Are you seeking a fresh and distinctive hairstyle? The classic and chic pageboy hairstyle, which gained immense popularity in the 1950s-1960s, is experiencing a revival. With various modern adaptations, this hairstyle offers a timeless and stylish appearance. If you’re interested in a look that stands out and remains enduring, read on!
What is the Pageboy Haircut?
The pageboy hairstyle draws inspiration from medieval English pageboys and gained popularity in the 1920s, reaching its peak in the 1950s and 1960s. Characterized by straight hair that hangs just below the ears with rounded volume and tucked-in ends, this haircut often features bangs seamlessly blending with the overall style. While there are various adaptations with elements like bangs or different lengths, the defining feature of a pageboy haircut is the precise and even lines. (1).
This hairstyle is feminine and youthful and evokes an innocent feel. Great for those who want a simple hairstyle to make you stand out.
Even though this look is named after the medieval English pageboys, its origins date back to ancient Egypt. Looking at ancient Egyptian imagery, you can observe both men and women sporting a pageboy style wig—straight, above the shoulder length with a straight and thick fringe. Most common amongst Egyptian nobility (2).
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1. Retro Look
If you’re a fan of the retro vibes from the ’50s and ’60s, you’ll adore this modern twist on the classic pageboy style. This adaptation swaps short front fringes for long, stylish side-swept bangs, creating an elegant and refined appearance reminiscent of the mid-century era. Ask your stylist for a slightly longer pageboy cut to achieve this look, leaving more length in the fringe. For styling at home, you’ll need a hair curler, pins, and plenty of hairspray. Divide your hair into layers and curl small sections, bending each layer differently. After curling a section, roll the curl and secure it with pins. Repeat this process until your entire head is curled. Apply hairspray and allow the curls to cool and set. Once you remove the pins, you’ll reveal tight curls. Gently brush through them for a smooth finish, creating a timeless and classic hairstyle. While achieving this look may take some time initially, it will become more natural with practice.
2. Gracefully Long
This variation resembles a long bob haircut but keeps the pageboy aesthetic with rounded ends. The long bob gives the classic pageboy a modern twist; the traditional elements like the bangs and roundness remain there. However, the fringe is disconnected from the rest, resulting in a polished and intelligent look. The long bangs and chin-length hair suit those with a heart face shape as it hides a broad forehead. This style requires regular bang-trims, but other than that, it is relatively simple to style. Use your round brush and blow dry, curling the ends in.
3. Classic Volume
If you are here for the volume, you’ll love this style. It keeps the classic pageboy shape but is amplified with lots of volume at the base. The ends are perfectly rounded, giving the hair many dimensions and bounces. The long fringe starts at the top of the head and ends above the lash line, drawing attention to the eyes. This hairstyle is best for those with thick hair. The weight added naturally from the thickness of the hair will contribute to the volume created. Due to the length of the bangs and the seamless connection of the hair, it requires regular upkeep to maintain the polished look—you might need a trim once a month. This hair-do is for you if you are fashionable and have a great sense of style.
4. Short and Cute
If you have a round or oval face shape and prefer short hair, this cute pageboy hairstyle will suit you best. This variation has a boyish aesthetic but is still sweet and feminine. The length of this style helps frame your face for an innocent look. This version has more layers than a single length, giving the style more movement and spontaneity. It also requires less upkeep than the previous mentions on this list! This is great if you want a low-maintenance style that is practical and cute. To style, you have to blow dry it into shape.
5. Sexy Bangs
The classic pageboy hairstyle receives a sultry makeover, incorporating a middle part with lengthy side-swept bangs. While maintaining the characteristic roundness at the ends and precise cuts, this version introduces added volume at the roots and a sleek fringe, resulting in a more stylish and elegant appearance. Particularly suitable for individuals with a strong bone structure and thinner hair, the long fringe is easier to manage and maintain. It’s important to note that this haircut requires styling for a polished and refined look.
6. Dramatic Geometry
If you want to make even more of a statement with your hairstyle, this one is for you. The pageboy haircut is not all about roundness. This dramatic hairstyle features sharp and geometric cuts in the classic pageboy shape with short, straight bangs and a length right below the cheekbones. This style best suits those with intelligent features and a strong bone structure. The precision of this hairstyle will highlight your bone structure and make you notice. It looks great on a striking hair color like platinum blonde or jet black. If you are going for this style, invest in regular trims to maintain the geometry and precision that make this look dramatic and edgy.
