Women of the 50s were ultra feminine and how their hair looked was critical. A trip to the salon, likely considered a luxury for many, was necessary for a woman to get “the look.” Today, it is fun and trendy to sport a 50s hairstyle. You can imitate the bouffant with loads of teasing and hairspray or get a 50s hairstyle simply by French braiding your hair or tying it up in a scarf. Here are a few ideas for you to consider.
The Bouffant and Jacqueline Kennedy
The bouffant, an elegant and formal look, made famous by First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy, is a chic hairstyle. This would be a fabulous look for a black-tie affair. Research any of Jackie Kennedy’s photos from the 50s and you will get an idea of this stylish do.
The Beehive
Do you remember the beehive hairstyle? That is exactly what it looked like; a big beehive perched atop a woman’s head. I recall my mother’s gigantic head of hair. This was no easy style to achieve and it was not too easy on the hair itself. The beehive was teased, teased, and teased some more and literally sealed with an arsenal of hairspray.
The Lucille Ball Poodle Cut
One of the 50s rage was poodle everything. There were poodle knick-knacks, poodle doorstops, poodle bedspreads and of course the poodle skirt. Lucille Ball was in on the craze and sported what we would come to know as the Poodle Cut. The hair over the ears was cropped short and the top was soft and very curly, just like a poodle. Generally permed for extra curl, the top of the hair was longer.
The Enduring Ponytail Smoothed With an Iron
Women and girls in the 50s did not just throw their hair up in Scrunchies and go. Ponytails were a process. Pulled up high on the head and fastened with a rubber band, the ponytail was often ironed smooth and straight with a dry (no steam) household iron on the ironing board. For embellishment, a chiffon scarf tied onto the ponytail, added pizazz..
Pin Curls and Waves
Curls and waves date back, but were still prevalent during the 50s period. If you are looking for a fun vintage hairstyle, you might consider old-fashioned pin curls. After washing your hair, twist strands of wet hair around your finger and fasten with two bobby pins in an “X” pattern. Leave overnight or blow dry. Gently finger-fluff curls into place. Do not use a comb or brush.
50s Hairstyles and Nicole Kidman
In my opinion, Nicole Kidman was born to wear vintage hairstyles. Like Marilyn Monroe, she looks elegant and radiates femininity. While hairstyles today are cool and funky, there is nothing to compare to the “hairdos” of that era. Getting a 50s hairstyle might be just the thing you need to do to get in touch with your own femininity again.
Sources:
Beautyandthebath.com
Old Family Photos from the 1950s
Fond Memories
