1950s Hairstyles: 27 Timeless Vintage Styles for Every Hair Type
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The 1950s was a decade of glamour, elegance, and playful experimentation in the world of women’s hairstyles.
From the sophisticated curls of Hollywood starlets to the rebellious rockabilly looks, this era offered a delightful array of styles that continue to inspire today.
Whether you adore the sleek and polished bobs or the voluminous, head-turning updos, the ’50s had something for every taste.
Join us as we take a nostalgic journey through the most iconic and beloved hairstyles of the 1950s and find out how you can recreate each of them!
27 Iconic Women’s Hairstyles of the ’50s
1. Poodle Cut
The poodle cut is a voluminous hairstyle featuring tight curls all over the forehead to the top of the head, inspired by the texture of a poodle’s fur. This style was popularized by Lucille Ball in the 1950s and is ideal for women with naturally curly or permed hair.
To achieve this look, use small rollers or a curling iron to create tight curls, then tease and shape the curls on your forehead and the top of your head to add volume and definition.
2. Bouffant With a Sleek Top
The bouffant is characterized by a smooth, flat top and voluminous, teased sides and back, often held in place with hairspray. Created by celebrity hairstylist Raymond Bessone, this style became iconic in the 1950s, famously worn by Jackie Kennedy.
Ideal for medium-length hair, the bouffant is achieved by teasing the hair for volume, backcombing the top layer of hair at the crown, and smoothing the top layer over the teased sections.
3. Classic Hollywood Waves
Classic Hollywood waves feature elegant, soft waves cascading down, often parted deeply to one side for a glamorous look. This style was made famous by actresses like Veronica Lake and Rita Hayworth in the 1950s.
Ideal for long, straight hair, these waves are created using large rollers or a curling iron, followed by gentle brushing to soften the curls into waves.
4. Pixie Cut
The pixie cut is a very short, close-cropped style that emphasizes the face. Audrey Hepburn popularized it in the 1953 film Roman Holiday. This chic and modern look is ideal for women with straight and wavy hair as it provides a clean, minimalist appearance.
To achieve this style, the hair is cut short around the ears and nape, with slightly longer layers on top for texture.
5. Victory Rolls
Victory rolls feature large, rolled sections of hair on either side of the head, creating a dramatic and elegant look. This hairstyle gained popularity during the 1940s and continued to be fashionable in the 1950s, often associated with pin-up girls and wartime glamour.
Ideal for medium-length, curly hair, victory rolls are created by sectioning the hair, rolling it toward the scalp, and securing it with pins.
6. Soft Wavy Bob
The soft bob is a chin-length hairstyle featuring soft, gentle waves. It offers a relaxed yet stylish appearance. Thanks to icons like Marilyn Monroe, this versatile look became incredibly popular in the 1950s.
Ideal for short, wavy hair, the soft bob is achieved by cutting the hair to chin length and using a curling iron or rollers to create loose waves.
7. Italian Cut
The Italian cut is a layered hairstyle designed to frame the face with soft curls, giving a romantic and sophisticated appearance. This style was popularized in the 1950s by Italian actresses such as Gina Lollobrigida.
Ideal for medium-length, curly hair, the Italian cut involves layering the hair and adding curls to create volume around the face.
8. Ponytail With a Ribbon
The ponytail with a ribbon is a high ponytail tied with a ribbon, giving a youthful and playful appearance. This style was popularized in the 1950s by teen idols like Sandra Dee and is ideal for long, straight or wavy hair.
To achieve this look, brush up the hair into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic band, then tie a ribbon around the base of the ponytail for a decorative touch.
9. Faux Bangs
Faux bangs create the illusion of bangs by pinning sections of hair toward your forehead and under, without actually cutting the hair. This versatile style became popular in the 1950s as a way to experiment with bangs without the commitment.
Ideal for medium-length, straight hair, this look is achieved by taking a front section of hair, rolling it under toward the forehead, and securing it with bobby pins.
10. Rockabilly Rosie
The rockabilly Rosie is a style featuring a bandana or scarf tied around the head, with curls or waves peeking out, inspired by Rosie the Riveter.
This iconic look became popular in the 1950s within the rockabilly subculture. Ideal for medium-length, curly hair, this style is achieved by curling the hair and then tying a bandana or scarf around the head, leaving curls on top in front of the bandana.
11. Short Bangs With a Bob
The short bangs with a wavy bob is a bob haircut featuring very short, blunt bangs that sit above the eyebrows. This style was popularized in the 1950s by fashion icons like Bettie Page, known for her distinctive fringe.
Ideal for short, straight hair, this look is achieved by cutting the hair into a classic bob shape, with ends slightly curled and the bangs cut straight across the forehead, just above the eyebrows.
12. Brushed Under Bob
This is a bob where the ends of pin curls are brushed under, creating a rounded silhouette. This elegant style became popular in the 1950s and was often seen on actresses like Grace Kelly.
Ideal for medium-length, straight or wavy hair, this look is achieved by cutting the hair to a uniform length, curling the hair, and using a round brush while blow-drying to curl the ends inward.
13. Ducktail
The ducktail is a style where curls are combed together at the top from the front to the back to resemble a duck’s tail. This hairstyle was created by barber Joe Cirello in the 1940s and gained popularity in the 1950s among male rock ‘n’ roll enthusiasts.
Ideal for short wavy or curly hair, the ducktail is achieved by combing the sides of the hair toward the top of the head and slightly to the front, securing it with pomade, gel, or hairspray to maintain the shape.
14. Cascade Curls
Cascade curls feature long, flowing curls that cascade down the sides and the back, often with a deep side part. This glamorous style was popular in the 1950s, inspired by Hollywood starlets like Elizabeth Taylor.
