In the ever-evolving world of men's fashion, one aspect that has seen a remarkable resurgence is the realm of 50s mens hairstyles. The 1950s were a decade marked by iconic styles that continue to inspire modern trends. From the classic pompadour to the sleek side part, these hairstyles are not just about looking good; they are about embracing a timeless elegance that transcends generations. Whether you're a fan of vintage aesthetics or simply looking to add a touch of retro charm to your look, exploring 50s mens hairstyles can be a rewarding journey.
The Iconic Pompadour
The pompadour is perhaps the most recognizable of all 50s mens hairstyles. Popularized by legends like Elvis Presley and James Dean, this style features a high volume of hair at the front, swept back and styled with a lot of pomade or gel. The sides are typically tapered or faded, creating a striking contrast.
The pompadour is versatile and can be adapted to suit different face shapes and hair types. For those with thicker hair, achieving the classic pompadour involves:
- Washing and drying your hair to remove any natural oils.
- Applying a generous amount of pomade or gel to your hair.
- Using a comb to lift the hair at the front and sweep it back.
- Blow-drying the hair to set the style.
💡 Note: For a more modern take, you can opt for a shorter pompadour with a low fade on the sides.
The Classic Side Part
The side part is another staple of 50s mens hairstyles. This style is characterized by a deep part on one side of the head, with the hair combed neatly to the side. It exudes a sense of sophistication and is perfect for both formal and casual settings.
To achieve the classic side part:
- Start with clean, damp hair.
- Apply a small amount of pomade or gel to your fingers and work it through your hair.
- Use a comb to create a deep part on one side.
- Combine the hair to the side, ensuring it lies flat and smooth.
- Blow-dry the hair to set the style.
💡 Note: For a more textured look, you can use a matte pomade and slightly tousle the hair with your fingers.
The Slicked-Back Look
The slicked-back look is a timeless style that has been popular among men for decades. This style involves combing all the hair back from the forehead, creating a sleek and polished appearance. It’s a great option for those with medium to long hair and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
To achieve the slicked-back look:
- Start with clean, damp hair.
- Apply a generous amount of pomade or gel to your hair.
- Use a comb to slick the hair back from the forehead.
- Blow-dry the hair to set the style.
💡 Note: For a more modern twist, you can add some texture to the ends of your hair for a less polished look.
The Crew Cut
The crew cut is a short, low-maintenance hairstyle that was popular among men in the 1950s. This style features short hair on the sides and back, with slightly longer hair on top. It’s a versatile style that can be adapted to suit different face shapes and hair types.
To achieve the crew cut:
- Visit a barber and ask for a crew cut.
- The barber will use clippers to cut the hair short on the sides and back.
- The hair on top will be left slightly longer and styled with a comb or brush.
💡 Note: For a more modern take, you can opt for a tapered crew cut with a fade on the sides.
The Flat Top
The flat top is a bold and distinctive hairstyle that was popular in the 1950s. This style features a flat, horizontal top with tapered sides. It’s a high-maintenance style that requires regular trimming and styling, but it can make a strong statement.
To achieve the flat top:
- Visit a barber and ask for a flat top.
- The barber will use clippers to cut the hair short on the sides and back.
- The hair on top will be left longer and styled with a comb or brush to create a flat, horizontal surface.
💡 Note: For a more modern take, you can opt for a shorter flat top with a fade on the sides.
The Quiff
The quiff is a stylish and versatile hairstyle that has been popular among men for decades. This style features a high volume of hair at the front, swept back and styled with a lot of pomade or gel. The sides are typically tapered or faded, creating a striking contrast.
To achieve the quiff:
- Start with clean, damp hair.
- Apply a generous amount of pomade or gel to your hair.
- Use a comb to lift the hair at the front and sweep it back.
- Blow-dry the hair to set the style.
💡 Note: For a more modern take, you can opt for a shorter quiff with a low fade on the sides.
The Buzz Cut
The buzz cut is a short, low-maintenance hairstyle that was popular among men in the 1950s. This style features short hair all over the head, with no distinct layers or styles. It’s a versatile style that can be adapted to suit different face shapes and hair types.
