The 1950s was a golden age of glamorous and feminine hairstyles that continue to inspire today. From elegant updos to flirty curls, 1950s hair exuded sophistication and style. Let’s explore some of the most iconic 1950s hairstyles and how you can recreate these timeless looks.
Short and Sassy: The Pixie Cut
Made famous by style icons like Audrey Hepburn, the pixie cut was a daring short style that epitomized 1950s chic1. This edgy yet feminine cut featured:
- Very short sides and back
- Slightly longer on top
- Short, wispy bangs
The pixie cut provided an elegant frame for the face while being easy to style. To get the look, ask your stylist for a modern pixie cut and style with a bit of pomade for texture.
Curly Perfection: The Poodle Cut
For women with naturally curly hair, the poodle cut was the height of 1950s glamour1. Made famous by Lucille Ball, this sophisticated style involved:
- Tightly curled hair all over
- Stacked curls on top of the head
- Pinned sides for a rounded silhouette
While the original poodle cut required 125 curlers to set, you can get a similar look today with a curly bob and some strategic pinning. Use a strong-hold mousse to define your curls.
Sleek and Chic: The Italian Cut
The Italian cut offered a softer alternative to very short styles, with3:
- Hair cut to about chin-length
- Loose waves framing the face
- Styled away from the face
This versatile cut worked well for both day and evening looks. To recreate it, ask for a chin-length bob with long layers and style with a large barrel curling iron for soft waves.
Voluminous Glamour: The Bouffant
In the late 1950s, big hair became the trend with the bouffant style3. Key features included:
- Teased crown for maximum height
- Smooth sides swept back
- Can be worn up or down
For a modern take on the bouffant, use a teasing comb to add volume at the crown and smooth the sides back with a brush. Set with hairspray for lasting hold.
Youthful Charm: The High Ponytail
The high ponytail was a playful style popular with teenagers in the 1950s1. To get the look:
- Gather hair at the crown
- Secure with an elastic
- Add volume by teasing the ponytail
- Finish with a cute bow or scarf
This fun and flirty style is perfect for casual outings or a retro-inspired look.
Hollywood Glamour: Long Curls
While shorter styles dominated, some Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe popularized glamorous long hairstyles4. Key elements included:
- Deep side part
- Voluminous curls, especially at the ends
- Often styled to one side
To channel this bombshell look, set your hair in large hot rollers and brush out into soft waves. Use a shine serum for that movie star gleam.
