
Step back in time to the glamorous era of the 1950s, where style reigned supreme and hairstyles were nothing short of iconic.
The 50s were all about bold elegance and timeless sophistication, making it an era that continues to captivate fashion enthusiasts even today.
In this article, we delve into the world of vintage hairstyles, celebrating their enduring charm and adaptability in modern fashion.
50s Hairstyles for Long Hair

1. Classic 50s Glamour Waves
Step back in time with Classic 50s Glamour Waves, a look that screams elegance with its big waves and a chic swoop at the front. Begin by putting a heat protectant on your hair.
Use a large curling iron to make big waves, then gently brush them for a softer feel. The star of this style is a dramatic wave across your forehead, pinned back to mimic those old Hollywood stars.
Finish with a strong hairspray to keep everything in place all day. Perfect for those who love a touch of vintage charm!

2. Retro Curly Updo with Modern Twist
Blend the past with the present with a Retro Curly Updo with Modern Twist. This style is all about volume and texture. Start by applying a curl-enhancing mousse to your hair.
Curl it tightly from top to bottom for loads of curls. Gather these curls on top of your head to make a bouncy bun.
Let some strands fall to gently frame your face for a soft look. This hairstyle is perfect for events that need a touch of the old mixed with the new.

3. Sleek 50s Inspired Low Bun
Achieve timeless beauty with a Sleek 50s Inspired Low Bun that radiates elegance. Begin by creating a deep side part and slick your hair back to form a low point at your neck.
Secure it into a tight ponytail, and then twist it into a neat bun. Use bobby pins to hold it in place, and apply a smoothing serum to keep flyaways at bay, adding a glossy finish.
This style is all about looking neat and polished, making it perfect for any special occasion.

4. Playful Double Buns with Cascading Waves
For a fun and lively look, try Playful Double Buns with Cascading Waves. Split your hair in two and make two high ponytails. Twist each one into a loose bun and secure with pins.
Use a curling wand to add beachy waves to the rest of your hair for a carefree, relaxed style.
This hairstyle is ideal for casual outings or parties, offering a delightful nod to the 50s with a modern twist. It’s playful, trendy, and sure to turn heads!

5. Timeless Velvet Bow Bun
Capture the elegance of the 50s with this Timeless Velvet Bow Bun. Start by smoothing your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Twist it into a coiled bun and secure it with bobby pins.
The secret to this classic look is adding a velvet bow just above the bun, giving it a touch of vintage charm.
Finish with a shine-enhancing hairspray to keep everything neat and glossy. This hairstyle is perfect for any event where you want to exude sophistication effortlessly.

6. Vintage Side-Swept Curls with Bow
Create a nostalgic look with Vintage Side-Swept Curls. Use a medium-sized curling iron to form soft, bouncy curls.
Brush them gently for a natural wave, then sweep them to one side, securing with pins. Add a striped bow where the curls gather to enhance the retro vibe.
This hairstyle is both elegant and playful, offering a delightful nod to the past. It’s perfect for those looking to add a touch of vintage charm to their style for any special occasion.

7. Braided Crown with Silk Scarf
Embrace a bohemian vibe with a Braided Crown intertwined with a Silk Scarf. Start by making two thick braids on each side of your head.
Wrap them around your head like a crown and secure with pins. Weave a colorful silk scarf through the braids and tie it at the front or back.
This adds a splash of color and texture, making it ideal for picnics or casual gatherings. It’s a perfect blend of vintage and casual, offering an effortlessly chic look.

8. Curly Bangs and Soft Waves
Achieve a modern twist on a 50s style with Curly Bangs and Soft Waves. Curl your bangs forward with a small barrel iron for a pronounced curve.
Use a larger barrel curling iron for loose, flowing waves in the rest of your hair. This hairstyle nods to retro glamour but is soft enough for any occasion.
A light-hold hairspray will help maintain the curls’ bounce and shape, offering a look that’s both charming and versatile.

