The 1950s was a golden era for hairstyles, filled with glamorous curls, polished updos, and voluminous styles that still influence modern beauty trends. These vintage-inspired looks have a unique charm—they add elegance, softness, and a youthful touch that can take years off your face. Whether you have long, short, or medium-length hair, there’s a classic 50s hairstyle that can suit your features while enhancing your natural beauty. The best part? Many of these hairstyles use techniques that create an instant lifting effect, making your face appear fresher and more vibrant. With the right styling tools and a little practice, you can bring these timeless styles into your everyday routine. In this guide, we’ll take you through 21 stunning 50s hairstyles that will help you achieve a youthful, radiant look. Plus, we’ll recommend a few must-have Amazon products to make styling easier and keep your hair looking its best.
1. The Classic Pin Curls
source@yaya146
Pin curls were a staple in the 50s and continue to be a go-to style for achieving a youthful, fresh-faced look. This hairstyle involves creating tight, structured curls by wrapping small sections of hair and pinning them in place to set. Once released, these curls give your hair incredible bounce and volume, instantly softening your features. Pin curls work beautifully on short to medium hair and can be styled in various ways, from elegant waves to playful, bouncy curls. To achieve this look, you’ll need setting lotion and a good set of bobby pins or curl clips. A great option from Amazon is the LottaBody Setting Lotion, which helps curls hold their shape all day.
2. Victory Rolls
source@fittshair
Victory rolls are the epitome of 50s glamour, creating an instantly lifted and voluminous look that frames your face beautifully. These rolled sections of hair add height at the crown, making your facial features appear more defined while giving you a fresh and youthful aura. They can be styled with loose curls, a sleek updo, or even a side-parted wave for versatility. This look is perfect for special occasions or adding a vintage touch to everyday outfits. Achieving the perfect victory rolls requires a strong-hold hairspray and a fine-tooth comb—TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray is a great Amazon pick to keep your style in place all day.
3. The Hollywood Waves
source@hairbymarina
Nothing says timeless elegance like soft, sculpted waves cascading down your shoulders. Hollywood waves, made famous by stars like Grace Kelly, are perfect for creating a youthful, sophisticated appearance. The deep, flowing waves add volume and movement, helping to lift the face and enhance a natural glow. This style works best with medium to long hair and can be achieved with a curling wand and setting clips. The BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Curling Iron is an excellent choice for creating long-lasting waves, and a high-quality shine spray will give your hair that classic 50s sheen.
4. The Voluminous Bouffant
source@the_history_of_hair
The bouffant is one of the most famous hairstyles from the 1950s, known for its dramatic volume at the crown. This height adds an instant lifting effect, making your face look more youthful and refined. Whether worn with a sleek ponytail, loose waves, or a classic updo, the bouffant is a stunning choice for any occasion. To create this look, you’ll need a teasing comb and a volumizing spray like the Kenra Volume Spray 25, which provides long-lasting hold without stiffness.
5. The Beehive Updo
source@guy_tang
A slightly more dramatic version of the bouffant, the beehive updo is a sophisticated style that adds incredible height and structure to the hair. This look is fantastic for formal events, making you appear taller, poised, and effortlessly youthful. The trick to achieving a perfect beehive is teasing the hair at the crown and securing it with pins and strong-hold hairspray. A rat-tail comb and a Salon Grade Teasing Brush from Amazon can help you create volume without damaging your hair.
6. The Flipped Bob
source@editbyzahra
Short hair can be just as youthful and chic as long locks, and the flipped bob is proof of that. This playful yet elegant style features ends that are curled outward, creating a bouncy, youthful effect. It was a favorite of 50s icons like Doris Day, and it remains a go-to style for those wanting a polished yet effortless look. If you have a bob-length haircut and want to try this style, a Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer is a fantastic tool to achieve the perfect flipped ends with ease.
7. The Italian Cut
source@beyondtheponytail
This soft and layered hairstyle gives hair a naturally tousled look, perfect for those who want a youthful, effortless style. Unlike structured curls, the Italian cut has a more relaxed wave, which adds movement and dimension to the hair. The layers help frame the face beautifully, making it ideal for softening sharp features and giving a fresh, youthful glow. To maintain this look, a lightweight texturizing spray like Moroccanoil Dry Texture Spray will help add volume without making hair feel heavy.
8. The Soft Curled Ponytail
source@trendsofthetimes
A high ponytail with soft, curled ends is a fun and feminine 50s hairstyle that suits all ages. This style instantly lifts the face while keeping hair away from the shoulders, making it a youthful and practical choice. The secret to achieving the perfect curled ponytail is using a small-barrel curling iron and a strong-hold elastic band. If you want to add extra volume, a ponytail extension from Amazon can help create a fuller look.
9. The Sleek French Twist
source@lizzglam_beauties
The French twist is a polished updo that exudes grace and youthfulness. Its smooth structure and lifted appearance make it a great anti-aging hairstyle that elongates the neck and adds an air of sophistication. This classic 50s style is easy to achieve with some bobby pins, a smoothing brush, and a finishing spray. The L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray is a great Amazon find for keeping your twist in place all day.
10. The Marilyn Monroe Curls
source@jbunzie
One of the most iconic hairstyles of all time, Marilyn Monroe’s voluminous curls are perfect for adding bounce and femininity to any look. The soft, fluffy curls frame the face beautifully, giving a fresh and radiant appearance. To get this style, use hot rollers or a curling iron with a heat protectant spray like CHI 44 Iron Guard to keep hair healthy and damage-free.
