Halfway through the 20th century, America’s social climate was oddly conservative and rebellious at the same time. The effect could be observed in all areas of society, including trends and pop culture. Thankfully, it’s also what made 1950s mens hairstyles accessible to all.
Men’s hairstyles from the 50s were quite different from one another. You could get a military-inspired butch cut, a suburban-family regular cut, or a slick rockabilly pompadour.
Regardless of your personal style, take your pick from the abundance of timeless hairstyles from the style-defining decade below!
1. Greaser 1950s Mens Hairstyles
Out of all the youth subcultures that were shaped in the 50s, the greaser group remains one of the most iconic.
Driven by lower and working-class teens in America, the greaser subculture has succeeded in depicting the “bad boy” image that we all know and adore today. The associated hairstyle is just as impressive.
2. Classic Pompadours 1950s Hairstyle
A considerable chunk of the 1950s was devoted to classic pompadour hairstyles. Although they work for all hair lengths and textures, pomp is usually styled in the same manner. You must brush your hair away from your face and style it above your forehead.
3. Sleek Hollywood Hairstyles
As the Hollywood Golden Age marked the 50s, you can only imagine how much of an impact actors had on the trends of the time.
Like today, celebrities always set the tone for the latest must-haves in fashion, beauty, and grooming. Here, Cary Grant perfectly displays the Hollywood standard for 1950s mens hairstyles.
4. Easy 1950s Mens Hairstyles for Curly Hair
One of the best parts about men hairstyles from the 50s is that they worked for any texture. For instance, guys with curly hair could easily rock a tapered haircut and leave their curls on top. From there, they could continue to try out additional gelled hairstyles.
5. Side Part Hairstyles
Hairstyles with a side part were ubiquitous in the 50s. No matter if you were a conservative family man or a rock’n’roll misfit, you could part your locks to the side all the same. To master the look, concentrate on building up your dexterity with combing.
6. Ivy League Mens Hairstyles from the 50s
Another one of the most popular 1950s men’s hairstyles was the Ivy League haircut. Even though it often appeared in different forms, the Ivy League cut was always a sure sign of prestige and social status. If you’re all about the preppy look, go for it.
7. Ducktail Hairstyles for Men
Any man who is passionate about vintage style will already know all about the ducktail. Also known as the duck’s ass or abbreviated as the D.A., the ducktail haircut shows up exactly as its name suggests.
The sides and back of the hair are combed towards the center to create what strongly resembles a duck’s tail.
8. The 1950s Quiff Hairstyle
There’s no doubting the unbeatable spot that the quiff haircut has secured among hairstyle trends for men. Ever since the 50s and until the present day, it has continuously been one of the most fashionable haircuts guys could sport.
Comb your hair to the side, brush your bangs to the side and upwards, and you’re good to go.
9. Classic Regular Haircuts
If you were a man living the American Dream with a trophy wife and two beautiful kids in the suburbs in the 50s, this is what your hair probably would’ve looked like.
All stereotypes aside, the regular haircut was a style staple during the time. The clean-cut allure makes it as popular as ever in modern times.
10. Jelly Roll Popular Mens Hairstyles 1950s
The 1950s were all about experimenting with the legendary pompadour to take it to the next level. One of the daring variations was the jelly roll, a highly styled pomp that would take the shape of a roll on the upper part of their heads.
The “jelly” part of the name came from the product used to obtain the final hairstyle.
11. Messy 1950s Mens Hairstyles
As you’ve noticed, the 50s were full of sleek hairstyles. However, non-conforming stars such as James Dean created a whole new layer for the bad boy aesthetic. Instead of pouring on the product, the late and great teen heartthrob frequently opted for a messy, layered, and careless hairstyle.
12. Classic Presidential 50s Hairstyles for Short Hair
If you want to look and feel like a millionaire, there’s no better way to do it than to recreate a presidential hairstyle. Even though Ronald Reagan was still in the acting phase of his career at the time, the future 40th president had one of the most coveted hairstyles around.
