The 1950s was a decade known for its experimentation in fashion and culture – and 50s hairstyles were no different. It was a time when the world was easing into a period of relative prosperity and the concept of glamour influenced many different aspects of culture. Because of this, hairstylists invented new and wonderful 50s hairstyles to appease their wealthier clients, and hairstyles such as the pixie cut and bouffant hairstyles were born.
50s inspired hairstyles nowadays follow much the same trends, and short to medium hairstyles emulating movie stars of the day such as Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor are particularly in vogue. Here are a few of the hottest retro 50s hair looks out there – why not experiment a little and see which one suits you?
Made popular by Audrey Hepburn in her debut film, Roman Holiday, the pixie cut started as an iconic hairstyle from the 1950s but has endured until present day. It's characterized by being cut short on the back and sides and longer on top, but the length can vary somewhat. As well as being a classic yet contemporary look, the pixie is also very easy to maintain. This makes it the perfect 50s hairstyle for both casual encounters and, when accessorized tastefully, for special occasions.
When one thinks of a curly 50s hairstyle there's only one name that comes to mind: Marilyn Monroe. Her curls constituted one of the most iconic hairstyles of her generation, and are actually easier to make than you might think – with the right accessories and curly hair products, you can achieve your 50s style hair in no time.
- Start by adding a heat protectant to your hair.
- Use a curling iron to roll sections of your hair into curls and secure each one with a hair clip.
- Once you've done this all over, let the curls cool and remove the clips to let your hair fall naturally.
- Using a paddle brush, brush your bangs back into one large curl, and secure it with a hidden pin.
- Spray with hairspray for extra hold.
Finish the look off with a clip or other hair accessory for an added touch of glamour and you'll be looking like Marilyn herself.
The bouffant was a 50s hairstyle that took the world by storm. It's thought to have been invented by celebrity hairdresser Raymond Bessone, and began to grow in popularity towards the end of the decade. Its appeal carried over into the 60s and became even more popular when Jacqueline Kennedy, the First Lady of the United States, adopted it as her signature style.
The bouffant is characterized by its ‘puffed out’ look, with hair raised high on the head, while covering the ears. This late fifties hairstyle requires quite a bit of teasing to create a tousled pile of hair on top, while the unteased hair in the front is combed back over it. The remaining hair on the sides can then be combed, curled, or flipped in a variety of distinctive ways, allowing you to put your own modern twist on this classic 50s hairstyle.
The 50s retro look is always in fashion