Women’s Hair

Hairstyles in the 50s had shifted to become easier to manage, were shorter, looser – and by the end of the decade only 25% of women wore hats. Hair typically matched the personality of the wearer, with heavy side parts being the most common for every hairstyle.

Housewives had short hair, young people had medium and Hollywood pinups had long hair (long hair was less common and was usually never worn down in day-to-day life). The iconic Hollywood glamour hairstyle was characterised by long hair with big curls and a deep side part.

Headbands and scarves were worn when travelling or going to the beach as they protected women’s hairstyles from being ruined by the wind.