The 1950s gave us more than just rock ‘n’ roll and poodle skirts – it blessed us with iconic hairstyles that still turn heads today. From Hollywood glamour waves to rebellious pompadours, these vintage looks somehow never go out of style. Let’s take a stylish trip back in time to discover the hairdos that continue to inspire modern beauty trends.
1. The Marilyn Monroe Platinum Curls
Those bouncy, platinum blonde curls became Monroe’s signature look, instantly recognizable even decades later. Her voluminous style featured soft waves framing the face.
Hairstylists created this iconic look using pin curls set overnight, then brushed through for that perfect, touchable volume.
2. Victory Rolls Reimagined
Originally popular during WWII, victory rolls evolved into a 50s staple with a softer, more feminine approach. The dramatic updo features hair rolled away from the face into large, voluminous cylinders.
Women often paired these rolls with loose curls in the back for a versatile day-to-night look.
3. The Audrey Hepburn Pixie
Audrey’s revolutionary pixie cut in ‘Roman Holiday’ challenged traditional beauty standards and sparked a short-hair revolution. Cropped close at the sides with slightly longer layers on top, this cut emphasized her delicate features.
Women everywhere chopped their locks, embracing this liberating, low-maintenance style.
4. The Italian Cut
Gina Lollobrigida popularized this dramatic short style featuring tousled curls piled high on the head. Unlike the sleek pixie, the Italian cut embraced natural texture and movement.
The style worked beautifully on thick hair, creating a sophisticated yet slightly wild aesthetic that captured the era’s emerging sense of freedom.
5. The Poodle Cut
Named for its resemblance to a poodle’s fluffy coat, this short style featured tight, uniform curls covering the entire head. Women would get perms to achieve the densely packed curls required.
Often paired with headbands or decorative combs, the poodle cut symbolized the perfect balance of proper and playful.
6. The Pompadour for Men
Elvis Presley’s signature towering hairstyle featured sides slicked back while the top was combed upward and backward. The height varied from subtle to dramatic, depending on one’s boldness.
Achieving this rebellious look required serious commitment – copious amounts of pomade and daily styling to maintain that perfect wave.
7. The Pageboy Bob
Bettie Page made this shoulder-length cut with distinctive curved ends and blunt bangs an instant classic. The hair curved under uniformly all around the head, creating a smooth, helmet-like appearance.
Women loved how this versatile style flattered almost any face shape while requiring minimal maintenance.
8. The Bouffant Updo
Height was everything with the bouffant! Hair was teased at the crown to create dramatic volume before being smoothed over and styled. The higher, the better was the unofficial motto.
Despite its elaborate appearance, this style could last several days with proper care, making it practical for special occasions.
9. The Duck’s Tail
Also known as the ducktail or DA (duck’s ass), this rebellious men’s style featured hair combed toward the center from both sides. The result resembled a duck’s tail feathers at the back.
Greasers adopted this look as their uniform, using generous amounts of pomade to achieve the slick, bad-boy aesthetic.
10. The Italian Crop
Frank Sinatra’s signature style featured short sides with slightly longer hair on top, combed neatly to the side with a part. This sophisticated cut offered a refined alternative to the more rebellious styles of the era.
The clean lines and minimal product requirements made it popular among professional men.
11. The Poodle Bangs
Lucille Ball popularized these short, tightly curled bangs that resembled little poodle fur. The distinctive fringe added personality to both updos and loose styles.
Creating these spiraled curls required pin curls set overnight, then carefully arranged across the forehead for that playful yet elegant look.
12. The Grace Kelly Chignon
Grace Kelly’s elegant updo featured smoothly pulled-back hair gathered into a low, neat bun at the nape. The refined style emphasized her swan-like neck and regal bearing.
Often adorned with subtle accessories like pearl pins or thin headbands, this timeless look became synonymous with sophisticated glamour.
13. The Flat Top
Military precision defined this men’s cut featuring short sides and back with the top cut flat as a board. The distinctive horizontal plane on top created a bold, geometric silhouette.
Popular among clean-cut college students and military men, the flat top represented order and discipline during the post-war era.
14. The Sophia Loren Waves
Sophia’s signature style featured voluminous, shoulder-length waves with dramatic side-swept bangs. The luxurious Mediterranean-inspired look emphasized her expressive eyes and high cheekbones.
Women would set their hair in large rollers overnight to achieve those glamorous, bouncy waves with incredible staying power.
15. The Gibson Girl Revival
The 50s revived this Edwardian updo featuring a pompadour front and loosely gathered bun. Updated with softer lines and less extreme volume, it offered vintage charm with modern wearability.
Perfect for formal occasions, this romantic style complemented the era’s feminine silhouettes and modest necklines.
16. The Rockabilly Bandana Roll
Working women embraced this practical style featuring hair rolled around a colorful bandana. The fabric provided structure while protecting hair from workplace hazards.
Beyond its practical origins, this versatile look became a fashion statement, with women coordinating bandana colors to match their outfits.
17. The Elizabeth Taylor Soft Curls
Elizabeth’s signature style featured voluminous, soft curls framing her face with a slight lift at the roots. The shoulder-length cut offered perfect balance between sophisticated and sensual.
Women would set their hair in medium rollers overnight to achieve those bouncy, defined curls that moved naturally.
18. The Tony Curtis DA Hybrid
Tony Curtis popularized this versatile style combining a pompadour front with ducktail back. More polished than the greaser look, it bridged the gap between rebellious and respectable.
Men could adjust the amount of pomade to transition from daytime professional to evening cool without changing their cut.