How to Do 50s Hairstyles for Short Hair

Co-authored by Ashley Adams

Last Updated: July 3, 2022

Short hair can easily be formed into a 50s look. You can do a classic pin up style if your hair is shorter. You can also try a vintage bob or pompadour. With some patience and attention to detail, you can easily create a 50s style that works for you.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Doing a Pin Up Style

1
Do a side part. To start creating a pin up style, brush your hair out like you normally would. Then, brush your hair into a side part. You can part your hair on whichever side of your head is most flattering for you.^{[1]
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2
Section off the front of your hair. Once your hair is secured in a side part, take some hair clips or hair ties. On the side of your hair with more hair, section off about two thirds of your hair near the front of your head. Secure this hair with hair ties and a hair clip and leave it aside for now.^{[2]
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3
Comb over the back of your hair. Start at the side of your head with less hair. Use a brush to brush your hair sideways and then wrap it around the back of your head. You want your hair on the shorter side to be flattened against your head and curling around the side of your head.^{[3]
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4
Set your hair with hairspray. Once you've flattened and curved your hair, take some hairspray. Mist a generous amount of hairspray to hold your hair in place.^{[4]
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- If your hairspray does not adequately keep your hair in place, you may need a stronger hairspray. Look for something that advertises itself as "strong hold," "maximum hold," or "extra firm."
5
Use a flat iron on the front of your hair. Push your clipped hair off the side slightly. On the other side of your head, where your hair is not flattened, work a flat iron through your hair strand by strand. Move the flat iron in back and forth motions as you pull it through each strand. This should create slight waves and curls on one side of your head.^{[5]
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6
Brush out your sectioned hair gradually. Once you've curled your hair, remove the clip or tie from the sectioned hair. Use a comb to brush out the hair until it's straight and tangle free.^{[6]
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7
Curl your sectioned hair. Take your flat iron. Loop your sectioned hair around the flat iron, so it's rolled into the flat iron like it would be with a hair curler. Slowly pull the flat iron out, which should leave you with one large curl falling slightly over your forehead. You should now have a vintage 50s pin up style.^{[7]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Creating a Vintage Bob

1
Divide your hair into four sections. Use a brush to divide your hair into four sections. There should be one section in front, one on either side of your head, and one in the back at the nape of your neck. Once your hair is sectioned, use clips to secure your hair.^{[8]
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- The rough size of each section depends on the thickness of your hair. Thicker hair will have bigger sections.
2
Curl three of the sections. Unclip one section at a time. Use a heated curling iron to curl the sections at the side and front of your head into a series of tiny curls. Leave the section at the nape of your neck undone. When you're done curling each section, secure it in hair clips or hair ties again.^{[9]
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- Get as many curls in as possible as you curl each section.
3
Braid the hair in back. This will give your hair the appearance of a bob. Use a mirror to braid the hair near the nape of your neck. You can also ask a friend to braid this hair for you. Braid your hair as tightly as possible, keeping the hair secured to the back of your neck. When you're done, section off your hair with clips or hair ties.^{[10]
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4
Release the clipped sections. Release the other three curled sections of hair. Use a brush or your fingers to gently comb out each section, creating light and gentle curls.^{[11]
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5
Use tissues to divide your hair in two sections. Take some hair tissues. Divide your hair into two sections, sort of like you're creating pigtails, and then wrap a tissue around each section of hair to keep it secure and out of the way.^{[12]
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6
Remove the tissues gradually. Start with one side of your hair. Pull the tissue out gradually. As you pull out the tissue, roll your hair under itself. This should create the curled, bob effect that reminiscent of the 50s.^{[13]
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7
Repeat with the other side. Repeat the same process on the other side of your head. Remove the tissue slowly and, as you do so, curl your hair under to create a bob effect.^{[14]
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8
Set your look. Mist on a generous amount of hair spray. This should keep your hair rolled under itself and keep your curls in tact. When you're done, you should have a neat '50s-inspired bob.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Trying a Pompadour

1
Slick back your hair. To start, take a brush and a heavy amount of pomade, hair wax, or hair gel. Place a generous glob of it in your hair. Then, slick all of your hair back to get your hair straight and slick.^{[15]
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2
Form your hair with a comb and blow dryer. Set the blow dryer to high heat and take a round brush. Start at the back of your head. Brush your hair backwards with the brush. Use the blow dryer to blow your hair forward and then upward. Sculpt your hair in this fashion, working the brush upward through your hair.^{[16]
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- The round brush will give your hair extra volume, which is important when creating the pompadour look.
3
Continue forming your hair up the hairline. Work your hair upward and backwards until you reach the front of your hairline. Spend extra time here brushing your hair upwards. Form the hair near the top of your head into a spike bent at a 60-degree angle.^{[17]
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4
Work in more pomade. To set this spike, take some pomade. Use about a quarter-sized amount and work it into your hair at the front of your head. Blow dry your hair more as you apply the pomade to set your hair.^{[18]
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5
Set your look with hairspray. After you've formed your hair complete, mist on a generous layer of strong-hold hairspray. This should help keep the look in place throughout the day.^{[19]
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Community Q&A

Question

How can I do a 40s hairstyle if I have short hair?

Community Answer

You can do the "Marilyn Monroe look." Just tight curl your hair in a bob style. Look at pictures on Google images for reference.