
4. Quiffed Highlights
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No one does cool like Rihanna! She flaunts an utterly fabulous tilted quiff. Her hairstyle is stunning because it reflects her sense of style and exudes confidence. The quiff has been highlighted to add a pop of color, which contrasts beautifully with her eyes. The highlighted quiff is only amplified by the shaved sides.
5. Punkified Quiff
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P!nk’s short hair screams punk vibe. She is the glam queen of punk music, and is able to win over her followers with her daring hairdos. Adding an edgy touch by spiking her quiff, P!nk reminds us why her hairstyles are always top notch. And when it comes to diva hairstyles, short is undoubtedly the rage.
6. Bettie Bangs
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Katy Perry flaunts her blue rockabilly bangs as she celebrates the release of “Katy Perry Lashes” at The Americana. Bumper bangs, often referred to as Bettie Bangs, are consistently fashionable and in vogue. Roll the bangs underneath to create these bangs.
7. Swivel Bangs With A Messy Pixie
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Once again Rihanna shows how to do rockabilly the right way. She shows off a modern take on retro rockabilly hairdos. Her hair is gently messed up to add some height. Notice how her bangs are sculpted in a swivel? You can mimic that with some gel, sectioning clips, and a blow dryer.
8. Classic Lilac Curly Quiff
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In a stunning curly mohawk hairstyle, Kelly Osbourne attended the Young Hollywood Awards in Los Angeles sporting a drastic style transformation. She consistently astounds the public with her punkish-chic ensembles and vintage hairstyles.
9. Upturned Pixie
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Ruby Rose shows up to the CW Network Upfront at the New York City Center sporting her understated yet eye-catching upturned hairdo. To recreate this look a little hair product can go a long way. To give your final look more “pop,” color just your tips. This is for those of you who want to take your punk personality to any formal event like a work meeting.
10. Melting Quiff
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If you’re looking for something elegant with a hint of punk, Katy Perry has the answer! Instead of trying a bold quiff, opt for this gorgeous melting quiff hairdo. Lift the top part of your hair with a comb and neatly comb the rest of your hair down. Gel down the sides of your hair or you can get them shaved.
11. Pompadour:
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Adding edginess to her red carpet look, actress Jenny McCarthy opts for a glam pompadour. To recreate this look, divide your hair into two sections and apply a volumizing mousse to instantly add volume. Now backcomb the top section of your hair and secure it with a pin. Pull the rest of your hair back and mist with hairspray to hold the style all night. The flamboyant updo was well-balanced with flawless makeup, smokey eyes, visible cheek color, and glossy lips.
Celebrity hair colorist Amanda George says, “Pompadours will always be the ultimate edgy red carpet look! I would recommend using dry texturizing hairspray to hold the volume”
12. Quiff:
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Christina Aguilera goes back to the authentic rockabilly era with her fierce, sky-high quiff. The talented singer, a retro queen in herself, balances the quirky look out with show-stealing shimmery eyes, rosy cheeks, and red lipstick. Just remember: with the help of a hairspray and curling wand, add a retro sass by flipping your hair inside.
Related: 15 Twiggy Hairstyles You Can Try Today
13. Rockabilly Bandana:
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If you’re looking for something that’s effortlessly chic and laid-back at the same time, opt for Rosie the Riveter’s hairdo, like the model at the Dirty Boogie Rockabilly Festival in Hong Kong. To achieve this look, mist with a strong-hold hairspray, tie a thin scarf around your updo and voilà. It’s glamorous!
14. Side Roll:
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This is possibly our favorite look from American singer Mary J. Blige. Amanda George, celebrity stylist, agrees that this is Ms. Blige’s signature hairstyle. She says, “To achieve this look, any long front bangs can be swept over to one side and across one eye. Then curve the hair ends to form a side-swept roll.”
The short locks perfectly rolled at the side, the subtle smokey eyes and the glossy lip – all marks for an impeccable look that won’t fail to get you noticed. We love it!
Related: 52 Best Hairstyles For Short Red Hair To Try In 2023
15. Retro Updo:
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We love a classic Blade Runner-esque updo. Really, who doesn’t? For the premiere of We Bought a Zoo, actress Scarlett Johansson did a rewind to the old school in the form of an interesting, twisted updo, with peachy lipstick and a black Dolce & Gabbana dress. Structured, texturized, and quirky – this classic retro updo with a modern touch is perfect for the party season.
“This look is easy, pretty, and low maintenance. For any retro inspired look, backcombing is key,” says Amanda George. “Keep the backcombing very light. A good tip is to back-brush your hair roots using a small bristle brush. Then secure the hair in a simple knot at the back. Gently tease out strands of hair from the front.”
16. Pin Up Hair:
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Dita Von Teese undoubtedly is the Queen of Burlesque, and now, of the vintage style. From her pin up hair with a barrette, to her dress and her pale skin makeup, the talented dancer sure knows how to remind us of the rockabilly era. Celebrity hairstylist Amanda George says, “To recreate this retro hairstyle, curl your short hair with the help of a comb, sectioning clips and a curling tong.” Once done, mist with a strong hairspray and finish off the look with a sequined barrette.
Related: 60 Best Short Wavy Hairstyles For Women To Try In 2023
17. Punk Rockabilly:
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After rocking the pompadour, mohawk, and quiff, hair chameleon Rihanna wears her half-shaved hairstyle with so much punk that it suits her alternative and edgy look. Not your everyday hairstyle, this hardcore mohawk takes a lot of styling, but with bronze make-up and red lips, the quirky hairstyle is totally worth it.
18. Pink Pompadour:
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Pink isn’t usually our first choice of hair color when pairing it with an edgy hairstyle, but rockstar Pink stunned us with this cool pompadour. This is one of the most stylish short rockabilly hairstyles that is easy to create, pink demonstrates how there are rooms to glam up a classy pompadour.
Fun FactThe pompadour hairstyle gets its name from Madame de Pompadour (1721-1764) who was a mistress of King Louis XV of France. However, she never wore her hair in a pompadour, her style being swept back, flat hair. The term was coined in the 20th century.Subscribe
19. Edged Out:
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Kelly Osbourne’s lilac edgy Mohawk at the Alice + Olivia store opening was a daring look, but she pulled it off effortlessly. The highlight of the hairstyle was quirky, rolled Mohawk and a single strand of hair coming out of it.
20. Back Roll:
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Attention all you fashion lovers, take inspo from singer Gwen Stefani if you are looking to channelize your 50s hairstyle with a modern twist. To recreate the look, begin by teasing your blonde locks up. Next, take a curling wand and back roll your hair for that edgy look. Once done, spritz a good amount of hairspray. Stunning!
Outfits That Go With Short Rockabilly Hair
Rock the retro look with different short rockabilly hairstyles like quiff, pink pompadour, back roll, and many more. However, matching your outfit with your hairstyle is also important to complete the overall look. Check the infographic below to get some outfit inspo.
Today, the take on rockabilly hairstyles is quite different. They are vintage hairstyles that bring out the old Hollywood glamor with a modern twist, bringing together the best of both worlds. What’s more, they are suitable for every hair length and type. You can easily recreate different rockabilly hairstyles for short hair in the comfort of your home. With the elegant pompadour, laidback rockabilly bandana, or slick back roll, options are endless. The right makeup and accessories in your beauty collection can help you rock your rockabilly hairstyle with panache!