9. Elegant Braided Halo
Transform into royalty with the Elegant Braided Halo. Start by parting your hair in the middle. Braid each side from the front to the back, forming a halo around your head.
Secure these braids at the crown, making sure they lie flat. Tuck the ends underneath and pin them so they’re hidden.
This hairstyle exudes sophistication, perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions. A light mist of hairspray will keep your halo intact all day.

10. Romantic Side Sweep with Intricate Twist
Channel the glamour of the 50s with the Romantic Side Sweep. Curl your hair with a large barrel curling iron for soft waves.
Sweep your hair to one side and create an intricate twist by twisting small sections and pinning them back.
This adds a touch of elegance, making it a perfect choice for weddings or fancy events. Finish with a spritz of hairspray to keep everything shiny and in place.

11. Voluminous Half-Up Bouffant
Embrace 50s charm with the Voluminous Half-Up Bouffant. Tease the hair at your crown for volume, then smooth the top lightly.
Pull the upper section back and pin it, leaving the rest in soft waves. Use a curling iron to enhance these waves.
A touch of shine spray will add gloss and help your bouffant hold its dramatic height all day.

12. Classic Soft Waves with Modern Twist
Blend timeless with trendy in the Classic Soft Waves. Apply heat protectant, then create loose waves with a medium curling iron.
Gently brush through to soften and add volume, aiming for a natural and effortless look. This versatile style suits both work and play, and it’s easy to maintain.
It’s perfect for any occasion, offering a polished yet relaxed vibe.

13. Soft Waves with Elegant Bow
Embrace your inner charm with soft waves and a delicate satin bow. To create this enchanting look, use a large curling iron to form loose, flowing waves. Gently brush them out for a natural finish.
Choose a section at the crown of your head, pull it back slightly, and secure with a lovely satin bow. This hairstyle is perfect for any special occasion or everyday wear, offering a graceful and stylish appearance.
With just a few steps, transform your hair into a dreamy cascade of elegance that feels both timeless and trendy.

14. Classic Pearl Headband Updo
Step into timeless elegance with the pearl headband updo. Start by pulling your hair into a smooth, high bun, ensuring the front is neat and sleek, with a slight pouf for added volume.
Wrap a pearl headband around your head, positioning it just along the hairline for a touch of sophistication. This hairstyle nods to the glamorous 50s, making it perfect for weddings or formal events where a classic and refined look is desired.
With this style, you’ll radiate grace and sophistication, capturing the essence of a bygone era with modern flair.

15. Modern Half-Up Twist with Pearls
Combine modern flair with classic elegance in this half-up twist adorned with pearl pins. Begin by curling your hair into soft waves. Take sections from each side, twist them slightly, and secure them at the back with pearl pins for a chic finish.
This style is perfect for those who prefer a simple yet elegant hairstyle that effortlessly transitions from day to night.
With its blend of contemporary style and timeless beauty, this look offers a polished appearance that is versatile and easy to achieve, making it ideal for any occasion.

16. Sleek Ponytail with a Twist
Achieve polished elegance with this sleek ponytail featuring a unique twist at the base. Begin by pulling your hair into a high ponytail, ensuring it is smooth and shiny.
Before securing with an elastic, twist a section of hair around the base to conceal the band, enhancing the sleekness of the look.
This hairstyle is versatile and perfect for both professional settings and casual outings, offering a clean and sophisticated style. With its simple yet striking design, this ponytail is a testament to easy elegance and modern style.

17. Sophisticated Chignon with a Modern Twist
Embrace elegance with the Sophisticated Chignon, blending classic style with a modern flair. Begin by applying a smoothing serum for shine and frizz control.
Section your hair and create soft, loose curls using a large curling iron. Gently pull your hair back into a low chignon at the nape of your neck, allowing a few curls to fall out for a soft, romantic look.
Secure the chignon with pins and finish with a light-hold hairspray to maintain the style. This chic hairstyle is perfect for both formal events and everyday sophistication.

