Zendaya Is a ‘Key’ Part of a Vintage Revival Trend
According to a jump in searches, a vintage trend embraced by celebrities like Zendaya is back in 2026. Each month, tens of thousands of people are searching for “1950s hair,” hinting that trends are shifting. An editorial hairdresser and stylist shared what this new trend means culturally, and how people can achieve it at home.
Zendaya is championing a vintage trend
In her recent appearance at the Golden Globes, Zendaya wore her hair in a modern interpretation of classic, old Hollywood waves. Other artists like Raye and Olivia Dean have rocked similar looks at recent events. Searches for “1950s hair” have jumped by 77%, with 43,000 searches per month. Editorial hairdresser and stylist Hester Wernert-Rijn with the Fresha app said this proves trends are shifting in 2026.
“I think we’re collectively craving character again,” she tells Showbiz Cheat Sheet in a statement. “The ‘clean girl’ aesthetic was about control and perfection, but vintage hair brings emotion, softness, and individuality back. The 1950s silhouettes feel powerful yet feminine – polished, but never flat. On runways, I’m seeing more structure, volume, and intention in hair again, often paired with modern textures or undone finishes, which makes it feel current rather than nostalgic.”
She noted that the vintage hairstyles look modern on people like Zendaya because they lean into contrast.
“Artists like Zendaya, Raye, and Olivia Dean are key in this revival because they never copy vintage literally; they translate it,” she said. “Think classic waves or sculpted shapes, but worn with contemporary makeup, modern tailoring, or natural texture. It’s all about referencing the past whilst staying very present. That contrast is what makes vintage hair feel cool again!”
Here’s the key to pulling off the look
According to Wernert-Rijn, the way to make vintage hairstyles feel modern is by keeping things relatively soft and natural.
“The most wearable vintage influences for 2026 are soft waves, side parts, subtle rolls, brushed-out curls, and volume around the crown, not rigid sets,” she explained. “The key is adaptation. For fine hair, it’s about light structure and movement. For curls and afro textures, it’s about embracing natural volume and shape rather than forcing symmetry. When vintage hair respects the hair’s natural behaviour, it feels effortless and modern, never costume-y.”
People should avoid fighting the natural texture of their hair to achieve a look. This will help make it look timeless, not dated.
“Vintage hair works best when you keep the silhouette classic but the texture real,” Wernert-Rijn said. “A little imperfection is what makes it timeless.”
The trend is a perfect fit for an upcoming Zendaya film
Zendaya will be rocking similar vintage styles in her upcoming film Be My Baby. She will play Ronnie Spector in the Barry Jenkins-directed biopic. She had the opportunity to meet Spector before her death. In a tribute to the Ronettes singer, Zendaya wrote that meeting her was “one of the greatest honors of my life.”
“I wish everyone got to experience you the way I did,” she wrote. “ We celebrate your beautiful life and give you all the flowers you so rightfully deserve. Rest in great power Ronnie. I hope to make you proud.”
The film will focus on the early years of Spector’s life.
