Music and films mold the identity of each generation, but hair also plays a huge part in shaping a decade’s pop culture. This concept was evident in the ‘50s, with youngsters rocking elaborate ‘dos in an attempt to escape from the previous, more conservative, WWII era. The 1950s birthed hair styles that exude glamour as much as rebelliousness, each one given life by various celebrities of the time.
Browse through the list below and check out the most iconic ‘dos in the era that birthed the baby boomers!
This way of styling your crowning glory became popular among ladies in the ‘50s, thanks to the actresses Lucille Ball, Faye Emerson, and Peggy Garner. The permed hairstyle was named “the poodle cut” due to its resemblance to the curly locks of a poodle.
This style was hugely popular in the ‘50s, later paving the way for the arrival of the beehive. The Bouffant was inspired by the 18th century hairstyle designed for the thin locks of Marie Antoinette who wanted to make her hair look thick. It was revitalized in the ‘50s, using the same concept of augmenting the volume of the hair through backcombing and generous application of hairspray.
Celebrities who rocked this style included Sophia Loren and Connie Francis.
Rebelliousness and freedom from the conventional routine were celebrated by the kids of the ‘50s, and boy their pompadour hairstyle sure reflected their cause. Superstars like James Dean, Elvis Presley, and Sal Mineo wore this ‘do, wherein the locks are greased up on top and the sides are slicked back — Thus, earning them the nickname “Greasers.”
The pixie garnered greater attention in the ‘60s, but it was Audrey Hepburn who set this trend. She popularized the cropped hair in one of her most notable films, Roman Holiday, released in 1953. Not only did the ‘do became popular in the next decade, the cut remains well-known and loved to the present day.
Short and full fringes started to grow popular in the ‘50s, especially if partnered with long, curly hair styled to look natural. Model Betty Page made the thick fringe popular during the decade, making it part of her signature voluptuous look.
The duck tail, which was also referred to as “DA,” was popular among men in the 1950s. Its name was inspired by its resemblance to the back view of a duck. As a matter of fact, this ‘do is considered a variation of the pompadour.
While this hairstyle thrived in 1940 and then died off, Some Like It Hot actor Tony Curtis revived the ‘do in the ‘50s. To achieve the look, the hair is slicked back whilst the top is messy on purpose with long strands hanging over the forehead.
Actresses and songstresses of the ‘50s, such as Marilyn Monroe, Eartha Kitt, and Elizabeth Taylor, were known to sport this style. While it was shorter and had less volume than the bouffant, it featured perfectly coiffed locks with curls that were made to appear natural.
This style was often seen among teenagers and young girls, and was also often combined with poodle skirts. Eventually, ponytails were adopted by older women of the era as well. One example was the late American jazz singer Billie Holiday.
Sideburns was one of the most popular hair trends among men in the ‘50s, going hand-in-hand with the famed pompadour and the sense of breaking free from the conventionality. This look was made famous by Marlon Brando in the motion picture The Wild One, and also by James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause. Soon enough, it engulfed mainstream culture.