11. The Short Pixie with Curls
source@passingwhimsies
The pixie cut is often associated with modern styles, but in the 1950s, it had a softer, more feminine touch. Women like Audrey Hepburn made the short pixie with curls an iconic look that radiated youthfulness and effortless charm. The beauty of this hairstyle lies in its simplicity—it frames the face beautifully, highlights your cheekbones, and makes you look fresh and vibrant. If you have short hair and want to embrace this classic look, a small-barrel curling iron like the Conair Double Ceramic ½-inch Curling Iron can help add soft waves to your pixie cut. Finish with a lightweight styling mousse for a natural, bouncy effect that keeps the curls in place all day.
12. The Side-Swept Bangs with Curls
source@ashleyb.hair
If you’re looking for a subtle yet effective way to take years off your face, side-swept bangs with curls are a fantastic option. This 50s-inspired hairstyle adds softness to your overall look, as bangs help cover forehead lines while framing your features beautifully. Paired with soft curls, this style creates an elegant and youthful vibe that works for all hair lengths. To achieve the perfect side-swept bangs, use a round brush and a blow dryer for volume, then curl the ends for a bouncy effect. A good volumizing mousse, such as Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Sculpting Foam, can help add lift and ensure your bangs hold their shape.
13. The Pageboy Hairstyle
source@the_history_of_hair
The pageboy hairstyle is a sleek, polished look that was incredibly popular in the 50s. This structured style features smooth, shoulder-length hair with curled-in ends, giving a sophisticated yet youthful effect. The rounded shape of the pageboy cut creates a naturally soft frame around the face, making it a great anti-aging hairstyle. To style this look, use a Revlon One-Step Volumizer Brush to curl the ends inward and create a smooth, glossy finish. A shine-enhancing serum like Biosilk Silk Therapy Original will add that extra touch of elegance.
14. The Gibson Tuck
source@thedapperdahlia
The Gibson Tuck is a refined and graceful updo that was commonly worn in the 1950s. This style involves rolling the hair into a low, tucked bun at the nape of the neck, creating an elegant and youthful appearance. It’s perfect for formal occasions or even a stylish everyday look. The Gibson Tuck works best with medium to long hair and can be secured with bobby pins and a light-hold hairspray. If you want an extra polished look, a hair donut bun maker from Amazon can help create a fuller, more structured tuck.
15. The Ribbon-Tied Half-Up Hairstyle
source@bridalby_alena
A ribbon-tied half-up hairstyle is one of the simplest yet most charming looks from the 50s. This style involves pulling back the top section of hair and tying it with a cute ribbon, leaving the rest flowing in soft curls or waves. It’s a playful, youthful look that adds a vintage touch without being overly formal. The ribbon itself can be a fun way to personalize the style—opt for polka dots, pastel colors, or satin textures to match your outfit. A curling wand like the Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold Curling Iron will help add soft waves to complete the look.
16. The Wavy Lob
source@latesthair
A modern take on 50s waves, the wavy lob (long bob) is a perfect fusion of vintage and contemporary styles. This shoulder-length haircut, when styled with soft waves, creates a youthful and effortlessly chic appearance. It’s an ideal choice for women who want a classic look with a touch of modern flair. The waves add volume and dimension, helping to frame the face beautifully. To create this style, use a Beachwaver S1 Rotating Curling Iron and a light texturizing spray, such as Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, to enhance movement and body.
17. The Rolled Bangs
source@byjessicabanks
Rolled bangs were a signature look in the 50s, and they’re making a comeback for their face-lifting effect. This style features a voluminous roll of hair at the front, which adds height and draws attention upward, giving the illusion of a lifted and more youthful face. Rolled bangs pair well with ponytails, updos, or even short haircuts. To create this style, use a hair roll insert or a teasing comb to add volume, then secure with bobby pins. A strong-hold hairspray like Sebastian Shaper Plus will keep the roll in place all day.
18. The Rosie the Riveter Bandana Look
source@thegirlhabit
Inspired by the iconic Rosie the Riveter, this vintage updo is practical, stylish, and youthful. It involves gathering the hair into a voluminous bun or twist and wrapping a bandana around the crown for a fun, retro touch. This look is great for casual days, adding a playful, effortless charm to your style. It works especially well for second-day hair and can be styled in minutes. A cotton bandana set from Amazon offers a variety of colors to match different outfits, making this style easy to switch up.
19. The Faux Bob
source@justinemarjan
Want to try a short hairstyle without the commitment? The faux bob is a clever 50s-inspired trick that makes long hair appear shorter and bouncier. By pinning up the ends and styling the front with soft waves, you can achieve a vintage bob look without cutting your hair. This is a great option for special events or when you want to experiment with a fresh, youthful style. To create the illusion of a short cut, use invisible bobby pins and a strong-hold hair gel like Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Gel.
20. The Pin-Up Girl Curls
source@jaymejo
Big, bold curls were a must-have in 50s pin-up fashion, and they continue to be a stunning option for adding youthfulness to any look. These curls are voluminous, glossy, and full of bounce, making them a perfect way to soften your features. Pin-up curls work well with medium to long hair and can be styled with hot rollers or a curling iron. If you want to achieve that classic pin-up volume, Remington Hot Rollers from Amazon are an easy way to create long-lasting curls with minimal heat damage.
21. The Scarf-Wrapped Updo
source@travelingwithjessica
A scarf-wrapped updo is another versatile 50s hairstyle that exudes elegance and youthfulness. This style involves twisting or rolling the hair into an updo and securing it with a stylish scarf for a vintage-inspired finish. It’s a quick and easy way to elevate your look while keeping hair protected from humidity and frizz. Whether you choose a patterned or solid-colored scarf, this accessory adds a touch of personality to your hairstyle. Try a silk scarf set from Amazon to experiment with different colors and textures.
