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From Sadhana’s fringe to Deepika’s messy bun, these iconic styles travelled from Hollywood to Bollywood, becoming timeless trends loved across generations in India
In the 50s-60s, Bollywood actresses like Madhubala, Vyjayanthimala, and Nargis flaunted curls and waves inspired by iconic Hollywood styles. (News18 Hindi)
Bollywood has always been more than just cinema; it’s a trendsetter for fashion and beauty across generations. From voluminous curls to iconic fringes, many of the most beloved Bollywood hairstyles trace their roots back to Hollywood.
Whether it’s Sadhana’s timeless fringe or Deepika’s messy bun, these styles have travelled from the streets of Hollywood to the hearts of Indian audiences, becoming cultural staples in the process. Young generations haven’t just adopted these trends, they’ve made them their own, adding a fresh, desi twist that reflects their unique style and cultural flair
Here are nine vintage Bollywood hairstyles that were originally inspired by Hollywood but became iconic in their own right:
Retro Rolls and Vintage Waves
The 1950s and 60s saw Bollywood actresses like Madhubala, Vyjayanthimala, and Nargis sporting soft curls and side waves reminiscent of Hollywood diva Marilyn Monroe. These glamorous hairstyles were considered symbols of elegance and social status at the time.
Half Puff Hairstyle
Audrey Hepburn’s half puff and high bun from Breakfast at Tiffany’s created a global sensation. In India, stars like Hema Malini, Sharmila Tagore, and Mumtaz embraced this look, making it a go-to style for weddings and parties.
The Sadhana Cut (Fringe)
Inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s fringe, actress Sadhana introduced this simple yet striking style to Bollywood. Her front bangs quickly became a trend among modern Indian women, now known popularly as the ‘Sadhana cut’.
The Beehive Hairstyle
The classic beehive—or bouffant—look made waves in the 60s and 70s. Bollywood actresses such as Sharmila Tagore, Mumtaz, and Helen gave this Hollywood-inspired style a glamorous Indian spin.
Side Flicks and Soft Waves
Zeenat Aman and Parveen Babi redefined style in the 70s and 80s with their effortless side flicks and soft waves. Their look remains evergreen, with many still turning to these styles for a retro-inspired appearance.
Long Sleek Locks
Actresses like Neetu Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, and Smita Patil brought Hollywood’s minimalist straight hair trend to India with their long, sleek locks. The look symbolised grace and understated glamour.
Rajesh Khanna’s Side Parting
Rajesh Khanna’s signature hairstyle, deep side parting with soft waves, was reminiscent of Hollywood stars like Clark Gable and Elvis Presley. It became wildly popular among Indian men during the era.
Voluminous Hair and Loose Curls
In the 90s, Madhuri Dixit made bold, voluminous curls iconic in films like Saajan. The style echoed the retro Hollywood glam and added a larger-than-life appeal to her on-screen persona.
Layered Bangs and Feathered Hair
Inspired by Farrah Fawcett, Priyanka Chopra popularised layered bangs and feather cuts in the late 90s and early 2000s. This Hollywood look quickly caught on in India and even went on to influence global trends.
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