The 1950s marked an explosion of new hairstyles, some more provocative than others. Medium-length hair was often styled into softly rolled and pin-curled pin curls as a signature look among women. One-step hair color products were first made available in the 1950s, enabling women to change their hair color as often as they desired. Bold, bright alternatives, especially blue, pink, and aqua shades, were favored then.
Poodle Cut
Poodles became increasingly fashionable during the 1950s as women adopted feminine styles that emulated those seen in I Love Lucy or Audrey Hepburn films like Roman Holiday. A trend then popularized by Lucille Ball on I Love Lucy and Audrey Hepburn remains very popular today. The “poodle cut” featured curling hair styled into an enormous “poodle poof,” similar to what dog breeds would wear naturally in their natural habitat. This look remains very much beloved today, made famous by Lucille Ball on I Love Lucy and Audrey Hepburn later in Roman Holiday. Lucille Ball made her famous on I Love Lucy, while later Audrey Hepburn also made it famous. Both Hepburn used this look and popularized it by creating Lucille Ball on I Love Lucy before Audrey Hepburn used it on Roman Holiday; both celebrities made iconic versions of it popular today – still very much appreciated today!
The Lion Cut
The Lion Cut is a more functional variation, shaving all fur except on the face, ears, paws, and tail to create “pompom”-shaped fur balls around these areas. Although one of two acceptable grooming styles for show-line poodles, many groomers feel this makes it hard to see their faces.
Bouffant
At the close of the 1950s, bouffants emerged as a trendy look. Comb backcombing and hairspray would keep this hairstyle in place to achieve volume and height for soft curves around the face – it even proved popular among teenagers who would pair it with wide poodle skirts and bows! Many female actors and singers favored the short, curly style, which required meticulous maintenance to appear natural. If you prefer something simpler, try a medium-length bob with deep side partings and soft waves that fall into your face; this style looks especially great when worn with a sparkly barrette!
Page Boy
The Page Boy hairstyle is feminine and flirty, inspired by English page boys’ haircuts. Typical traits of this style include straight, flat hair on top and sides with tightly rolled ends that fall to the neck; fringe or bangs may also be added for added flair. First popular among teenagers when rock and roll began its rise during the 1950s, this look soon became fashionable among adults as well. Teenagers became a recognized demographic during this era, and many beauty products designed for them (shampoos, pomades, and styling waxes) were marketed explicitly toward them. Actors like James Dean and Marlon Brando served as icons to counterculture Beat Girls in the UK and Rebel girls in the USA who emulated their styles. A modern pageboy features a center part and bangs styled into Bettie Pages victory rolls or pompadour. For an alternative style, try styling short chin-length pages instead for an adorable and pretty style.
Italian Cut
Audrey Hepburn made the pixie haircut with its debut in Roman Holiday in 1953, featuring short, straight fringe bangs tapering into a thin shape across the forehead. Since then, it has become fashionable among blondes, redheads, and light brunettes. Italian cuts were popular among women unable to grow out their locks into long locks, who preferred shorter cuts with greater volume around their faces. In the 1950s, ponytails became a mainstream look in youth culture. Worn high on the head and teased for volume, teens often pair this style with wide poodle skirts and matching hair bows; non-greasy formula hairstyling products were sold to black women to achieve this style.
Updos
The updo was once a beloved hairstyle among women. It involved gathering all of one’s locks into an elaborate bun and pinning it back, often combined with short bangs or a smooth front, creating an artistic high fashion look favored by screen stars like Audrey Hepburn. If you have long hair, try this regal 1950s style! Gather it into a crown formation using bobby pins and hairspray. For formal events, this elegantly sculpted updo is ideal. Pair this style with a glittering statement necklace and soft makeup to add a feminine flair. If you have chin-length hair, try out this sleek and sophisticated style by spreading some pomade between your fingers before smoothing onto your head – then add some bobby pins for a polished finish!
