Evolution of the Hair Roll: One of Hollywood’s Oldest Trends

Posted by July 17, 2012 10:15 am

Katy Perry looks pretty in pink with her modernized version of the hair roll.

 

One of the most recent stars to take a liking to hair rolls is Rihanna.  This look was from the 2012 MET Gala in New York City.

 

YouTube sensation, Karmin, was first seen with this exact look when she released her own rendition of Chris Brown's "Look at Me Now."

 

Yes, even men have gotten acquainted with the ever-so-popular hair roll trend...but we're not complaining, because Bruno Mars looks quite adorable with his luscious locks in place.

 

There's no doubt that Gwen Stefani started this modernized trend for the music industry back in the mid-2000's.

 

Among her other talents, burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese has always favored the sultry look of the hair roll.

 

Known for his perfectly slicked back hair, Elvis Presley was one of the first men to display a hair roll.

 

You may not recognize her with an array of fruit on her head, but Carmen Miranda often donned a massive hair roll throughout the 40's and 50's.

[photo via youtube]

 

Many of today’s beauty trends have been inspired by looks seen on our favorite singers, dancers, and actors alike — and are often revivals from the past. Starting with the loose waves, many old hairstyles have become more and more popular in time.  Recently, the unique look of the hair roll has become one of Hollywood’s hottest trends.

Starting with the Chiquita Banana girl herself, Carmen Miranda was one of the firsts to display a roll on her head in the 1940’s.  It might not have been noticeable when she stacked fruit on her mane, but she often donned a roll in the front with a low bun on the nape of her neck.  From Chiquita Banana girl to Hollaback Girl, Gwen Stefani was one of the first modern stars to bring the 40’s look to the 2000’s.

This trend has not only been seen on the likes of starlets, but it has also been translated to several men that are known for their locks. One of the most well-known of those men is Elvis Presley — his hair roll was almost as impressive as his swinging hips throughout his reign from the 50’s to the 70’s. Taking inspiration from “The King,” Hawaiian native and soulful songbird, Bruno Mars, has often received praise for perfecting his famous hairstyle.

Today, artists such as Katy Perry and Rihanna have shown that they have pulled inspiration from their favorite sirens over the past several decades. Katy Perry has been seen with pink locks, modernizing this once classic look, and Rihanna has been spotted on the red carpet with a hair roll, sophisticating this look.

Click through the slideshow to see the evolution of the hair roll and tell us if you would try this old trend that has taken Hollywood by storm!

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Comments ( Comments)

Comments

  1. Debbie says:

    Not too sure this look is good for me but I’m sure there are others with a head of thick hair that would want to give it a try and look like a Hollywood Diva. Enjoyed your article!

  2. DAN says:

    Nice tribute to Hollywood glam! You’re on a roll!

  3. David Smith says:

    Just read your recent piece on the “Hair Roll.” Fascinating! Loved your first one on Sophia Loren, Grace Kelly, Ava Gardner, etc. So as they say, “there is nothing new under the sun~”

  4. Anita says:

    This style looks great on Katy Perry. Not sure I can pull it off but I think I’ll try. Like they say, “everything old is new again”.

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