13. Flop 1950s Hairstyles for Long Hair
Known simply as “the flop”, the nonchalant hairstyle was the top trending variation of the other greased looks of the 1950s.
While the main silhouette could appear as a ducktail or pompadour, the top was all about keeping those long bangs over the forehead. The hairstyle was even more effective if they fell a bit over the eyebrows and eyes.
14. Classy Breaker Haircuts
In California in the 50s, the “breaker” hairstyle was as popping as possible. It generally resembled a pompadour, just that the top portion was differently styled. Waves were the main inspiration, probably tying the haircut into the roots of the Pacific state even more.
15. Black 1950s Mens Hairstyles for Curly Hair
Regretfully, the 50s and 60s were an extremely difficult time for African Americans as they struggled through the civil rights movement.
Setting the horrors of history to the side, black musicians such as Little Richard brilliantly show how popular 1950s men’s hairstyles can be adapted for afro-textured hair.
16. Teddy Boy Hairstyles
On the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, British youth were forming their very own subculture throughout the 50s – Teddy Boy.
Inspired by Edwardian dandies, teens in Britain revolted against rock n’ roll music from America by creating a uniquely British phenomenon that defined the working-class neighborhoods in London.
17. Back Taper Haircuts
Both in the 1950s and today, the taper fade haircut was and remains an essential cut in barbershops across the nation.
A medium neck and sides taper, in particular, was ideal for accentuating those elaborate pompadour and quiff hairstyles. You can add a back taper to whichever 50s hairstyle you choose.
18. Hard Part 1950s Mens Hair
Indeed, side-part hairstyles were the norm in the 50s. Nevertheless, a hard part haircut would truly step up your game back in the day. As opposed to a regular, “soft” side part, a hard part is obtained by creating more depth in the crease area.
It’s a must for rockabilly enthusiasts who want their hair parted somehow.
19. Slick Back Fifties Hairstyles
We all know by now that a heavily “greased” look was everything in the 1950s. In this regard, slick back hair was a must for guys with attitude and confidence. To get the look, wait for your hair to grow long enough so you can slick it back using your favorite hair wax, gel, or cream.
20. 1950s Mens Hairstyles for Thick Hair – The Pomp
In the second half of the 50s, Johnny Cash was kick-starting what would become one of American music’s prolific careers. He was no stranger to the constantly trending pomp hairstyles for men, effortlessly rocking them on a regular basis.
If the thickness of your hair resembles him, you can also look into our selection of hairstyles for men with thick hair.
21. Wavy Vintage Hairstyles
Whether your hair is naturally straight or wavy, you can easily achieve the cool hairstyle pictured above. Sure, you’ll need a decent amount of hair spray or wax to keep it in place, but the resulting greaser allure will be completely worth it.
22. Pure Rockabilly 1950s Mens Hairstyles
At the midpoint of the 20th century, most modern guys were down with rockabilly music. The style that came along with the music is now unmistakable, even more so in terms of hair. With enough patience and precision, you can attain the same pure rockabilly hairstyle shown above.
23. Flat Top Boogie Popular Mens Hairstyles 1950s
The 1950s also witnessed the flat-top haircut enjoy a considerable boost in popularity. It was a practical and easygoing alternative to the complicated greased hairstyles of the time. The flat-top boogie, specifically, was one of the hottest versions.
It would combine elements from a traditional flat top and the back of a ducktail hairstyle to get a simple yet alluring haircut for men with short hair.
24. Elephant’s Trunk Hairstyles
Another signature hairstyle within the greaser’s community was the elephant’s trunk (or elephant trunk). While the sides and back were slicked down, the bangs were twisted into a single strand that curved over the forehead.
The outcome resembled an elephant’s tail, hence the origin of the hairstyle’s name.
