36 Stylish 1950s Hairstyles for Long, Short & Medium Hair

Step back into the glamorous world of the 1950s, an era marked by iconic fashion and beauty that continues to captivate us today.

As a lover of vintage elegance, I invite you on a journey through time with 36 stylish hairstyles that define the charm of the 50s.

These timeless looks are not only versatile, catering to long, short, and medium hair, but they also offer a unique blend of sophistication and playfulness that transcends decades.

Let’s jump into it!

50s Hairstyles

1. Classic Finger Waves

Step into the 1950s with Classic Finger Waves, a hairstyle that exudes vintage elegance. This look features sculpted waves and soft curls that create a polished appearance.

Start by applying a strong-hold gel on damp hair and comb it through. Use your fingers or a comb to shape the waves, then set them with a hairdryer.

Finish with hairspray to ensure your style stays put. Perfect for shorter hair, this look is all about an elegant and polished vibe, making it a timeless choice for any vintage-inspired outfit.

2. Vibrant Red Vintage Updo

Make a bold statement with the Vibrant Red Vintage Updo, a stunning mix of classic and modern style.

This updo showcases soft, voluminous rolls at the back, highlighted by a vibrant red shade. Start by coloring your hair with a rich red tone, then curl it using hot rollers.

Pin each section into smooth rolls. Add a sparkling hairpiece for extra glamour, making it perfect for special occasions or themed events.

3. Glamorous Retro Curls

Channel the essence of 1950s Hollywood with Glamorous Retro Curls, featuring deep, shiny waves and a sleek side part. Begin with a heat protectant, then use a medium-barrel curling iron to create tight curls.

Gently brush them out to form smooth waves. Use strong-hold hairspray and a light shine serum for a glossy finish.

Ideal for medium-length hair, this look is sophisticated and perfect for evening events, capturing the timeless allure of classic glamour with stunning ease.

4. Romantic Boat Ride Waves

Embrace a carefree vibe with Romantic Boat Ride Waves, ideal for relaxed, sunny days. This style features tousled waves with a slightly messy finish, perfect for casual outings.

Apply texturizing spray on damp hair and blow-dry with a diffuser to enhance natural wave patterns. Finish with a light hold spray for an airy and breezy look.

This hairstyle retains the vintage charm of the 1950s while offering a whimsical touch, making it an effortlessly chic choice for a day by the water.

5. Surprised Pin Curls

Create a playful and voluminous look with Surprised Pin Curls. Start by applying a setting lotion on damp hair.

Curl small sections around your finger or a curling rod, then secure with bobby pins. Let your hair dry completely – either air-dry or use a hooded dryer.

Once dry, carefully remove the pins and shape the curls without pressing them flat. Finish off with a light hairspray to keep your curls bouncy and luscious all day.

6. Elegantly Waved Bob

Channel the glamour of the 1950s with an Elegantly Waved Bob. Begin with a deep side part, then use a medium-barrel curling iron to form waves.

After curling, gently brush through the waves for a soft, flowing appearance. Use a flexible hairspray to set the style, allowing it to stay natural and movable.

This elegant hairstyle pairs beautifully with vintage accessories, making it ideal for events that require a touch of sophistication and classic charm.

7. Modern Marilyn Curls

Capture the essence of 1950s glamour with Modern Marilyn Curls. To start, use a large-barrel curling iron for loose curls.

Once curled, brush them gently to create a voluminous and textured look. Apply a strong hold spray to maintain the shape, concentrating on the roots for extra lift.

This hairstyle is perfect for medium to long hair, providing a luxurious and eye-catching appearance.

8. Hollywood Glam Waves

Step into the spotlight with Hollywood Glam Waves. Achieve this timeless look by first applying a heat protectant.

Use a large-barrel curling iron to curl sections of your hair towards your face. Brush through the curls with a soft bristle brush to form smooth, flowing waves.

This style is perfect for polished events or sophisticated nights out, offering a classic Hollywood allure that never goes out of fashion.

9. Set & Style Glamour

Embrace a polished vintage glam look with perfectly set curls. For medium to long hair, start by sectioning your hair and curling each part using a curling iron.

Secure each curl with clips to keep their shape. Once cooled, gently brush the curls to transform them into soft waves.

Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to lock in the style. This look shines with a sophisticated silhouette that is both timeless and striking, perfect for any elegant occasion.

10. Vintage Bandana Updo

Capture the playful spirit of the 1950s with a vintage updo featuring a chic bandana. Begin by crafting a front roll, or “victory rolls” if your hair is long enough.

Secure the rest of your hair into a bun or updo at the back. Tie a bandana around your head, knotting it at the top for a casual yet stylish touch.

This is a great choice for managing second-day hair with ease. Use a light-hold spray for a soft, natural finish.

11. Soft Focus Waves

Achieve a modern-meets-vintage vibe with soft focus waves. Ideal for long hair, start by using a wide-barrel curling iron on medium heat.

Curl hair in sections, twisting away from your face. Let the curls set, then gently brush them out for a relaxed wave effect.

