1950s hairstyles saw a return to glamour after the previous decade’s wartime practicality. The result was a mix of short, cropped cuts and long, flowing styles featuring pin curls and waves that exuded chic.
These looks, seen on icons of the time, perfectly reflected the era’s elegance and creativity. They aligned with the overall aesthetic of 50s fashion for women.
Compared to 1940s hairstyles, the rise of consumer goods provided greater access to salons, hairspray, and tools like hot rollers, making intricate styles more attainable.
Popular 1950s Hairstyles
Pixie Cut
The pixie cut rose to fame in the 1950s, popularized by screen icons like Audrey Hepburn, who showcased the style in Roman Holiday and Sabrina.
Typically, the pixie features short sides and back, with slightly longer hair on top and short bangs. This bold hairstyle quickly became a favorite among younger women of the time.
This hairstyle’s name was inspired by mythological pixies, who were often depicted with short hair.
Poodle Hairstyle
The poodle hairstyle, made famous by actresses like Lucille Ball, was a signature 1950s hairstyle. Ideal for naturally curly hair, it resembles the fluffy head of a French poodle, which inspired its name. This elegant style was especially favored by older women.
This vintage style was achieved by stacking curls on top of the head while pinning the sides tightly to create a neat effect.
Ponytail
The ponytail gained widespread popularity in the 1950s, especially among teenagers. Stars like Debbie Reynolds boosted its appeal. Typically, tied high on the head, it was teased at the crown for added volume and finished with curled ends for a playful look.
Teenagers frequently paired the ponytail with poodle skirts and matching hair bows, making it a hallmark of youth fashion. The recent invention of aerosol hairspray made it easy to maintain the style.
Bangs
Bangs were bold, thick, and curly, with stars like Natalie Wood making the style stand out. They were typically curled across the forehead and blended into voluminous curls at the sides and back.
Women teased their bangs for extra height and secured them with hairspray for lasting hold.
A variation involved tying up the rest of the hair while styling a large front section into a faux fringe, secured with pins to maintain volume. This look was often complemented by a hairband for a fashionable look.
Short & Curly
Short and curly hairstyles were highly trendy during the decade as shorter hair became more socially acceptable. Stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren helped cement this look, often wearing soft, perfectly curled tresses that framed their faces beautifully.
This style was typically achieved with shoulder-length or shorter hair, curled to create volume and definition.
Women used bobby pins or heated tools, such as curling irons or rollers, to set the curls. Once the curls were in place, they were gently brushed out to create a softer appearance.
Chic Updo
An elegant updo was a popular hairstyle pf the decade. This timeless look, worn by actresses like Grace Kelly, is ideal for a polished appearance. Typically styled with shoulder-length or long hair, the updo features a deep side part and smooth waves brushed back for added volume.
The back section is neatly tucked into a low chignon or rolled into a classic French twist. Women would use hot rollers or pin curls to create soft waves, brushing them out for a natural effect.
50s Beauty
The 1950s were an exciting time for women to style their hair. Blonde hair became especially popular as at-home hair color kits hit the shelves, letting women channel Hollywood icons like Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield right from their bathrooms.
These styles helped women feel confident and glamorous, leaving behind an enduring legacy of beauty.
