1950s Hairstyles

The 1950s saw a lot of diverse changes, launches, fashion changes and even controversies as well. This was the time when the wars had almost ended and there were some interesting changes in the fashion scenario. The sack dress was worn with great enthusiasm and poodle skirts also gained prominence. The beautiful and gorgeous Audrey Hepburn created waves with her stylish hairstyles. Chanel and Dior were at loggerheads as far as the silhouettes were concerned. The 1950s also saw a lot of hair salons arrive on the beauty scenario. This led to a whole new dimension for the 1950s hairstyles. Read on to know more about the different types of 1950s hairstyles, some of which are used even today, and how these gained their popularity over time.

1950s Hairstyles:
Feminine, romantic, stylish and natural, this was how it was in the 1950s. The 1940s period saw the women wear practical hairstyles because this was a tough period was most of them due to war. Women had to work and manageable hairstyles were most preferred. Hairstyles got glam by the 1950s and this was the time when the ponytail gained prominence. Apart from the ponytail, the French plait was also in vogue.

1950s hairstyles also saw some more detailing and elaborate styling in the later period. The poodle cut was one such that gained prominence. This framed the face and gave it a feminine touch. Women loved to splurge on getting this done from the beauty salon. This is something that has remained unchanged over time!

Women also wore their short hair and loved to flaunt it as well. The 1950’s hairstyles also had short hair that was let loose just below the ears. These loose tresses were generally curled and women also wore a parting either on the left side or the right side. Bangs were used to frame the face, which were also curled as well.

Yet another popular hairstyle of the 1950s was the bouffant. This was the time women relied on hair sprays to get the precise look. Youngsters loved to wear short and layered cuts. These often had waves that flowed down from the crown area. The edges were always curled along with the sides as well. Hoops and flared skirts, dresses and tight skirts were worn to special occasions.

Hairstyles in the 1950s also saw the use of scarves over the hair. Women loved to curl their hair and this was also pinned up or pulled back into a bun and a scarf was generally worn over this.

The beehive was another such hairstyle that emerged in the late 50s. This was one such hairstyle that required elaborate styling at the beauty salon. This required the use of a wet roller set and the use of a hair dryer. The beehive hairstyle is a kind of an updo, which is sleek and chic and was worn with gowns in that period.

Men followed Elvis Presley who popularized the sideburns. This however did not stay for a very long time probably owing to the fact that sideburns were difficult to manage.

Who can forget the movie, Roman Holiday where Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn exuded charm, grace, style and charisma in this romantic comedy. I particularly remember the scene where she cuts off her long tresses quite against the social norms. She even had the hairdresser perplexed with her strange decision. The result was even better; Audrey Hepburn oozed style and looked completely glamorous with her short hairstyle! The soft curls behind the ears and the delicate jagged edges that framed her face helped to accentuate her features.

The ducktail hairstyle was popular amongst men. This was also known as the D.A. or the duck butt. Loads of grease was applied to the hair and hair was combed back with a duck’s butt created on the backside of the head.

Some of the 1950’s hairstyles can be seen even today, although in a modified way. This was one glorious period that saw major changes in the fashion scenario.