In the 1950s, women began experimenting with non-traditional styles that conveyed freedom and individualism. Here are some popular hairstyles from that era:
Bouffant
– Softly curled coils were rolled up and secured into a round or square shape with pins before being brushed back into position.
– Popular stars like June Haver, Betty Grable, Jane Russell, and Rita Hayworth often wore this look.
Half Poodle Hairstyle
– A variation of the bouffant featuring undulating coils secured around the crown and ears with clips for a sleek and clean look.
– Ideal for naturally curly locks but could be styled straight if desired.
Short Pixie Haircut
– A close-cropped version of a bob with shorter lengths shaped toward the ears and shorter layers falling below.
– Audrey Hepburn popularized this look, complementing her thin features and making her stand out in movies.
Poodle Clip
– Women were encouraged to choose hairstyles that expressed their individuality.
– The Poodle Cut became increasingly fashionable, with tight coils resembling a dog’s fur. Stars like Lucille Ball, Faye Emerson, and Connie Francis helped popularize this style.
Sleek Page Boy
– Longer-haired women preferred this elegant, sophisticated look, often paired with a hat for a complete ensemble.
Pompadour for Men
– A popular 1950s hairstyle for men with long hair, featuring volume on top and sleek back sides, highlighted with a taper fade.
– A side-swept look was also eye-catching for date nights, especially when paired with a jeweled headpiece.
Bangs
– The 1950s saw the emergence of new fashion styles, including feminine hairdos like poodle cuts and bouffants that later evolved into iconic beehive hairstyles.
– Victory rolls, voluminous curls framing the face and secured with grips, became a trend popularized by stars like Audrey Hepburn and Bridgette Bardot.
– Short fringe bangs with tapered sides and Audrey Hepburn’s iconic Pixie Cut also gained popularity.
Ponytail
– Longhaired women could style their locks into a high ponytail, complementing popular poodle skirts.
– This look worked with soft bobs or pixie cuts as well.
Thick Fringe
– A popular 50s hairstyle that defined and framed the face, particularly flattering for those with wider foreheads or oval or heart-shaped faces.
– Audrey Hepburn made this hairstyle famous in the movie “Roman Holiday.”
Victory Rolls
– Large, voluminous curls framing the face, achieved by combing aggressively from side to side using gel for hold.
– This style worked well for those with naturally curly locks.
Italian Cut
– Short, curly locks resembling a poodle coat, beloved among actresses like Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida.