Add volume with a texturizing spray and keep the look flexible with a flexible-hold hairspray.

12. Sleek 50s Ponytail

Channel a modern twist on the classic 1950s ponytail with sleekness and height.

Gather your hair tightly at the crown and smooth the top with a brush or comb, spraying lightly to tame flyaways.

Secure with an elastic band, then wrap a small section of hair around it to hide the band. For extra flair, curl the ponytail’s ends or leave them straight.

13. Lustrous Side Sweep

Embrace elegance with a Lustrous Side Sweep that features voluminous waves for medium to long hair. Begin by parting your hair deeply on one side.

Use a large-barrel curling iron to create smooth, flowing waves. Don’t forget to prep your hair with a heat protectant to keep it healthy and shiny.

Finish with a flexible hold hairspray, ensuring your waves stay in place yet move naturally.

14. Sculpted Pin-Up Bangs

Add a playful twist to your look with Sculpted Pin-Up Bangs. This modern take on 50s style features smooth, curved bangs styled using a round brush and a blow dryer.

Secure the rest of your hair in a messy bun or leave it loose for a relaxed vibe. A bandana not only adds a fun element but also helps manage stray hairs.

This versatile hairstyle is ideal for anything from casual outings to more formal occasions, ensuring you stand out with vintage charm.

15. Elegant Autumn Waves

Capture the beauty of the season with Elegant Autumn Waves. These soft, luxurious waves gently frame your face, creating a serene and sophisticated look.

Use a medium to large-barrel curling iron and curl the hair away from the face for a natural flow.

A light mist of hairspray will maintain the style while allowing natural bounce and texture.

16. Vintage Waves with Modern Charm

Step back in time with Vintage Waves with Modern Charm. This hairstyle blends 50s glamour with a contemporary touch, featuring loose waves and a hint of volume at the roots.

Start with volumizing mousse on damp hair, then blow-dry using a round brush to lift the roots.

Use a curling wand for waves, letting them set before gently brushing through to soften.

17. Vibrant Victory Rolls

Step back into the 1950s with Vibrant Victory Rolls, a hairstyle that exudes vintage charm.

Start by sectioning your hair and rolling each part inward and upward around your fingers or a small roller.

Secure these rolls close to the scalp with pins. Finish this retro look with a contrasting bandana for a playful touch.

18. Playful Pin-Up Waves

Channel a timeless look with Playful Pin-Up Waves. Use a medium-barrel curling iron to create soft waves, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends of your hair.

Add a pop of color by pinning the front section to the side with a vibrant red flower. A light mist of hairspray will hold the waves while keeping them bouncy and stylish.

Ideal for a day out or a themed photoshoot, this hairstyle blends classic pin-up allure with a modern twist, ensuring you stand out with every bounce.

19. Classic Hollywood S-Wave

Exude elegance with the Classic Hollywood S-Wave, perfect for those glamorous evenings.

Begin with a deep side part and use a flat iron or large-barrel curling iron to sculpt defined waves that contour your face.

Gently brush through the curls to soften them into polished waves. Enhance the gloss with a shine serum and keep the style intact with a firm hold spray.

20. Modern Bob with Vintage Flair

Embrace the Modern Bob with Vintage Flair, a chic update on the 1950s classic.

Begin by applying a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry using a round brush, lifting at the roots for volume.

Use a curling iron to gently curl the ends under for a soft wave and simple side part. Set with a light-hold hairspray to maintain a neat and polished look.

21. Pastoral Elegance with Hat

Step into the charm of the 1950s with this elegant hairstyle, perfect for a sunny day. Begin by curling your hair with medium curling tongs, aiming for soft waves that frame your face.

Once the curls have cooled, gently brush them out for a natural wave effect. Use a light hairspray to set the style, then position a wide-brimmed hat to complete the look.

Ensure some curls peek out, adding a romantic and timeless feel. This style captures a gentle sophistication, ideal for an afternoon stroll or a picnic in the park.

22. Flamboyant Pink Victory Rolls

Make a bold statement with these lively pink victory rolls. Start by sectioning the front hair and applying a strong-hold mousse.

Roll each section backward into a tight roll and secure with pins. Finish with a generous amount of hairspray to keep the structure intact.

Style the remaining hair into soft waves, creating a balance between the bold rolls and a softer back texture.

23. Classic Bob with Contemporary Edge

Modernize the classic bob with a sleek, contemporary twist. Cut the hair into a bob length, then use a flat iron to slightly curl the ends under.

Apply a smoothing serum to enhance shine and minimize frizz. Create a side part to achieve an asymmetrical shape, adding a modern flair.

This look highlights strong facial features and pairs beautifully with vibrant, youthful outfits.

24. Parisian Chic in the 50s

Capture the effortless elegance of a Parisian from the 1950s with this chic style. Start by applying a volumizing product on damp hair. Blow-dry using a round brush to lift the roots, creating subtle volume.

Use a large-barrel curling iron to form waves from mid-length to ends, ensuring front sections sweep back gracefully.

