11 Iconic '50s Hairstyles That Are Making a Comeback Today

The 1950s was a transformative decade, especially when it came to hairstyles. Legends like Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Aretha Franklin, and Elizabeth Taylor defined glamour with their chic bangs, voluminous updos, and elaborate hair care rituals. At the time, these beauty trends were groundbreaking, showcasing the femininity of shorter styles that made bold statements without relying on long locks. While the '50s may seem like a bygone era, you'll be surprised to see how modern-day trends draw inspiration from these timeless looks. Scroll down to discover some of the most popular '50s hairstyles that are trending now.

Top '50s Hairstyles

1. Poodle Cut

Once called the bubble cut and more recently known as pineapple hair, this iconic style featured short, tightly curled locks resembling a poodle’s fluffy coat. Perfect for those with natural curls, it was popularized by stars like Lucille Ball and Peggy Garner. To recreate this look, leave pillow rollers in overnight, then use a teasing comb and volumizing spray to add lift at the crown, finishing with bobby pins to secure the signature curly updo in front.

2. Victory Rolls

A favorite during WWII and showcased in many 1950s films, victory rolls were inspired by the celebratory horizontal aviation maneuver of the same name. To create this look, divide your hair into two sections and roll each side upwards along the part. (The rolls don’t need to be perfectly symmetrical on both sides.)

3. Bouffant

One of the defining styles of the '50s, the bouffant takes its name from the French word for puffed-out. Interestingly, it also served as the inspiration for the beehive hairstyle, which is often confused with it. The classic bouffant had a tousled, shaggy appearance, with hair lifted high at the crown and flowing down the sides to cover the ears. To achieve this look, hair was set in large mesh rollers, air-dried, then backcombed or teased to create height at the top and sides. Heavy hairspray was used to ensure the style stayed intact.

4. The Beehive

The 1950s were all about bold volume and wigs, with the beehive taking the spotlight in both categories. Known for its towering height and sculpted structure, this style was achieved through backcombing and generous amounts of hairspray. Much like other popular looks of the decade, it featured a voluminous crown, a solid silhouette, and pinned-up sides.

Icons like Aretha Franklin and Jackie O. were known for sporting the beehive. Today, celebrities such as Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, and Adele continue to rock this statement hairstyle on red carpets worldwide.

5. Italian Cut

Inspired by Italian film legends like Gina Lollobrigida and Sophia Loren, this short, tousled hairstyle features loose curls similar to the poodle cut, but with a more relaxed feel. Its versatility makes it flattering on any face shape, with curls that beautifully frame the cheeks and forehead. The back of the style was often customized, with some women opting for a shaggy look at the nape of the neck, while others chose a sleek bob.

6. Bobs

There are many variations of the bob, but in the 1950s, the Italian bob (with sculpted curls framing the face), French bob (flared at the ends), and faux bob (where longer hair is curled and tucked under to create the illusion of a shorter cut) were the dominant trends. Over time, styles like the soft bob (with waves rather than curls) and the flipped bob (featuring an unmistakable direction change) became popular.

7. Pixie Cut

Short hair became a bold statement in the '50s. Gamine-inspired looks—boyish or elfish cuts—showed that women could be just as feminine with practical styles. The pixie cut is defined by shorter hair on the back and sides, with longer strands in the front. Some versions featured bangs, while others embraced a spikier, more edgy appearance. Typically less than 3 inches in length, the curly pixie (a shorter variation of the Italian cut) could be slightly longer if the curls were neatly layered.

8. The Pompadour

Named after Madame (or Duchesse) de Pompadour, the mistress of King Louis XV of France (1721–1764), this iconic hairstyle saw a resurgence in the '50s thanks to pin-up icon Betty Grable and rock 'n' roll legend Elvis Presley. The pompadour is a versatile style for both men and women, which explains why it has remained timeless.

This voluminous style features long hair at the front that is swept back off the forehead, creating a dramatic roll. Men would brush the front hair back, while women often used hair pads or accessories to achieve the raised pompadour look.

9. Sophisticated Waves

Also known as glam waves, Hollywood waves, or Jessica Rabbit waves, this hairstyle involves curling the hair away from the face and then brushing it out to create soft, flowing waves. Best suited for longer hair (the longer the hair, the more striking and effective the look), this elegant style exudes a sense of timeless glamour.

10. Bangs

The '50s saw a variety of bang styles, including curly bangs, baby bangs (ultra-short and sharp), Bettie bangs (U-shaped bangs inspired by model Bettie Page), and thick bangs. Often paired with scarves and headbands, bangs could be made to stand out more distinctly from the rest of the hairstyle, which could be as simple or dramatic as needed depending on the occasion.

11. The Pageboy

In keeping with the gamine-inspired cuts, the pageboy hairstyle featured straight hair that fell just below the ear and curled under. This style, inspired by the boyish look of medieval servants, is most recognizable by its fringe at the front. Unlike the bob, the blunt-cut edges of the pageboy curve inward rather than slant upward. The length can vary, from just at the nape of the neck to just below the shoulder.