How do you do a a vintage retro 1950s bombshell hairstyle?
I am here to help you do the most iconic hairstyle from the 1950s. This is perhaps the most popular hairstyle for pinup photos and burlesque performers, and epitomizes the bombshell goddess of the 1950s.
When I think of gorgeous 1950s bombshell actresses, of course Marilyn Monroe comes to mind. She popularized the bombshell short hairstyle.
But for medium and longer hair, I think of the ultimate bombshell goddesses, Jayne Mansfield and Mamie van Doren.
The hairstyle I am demonstrating below is not exactly like Jayne’s and Mamie’s, but it is inspired by these bombshells and captures the era.
It will go beautifully with today’s vintage inspired weddings, retro events, and pinup photo shoots.
How to do vintage retro makeup? I have tricks and steps for that in another blog post, and you can read about it there.
How do I style my hair like the 50s?
Sit tight everyone, and grab some basic tools and products and I will show you how to do a vintage retro 1950s bombshell hairstyle.
In the 1950s they did a wet set with curlers and sat under the dryer, or slept with the hair in pin curls.
Today we recreate the same style with hot tools!
Here is How to do a Vintage Retro 1950s Bombshell Hairstyle
You will need:
- Two curling irons:
I am telling you this because this is the curling iron of choice for me, and the curls are LONG LASTING. So don’t skimp on your curling iron!
2. Kenra 19 Thermal setting spray: it protects the hair and works with the heat to create a longer lasting set.
3. Okay, my latest game changer is the Spornette teasing brush and comb set which has taken my pinup hair styling to the next level, and was used to create this hairstyle.
The brush really smoothes the hair on top, and lightly teases it on the bottom. The teasing comb teases the hair like I have never seen before.
4. Suavecita pomade to smooth the flyaways, polish the hair, and give it a bit of shine.
5. Duck bill clips, 3.5” to hold your waves in place.
6. Next you will need a good working hairspray. Sebastian re-shaper fierce ultimate hold, but still workable. Finish with it as well. Won’t get crusty or sticky if you brush it!
It gives some shine as well.
I hope that these tips and techniques will help you get the most classic pinup, rockabilly, bombshell pinup hairstyle out there. You will impress everyone at your next vintage wedding, retro event, or pinup photo shoot!
Please add a comment or contact me directly if there is another subject you would like to see in future blog posts.
Hi there! My name is Stacy Lande, and I am a Los Angeles based hair and makeup artist. I am in love with the vintage style, and have been transforming women into the most glamorous versions of themselves for weddings, events and photo shoots since 2009.
For the BEST vintage inspire lingerie, it’s What Katie Did
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