Short and curly hair was in - long and straight was out. Women coaxed their hair into curls with visits to the hairdresser, perms and hair rollers which they set daily and slept on every night. Here are some ideas and resources that will help you recreate that look.
The Pixie Cut,featuring soft curls and shorter hair, was popular in the 50's. Pin curls and rollers set the look and hairspray kept it in place. Women often wore permed styles that were parted on the side. It was common to wear curlers to bed and then in the morning hair was brushed into place. Hairstyles were typically short enough to show the bottom of the ears. It was simple and easy to maintain with very short bangs that were curled under.
Audrey Hepburn and Gina Lollobrigida were both famous for their cute Pixie Cuts. A variation on this is the Poodle Cut best seen on Lucille Ball. Here are some variations on the Pixie Cut that you can try. Part your hair on the side and then sweep one side up and hold in place with tortoise shell barrettes or fancy bobby pins. The front bangs can be worn fringed or curled under. A headband can hold the curls back with a smooth combed back front or with bangs. Use bobby pins to hold spit curls in place and arrange them to frame the face. Or try a special bow or tropical flower.
Fun Fact: Did you know that even kids got into the curly look? In a 1953 Life magazine advertisement, Lilt Home Permanent advertised the Party Curl, a permanent which would give your child "the prettiest hair in the neighborhood."
The Ponytail was everywhere in the 50's. It's a youthful, free and easy style and perfect for dancing. We've all seen movies featuring bouncy bob with hair pulled straight back and bound with a rubber band. You can change the basic ponytail by wearing it with or without bangs. Ponytails in the 50's were usually teased and sprayed with hairspray before pulling it up high on the back of the head with a sheer scarf.
A chignon or bun with a scarf wrapped around it is a casual and elegant look. The scarf or ribbons holding your ponytail can contrast with your outfit using typical 50's colors combinations like pink with black or red with black or turquoise with white. Try two ponytails high on the head. If you want a casual everyday look wear a scarf over the head tied under the chin with the ponytail peeking out the back and bangs in front.