25. 1950s Mens Hairstyles for Older Men
Even if you were an older man during the decade, you could still adapt your hairstyle to reflect the latest trends. Therefore, a finely cut pompadour would most likely meet your aesthetic needs regardless of age. It’s also a fine choice for men dealing with a receding hairline.
26. Low Maintenance Retro Haircuts
Sometimes, you need a high-quality haircut to get the job done for you. If you’re not up for investing half an hour in styling your hair each morning, focus on finding a practical haircut. If the sides and top are trimmed appropriately, you won’t have to struggle with styling at all.
27. Classic Elvis Presley Hairstyles
There are few superstars who have influenced the 1950s as much as the King of Rock and Roll himself. Naturally, we’re talking about the one and only Elvis Presley.
With his signature long sideburns, messy pompadours, and notably slicked backsides, he became arguably the most desired man of the century.
28. Side-Swept 1950s Mens Hairstyles for Curly Hair
We’re back with another cool idea for guys with naturally curly hair. If your curls are a few inches long, simply style them with your fingers to the side. On this note, you should know that most 1950s men’s hairstyles can have pretty much any type of top if the sides are slicked back.
29. Super Gelled and Combed Hairstyles
For men in the 50s, there was no such thing as too much hair product. In this day and age, the rules tend to be a bit different. However, if you’re going for a trademark vintage style, don’t hesitate to add as much gel or wax as you need to comb your hair to greased perfection.
30. Comb Over Fifties Hairstyles
Young or old, comb-over hairstyles for men are bound to work for you. The timeless hairstyle can be recreated by any guy, regardless of whether you have grooming experience. Firstly, start by parting your hair in a straight line to the side. After that, carefully comb your hair to each side. That’s it!
31. Side Slicked 1950s Mens Hair
The second king to grace our list is at the forefront of cinema royalty – Clark Gable. Appreciated as the King of Hollywood, Gable would sweep women off their feet with his irresistible side-slicked hairstyles.
Essentially, it’s a normal slicked-back hairstyle, just that he chose to add a detail that would make the entire difference – a side part.
32. Quiff-Pomp Blends
Not sure whether to choose a pompadour or a quiff for your 50s-inspired hairstyle? Mix the two styles to get an extremely handsome outcome.
You can take the puffy top of a pompadour and use it only for the bangs portion of your hairstyle. The results will take your breath away (and everyone else’s too).
33. Shoulder-Length 1950s Hairstyles
Honestly, not many men were spotted with long hair back in the 1950s. Long locks were definitely a definitive feature a bit later on in history.
Notwithstanding, you can take your modern longer hair length and adapt it to a 50s pomp for the top. Just comb your hair down and to the sides for the lower portion.
34. Professional Vintage Hairstyles
To continue our list of Hollywood heroes from the peak of American cinema, we have John Wayne. The celebrated actor gives us a clean and basic hairstyle that could be worn in any professional environment.
If you’re drawn to the simplicity and want to maintain a polished image, it’s likely the hairstyle for you.
35. Geek Chic 1950s Mens Hairstyles
In addition, the 1950s also bore witness to the chic geek trend. Musicians such as Buddy Holly made it an acceptable and even encouraged alternative to rock dorky glasses typically associated with nerds.
His cool curly bangs hairstyle continues to inspire us to this very day as a symbol of geek chic excellence.
36. Grease Hollywood Hairstyles
The iconic 1978 musical Grease is a full-fledged homage paid to the greaser subculture of the 50s. A young John Travolta, starring as Danny Zuko, embodied its essence, with one of the coolest hairstyles shown in American movies to date.
37. Front Curl Mens Hairstyles from the 50s
All in all, the front curl hairstyle is somewhat a mix between the elephant trunk and a jelly roll. Most of the time, the top part will be significantly longer in order to form the curl over the forehead. The sides and back should be tapered to bring attention to the smooth curl.
