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Vintage Lifestyle 1950s 1960s 1970s Fashion

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Unleash your individuality with vintage-inspired fashion, discover your true style.

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1950s Style / 1950s Aesthetic / 1950s Hair

1950s Hair

By Rosie | January 19, 2023

Discover the secrets to achieving the epitome of femininity and elegance in hair fashion with the 1950s iconic curls and volume hairstyles, in our comprehensive guide.


The 1950s were a time when beauty and refinement were highly prized, and this was especially true in clothing and haircuts. In the 1950s, women wore their hair in fashions that emphasized femininity and elegance, like curls and volume.

Many 1950s Hollywood stars, including Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor, had the bouffant, a style that became instantly recognizable. Backcombing the hair at the crown added height and volume to the bouffant, while smoothing the top layer gave it a professional sheen. Across the forehead, a fringe or bangs was a common addition to this hairdo.

Poodle cuts, short, layered haircuts designed to mimic the shape of a poodle’s coat, were also very fashionable in the 1950s. Women with naturally curly hair favored this look, and it was frequently complemented by a fringe or a side part.

The 1950s was a time of exploration for women who wore their hair long. Long, loose hair, generally with curls or waves, is a popular choice among women. The long hair was usually parted to the side or the middle and pinned back at the sides for a dressier effect.

Short hair in the 1950s was also commonly styled with a layered cut and worn in waves or curls. This look was frequently complemented by a fringe or side part, and a headband or scarf was a common accessory.

Many women in the 1950s wore their hair with a selection of hair accessories, which were a key feature of the era’s hairstyles. Hair clips, hairbands, and scarves were common fashion accessories back then. Many women also opted to put flowers in their hair as a way to enhance their impression of sophistication and delicacy.

Step back in time and channel your inner Brigitte Bardot with our step-by-step guide on how to create a glamorous 1950s hairstyle!


To create a 1950s hairstyle like Brigitte Bardot, you will need a few key items, including a wide-toothed comb, a brush, bobby pins, and a curling iron.

Step 1: Start by washing your hair and then blow drying it.

Step 2: Use a wide-toothed comb to comb your hair, starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots.

Step 3: Use a brush to smooth out any tangles and create a sleek, polished look.

Step 4: Use the curling iron to curl your hair, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends.

Step 5: Use bobby pins to pin back any loose strands of hair and create a more formal look.

“Brigitte Bardot 1958” by Nesster is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Unlock your inner glamour and master the iconic bouffant hairdo, with our comprehensive step-by-step guide!


“Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell at Chinese Theater 2” by Los Angeles Times is licensed under CC BY 4.0.

A bouffant hairdo, popularized by icons like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor in the ’50s, requires only a few basic tools and some know-how to create. Follow these simple instructions to learn how to make a classic bouffant:

First, wash your hair and dry it with a hair dryer. To help your hair look fuller, apply a volumizing shampoo and conditioner.

Second, comb your hair with a wide-toothed comb, starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots. Your hair will be free of knots and tangles after doing this.

Step 3: Brush out the tangles and achieve a sleek, finished look with the use of a brush.

Fourth, tease your hair by backcombing it at the top of your head using a teasing comb. The key to attaining the bouffant style is to build height and volume at the crown of the head.

Step 5: After backcombing, use a brush to tame the hair on top for a chic, finished look.

Sixth, use bobby pins to keep your bouffant in place; the pins should be tucked behind your hair so they don’t spoil the look.

Spritz your bouffant with a small amount of hairspray to help it stay in place all day (Step 7).

The last touch to your new bouffant hairdo is a fringe or bangs, which you can add in Step 8.

This hairstyle works best on those with medium to long hair. A bouffant is a retro hairstyle that was popular with Hollywood stars in the ’50s and ’60s and is easy to imitate for a throwback party or event. Making a gorgeous bouffant hairdo takes time and practice, but the end result is worth it if you want to look and feel like a genuine 1950s movie starlet.

The 1950s hairstyle was different from the hairstyles of the 1940s in that it featured more volume and height, as well as more curls and waves. The hairstyles of the 1950s were also characterized by a strong emphasis on elegance and sophistication, and were often worn with a variety of different accessories.

In contrast, the hairstyles of the 1960s were characterized by a more laid-back, bohemian aesthetic, and featured longer, more natural styles that were often worn with minimal styling and accessories.

Some of the top hair stylists of the 1950s include Alexandre de Paris, who was known for creating the iconic bouffant hairstyle, and Kenneth, who was known for creating the poodle cut and other popular hairstyles of the time.

Overall, the 1950s hairstyles featured a lot of volume, curls and elegance, and were different from the laid-back bohemian hairstyles of the 1960s.

Unveil more of the secrets of Vintage Glamour and Rockabilly Styles with our exclusive guide to the quintessential 1950s Hairstyles ===> your gateway to mastering iconic looks!

Bring the past to present, showcase your vintage hairstyles with us! FLAUNT YOUR 1950s coiffure.

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Rosie
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