It's True: These "Dated" Hair Trends Are Making a Comeback This Spring

We've seen our fair share of fashion trends make a comeback this year. From capri pants to peplum tops, styles that once seemed "dated" are now the talk of the town, and the same could be said for beauty, too. We've already spoken about beauty products that are making a comeback in 2024, from Clarins' iconic lip oil to Clinique's Black Honey lipstick, but after spending the past few months analysing heaps of red carpet looks and heading backstage at various fashion shows, I've noticed a few "dated" hair trends that are currently having a major revival.

Forget slicked-back buns and bouncy blowdries, as these modern hairstyles are being replaced with looks inspired by the '80s, '90s and early '00s, and I for one am not mad about it. In fact, writing this article has made me feel super nostalgic, and now all I can think about is my old Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse and collection of Lancôme Juicy Tubes.

Before I go hunting through my draws to see what other retro beauty products I can find, keep on scrolling to read all about the hair trends that are making a comeback in 2024, and how you can easily re-create the looks to make them feel fresh.

1. Crimped Waves

Sofia Richie Grainge with crimped hair

(Image credit: @sofiarichiegrainge)

Thought you'd left your hair crimper in the '90s? Think again. These beachy, relaxed-looking waves are back, and it's safe to say that they're better than ever. Forget super harsh lines, as these days it's all about making these waves look as soft and natural as possible.

Dua Lipa with crimped waves

(Image credit: Photo by Lionel Hahn/Getty Images)

Dua Lipa recently rocked this trend at the 2024 Grammy Awards, and it's even been spotted on the runways at London Fashion Week.

A model walking a runway with crimped waves

(Image credit: Photo by Cameron Smith/Getty Images)

Celebrity hairstylist Sam McKnight opted for big, beautiful waves for the Annie's Ibiza show, using a 19mm curling tong and holding the hair for only a second to achieve that loose, soft finish.

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2. Vintage Updos

a woman sitting outside a cafe with an updo

(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

Another style that has been dominating red carpets, runways and Instagram feeds is the vintage updo. I once thought that this hairstyle had been replaced by the slicked-back bun for good, but it's back with a vengeance, and I'm obsessed with the Old Hollywood vibe it gives off.

a model backstage at a fashion show with an updo

(Image credit: Photo by Kasia Bobula/WWD via Getty Images)

Richard Quinn's A/W '24 show was filled with sculpted, shiny updos, inspired by "YSL and Lacroix in the late '70s and early '80s", says McKnight, who took care of the hair looks for this show too. These hairstyles featured wavy sections at the front of the hair, which were swept to the side and secured with pins for a chic finish.

Rosamund Pike at the BAFTAs 2024 with an updo

(Image credit: Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)

Vintage-inspired updos were also a huge trend on the BAFTAs red carpet this year, and I loved Rosamund Pike's low bun and sharp side part.

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3. Wispy Fringes

Taylor Hill with a wispy fringe

(Image credit: @taylor_hill)

I don't know about you, but I'm seeing wispy fringes everywhere. This style is swiftly replacing the block fringe, introducing people to a softer, subtler way to wear the '90s trend. If you're not yet familiar with this style, it's often characterised by feathered, scattered hair that allows your forehead to peek through.

Charithra Chandran with a wispy fringe

(Image credit: Getty Images Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)

See how much softer it can make a fringe appear? It's the perfect style if you want to make a subtle statement with your hair.

Jasmine Tookes posing with a wispy fringe

(Image credit: @jastookes)

For a voluminous finish, try adding in a soft curl with your blowdry brush or a roller.

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4. Side Partings

a woman posing with a side parting and a bob hairstyle

(Image credit: @cassiskovic)

Say goodbye to your trusty middle parting, because the side parting is back and it's better than ever. Another trend that has already dominated red carpets and runways this season, I love how it gives a fresh feel to pretty much any hairstyle. It looks particularly good with a bob, so if you've recently cut your hair, then this might be the one for you.

Sabrina Elba with a side parting hairstyle

(Image credit: Photo by Gareth Cattermole/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)

For a glam finish, try styling your side part with a wet-look hairstyle like Sabrina Elba at this year's BAFTAs.

a model backstage with a side parting

(Image credit: Dyson, Harris Reed)

I wasn't lying when I said that this style could be seen all over the runways. This year, Dyson collaborated with Harris Reed at London Fashion Week to create this graphic hair look with a structured side part and a high-shine finish.

Get the Look:

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Junior Beauty Editor

Grace Lindsay is the junior beauty editor at Who What Wear UK. At the age of 18 she decided to train as a makeup artist before going on to study english and media at Goldsmiths University. It was during that time that she explored her love for journalism by interning at a small beauty start-up based in Shoreditch. Since then, she has worked at a number of publications including Marie Claire and Hello!, where her love for all things beauty continued to grow. 

As Who What Wear UK's junior beauty editor, she covers everything from the latest hair trends to the stand-out makeup products of the season.