38. Crew Cut 50s Hairstyles for Short Hair
The crew-cut haircut is one of the military-specific hairstyles that’s probably going to be around forever. It’s yet another short alternative to the pompous styles so present in the 50s. If you choose to chop your hair even more, you’ll get what was known as a butch cut.
39. XXL Pompadour Fifties Hairstyles
Go big or go home, they say. We agree. To bring a completely new dimension to your pompadour haircut, don’t shy away from making it larger than life.
To do so, you’ll need to have a remarkably long top. Additionally, get ready to refill your hair product stash because you’re going to need all the styling support you can get to keep it in place.
40. Executive Contour 1950s Mens Hair
If you had been a businessman in the 1950s, the executive contour would definitely have been the foundation for your appearance.
It flawlessly completes any suit and tie, bringing a sense of prominence to the bearer. Like George Clooney, the effect will be the same if you rock it daily.
41. Ducktail Mohawks
Moving towards the current day, we want to inspire you with ways you can extract the spirit of 1950s men’s hairstyles and adapt them for modern trends.
For instance, you can use the ducktail as the basis for your hairstyle. From there, fully shave the sides to get a mohawk that is classy and edgy all at the same time.
42. Disheveled 1950s Mens Hairstyles for Curly Hair
When the end of the decade was approaching, 1950s men’s hairstyles started becoming much more casual and low maintenance. For example, Tony Curtis’ character in Spartacus shows how you can still be a sex symbol even if every strand is perfectly styled.
Although the movie appeared in 1960, it accurately reflects the transition of styles throughout the years.
43. Flat Tops with Fenders
Another version of the trademark cropped haircut of the late 20th century is the flat top with fenders. Quite obviously, the fenders refer to the portions of hair sticking up to the sides, which come together towards the front over the forehead.
Even though the hairstyle seems to have been dropped once the decade was over, you should still sport it with pride.
44. Undercut Pompadours
Working-class men, teens, and kids have been rocking the undercut hairstyle as early as the 1900s. In spite of its association with poverty in the previous century, the undercut is back and booming more than ever before among men from all walks of life.
When paired with a pompadour, you get a jaw-dropping hairstyle.
45. Pointy Quiffs
Want to bring more edge to your vintage quaff hairstyle? Add a modern touch by slightly spiking the top part of your bangs. The idea works amazingly well for guys with short hair, sort of like a cropped alternative to what we now know as the angular fringe.
46. College Contour 1950s Mens Hairstyles
Contour haircuts were fundamental in the 50s. In addition to the executive contour we presented, there were also age-specific variations, such as the college or junior contour. The college contour, as expected, was a staple for students who knew a thing or two about style.
47. Classic Angled Bangs 1950s
Instead of making your quiff pointy, you can play around even more and mold it to your very liking. If you find yourself struggling with getting your ideal shape along the way, reach out to a vintage barber to give you a hand.
Once you find your signature style, you’ll be able to achieve angled bangs on your own at home.
48. Widow’s Peak in 1950s Mens Hairstyles
As a man with a widow’s peak, you might have difficulty finding the most flattering haircut for you.
That’s where Gary Cooper steps in and wows you with that irreplaceable old Hollywood glamor. Praised as one of the best-dressed actors of his time, Cooper’s slick combover remains an exceptional idea for men in need of widow’s peak hairstyles.
49. Façon 1950s Mens Hair
Long before the faded haircut came to be, we had what was regarded as the façon hairstyle. It can be worn with a variety of hair lengths, starting with the classic take on the look shown in one of Brad Pitt’s roles above.
50. Fifties Hairstyles with Modern Touch
Lastly, we have a vintage hairstyle fit for any veritable hipster. The results will be astounding when you take short pompadours and match them with handlebar mustache styles. You won’t be disappointed if you’re willing to put in the time to sharpen your grooming skills.
51. Medium Length Perms Hairstyle with Natural Black Hair
1950s men’s hairstyles come in all different cuts and styles. Here he has kept his about shoulder and it really lets his curls come to life. Keep it parted down the middle and you are going to love your new look.
