Like so many other styles that come and go, hairstyles of yesteryear are making their way back in to today’s fashion and for great reason – they’re great styles! Distinct hairstyles of the 50s and 60s were worn with pride and precision, and made serious statements about fashion and social status. Hair seemed to be everyman’s priority when it came to image, no matter who he was. I think it’s about time these awesome hairstyles make a comeback!
The 50s were a transitional time with the decline of big band music and the rise of rock-n-roll; bringing style to a whole new level. Heavily influenced by game changers like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry and James Dean, new hairstyles, symbolic of a new era and social mores, took the country by storm. Short, conservative hairstyles were being replaced by exciting and rebellious styles that had rock-n-roll written all over them. Styles like the pompadour, conk, and ducktail were sported by teenagers and other young men who were unable to resist the allure and seduction of their new found music. Short, greased back hair worn by many black men gave way to a bolder style Conk. While young boys typically wore a crew cut or flat top, and most adult men kept it short and neat, the new daring hairstyles that were synonymous with American idols took hold, and became even more popular as the 60s approached.
There were limited hairstyling products back then, giving men a choice of grease or wax. There were no blow-dryers, either, so men were left to their trusty comb and a tube of Brylcreem or Vaseline to style a ‘do and keep it in place. We now have hair products like pomade, gel, and mousse that can give similar results, but what from I hear, if you really want to duplicate a retro style, grab a petroleum based product and get stylin. Your hairstylist should be able to tip you off to some of the best products to use to capture the following styles.
Pompadour:
The hair is combed into a high mound on the top of the head, kept neatly off the forehead, with sides combed back. To achieve this style, start with a proper pomp haircut that includes short sides and back, while the top starts out short in the back and gains length (typically up to three inches) as it moves toward the front. Determine the length of the style based on personal preference; however, I suggest you don’t go so long that it looks comical. Experiment with different products, but pomade or wax should do the job.
Conk:
Short for Congalene, a homemade concoction to straighten hair, this style required relaxed hair to be combed into a Pompadour, combing the sides back and curling the top over itself. Another conk style combed the straightened hair back, keeping it flat on the head. Grease, usually derived from petroleum, was used to hold the hair in place. Today try grease or pomade.
Ducktail:
Also known as the D.A. or duck ass, this style got its name because the back looks like a duck’s butt. Greased hair is combed back, and hair on the back of the head is combed towards the center and then parted with a rattail comb. Also known as the “Greaser” because of the amount of grease necessary to hold it in place, this style was adopted by gangs and clubs known as greasers, who were rebels and non-conformists. Remember the movie Grease? Grab a tube of Brylcreem or pomade to capture the look. .
Waterfalls:
This is the same style as a ducktail, expect it has a curl that is placed on the center of the forehead. Use the same styling products used for the ducktail.
Short and Conservative:
Neat and tighty, this style has survived the decades and is still popular today with many men. Cut tight on the sides with a distinct part, usually on the left side of the head, this style is a classic, and has make a big comeback due to one of TV’s most popular shows, Mad Men. And, yes, a healthy shine must go along with it. Try products like Brylcreem or VO5 to capture the authenticity, but gel works well, too.
I’ve got to give men of the 50s and 60s a lot of credit for the time and energy they put into looking good. During the mid-60s, styles changed again, and, like past decades, were a reflection of the times. Along with the Beatles, the Black Movement and the Vietnam war, men made a social and political statement by letting their hair go natural and grow long.
Whatever your style, give the attention these fashion conscious men of the 50s and 60s gave to their hair and you’ll always look sharp!
by Aaron Marino