Finish with a light mist of hairspray to hold the waves without losing their bounce.

25. Dramatic Scarlet Waves

Transform your hair into a vision of glamour with these dramatic scarlet waves.

Begin by applying a heat protectant to damp hair, then use a wide-barrel curling iron to craft deep, flowing waves.

Brush the curls gently to create a smooth, voluminous finish that captures attention. Secure the style with a high-hold hairspray to maintain its shape all day.

26. Classic Snow White Curls

Channel the timeless beauty of Snow White with soft, glossy curls and a whimsical red bow.

Create these delightful curls using a small to medium curling iron, then gently brush them out for a soft, bouncy finish. A deep side part adds to the vintage charm.

Secure your curls with a flexible-hold hairspray and adorn with a bright red bow for a fairy-tale touch.

27. Elegant Retro Glamour

Step back into the 1950s with this elegant retro hairstyle. The polished waves and classic volume are achieved by creating a deep side part and sweeping the front section into a smooth, rounded wave behind the ear.

Use a large round brush and blow dryer to add volume and a slight curl at the ends.

Finish with a shine-enhancing hairspray for a sleek and polished look. This sophisticated style is perfect for an evening of elegance or a high-class social event.

28. Luxurious Vintage Curls

Embrace the opulence of old Hollywood with these luxurious deep curls. Apply a styling mousse to damp hair for extra volume, then blow-dry with a diffuser.

Use large hot rollers or a large-barrel curling iron to form tight curls, then gently brush them out to create soft waves that frame your face.

A light touch of hairspray will keep the shape intact while preserving the hair’s natural bounce.

29. Cascading Platinum Waves

Transform your hair into cascading platinum waves that exude elegance and glamour. Begin with a light mousse on damp hair to boost the roots.

Use a large curling iron to form loose, flowing waves. Once curled, gently brush the waves with a wide-tooth comb for a soft finish.

Pin the side with stylish clips for a chic touch. Complete the look with a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray, ensuring the waves stay in place while retaining their natural movement.

30. Vintage Vixen Volume

Capture the essence of the 50s with a modern twist through vintage vixen volume. Style your hair with a dramatic swoop across the forehead and bouncy curls at the back.

Start by applying a volumizing product to damp hair. Blow-dry using a round brush to lift the roots and set the front in large rollers for the swoop.

Curl the ends with a medium-barrel iron for defined curls. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep the look intact.

31. Modern Pin-Up Glamour

Step into the spotlight with the Modern Pin-Up Glamour hairstyle, a nod to the classic 50s with a modern twist.

This look, perfect for long hair, showcases bold, sculpted waves and a dramatic victory roll at the front. Begin by applying a strong-hold mousse to damp hair.

Blow dry with a round brush to create smoothness and volume. Use a large-barrel curling iron to form deep waves, then gently brush them for a softer finish.

32. Classic Victory Roll Charm

Embrace the Classic Victory Roll Charm, a timeless 50s look, completed with playful cat-eye glasses and a bright red lip.

Best suited for medium to long hair, this style involves rolling a section away from the face into a standout roll above the forehead.

Start by applying a heat protectant and volumizer. Curl your hair into tight ringlets using a small to medium curling iron, then lightly brush out for volume.

33. Baby Bangs and Soft Curls

Step into the charming world of the 50s with a hairstyle that blends rebellion and sweetness.

Begin by cutting short, baby bangs that gently curve around your forehead, highlighting your eyes.

For the rest of your hair, use a medium curling iron to create gentle, flowing curls. The mix of sharp bangs and soft curls gives a vintage vibe with a modern twist.

34. Victory Rolls

Embrace the iconic style of the 1950s with Victory Rolls, perfect for medium to long hair.

Divide your hair from a middle or side part, and roll each section upwards and inwards, securing them with pins.

Spray generously with hairspray to keep the rolls intact. The rest of your hair can be left in waves or styled into an updo, depending on your mood.

35. The Pageboy Bob

Channel elegance with the classic Pageboy Bob, a smooth and rounded bob that spells simplicity.

Cut your hair to one length and use a round brush while blow-drying to curl the ends under. For naturally curly hair, apply a smoothing serum to achieve the sleek finish.

This style looks best with shiny, well-conditioned hair and can be adorned with a minimalist hair clip or headband.

36. The French Pleat (or Chignon)

For a sophisticated touch, try the French Pleat, ideal for formal events. Start by backcombing your hair at the crown for volume.

Then, smooth it back to one side and begin twisting upwards and inwards. Secure the twist with discreet pins. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep the updo secure.

This hairstyle exudes elegance and pairs beautifully with vintage accessories like pearl earrings or a silk scarf, adding a graceful touch to your ensemble.

Conclusion

In revisiting the glamour and charm of the 1950s, this collection of 36 stunning hairstyles highlights the era’s enduring influence on modern fashion.

From the playful edge of baby bangs and soft curls to the sophisticated elegance of the French Pleat, these styles offer something for everyone, regardless of hair length.

Each look carries a timeless appeal, inviting you to blend vintage allure with contemporary flair.