Fabulous ’50s Hairstyles

After the Great Depression and World War II dominating the 1930s and ’40s, the ’50s was a decade when increased prosperity meant more time was devoted to artistic pursuits like films and fashion. As a result, the ’50s is one of the most well-known decades for its iconic stars and the glamorous hairstyles they made popular. Women were ready to let their hair down, especially after WWII, when  hairstyles had to be work-appropriate and industries were focused on the war effort instead of manufacturing beauty products. If you’re looking to put some vintage flair in your next hairstyle, the ’50s is the perfect decade to grab some inspiration. Many popular cuts were shorter than shoulder length, making pixies and short glamorous curls all the rage, while younger women with long hair started wearing their locks in high ponytails. These 30 hairstyles inspired by the ’50s show how easy it is to work some vintage chic into your modern hair.

This classic ’50s style bob takes inspiration from Grace Kelly, and is a sophisticated way to dress up hair that lands above the shoulders. To get these curls, set hair in pin curls or rollers, then brush out and tame with serum or styling cream.

A modern version of the ultra popular Italian cut worn by ’50s stars like Gina Lollobrigida and Elizabeth Taylor, this pixie is a great option for thick haired women. Natural curls add lots of volume, while baby bangs keep things clean around the face.

In a decade when long hair was for young girls, above the shoulder cuts signalled grown-up sex appeal. Scarlett Johansson’s look here reminds us that the idea of longer hair being more feminine is far from universal truth.

Unlike modern styles, where we usually see loose ends of hair whether it’s styled straight or curled, a brushed under style like this leaves long hair looking extra polished, with every strand perfectly in place. Stock up on hairspray before you try this look at home!

Inspired by the poodle cut popular in the early ’50s, this updo has lots of natural curls piled up on top of the head. The rest of hair gets pinned at the back and adorned with a flower, reminding us of Billie Holiday’s signature hairstyle.

For women who didn’t opt for short hair in the ’50s, high ponytails were the trendiest way to wear your longer locks. Reese Witherspoon’s red carpet look proves that this retro inspired style continues to be a glamorous choice today.

Inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s iconic pixie, this short style is perfect if you’re looking for a dramatic way to change up your look while keeping your hair in a classic style. Pixies like this are especially flattering on women with oval and heart shaped faces, and the piecey bangs can help to minimize a larger forehead while being easier to style than bangs that are thick or bluntly cut.

There’s something endlessly appealing about a prim and proper updo, especially when paired with well-tailored clothing and a dark berry lip. This vintage-inspired double rolled updo is one of the most elegant ways to wear a throwback style, either for an everyday occasion, or for your vintage themed wedding.

As the most iconic star of the ’50s, Marilyn Monroe’s platinum curls continue to be a way to ooze sex symbol style. To get these curls, you can set hair in rollers, or use a standard curling iron, but be sure to lift hair up and out for maximum volume.

This intricate style is a great option if you’re looking for an updo that’s outside of the norm. Featuring many, perfectly pinned rolls, you’ll probably need to practice this style before your big night out.

Another style inspired by Audrey Hepburn, this pixie is styled with hair brushed back and away from the face. This classic style puts your face completely on display, and requires a lot of confidence to pull off. For first time pixie wearers, we’d recommend a style with longer pieces in front before graduating to a look this bold.

Copy Taylor Swift’s vintage style for the perfect mix of youth and Old Hollywood glam. This deep side part with a soft wave is a good choice for balancing and framing your face without the commitment of adding bangs to your style.

With short, Bettie Page bangs in a deep indigo hue, this look is a perfect example of how vintage trends can be used in a modern style. By only placing half of hair up in rolls, the overall look is playful but edgy.

For short haired women who aren’t interested in the demure pixie style, why not try a pompadour as made popular by the greaser subculture of the ’50s. When mixed with this platinum hue and a modern, edgy undercut, this pompadour looks stylishly crisp, and definitely not stuck in the past.