7. Korean Inspired
Inspired by the women of Korea, this adaptation is sweet and versatile. The cut is similar to the classic volume style; however, this more relaxed version is easier to maintain. The fringe is long, goes below the eyebrows in a bowed shape, and connects to the rest of the hair. The length is short, right by the chin. This style is best for those with naturally straight hair, as styling is unnecessary. It looks great if slightly untidy—tuck the hair behind your ears for a cute, effortless look.
8. Smart Bob
This is an intelligent version of the pageboy look. Vogue Magazine’s Editor famously wears this style in Chief Anna Wintour; it is her signature look. The bright bob has become synonymous with fashion, simplicity, and elegance. It features straight bangs cut right on the brow, a length that reaches the chin, and rounds at the ends. The single length of this style makes your hair look neat and shiny. Get a regular trim to maintain the length and precision of this style. You can either style it with a round brush or a flat iron. Great for all ages, this look is timeless.
9. Sharp and Shiny
Glossy, sharp, and beautiful. This style is characterized by “piecey” ends that give dimension and movement. This style is best for thinner hair; the movement and sharp edges add extra volume. Ask for short and slightly uneven bangs to get more of that undone and sexy look. Finish off with a shine spray or a light hair wax to get that nice reflective shine. An exciting haircut that will keep heads turning. To get this look, keep the edges of the hair razor-sharp.
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10. Platinum Beauty
Finally, a pageboy style with a twist of color. Get a mod supermodel look with platinum hair and the classic pageboy style. We particularly like this style due to the thick side-swept fringe that is great and easy to maintain. This is an editorial look that can be easily translated to everyday wear. When you see your stylist, ask for a classic pageboy haircut, but keep the bangs long. Create a side part, style your bangs to create that striking side sweep, and hold it with hairspray and pin if needed. You will “train” it to have that shape as you style your hair.
P.S. This hair + oversized sunglasses = a supermodel look!
Why should you get a pageboy cut?
- Fast dry time. Due to its short length, you don’t have to spend hours drying your hair.
- You want to make a statement with a haircut that makes you look and feel confident.
- Look ten years younger. Short hair takes years off of you and makes you look young and fresh.
The pageboy haircut is part of the feminist movement; it represented an era of women’s liberation in the 1920s. The short hair was worn by women who wanted to be defined by their intelligence and confidence. These were women who wanted to free themselves from the traditional gender roles and looked to pursue a career.
Tools to Style Your Pageboy Hairstyle
Choose a haircut that accommodates your lifestyle and skills; some require more maintenance and upkeep. Depending on the style you choose, you might need the following tools:
Blowdryer:
Its smoothness and rounded finish characterize the pageboy haircut. This is achieved by styling the hair while it is damp using a hairdryer and a round brush. Low heat is recommended to protect your hair and keep it shiny.
Hairspray:
You want to make sure that your hard work lasts. Hairspray will make sure your hair stays in place and control any flyaways. Also, choose a humidity-resistant hairspray if your hair tends to frizz up due to humidity.
Round Brush:
Using a round brush to style your hair will give that rounded volume. Start at the root and place the brush under a section of the hair, then blow dry, holding your hair between the dryer and the brush. Wrap your hair at the end of the brush for that bounce.
Styling Cream:
A styling cream on damp hair before styling will help shape your hair how you want it. It will also help hold the style for longer.
Heat Protectant:
Since you’ll be applying heat with the hairdryer, you must protect your hair from damage. So, use a heat protectant before drying. It will keep your hair healthy and shiny.
Hair Straightener:
Using a hair straightener, you can quickly and easily smooth out unruly hairs, shape your bangs, and give your ends a rounded finish.
Summary
Next time you are due for a haircut, switch things up with a unique look. The pageboy haircut accentuates your bone structure and gives a very feminine look. There are many variations of the popular pageboy style so you can adapt it to your personal preference, lifestyle, and hair type. Whether you are looking for a low-maintenance look, or a sophisticated and sexy do, there is a pageboy variation for you. Don’t forget to take this article to your hairstylist to show them your inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What hair types are best suited for a pageboy hairstyle?
Due to this hairstyle’s long and straight nature, it is best suited for those with naturally straight and thick hair. In addition, the weight of the hair helps accentuate the rounded shape. If you have slightly wavy hair, you might need to straighten it regularly to maintain that classic pageboy form.
How can I explain this haircut to my stylist?
The keywords are rounded ends, fringe that connects, and short to medium length. Some might describe it as mushroom-like. But taking a picture with you is always best for reference.
References –
- “The Pageboy: Timeless and Stylish” – schwarzkopf.international
- “Ancient Egyptian Hairstyles” – ethanholman.com
