No matter what your hair length is now, you can take inspiration from the 50s. Read on to get inspired:
50s Hairstyles: Our Favorite Retro Looks
Need inspo to achieve 1950s hairstyles? Keep scrolling to check out some of the top looks from the decade.
1. Wavy Ponytail
The wavy ponytail is one of the easiest 50s hairstyles you can try out. Simply pull your hair into a mid-to-high ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Take your favorite curling wand and curl the ponytail in two or three sections, depending on how thick your hair is. Finish by lightly brushing out your curls with a boar bristle brush. Bonus points if you pair this hairstyle with a ’50s-inspired polka dot dress, headband, and some cool micro bangs.
2. Victory Rolls
Victory rolls are one of the quintessential 50s hairstyles for long hair. To re-create this style you will just need to practice your pin curl skills. Split the front of your hair into two even sections and lightly tease your hair. Teasing the hair that will go into the pin curls will give you more volume and grip. Roll the hair upwards and pin it in place, one on each side of your part. Set your style for all-day wear by using some of the Dove Style+Care Extra Hold Hairspray and you’ll be good to go!
3. Italian Cut
The “Italian Cut” of the ’50s was a great 50s hairstyle for short hair where naturally curled girls could fashionably wear a pixie cut. This was a pretty short pixie that left the hair a little longer on top. Recreate this style today by using Suave Luscious Curls Curl Defining Cream on naturally curly hair. If you don’t have naturally curly hair, check out our tutorial for curling short hair.
4. Brushed Under Bob
For a simple ’50s style try out the brushed under bob, or the faux bob, as we call it today. Work extra volume into your long hair by creating bouncy curls. Then, create a ponytail as you tuck your long hair underneath, resulting in a cool and modern take on this classic look.
5. Gamine Pixie
Women sporting short hair was nothing new in the ’50s, but the cool gamine pixie certainly was. This more boyish, playful take on the traditional shorter cuts took the world by storm. Add extra body to your short pixie with Bed Head by TIGI Manipulator Cream. Work a small amount of the cream through your hair and twist small sections of your for added texture.
6. Poodle Hair
What the ’50s dubbed “poodle hair,” which we’ve renamed pineapple hair that is super popular today! This cool 50s hairstyle uses the woman’s natural curls to create a super fun look. To re-create this pineapple hairdo follow our step-by-step tutorial.
7. Sophisticated Waves
1950s hairstyles for long hair were all about glamour featuring sophisticated, brushed-out waves. Start this style by curling all of your hair away from your face. Wait until your curls have cooled down all the way before brushing. After your curls have cooled, brush them out with a boar bristle brush for a looser wavy that was super popular in the ’50s.
8. Curly Soft Bob
Hairstyles in the 1950s were all about curls that curled under and towards your face. To achieve this soft bob look, create a deep side part and curl your hair towards your face and then lock the style in place with hair spray.
9. Curled Bangs
Bangs are very popular in vintage hairstyles, especially in the 1950s. For a look inspired by this era, create a curl with your bangs going in towards your face. You can pair this look with a retro updo or wear your hair down.
Tutorial 1: 1950s-Inspired Curly Curly Side-Parted Lob
Vlogger, Zoe Newlove shares her take on 1950s curls in an easy step-by-step tutorial. Read on for her take on a luscious curly side-parted lob style.
Tutorial 2: How to Create 1950s Hairstyles
Rolled bangs paired with curls are another look that was very popular in the 50s. Want to try it for yourself? Keep scrolling to learn how!
There are many ways we can bring styles from the 1950s into the looks we wear today. Share your vintage hairstyles with us on Instagram @AllThingsHaisUS!
