Short hair was very popular in the 1950s. This trend was popularized by Italian actresses such as Gina Lollobrigida and Sophia Loren who donned uniquely short hairstyles. This was a departure from the longer, shoulder-length hairstyles of the 1940s. Short hair was not only glamorous but also practical for housewives.
In the 1940s and 50s in the US the trend for women was short neat styled hair. Long hair was for young girls. That's probably where the attitude about long hair comes from for older people.
1940s: Practical 'Dos
More women were entering the workforce than ever before (partially to take over roles of men who were fighting in the war), and many opted for easy-to-style, but still elegant, hairstyles. This meant short, manageable cuts that kept hair off of faces.
Now, why DO some people cut it short when they are older? That's simple. There are two main reasons. It's easier to take care of and out of the way. No more getting it stuck in zippers or seat belts. No more long sessions of styling it. As the hair turns white/gray/silver, it becomes more brittle.
It dates back at least to ancient Greeks and Romans, and according to archaeologist Elizabeth Bartman, even despite the Ancient Greek ideal of a “bearded, long-haired philosopher,” women in that society still had longer hair than men regularly did.
As we age, our hair may thin or lose some of its youthful bounce, but that's no reason to lose your style! Short hairstyles are a fantastic way to rejuvenate your look, adding volume and vitality to your hair while showcasing your features.
Lack of Volume/Layers: Flat, lifeless short hair can look dull and aging. Too Short: A cut that's too short can expose your neck and accentuate wrinkles. Outdated Style: A hairstyle that's stuck in the past can make you look older than your years.
Celebrity culture was on the rise and with leading ladies such as Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield at the forefront, 1950s women were desperate to try out this trademark look. In the 1950s there were many different types of hairstyles, but the most popular ones were ponytails with a short fringe and a scarf bouffant.
In the early stages of mankind, there were limited options for our ancestors. For Neanderthals and ancient humans, their choice was to cut their hair with flint, grow it in a braid, or use mud.
Everything about rock and pop music got big in the '80s. Big sounds, big bands, big clothes, and — perhaps biggest of all — big hair! The decade that introduced Hair Metal saw newly minted rock stars doubling down on the glam and teasing their hair till it was sky-high.
The social change and dynamic introduced a new kind of expression of femininity that also reflected the male gaze and the heavy-handed objectification of it all. Fast forward to the 1970s when long hair became well associated with the counterculture movement of the hippies and the rejection of societal conformity.
The oldest known depiction of hair styling is hair braiding, which dates back about 30,000 years.
Twister hair, also known as “twist braids,” is a hairstyle where twisted strands of hair are braided together to create a complex pattern. Two pieces of hair are twisted and wrapped around each other to create a rope-like braid.
In the mid-1950s, a high ponytail became popular with teenage girls, often tied with a scarf. The ponytail was seen on the first Barbie dolls, in 1959; a few years later Barbies with beehives appeared.
Frank Sinatra's Undercut:
The Chairman of the Board, Frank Sinatra, was known for his suave and debonair style. His slicked-back undercut hairstyle was a symbol of sophistication. The undercut features shorter sides and back, with longer hair on top.
Short hair became fashionable for western women in the 1920s. Styles included the bob cut (a blunt cut to the chin or neck and cut evenly all around), the shingle bob (a haircut that was tapered short in the back) and the short crop (cut short in the back and longer hair in front).
The 1950s placed a strong emphasis on achieving flawless, porcelain-like skin. The iconic look included a matte complexion with a velvety finish. Women often used foundation, powder, and concealer to create a smooth base, giving them an immaculate appearance.
Does short or long hair make you look younger? Long hair can enhance facial features by diverting attention away from wrinkles or age spots and adding volume to your hair. Short hair does not need to age you, though, as the style and texture of shorter hairstyles can add a youthful appearance.
Shorter hair goes hand-in-hand with healthier hair, often having less damage from heat styling and environmental factors. Your hair will thank you with improved strength, shine, and minimal split-ends!
Hair Changes
Texture can change completely, leaving hair drier and frizzier than previous years. And of course, the growth cycle slows down, so hair becomes less thick and full. Short hair is an easy fix for hiding these signs of aging, making hair appear fuller. A short cut and a little hair dye can go a long way!
One of the most versatile and universally flattering hair lengths for women over 50 is shoulder-length. This medium length allows you to experiment with different styles while still maintaining a youthful appearance.
It combines the shorter, playful length of a pixie cut with the soft layers and volume of a bob. Typically, the bixie sits longer than a traditional pixie but shorter than a bob, with feathered layers adding texture and movement.