11 Best ’50s Hairstyles for Long Hair to Swoon Over
Update your look with, yes, a blast from the past.
With long hair, there are so many ways you can hack the look of shorter hair with styles like faux bobs and tucked-in hairstyles. What about styles that are inspired by an era you admire, like the ’50s? We’ve come across some ’50s hairstyles for long hair that gives the illusion of shorter hair, perfect for commitment-phobes or anyone who just loves a vintage look!
Scroll below to get all the inspiration you need to create these looks on your own:
50s Hairstyles for Long Hair
Ready to try some vintage-inspired hairstyles? Check out these popular looks from the 1950s to get some inspiration.
1. Victory Rolls
Victory rolls are one of our favorite 50s hairstyles for long hair. Creating this look is actually easier than it seems. After washing your hair, blow-dry, and create a French roll on each side.
For the back, use a medium barrel curling iron to create medium-sized curls and set with a flexible hold hairspray, like Nexxus Weightless Style Ultra Light Hair Spray.
2. Sleek High Ponytail
There’s a reason that the sleek, high ponytail has been a classic for so many decades. The vintage twist to this look is the flipped-in ends of the ponytail. You can achieve this little inward flip with a round brush, while you blow-dry your hair.
3. Bandana Updo
This is one of those ’50s hairstyles for long hair that screams power! There’s no way we can look at this style and not think about the iconic Rosie the Riveter avatar. Give this look fun and playful twist: Gather your hair up into a sleek updo, then tie the bandana of your choice around your hair.
4. Bumper Bangs
We love a good fringe style, but there’s just something about the look of a vintage bumper bang that stands out. To create this look, you’ll need to fill under your bangs with a hair sponge or foam roller. If you don’t have one on hand, you can hack the look with a small sock.
5. Glam Vintage Curls
Every girl has that moment when she wants to wear a super glamorous look for a special occasion. Try your hand at this glamorous curl style that screams bombshell! To achieve this look, use a 1-inch barreled curling iron to create soft curls all over your hair, then brush through for a touchable and sexy bounce.
6. Curled Bangs
You’ve probably seen this curled bang and bandana updo pairing before, it screams retro hairstyle. This look is perfect for anyone really trying to embrace the vintage decade’s style. There will be no doubt what look you were going for with this style.
7. 50s Hair Pin Curls
We couldn’t complete this roundup without including one of the most iconic styles from the ’50s era. ’50s hair was all about pin curls. After blow-drying your hair, pin-curl each section immediately while they’re still warm. Allow the pin curls to cool, set for about 20 to 30 minutes, then release.
Set with a firm-hold hairspray like TRESemmé TRES Two Firm Hold Hairspray, to lock your hairstyle in place.
8. The Pomp-Inspired Straight ‘Do
The 1950s era was all about ladylike volume. Create some lift at your roots to elevate the look of your straighter-looking styles. Simply tease your hair at the crown, set with a texturizing spray, and comb your hair over the bump to smooth it out.
Finish off with a mist of Suave Dry Texture Finishing Spray to give your look a more textured finish.
9. Full Piece Headband 50s Hair
This vintage throwback headpiece is so glamorous, there’s no reason not to wear it today. Create some voluminous curls around this full-piece headband to give the look a fuller finish.
Some TRESemmé Flawless Curls Defining Cream will hydrate, define, and fight frizz throughout the day. Your curls will be delectably cream, with an indulgent scent.
10. Tiny Accent 50s Hair Curls
Another 50s hair curl style that was popular was the accent curl. These smaller, tighter curls would be added to the front framing strands to add more texture to a loose curl style. Show off this wavy movement by pinning that tighter curl back.
11. Low Chignon
Chignons are the elegant, second-day hairstyle. There are so many ways to create this bun, whether it’s a knot, or a braid, or a twist, this look will always scream chic and high fashion.
While many trends from the 50s aren’t necessarily resurfacing right now in fashion, there are many hairstyles that have remained classics and have influenced our trendy looks today. Have fun re-creating these looks for a vintage style, or use these looks to inspire your more modern take!
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