The 1950s were an era of glamour, elegance, and iconic hairstyles that continue to inspire fashion enthusiasts today. One of the most recognizable looks from this decade is the 50s curls, characterized by their soft, bouncy waves and polished finish. While many associate this style with long hair, short – haired individuals can also rock 50s curls with a bit of creativity and the right techniques. In this article, we’ll explore how to achieve 50s curls on short hair, taking into account different hair textures and personal characteristics.
Understanding 50s Curls
Before diving into the styling process, it’s essential to understand what makes 50s curls unique. These curls are typically large, loose waves that add volume and body to the hair. They often have a soft, romantic feel and are usually set close to the head, creating a neat and elegant appearance. The style was popularized by Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn, who wore their hair in various 50s – inspired curls that became fashion icons.
Preparing Your Hair
1. Washing & Conditioning
Start with clean, freshly washed hair. Use a sulfate – free shampoo and a hydrating conditioner suitable for your hair type. If you have fine hair, opt for a lightweight conditioner to avoid weighing your hair down. For thick or coarse hair, a more moisturizing conditioner can help tame frizz and add shine.
2. Applying Styling Products
After towel – drying your hair, apply a heat protectant spray to shield your strands from the damage caused by heat styling tools. Then, depending on your hair texture, apply a styling product. If you have fine hair, a lightweight mousse or volumizing spray can add body and texture. For thick hair, a styling cream or gel can help control flyaways and define the curls.
Choosing the Right Tools
1. Curling Irons
The key to achieving 50s curls is using the right curling iron. A 1 – inch barrel curling iron is a great option for short hair as it creates medium – sized curls that are similar to the 50s style. If you want larger, looser curls, you can use a 1.25 – inch barrel. Make sure your curling iron has a ceramic or tourmaline coating, as these materials distribute heat evenly and reduce damage to your hair.
2. Hot Rollers
Hot rollers are another excellent tool for creating 50s curls. They are easy to use and can give your hair a more natural – looking wave. Choose hot rollers in different sizes to create a variety of curl patterns. For short hair, smaller rollers can be used around the face to frame it, while larger rollers can be used on the top and back of the head for volume.
3. Hairpins & Bobby Pins
You’ll need a good supply of hairpins and bobby pins to secure your curls in place as they cool. Look for pins that match your hair color to blend in seamlessly.
Styling Techniques
1. Curling Iron Method
Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into small sections, about 1 – inch wide. Clip the top sections out of the way so you can work on the bottom layers first.
Curl Each Section: Take a small section of hair and wrap it around the curling iron, starting at the roots and rolling it down to the ends. Hold the hair on the curling iron for about 10 – 15 seconds, depending on your hair type. For fine hair, a shorter time may be sufficient, while thick hair may need a bit longer.
Release and Pin: Gently release the curl from the curling iron and immediately wrap it around your fingers to form a loose coil. Pin the coil to your head using a hairpin or bobby pin. Repeat this process for all sections of your hair.
Allow to Cool: Let your hair cool completely before removing the pins. This will help set the curls and make them last longer.
Brush Out the Curls: Once your hair is cool, remove the pins and gently brush out the curls with a soft – bristled brush. This will create the soft, bouncy waves characteristic of 50s curls.
2. Hot Roller Method
Set the Rollers: Divide your hair into sections and wrap each section around a hot roller, starting at the ends and rolling it up to the roots. Secure the rollers in place with the clips that come with them.
Wait for the Rollers to Cool: Leave the rollers in your hair for about 20 – 30 minutes, or until they are completely cool. This will ensure that your hair sets properly.
Remove the Rollers: Carefully remove the rollers from your hair one by one.
Style the Curls: Use your fingers to gently separate the curls and style them into the desired shape. You can also use a bit of hairspray to hold the style in place.
Tailoring the Style to Your Personal Characteristics
1. Face Shape
Round Face: If you have a round face, consider adding volume at the crown of your head to elongate your face. You can also leave some tendrils of hair around your face to soften your features.
Square Face: For a square face, soften the angles by creating loose, flowing curls. You can also try parting your hair on the side to add asymmetry and balance out your face shape.
Oval Face: Oval faces can pull off almost any 50s curl style. Experiment with different partings and curl patterns to find what suits you best.
2. Hair Texture
Fine Hair: Fine hair may not hold curls as well as thick hair, so use a lightweight mousse or volumizing spray to add texture and hold. You can also try backcombing the roots slightly before curling to create more volume.
Thick Hair: Thick hair can be a bit more challenging to style, but it also holds curls well. Use a styling cream or gel to control flyaways and define the curls. You may also need to use a stronger – hold hairspray to keep the style in place.
Curly Hair: If you have naturally curly hair, you can enhance your existing curls by using a curl – defining cream or gel. You can also use a curling iron or hot rollers to re – shape your curls and create a more polished 50s look.
Finishing Touches
1. Hairspray
Once you’re happy with your 50s curls, finish off the style with a generous amount of hairspray. Look for a hairspray that provides a strong hold without making your hair stiff or sticky.
2. Accessories
Add some 50s – inspired accessories to complete your look. A headband, scarf, or hair clip can add a touch of glamour and tie the whole style together.
Maintaining Your 50s Curls
To keep your 50s curls looking fresh throughout the day, avoid touching your hair too much. Excessive touching can cause the curls to lose their shape and become frizzy. If your hair starts to lose its curl, you can use a small curling iron or hot rollers to touch up the problem areas. You can also carry a travel – sized bottle of hairspray with you to refresh your style as needed.
Conclusion
Achieving 50s curls on short hair is all about using the right tools, techniques, and styling products. By taking into account your personal characteristics, such as your face shape and hair texture, you can create a 50s – inspired look that is unique to you. With a little practice, you’ll be able to rock these timeless curls with confidence and style. So, grab your curling iron or hot rollers and get ready to channel your inner 1950s bombshell!
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