To achieve the buzz cut:
- Visit a barber and ask for a buzz cut.
- The barber will use clippers to cut the hair short all over the head.
💡 Note: For a more modern take, you can opt for a tapered buzz cut with a fade on the sides.
The Ivy League
The Ivy League is a classic hairstyle that was popular among men in the 1950s. This style features short hair on the sides and back, with slightly longer hair on top. It’s a versatile style that can be adapted to suit different face shapes and hair types.
To achieve the Ivy League:
- Visit a barber and ask for an Ivy League cut.
- The barber will use clippers to cut the hair short on the sides and back.
- The hair on top will be left slightly longer and styled with a comb or brush.
💡 Note: For a more modern take, you can opt for a tapered Ivy League cut with a fade on the sides.
The Slicked-Back Undercut
The slicked-back undercut is a modern take on a classic style. This style features short hair on the sides and back, with longer hair on top that is slicked back. It’s a versatile style that can be adapted to suit different face shapes and hair types.
To achieve the slicked-back undercut:
- Visit a barber and ask for an undercut.
- The barber will use clippers to cut the hair short on the sides and back.
- The hair on top will be left longer and styled with a comb or brush to be slicked back.
💡 Note: For a more modern take, you can opt for a tapered undercut with a fade on the sides.
The Textured Crop
The textured crop is a modern take on a classic style. This style features short hair on the sides and back, with longer hair on top that is styled with texture. It’s a versatile style that can be adapted to suit different face shapes and hair types.
To achieve the textured crop:
- Visit a barber and ask for a textured crop.
- The barber will use clippers to cut the hair short on the sides and back.
- The hair on top will be left longer and styled with a comb or brush to create texture.
💡 Note: For a more modern take, you can opt for a tapered textured crop with a fade on the sides.
The Modern Pompadour
The modern pompadour is a contemporary take on a classic style. This style features a high volume of hair at the front, swept back and styled with a lot of pomade or gel. The sides are typically tapered or faded, creating a striking contrast.
To achieve the modern pompadour:
- Start with clean, damp hair.
- Apply a generous amount of pomade or gel to your hair.
- Use a comb to lift the hair at the front and sweep it back.
- Blow-dry the hair to set the style.
💡 Note: For a more modern take, you can opt for a shorter pompadour with a low fade on the sides.
The Modern Side Part
The modern side part is a contemporary take on a classic style. This style features a deep part on one side of the head, with the hair combed neatly to the side. It exudes a sense of sophistication and is perfect for both formal and casual settings.
To achieve the modern side part:
- Start with clean, damp hair.
- Apply a small amount of pomade or gel to your fingers and work it through your hair.
- Use a comb to create a deep part on one side.
- Combine the hair to the side, ensuring it lies flat and smooth.
- Blow-dry the hair to set the style.
💡 Note: For a more modern take, you can opt for a shorter side part with a low fade on the sides.
The Modern Slicked-Back Look
The modern slicked-back look is a contemporary take on a classic style. This style involves combing all the hair back from the forehead, creating a sleek and polished appearance. It’s a great option for those with medium to long hair and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
To achieve the modern slicked-back look:
- Start with clean, damp hair.
- Apply a generous amount of pomade or gel to your hair.
- Use a comb to slick the hair back from the forehead.
- Blow-dry the hair to set the style.
💡 Note: For a more modern take, you can opt for a shorter slicked-back look with a low fade on the sides.
The Modern Crew Cut
The modern crew cut is a contemporary take on a classic style. This style features short hair on the sides and back, with slightly longer hair on top. It’s a versatile style that can be adapted to suit different face shapes and hair types.
To achieve the modern crew cut:
- Visit a barber and ask for a modern crew cut.
- The barber will use clippers to cut the hair short on the sides and back.
- The hair on top will be left slightly longer and styled with a comb or brush.
💡 Note: For a more modern take, you can opt for a tapered crew cut with a fade on the sides.
The Modern Flat Top
The modern flat top is a contemporary take on a classic style. This style features a flat, horizontal top with tapered sides. It’s a high-maintenance style that requires regular trimming and styling, but it can make a strong statement.
To achieve the modern flat top:
- Visit a barber and ask for a modern flat top.
