Expert hair stylist Nadja Vanterpool, who has over 10 years of experience, says “Hair in the 50s was so polished and exquisite – not a strand out of place. My overall favorite look from that decade is a classic waves hairstyle, also known as finger waves, where the hair is set perfectly in the same direction around the head.”
This must have piqued your interest in these hairstyles, so without further ado let’s get into it!
1. Pixie Cut
Short hair was already big in the 1950s but the pixie cut took it to another level. The trend was largely set by the legendary actress Audrey Hepburn and is still popular today. You can simply pin it back or add fun accessories to elevate your look.
2. Baby Bangs
These bangs paired with curls, waves, ponytails, or updos are one of the signature hairstyles of the 1950s and were often sported by Audrey Hepburn. Simply chop off a small section of your front hair, so it falls in the middle of your forehead to create this retro look.
3. Big Victory Rolls
The ‘50s were all about short and big hair. Victory rolls were en vogue in the ‘50s, and big victory rolls like these were sported by many women. You can achieve this look with the help of some mousse, a round brush, and a blow dryer.
4. The Faux Bob
Like I’ve said before, the ‘50s were big on short hair. Styles like the faux bob were created, so women with long hair could temporarily jump onto the short hair bandwagon. Use a big round brush and a blow dryer to create the dramatic wave. Keep the wave big to really embody the ‘50s style. Fold and pin up the ends of your hair to form a faux bob.
5. The French Twist
The French twist was a sophisticated hairstyle of this time. It was the one hairstyle sported by women of all ages with fervor. Style your French twist with a slight bouffant and a sparkly barrette to encompass the ‘50s vibe.
6. Curly Bob
During the Second World War, while the men were away fighting, women started working men’s jobs. Once the war stopped and the men came back home, women went back to their regular lives. However, short hairstyles like the curly bob cut continued to be sported proudly by women.
The famous screen legend Marilyn Monroe popularized the curly bob hairdo in the 1950s with the signature pale blonde color, parted to one side with voluminous soft curls.
7. Bettie Bangs
Bettie Page was known as the Queen of Pin Ups. Men wanted her, and women wanted her hair. She had thick, luscious hair, but it was her bangs that made an iconic style statement. Bettie bangs are sported by women all over the world even today.
8. Bettie Page Waves
You may have noticed that most of the hairstyles listed here are short. This is one of the very few long hairstyles that were big in the ‘50s. Women who identified themselves as ‘Beat girls’ would copy Bettie Page’s hairstyles – like this classic waves and mid-forehead bangs look.
9. Roller Hair
The ‘50s started the trend of sleeping with rollers to achieve those perfect curls. Young college girls would pair their curls with a beret to create a Parisian look.
10. Poodle Hair
Yes, there existed a hairstyle back in the ‘50 called the poodle hairstyle. It comprised of hand-rolled curls that would resemble a poodle’s hair. This style was incredibly big in the ‘50s and worn at formal events.
American actress and Emmy Award winner Lucille Ball popularized the poodle haircut in the 1950s when she sported it for her TV show ‘I Love Lucy.
11. Top Rolls
The ‘50s were a big time for pin up hairstyles. Top rolls were sported by teenage girls who wanted to emulate the pin up look. These curls were perfectly sculpted and pinned in place to create height at the top of the head.
12. The Beehive
Women with long hair often sported low buns paired with the beehive hairdo. This added oodles of volume to their hair. Simply backcomb your hair at the crown and use a chignon bun-maker to achieve the beehive look.
13. Heavy Poodle Curls
Yes, this may sound strange, but heavy poodle curls were a huge trend back then. The heavier the curls, the more fashionable you looked. The key is to find the right balance between the amount of curls and the height of the updo.
14. Curly Pixie
Audrey Hepburn popularized the curly pixie back in the ‘50s. She sported a pixie in Sabrina and Roman Holiday. So, it’s no surprise that more and more women started opting for a pixie cut. It’s a craze even today!
15. Thick Bangs
The 50s saw the rise of thick bangs. Not only did they help in framing your face but they also showcased the thickness of women’s hair. Thick bangs were often paired with a bouffant and became a huge trend with many actresses sporting the look at major events.
16. The High Ponytail
The high ponytail is a classic. Betty Cooper from Riverdale sports a perfect ‘50s ponytail, curled ends and all. Instead of the curled end, you can also opt for a one wave ponytail.
17. The Scarf
The scarf is a timeless hair accessory that took the world by storm in the ‘50s. College girls would pair all their hairstyles with the scarf, and it looked fabulous! It’s no wonder that it’s a super stylish look even today.
18. The Hollywood Look
Side-swept waves perfectly sculpted in place – that is the perfect Hollywood look. Even today, you can see many actresses flaunting this look at major red carpet events. This hairstyle is the best blend of sophistication and style.
19. Pin-Up Curls
Pin-ups were a big craze in the ‘50s. Every woman wanted to sport a pin-up hairstyle. Big curls and nautical-themed outfits became quick favorites of young women across the USA.
20. Side Parted Ponytail
This side-parted ponytail during the 1950s was the most simple hairstyle. Whether it be home, school, office, or parties, every woman sported this look. Even today, many celebrities have graced the red carpet in this vintage ponytail hairstyle.
21. Short Bangs Bob
Not all of us can be Audrey Hepburn, but we can definitely get a haircut resembling hers. Short bangs bob created a sensation in the mid-decades of the 20th century after she was spotted with the pixie haircut.
22. The Pompadour
This 17th-century royal hairstyle became popular in the 1950s. Women wore their hair in this fashion during theatrical performances and in movies. Today, even men have customized this hairstyle to suit them.
Styling Tip: Use a teasing comb to backcomb and add volume to the hair at the crown. Use volumizing sprays or gels to maintain the fluffy look of the hair.
