As clothing trends highlight people’s fashion sense in a particular era, hairstyles tell us much about different cultures. In the 1950s, fashion was generally more glamorous than the decade before (probably due to the Second World War). From actors to singers, most of the typical 50’s hairstyles were influenced by celebrities. These popular hairstyles were part of the 50’s hair history.
The Pompadour
The pompadour was one of those hairstyles that accurately depicted the behavior of the 50s youths. Elvis Presley, Sal Mineo, and other celebrities rocked the pompadour hairstyle. It highlighted the rebellious lifestyle and fashion of boys rejecting the norm in those times.
The hairstyle was simply longer hair held up on the head and slicked down on the sides. People nicknamed anyone wearing the hairstyle a ‘greaser’ because they used grease to hold the hair up. Isn’t that a fitting name?
The Pixie
The pixie hairstyle has always been a show-stopper. Although there are variants of it now- like the pixie cut- the classic pixie was a popular hairstyle in the 50s and well into the 60s. However, it’s not the type you might be familiar with.
In the 50s, the pixie hairstyle was common among people with very short hair. They usually accentuated short hair with soft bangs that looked chic. Many believe Audrey Hepburn originated the pixie trend as she rocked the hairstyle in the film “Roman Holiday.”
The Bouffant
Also called the ‘European Bouffant,’ this hairstyle was predominant in the 50s. The bouffant most likely birthed the popular beehive hairstyle, which was a simpler version. It was a hairstyle for people with longer hair, making it more common among women.
To achieve the bouffant hairstyle, people combed their hair to the back and used an immense amount of hairspray. Stars like Sophia Lauren and Connie Francis popularized the bouffant. The dramatic volume of the bouffant is unarguably its most famous feature.
The Ducktail
This list won’t be complete without a mention of the famous ducktail hairstyle. The men’s ducktail hairstyle was like a variation of the pompadour. The style earned its name from its similarity to a duck’s backside.
Although Joe Cerello started the hairstyle in the 1940s, Tony Curtis revived it in the 1950s. The ducktail entailed backcombing the hair, making a center parting from the crown to the nape of the neck, and making hanging strands from the forehead.
Ponytails
Ponytails were also very common in the 50s – they didn’t just become popular now. Initially, only teenagers wore ponytails; you may have seen 50s-themed pictures and nostalgic costumes of a girl rocking a poodle skirt and a ponytail. It was a typical combination.
The ponytail later became common among older women. Like the ponytail you wear today, they pulled their hair back and tied it into one ‘tail.’ Celebrities like singer Billie Holiday made ponytails more popular in the 50s.
