For Women:
* The Poodle Cut: Short, tight curls all over the head, often with a rounded shape. Think Lucille Ball.
* The Pageboy: A longer style (shoulder-length or slightly longer) with the ends curled under towards the face, creating a soft, face-framing shape. Think Grace Kelly. Variations included a center or side part.
* The Bouffant: A voluminous, often teased style, especially popular later in the decade. This involved creating height and volume at the crown, often with the help of teasing and hairspray. Think Jackie Kennedy.
* The French Twist: An elegant updo where the hair is rolled and tucked in at the back of the head.
* The Ponytail: While not as elaborate as other styles, the ponytail gained popularity, especially among younger women. Often styled with curled ends or tied with a scarf.
* Victory Rolls: These were still around from the 40s, though less prominent as the decade went on.
Key Features for Women's Hair:
* Curl and Waves: These were essential, achieved through rollers, curling irons, and permanent waves.
* Volume: Big hair was in, achieved through teasing, backcombing, and strategic styling.
* Shine: Healthy, glossy hair was important, often achieved with hair products and regular salon visits.
* Hairspray: A crucial product for holding the elaborate styles in place.
* Accessories: Scarves, headbands, ribbons, and decorative clips were commonly used to add flair.
For Men:
* The Ducktail (Duck's Ass): A greased-back style with hair combed back and slightly parted in the middle at the back of the head, creating a V-shape resembling a duck's tail. Think Elvis Presley.
* The Pompadour: A voluminous style with the hair swept up and back from the forehead. Think Elvis Presley (again) or James Dean.
* The Flat Top: Hair cut short on the sides and back, with a flat, level top.
* The Crew Cut: A very short, even cut all over the head.
* Ivy League: A preppy style that was longer than the crew cut but neat and well-groomed. The hair was often parted on the side.
Key Features for Men's Hair:
* Grease/Pomade: Essential for achieving the slicked-back looks. Brands like Brylcreem were extremely popular.
* Neatness: Even the more rebellious styles were typically well-groomed and deliberate.
* Short to Medium Length: Longer hair was less common for men.
Influences:
* Hollywood Glamour: Movie stars like Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Audrey Hepburn heavily influenced women's hairstyles.
* Rock and Roll: Elvis Presley and other rock and roll musicians influenced men's hairstyles.
* Teen Culture: As teenagers gained more cultural influence, they developed their own styles, such as the ponytail and variations of the ducktail.
In conclusion, the 1950s was a decade of highly stylized and well-maintained hairstyles for both men and women. Glamour, volume, and the use of hair products were all hallmarks of the era.