Ideal for long curly hair, this look is achieved by setting the hair in large rollers or using a curling iron, then brushing them softly until the curls’ peaks and valleys match. Finish with a hairspray for long-lasting style.
15. Sleek Top With Side Curls
This is a style that combines a smooth, flat top with large, defined curls cascading down one side. This elegant look became popular in the 1950s, often seen on glamorous actresses like Ava Gardner.
Ideal for medium-length curly hair, this hairstyle is achieved by smoothing the top section with a comb and styling product, while the side curls are defined using a curling iron or rollers.
16. Soft Curls With a Headband
Feminine and charming, this hairstyle features side-parted soft, loose curls held back with a decorative headband. This look was popular in the 1950s, often seen on young women and teenage girls.
Ideal for medium-length wavy or curly hair, the style is achieved by creating loose curls with a curling iron or rollers and then placing a decorative headband to hold some of the curls back.
17. Petite Victory Rolls
Petite victory rolls are smaller, more delicate versions of the classic victory rolls that sit closer to the scalp. They are perfect for adding vintage flair without too much volume. This style became popular during the 1940s and continued into the 1950s, often associated with pin-up culture.
Ideal for short, curly hair, petite victory rolls are created by sectioning side pieces of hair, rolling it toward the scalp, and securing it with pins. The rest of the hair can be curled and brushed for that iconic ’50s look.
18. Pin-Up Victory Rolls
Pin-up victory rolls are classic victory rolls styled for a pin-up look, featuring larger, more pronounced rolls. This iconic 1950s hairstyle was popularized by pin-up models and actresses.
Ideal for medium-length straight or wavy hair, this style is achieved by sectioning one side of the hair, rolling it upward and away from the face, and securing it on top with pins and hairspray. The rest of the hair can be styled in pin curls at the back.
19. Retro Roll Updo
The retro roll updo is an elegant hairstyle featuring multiple rolled sections of hair, creating a vintage-inspired look. This updo became popular in the 1950s, often seen on women attending formal events and social gatherings.
Ideal for medium-length wavy hair, the style is achieved by sectioning the hair, rolling each section, and securing it with pins to form an intricate updo.
20. The Classic Bombshell for Long, Curly Hair
The classic bombshell hair features voluminous curls styled to create a glamorous, bombshell look, reminiscent of 1950s Hollywood starlets like Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield.
Ideal for long hair, this style is achieved by setting the hair in large rollers or using a curling iron to create big, bouncy curls, then teasing and shaping the curls for maximum volume. Lastly, hairspray is used to retain the shape for hours.
21. Candyman Curls for Short, Curly Hair
Candyman curls feature defined curls styled to frame the face, inspired by the playful and sweet aesthetic of the 1950s. This style was popular among young women and teenagers during the era, offering a fun and youthful look.
Ideal for short hair, Candyman curls are achieved by using small rollers or a curling iron to create tight curls, then shaping and defining them with styling gel or mousse.
22. Side Chignon for Long Hair
The side chignon is a low bun positioned to one side of the nape, offering a classic and elegant look. This 1950s hairstyle was often seen on women attending formal events.
Ideal for long hair, the style is achieved by gathering the hair to one side, twisting it into a bun, and securing it with pins. You can add twists or victory rolls for a touch of glam in front.
23. Rockabilly Hair
For a fun and fearless look, try rocking rockabilly hair! Picture big, bouncy curls or sleek, stylish victory rolls that bring a touch of vintage charm to your everyday style.
Use large rollers, brush them softly, and twist some of the front pieces to pin them to the top of your head for volume. It’s perfect for adding a bit of retro flair and for channeling 1950s rock ‘n’ roll dance floors.
24. Soft Waves With a Side Part for Long, Wavy Hair
This look features long, big waves parted to one side for a glamorous look. This elegant style was popularized in the 1950s by Hollywood actresses like Lauren Bacall.
Ideal for long hair, the look is achieved by creating loose waves with a curling iron or large rollers, brushing them, and then parting the hair deeply to one side.
25. Half-Up, Half-Down With Curls
The style features the top half of the hair twisted, pulled back, and secured, while the bottom half is left tightly curly. This versatile look was popular in the 1950s for its combination of elegance and ease.
Ideal for medium-length hair, this style can be adorned with a decorative clip for added charm.
26. Pageboy Hairstyle
The rolled under bob, also known as the pageboy hairstyle of the ’40s and ’50s, is a classic bob hairstyle in which the ends are rolled under to create a neat, polished appearance.
Ideal for short- to medium-length hair, this style is achieved by cutting the hair to a uniform length just below the chin and using a round brush and blow dryer to roll the ends under. You can also roll the part near your roots for added volume.
27. Voluminous Curls With a Headscarf
This look is a vibrant style featuring voluminous curls in an updo accessorized with a colorful headscarf. This playful look was popular in the 1950s, often associated with pin-up girls and casual, everyday fashion.
Ideal for long hair, the style is achieved by setting the hair in rollers or using a curling iron to create bouncy curls, pinning them up in an updo, then tying a colorful headscarf around the head, leaving curls above or on both sides to frame the face.
Let These 1950s Hairstyles Inspire Your Next Look!
Reflecting on the many popular hairstyles of the 1950s, it’s clear that this decade was a treasure trove of beauty and creativity.
Whether you’re channeling your inner Hollywood starlet or embracing a rockabilly vibe, ’50s hairstyles offer a timeless allure that transcends generations.
As we celebrate these iconic looks, let’s remember the joy and confidence this era’s women brought to other women everywhere, reminding us that a great hairstyle is always in vogue.