Did anyone else open the CFDA Awards photos for the clothes and immediately get distracted by the hair? I went in expecting gowns, tailoring and a few red carpet beauty moments, then ended up mentally bookmarking every curl, swoop and sculpted shape.
The whole mood felt pulled from a very chic archive room. There were pin-up curls, a proper ’90s ‘fro and glossy volume that could carry an entire look on its own, but none of it felt costumey.
The best part is how wearable the ideas are when you strip them down. You might not need red carpet hair for a Tuesday, but a deep side part, brushed-out curls or a little root lift can absolutely make your regular outfit feel more styled.
What Is Archive-Inspired Hair, and Who Can Wear It?
Archive-inspired hair is basically a beauty reference with the volume turned up. Think old Hollywood curls, pin-up shapes, Y2K tendrils or sculpted natural texture, then make it feel fresh with clean shine, soft edges and makeup that doesn’t fight the hair.
It works on pretty much every length and texture because you’re not copying one exact style. You’re borrowing the idea. Short hair can go pin-curled and brushed back, longer hair can take jumbo rollers, and curls or coils can be stretched and shaped for major presence.
The trick is picking one main throwback detail and letting that be the moment. Go for a deep side part, a front swoop, a teased crown or face-framing pieces. Skip piling on every reference at once, unless you’re heading somewhere that calls for full drama.
How long it lasts depends on the hold, your hair texture and how much humidity you’re dealing with. A strong set can make it through a long night, but soft brushed curls and loose updos will relax as you move, which can actually make them look cooler.
Keke Palmer Went Full Raquel Welch
View this post on Instagram
@iamhairbyhe / Instagram
Keke Palmer hosted the night in a Bob Mackie gown made for Raquel Welch, so the hair had to show up. Hairstylist @iamhairbyhe matched the energy with vintage glam curls, a deep side part and a big swoop that sat over one brow like it knew exactly where the cameras were.
The copper color made the whole thing feel richer. I love this kind of hair with warm nude makeup and lashes because it lets the curl shape be the main event without looking bare.
To get close, start with dry hair and set it on BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Hot Rollers, 12 Pieces, which are velvety jumbo rollers made for bouncy, full curls. Let the rollers cool all the way, then brush softly so you get barrels instead of tight ringlets. Oribe Superfine Hair Spray gives light to medium hold with a brushable finish, and COLOR WOW Extra Mystical Shine Spray adds that glossy, non-greasy gleam with heat protection. Jumbo rollers do need enough length to wrap, so very short cuts may need a smaller barrel.
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Hot Rollers, 12 Pieces
Velvety 1.5-inch jumbo rollers for bouncy, voluminous curls.
COLOR WOW Extra Mystical Shine Spray
A fine, non-greasy mist for glossy strands, with heat protection.
Pamela's Platinum Pin-Up
View this post on Instagram
@jacobrozenberg / Instagram
Pamela Anderson kept the makeup minimal again, which made the hair feel even more intentional. Jacob Rozenberg (@jacobrozenberg) used Biolage for her short platinum curls, swept up and back with soft fullness at the crown. With the black Carolina Herrera halter, it was clean, classic and not trying too hard.
Short hair is the easier version of this look to copy at home. Mist dry hair with Biolage Thermal Setting Spray first, since it’s a heat protectant with medium hold, then curl small sections back and clip them flat while they cool.
HiJeaton Duckbill Pin Curl Clips, 60 Pieces are the kind of simple metal clips that help hold the curl shape while it sets. Once everything’s cool, brush the hair up and back, then tuck and pin the ends. Finish with Biolage Freeze Fix Hairspray for strong, fast-drying hold that helps with humidity. Use a light hand because this is the product that locks things in.
Lupita's Sculpted '90s 'Fro
View this post on Instagram
@lupitanyongo / Instagram
Lupita Nyong’o (@lupitanyongo) wore three custom Zac Posen for Gap Studio looks, but her hair is the part I’d build the whole outfit around. It’s blown out big with a deep side part, height on one side and clean edges that make the shape feel almost architectural.
This is the look I’d choose for a sharp black suit, silver jewelry and a simple lip. The hair already has the attitude, so everything else can stay sleek.
The shape starts with stretch and moisture. PATTERN Beauty Styling Cream is a rich, moisturizing cream with flexible hold for 3b to 4c hair, so work it through damp hair before blowing it out. RED by Kiss Handle-Less Hair Dryer has a comb attachment for lengthening and fluffing, while Chicago Comb Model 7 Pick helps lift the roots and push the volume to one side. For those crisp edges, I’d leave the cutting to a stylist.
Megan Thee Stallion, Pure Y2K
View this post on Instagram
@theestallion / Instagram
Megan Thee Stallion (@theestallion) went icy platinum and pulled the hair up and back, leaving two long, skinny pieces loose around her face. Add flushed pink cheeks and a sharp wing, and the whole thing feels like a glossy early-2000s cover shoot.
This kind of updo looks casual, but the placement is doing a lot. Spray COLOR WOW Style on Steroids Texture Spray through dry hair first for grip, body and lift without a sticky feel. Tease lightly at the crown with Leinuosen Triple Teasing Combs, 3 Pack, using the rat tail to section the hair where you want volume.
Pin the rest up loosely with Goody SlideProof Bobby Pins, Metallic Blonde if the shade matches your hair, then pull the front pieces out at the end so they don’t get lost in the shape. I’d keep the outfit simple with this, maybe a strapless top or a clean blazer, because the face-framing strands are the accessory.
The CFDA hair worked because it borrowed from the past without getting stuck there. So, which archive-inspired look would you actually wear first?