52. High Pompadour with Lowered Taper Cut
Here is a classic 1950s hairstyle that is back and cooler than ever. He has added a short fade around the sides and in the back and he left the hair on top long enough to style in a high pomp. You will need to invest in a good hair product to keep your style looking fresh.
53. Taper Fade Pomp Front Hairstyle with White Highlights
This next hairstyle has been enhanced by his super cool beard. Here he has kept the hair brushed up high and styled with plenty of hair spray. Add in a short fade around the sides and you are all set with a fresh new style.
54. Long Curled Up Pompadour Black Hairstyle
Here is an old-fashioned hairstyle that would be great for men of all ages. Here he has kept the sides long and brushed back neatly with a super thick layer in the front. He has styled it curled up and in the perfect pomp look.
55. Side Sla eek Hair with Regular Haircut Style
Sleeked-back hair is straight out of the classic 1950s men’s hairstyles. Here he has taken it to the next left with a side part and combed over the front section. Be sure to ask your barber to trim up the beard as he has done here and you are going to love your new look.
56. Higher Pomp Front Hairstyle with Brown Shade
High pomps are always a good idea when thinking about styling your long hair in a new way. In the photo above he is wearing his brown hair with a nice fade with a high fade and super high pomp. He paired it with a small mustache and it looks amazing.
57. Curtain Hair with Right Brownish Red Shade
Curtain hair has become one of the most popular hairstyles in 2022, but did you know it has been around since the 1950s? In the photo above he is wearing his har with a thick middle part and with one side of his hair brushed back neatly. He also added an ace red hue in here and it looks so cool.
58. Mullet Hairstyle with Fringe Layered Light Blonde Hair
Next, up is this throwback style mullet style that looks so retro and sleek. Here he has kept the sides and back cut short with the layer on top thick and brushed back. He also added a side part here to add a modernized look to it.
59. Slicked Hairstyle with Front Pomp Light Blonde Shade
The 1950s men’s hairstyles were all about the slicked-back greaser look. And in the photo above he is wearing his dark brown hair brushed back neatly and trimmed the hair around the natural hairline without adding a fade and it looks so cool.
60. Comb Cover with Taper Faded Hairstyle
This next look would be a great look for men who like adding highlights to their style. Here he has trimmed the sides short but left the top long and brushed back and styled high.
61. Full Orange Blonde Hair with Sleek Back Hairstyle
Orange hair is one of the best colors to add to your hair when you are looking to stand out in the crowd. Here he has kept his hair short along the sides and the top section is brushed back perfectly. Be sure to add plenty of hair gel to your style so you stay looking fresh all day long.
62. Faded Cut with Wet Look High Pomp Style
Faded cuts are always a good idea when want to freshen up your style. In the photo above he has paired his new faded cut and wet pomp look with a clean-shaven face and it looks amazing.
63. Skin Lowered Fade Cut with a Short Sleek Hairstyle
Here he is wearing a skin-lowered fade with a bald fade along the sides and in the back that gradually fades to a thicker fade in the middle and the hair left on top long and slicked back in a classic 1950s men’s hairstyle.
64. Lengthy Hair Curly Ends with a Classic Hairstyle
This next hairstyle would be a perfect hairstyle for men who have long curly hair. Here he has kept the hair long enough for the curls to come alive with a simple side part on the side.
65. Neat Burst Taper with Clean Taper Fade Side Swept
Neat and classy are the best words to use to describe this next hairstyle. To get the most out of this style keep the sides cut short with a longer slicked-back section on the top. He added a bit more spice to his style by throwing in a shaved side part.
66. Smeared Hairstyle with Natural Black Shade
The best way to describe this next 1950s men’s hairstyle would be to call it a smeared hairstyle with a natural brown shade. Here he has kept the hair neatly cut along the side with a longer layer on the top that is styled messy and wild but it looks so cool.
