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If you've got long hair, there are a couple of different 1950s hairstyles that you're going to want to know more about. Do 1950s hairstyles for long hair with help from a New York City-born hairstylist and makeup artist in this free video clip.
After more than a half-century as a hairstyling force of nature, the beehive remains as relevant as ever. People often identify the fashion, which originated in the 1950s, as a comical reminder of mid-20th century style, but the beehive has held strong through the decades as the signature aesthetic of some iconic ladies. Whether you find inspiration in the timeless glamour of Audrey Hepburn's Holly Golightly or the striking beauty of British songstress Adele, creating the style yourself can be an exercise in elegance rather than retro costuming.
Hairstyles, like clothing, seem to evolve every few decades. The shag, which is a style characterized by different layered lengths of hair, was popular in the 1970s and it has been revived in the 2000s. The hairstyle is pretty much universal as far as the age of the wearer. With a few differentiations, this style can be just as sexy and beautiful on a fifty year old as on a twenty year old.
In the 1950s, women's hairstyles reflected a notion that women should be glamorous even while doing chores at home. Curls and updos were the order of the day -- think of Joan Holloway on "Mad Men." Betty Draper's short, wavy cut was also popular. Long, straight hair was out -- it would not be stylish until the 1960s.
A woman's hairstyle is a telling sign of her age. In some cases, if not done correctly, it can even make her seem older than she is. Just as pigtails represent childhood, women must choose an appropriate hairstyle for adulthood while still keeping in mind that style has no age limit.
The '50s was a time of intense changes in pop culture and society. Elvis Presley rose to stardom the U.S. and other countries began to transition from the Big Band sound toward rock and roll, calypso and Motown. This reflected more than a change in musical preference, but also a change in attitude that pervaded the entire cultural landscape. Ladies' hair was part of this trend, and short, sexy hairstyles like the bouffant, beehive, bob, Shirley Temple curls and page boy gained popularity.
Hairstyles in the 1950s sported stylish waves, or soft, touchable curls. These styles were achieved through a lengthy process of pinning and placing curlers accordingly. This was followed by a night of sleeping with curlers. Women sought to replicate the looks of Elizabeth Taylor, Sandra Dee and Lucille Ball.
In the '50s, feminine curls were in, and women usually got them by rolling their hair into a set and letting it dry overnight -- this was before the modern convenience of the personal blow-dryer. These curly styles were sometimes embellished with pompadours. For women in the '50s who went against the look of tight curls, the pageboy was a popular style. With this look, hair was mostly straight, but curled at the ends. These styles might take a little practice to get right.
Though thought of as a traditional time when men worked and women were housewives, the 1950s sparked many trends. Women’s hairdos during this decade were ultra-feminine and glamorous and often required a lot of time to style and perfect. Many iconic styles continue to influence beauty and fashion.
Being a certain age does not automatically mean that all of a sudden hair has to be a specific style. Although, if an individual wants to have the most flattering hairstyle for their age there are some pointers to keep in mind for both sexes. For example, waist-length beach waves may work for a woman in her teens to late 20s, but the same may not be true for a woman in her late 40s. A mohawk that works for a young disc jockey may not necessarily be appropriate for a middle-aged man working in a law firm.
The 1950s offered a variety of hairstyles for men and women, which can be worn today at costume parties, or updated for a cool retro look. Women's styles in the 50s emphasized glamor and curls, while men's were often kept short, neat and slicked back.
As you get older, your hair may become thin and fine. Even if that isn't the case, certain hairstyles tend to be more flattering for older faces than others. Women often cut their hair short as they age to keep it healthy and because they think it is flattering. While that can be true, other styles are also options, especially those that use layers to frame the face and bring the focus up, instead of dragging the face down.
Selecting the right hairstyles for people over 50 requires researching popular haircuts and asking knowledgeable professionals for advice. Older individuals should choose a hairstyle that is flattering and accentuates facial features. Many mature women choose shorter hairstyles after they turn 50 because it's easier to style and maintain. However, longer hairstyles can be chosen by women if the hair is in healthy condition. Some believe that longer hair gives them a youthful appearance. The choice between shorter and longer hairstyles for women depends on hair condition and face shape. Men over 50 generally prefer a short, classic haircut, but the…
Certain hairstyles tend to flatter different age groups in women. Young women often wear their hair long, as young hair is stronger, fuller and shinier. As women age, their skin and hair ages too. Hairstyle, length and color should change to emphasize a woman's best facial features. There are a variety of styles women can adopt as they age that can have them looking fresh and possibly younger than they actually are.
Turning 50 and entering a new decade in life can seem like a big deal to many people. You might want to celebrate your new age with making a change. A new hairstyle can be a great way to start out your life at the half-century mark. Just because you are getting older does not mean you cannot be hip and stylish. Many hairstyles can be adapted as suitable for a 50-year old woman or man. Just remember to be yourself. Your hair is an outward expression of you to the world.
The best hairstyles for men over 50 depend on hair type and what feels best for the individual. An important factor to take into consideration for this age group is how much time you are willing to put into the daily upkeep of your hair.
The hairstyles of the 1950s were elegant, classical and always beautiful. Hair was often worn above or at the ears and curled into coiled waves. Stars like Marilyn Monroe and Betty Grable often wore their hair in traditional short curls typical of the decade. The process of achieving this look was arduous and time-consuming, involving the use of pin curls and hot rollers. Handheld blow dryers were not available in the 1950s and women had to wait for hair to air dry. However, the intricate results were always worth the wait.
Hair styles for people over the age of 50 have varying factors. Men's hair is usually thinning or going away unless alternative methods have been put in place to hold on to the hair--Propecia, hair plugs, a toupee. Women's hair is also thinner and most likely doesn't have the bounce and fullness it once had in her youth. Both men's and women's hair will also most likely be changing colors, from their natural blonde, red, grey or black to white, silver or gray.
If you are a woman over the age of 50, you may find yourself struggling to find a hairstyle that really works for you. You may rely on your haircut to distract from some of the signs of aging while still wanting it to look age appropriate. Finding that balance is the result of using the right cut, style and color to make your haircut age appropriate and attractive.
Back in the 1950s, curls were in fashion. Women would wind their hair around rollers to get the look they wanted, and some would go so far as to put harsh chemicals in their hair to perm it and create curls that lasted for months. The '50s hairstyles included the beehive, the ponytail, the poodle cut, the French twist and the bouffant.
Being over 50 means you've probably developed your own style, or at least know what works for you and what doesn't. Choosing a new hairstyle for a new time of life doesn't mean giving in to age, it just means taking a few steps to make sure it works.
