11 Retro Hairstyles from the ’50s Making a Comeback Today

The 1950s was an era of dynamic change, and hairstyles were no exception. With iconic figures like Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Aretha Franklin, and Elizabeth Taylor leading the way, glamour was defined by sophisticated bangs, voluminous styles, and elaborate hair care routines that were ahead of their time. Even short cuts made a bold statement, challenging the notion that femininity was tied to long locks. While the era may be in the past, you might be surprised to see that some of today’s trendiest looks draw inspiration from this iconic period. Dive in to discover some of the best ’50s hairstyles that are making a resurgence today. Top ’50s Hairstyles 01 of 11 Poodle cut

Also known as the bubble cut or, more recently, pineapple hair, this style featured short, tightly curled hair reminiscent of a poodle’s coat. It was particularly favored by women with naturally curly hair and was popularized by actresses like Lucille Ball and Peggy Garner. Achieving this look involved leaving pillow rollers in overnight, then using a teasing comb and volumizing spray at the crown of the head, along with bobby pins to create the iconic curly updo in the front. 02 of 11 Victory rolls

Victory rolls, synonymous with WWII-era fashion, graced many Hollywood films of the ’50s. Named after the celebratory aviation maneuver, these rolls were created by dividing the hair into two sections and rolling each section upwards on either side of the part. They didn’t necessarily have to be perfectly symmetrical. 03 of 11 Bouffant

The quintessential ’50s hairstyle, the bouffant, derived its name from the French word for “puffed-out.” Interestingly, it inspired the beehive hairstyle, often mistaken for the bouffant. This classic style featured hair raised high on the crown of the head, with sides covering the ears. Achieving the bouffant involved using large mesh rollers, air-drying the hair, and backcombing or teasing to create volume. Copious amounts of hairspray were then applied to hold the style in place. 04 of 11 The beehive

A symbol of the era’s obsession with volume and wigs, the beehive boasted gravity-defying height and structure, achieved through backcombing and liberal use of hairspray. Notable figures like Aretha Franklin and Jackie O. sported this iconic look, and today, modern celebrities like Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, and Adele have revived it on red carpets worldwide. 05 of 11 Italian cut

Inspired by Italian screen legends such as Gina Lollobrigida and Sophia Loren, this short, tousled hairstyle featured loose curls akin to the poodle cut, albeit less tightly coiled. Its versatility made it flattering for various face shapes, with personalized touches at the back ranging from shaggy layers to sleek bobs. 06 of 11 Bobs

The bob took on numerous variations in the ’50s, including the Italian bob (sculpted curls framing the face), French bob (ends flared outward), and faux bob (long hair styled to appear shorter). Contemporary adaptations like the soft bob, characterized by wavy rather than curly hair, and the flipped bob, featuring a distinct directional change, have since gained popularity. 07 of 11 Pixie cut

Short hair gained prominence in the ’50s, challenging conventional notions of femininity with boyish or elfin cuts. The pixie cut, characterized by short back and sides and longer front sections, offered versatility with options for bangs or spikey textures. Typically, the hair length was under 3 inches, though variations like the curly pixie allowed for slightly longer lengths with neatly layered curls. 08 of 11 The pompadour

Named after Madame de Pompadour, mistress of King Louis XV of France, this unisex style saw a resurgence in the ’50s, championed by pin-up icons like Betty Grable and Elvis Presley. Defined by its voluminous front swept back off the forehead, the pompadour was achieved through various styling techniques, with men often brushing their hair back and women utilizing pads or accessories for added height. 09 of 11 Sophisticated waves

Also known as glam waves or Hollywood waves, this style involved curling hair away from the face and then brushing it out for loose, cascading waves. Ideal for long hair, this glamorous look exuded timeless elegance, with longer hair lengths yielding more dramatic results. 10 of 11 Bangs

Bangs were a staple of ’50s hairstyles, with various styles ranging from curly bangs to ultra-short baby bangs, Bettie bangs, and thick, defined bangs. Paired with accessories like scarves and headbands, bangs added a distinct flair to hairstyles, contrasting with the styles in the back for added versatility. 11 of 11 The pageboy

Echoing the era’s affinity for gamine cuts, the pageboy hairstyle featured straight hair below the ear, turning under with a distinctive fringe at the front. Inspired by medieval servant styles, the pageboy distinguished itself from the bob with its inwardly curved blunt edges and varied lengths, offering a timeless yet playful look.