67. Wavy Front Pompadour Style with Trimmed Lowered Cut
Wavy front pomps are one of the most popular 1950s hairstyles for men. Here he has a sharp cut along the sideburns and the rest of the hair is high and curved over to the side.
68. Undercut with Mid Fade Hairstyle Light Shade
Undercuts are one of the best ways to keep the edges of your hair looking fresh and clean. Here he has kept the hair extra long on the top to add the volume you need to create this fabulous-looking hairstyle.
69. Skin Fade with Edgy Pompadour Natural Shade
Another way to bring the 1950s to the 21st century is to add in a super cool fade as he has done here. To get this look to ask your barber for a short bald fade along the sides that carries over to the back. But leave the top along with a few layers added in.
70. Long Length Fringe Perms with Lower Fade
Perms are back and better than ever. Here he is wearing his hair long, dark, and curly with a fresh fringe added in. Be sure to keep the top layer thick and full to get the most out of this handsome throwback hairstyle.
71. Wet Look Classic Pompadour with Burst Fade
Wet hairstyles are a signature from the 1950s men’s hairstyles that are back and stylish again. Here he went with a short look around the ears and left the rest of the hair long and dark. You might need to experiment with a few different gels until you find the right one for you.
72. Smudged Taper with Light Blonde Shade
Men with thick hair love wearing their hair with a nice taper cut. In the photo above he has a nice taper around one side but left the other one long and stylish. Add in a bold blonde hue and you are all set.
73. Greaser Pomp Front Style with Skin-Lowered Fade
Next up is a greaser hairstyle with a high pomp in the front and a nicely trimmed style around the sides. He paired his new look with a thin beard and you are going to look amazing.
74. Layered Edgy Haircut with Long Comb Over Hair
Layered edgy haircuts are such a popular way to style any type of hair. But one of the most popular reasons to wear this style is to thin out your hair or make your thin hair have more texture. In the photo above he is wearing his hair with edgy layers all around and it looks fabulous.
75. Mid Fade with Messy Front Perms Hairstyle
Up next is a mid-fade hairstyle with a temple fade and a big and thick layer on the top. This style would work great with men who have thick and curly hair, but it will work with any type of natural hair.
76. Clean Greaser Haircut with Light Brown Blonde Hair
Clean greaser hairstyles are so popular with older men. In the photo above he is wearing his hair long on the top with the sides shaved around the edges. Then you would need to brush the rest of the hair back neatly with a bit of gel and you are all set.
77. Layered Mullet Hairstyle with Mocha Brown Shade
The mullet hairstyle for men is back and better than ever. In the photo above he has classed up his style with a few light brown highlights added in and kept the temples shaved short. Keep the top long and brushed up and it looks amazing.
78. Plaster Neat Hairstyle with Light Brown Hair
Another way to style your hair would be to wear this plaster look. In the photo above he has kept his hair all one dark color with a short fade along the sides and brushed the rest of the hair back and styled it with a plaster gel.
79. Jelly Roll Pompadour with Neat Hairstyle
This next style is a jelly roll pomp look. Here he has trimmed the sides short around the temples and left the hair on the top extra long and slicked back high and neat. You will need to learn how to style your hair high and puffed up to get the most out of this style.
80. Layered Clean Hair Pompadour with Fade Cut
Layered haircuts have been popular ever since the 1950s when men first started wearing them. In the photo above he has faded the sides around the ears with a disconnected line and a super thick section on the top. Keep it all brushed back with a wet gel and it looks amazing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 1950s men hairstyles definitely get the world’s stamp of approval for withstanding the test of time.
Although more than half a century has gone by, vintage hairstyles are still as beloved as ever.
If your goal is to get a manly yet elegant haircut, you can count on any of the stylish ideas we talked about above.
Recommended: For even more classic haircut inspiration, make sure you take a minute to drop by our 1930s mens hairstyles guide as well.
Really interesting post!
Great! Have you tried one of these hairstyles? What is it?