- The barber will use clippers to cut the hair short on the sides and back.
- The hair on top will be left longer and styled with a comb or brush to create a flat, horizontal surface.
💡 Note: For a more modern take, you can opt for a shorter flat top with a fade on the sides.
The Modern Quiff
The modern quiff is a contemporary take on a classic style. This style features a high volume of hair at the front, swept back and styled with a lot of pomade or gel. The sides are typically tapered or faded, creating a striking contrast.
To achieve the modern quiff:
- Start with clean, damp hair.
- Apply a generous amount of pomade or gel to your hair.
- Use a comb to lift the hair at the front and sweep it back.
- Blow-dry the hair to set the style.
💡 Note: For a more modern take, you can opt for a shorter quiff with a low fade on the sides.
The Modern Buzz Cut
The modern buzz cut is a contemporary take on a classic style. This style features short hair all over the head, with no distinct layers or styles. It’s a versatile style that can be adapted to suit different face shapes and hair types.
To achieve the modern buzz cut:
- Visit a barber and ask for a modern buzz cut.
- The barber will use clippers to cut the hair short all over the head.
💡 Note: For a more modern take, you can opt for a tapered buzz cut with a fade on the sides.
The Modern Ivy League
The modern Ivy League is a contemporary take on a classic style. This style features short hair on the sides and back, with slightly longer hair on top. It’s a versatile style that can be adapted to suit different face shapes and hair types.
To achieve the modern Ivy League:
- Visit a barber and ask for a modern Ivy League cut.
- The barber will use clippers to cut the hair short on the sides and back.
- The hair on top will be left slightly longer and styled with a comb or brush.
💡 Note: For a more modern take, you can opt for a tapered Ivy League cut with a fade on the sides.
The Modern Slicked-Back Undercut
The modern slicked-back undercut is a contemporary take on a classic style. This style features short hair on the sides and back, with longer hair on top that is slicked back. It’s a versatile style that can be adapted to suit different face shapes and hair types.
To achieve the modern slicked-back undercut:
- Visit a barber and ask for a modern undercut.
- The barber will use clippers to cut the hair short on the sides and back.
- The hair on top will be left longer and styled with a comb or brush to be slicked back.
💡 Note: For a more modern take, you can opt for a tapered undercut with a fade on the sides.
The Modern Textured Crop
The modern textured crop is a contemporary take on a classic style. This style features short hair on the sides and back, with longer hair on top that is styled with texture. It’s a versatile style that can be adapted to suit different face shapes and hair types.
To achieve the modern textured crop:
- Visit a barber and ask for a modern textured crop.
- The barber will use clippers to cut the hair short on the sides and back.
- The hair on top will be left longer and styled with a comb or brush to create texture.
💡 Note: For a more modern take, you can opt for a tapered textured crop with a fade on the sides.
Choosing the Right Style for You
When it comes to 50s mens hairstyles, the key is to choose a style that complements your face shape, hair type, and personal style. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
- Face Shape: Different hairstyles can accentuate or balance different features of your face. For example, a pompadour can elongate a round face, while a side part can soften a square jawline.
- Hair Type: Your hair type can also influence your choice of hairstyle. Thicker hair can hold volume better, making it ideal for styles like the pompadour or quiff. Thinner hair may require more product to achieve the desired look.
- Personal Style: Ultimately, the best hairstyle is one that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Whether you prefer a classic look or a more modern twist, there’s a 50s mens hairstyle out there for you.
Maintaining Your Hairstyle
Maintaining your 50s mens hairstyle requires regular trimming and styling. Here are some tips to keep your hair looking its best:
- Regular Trims: Visit your barber every 4-6 weeks for a trim to keep your hairstyle looking sharp.
- Styling Products: Use high-quality styling products like pomade, gel, or wax to achieve the desired look. Experiment with different products to find what works best for your hair type.
- Blow-Drying: Blow-drying your hair can help set your style and add volume. Use a round brush to lift the hair at the
Related Terms:
- 1950s men's hair styles
- 1950s men's butch cut
- 1950 boys hairstyles
- 1950s hairstyle for men
- 1950s haircut men
- flat top haircut 1950