18. Whimsical Half-Up Hair Bow
Capture the playful spirit of the 50s with the Whimsical Half-Up Hair Bow, adding a modern twist. Start by curling your hair with a medium barrel curling iron for voluminous waves.
Take the top half of your hair and fold it into a bow shape at the crown, securing it with bobby pins. Let the rest of your hair fall in soft waves, enhancing the feminine allure.
This fun and eye-catching hairstyle is perfect for those who want to stand out while maintaining a touch of sophistication.

19. Elegant High Ponytail with Curl
Achieve a sleek yet playful look with the Elegant High Ponytail with Curl. Pull your hair into a tight high ponytail, ensuring it’s smooth and polished.
Use a curling iron to curl the ends of the ponytail, adding a flirty twist to this classic style. This hairstyle is not only easy to create but practical too, keeping hair tidy yet stylish.
Finish with a shine spray for a polished look, and choose an elastic that matches your hair color for a seamless appearance. Perfect for both casual and formal occasions.

20. Luxurious Waves with Volume
Create a bold statement with Luxurious Waves with Volume, ideal for special occasions. Start by applying a volumizing mousse to damp hair, then blow-dry with a round brush to lift the roots.
Use a large barrel curling iron to form deep waves from mid-length to ends. Gently brush through the waves with a wide-tooth comb to soften them while keeping the volume intact.
This hairstyle is a modern nod to classic Hollywood glamour, perfect for those who want to make a grand entrance.

21. Retro Polka Dot Headband Curl
This hairstyle oozes the vintage charm of the 50s with its polished curls and a playful polka dot headband. To recreate this look, use a medium barrel curling iron to achieve tight, defined curls.
Once curled, gently brush out the curls to form soft waves. Place a polka dot headband across the crown, pushing slightly back to create a slight lift at the front, reminiscent of the iconic styles seen in the golden era of Hollywood.
This style is perfect for those who love a retro aesthetic with a modern twist.

22. Cascading Side Waves with Volume
This glamorous hairstyle features deep, voluminous waves that cascade down one side, offering a contemporary twist on classic 50s glamour.
Start by applying a volumizing product to damp hair, then blow-dry with a round brush to create lift at the roots.
Use a large barrel curling iron to form waves, brushing them gently to the side for an asymmetrical look. This style is enhanced by its side-swept elegance, making it suitable for formal events and evenings out.

23. Twisted Half-Up Elegance
This soft and romantic hairstyle combines the simplicity of a half-up style with the elegance of a twist.
To achieve this look, curl your hair with a large barrel curling iron for loose, flowing waves. Take sections from each side, twist them gently, and secure them at the back with a pin.
This style captures a feminine and sophisticated vibe that is versatile enough for both day and evening wear.

24. Half-Up Ribbon Style
This hairstyle is delightfully feminine, featuring a half-up style tied with a satin ribbon, adding a touch of whimsy and nostalgia.
Curl the hair into soft waves using a curling iron, then gather the top section and secure it at the back with a beautiful satin ribbon.
Let the ribbon’s ends flow down with the hair for an elegant and youthful look. This hairstyle is perfect for adding a playful yet sophisticated touch to any outfit.

25. Elegant Braided Low Bun
This sophisticated hairstyle combines smoothness and intricate braiding to create an elegant low bun, perfect for formal occasions.
Create a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, then divide the ponytail into three sections and braid each one.
Carefully wrap the braids around the base of the ponytail, tucking the ends under and securing them with bobby pins.


Hi, I’m Ashley Miller, a wife, a busy mom, and someone who loves to share all the things that make life a little more fun and beautiful.
From easy DIY projects, delicious recipes, and chic hairstyles to nail ideas and home decor tips, I share everything I’ve learned and love.
My goal is to inspire other women to explore their creativity and make their homes even more special.