1950s men’s hairstyles were mainly influenced by music and movie stars. Elvis Presley and James Dean produced a great number of greaser hairstyle fans. Such styles used a lot of hair cosmetics to create a slick, wet look.
The DA, also known as the Duck’s Arse haircut (Ducktail), was made popular by stylist Joe Carello, whose clients were mostly celebrities such as Elvis. This style was a variation of a greaser with the addition of a middle part in the back. The sides were styled to resemble duck wings.
While youngsters opted for popular DAs and greasers, the older and more serious generation went for regular haircuts, such as side parts with tapered sides and back. Crew cuts and Ivy League cuts were also widely used hairstyles for men from the 1950s. Long hair was not considered neat.
Men’s Hairstyles from the 1950s
1950s men’s hairstyles are still quite popular nowadays. There are different names for them, but the basics and the classics are the same. You can easily meet a greaser or a DA on your way to school or the office. These haircuts still look fabulous and make the men who wear them very stylish.
Take a look at some of the most popular men’s hairstyles from the 50s era we have chosen for you. Perhaps you will find the one that touches your heart.
High Fade with Side Part
After trimming the sides super short to a high fade, comb in a side part and smooth the hair across the head.
Sleek Side Sweep with Front Wave
This look features smooth hair combed to one side and a small wave up front above the forehead.
Spiky Top with Medium Fade
A medium fade and spiky texture for thick hair up top make this hairstyle an edgy choice.
Side Part for Thin Hair
For this 1950s men’s haircut, you can leave hair all one length or go shorter on the sides with a long top. A side part above one eye is where you’ll comb your hair smooth across the head.
Slicked Back Style for Black Hair
Black men can pull off 1950s hairstyles as well with just a comb and some mousse. Comb the hair straight back for a smooth look.
Clean Cut Office Style
This is what a 1950s man would call a clean cut hairstyle. This neat haircut is perfect for an office worker or a businessman. Some gel will make sure that there is no stray hair. This vintage hairstyle will make you look serious and focused.
Classic Ivy League Cut
Ivy League cuts never go out of style. So, if you want to choose a sleek 50s hairstyle but do not want to stand out from the crowd too much, go for an Ivy League cut. Make sure your hair is neat and the bangs are carefully styled.
Classic Pompadour
Pompadours were chic in the 1950s and are becoming more and more popular nowadays. Cut the sides short and grow the top part long enough to style into a pompadour. They come in all shapes and sizes, so you can even pick one that will not take long to style.
Timeless Side Part
This retro haircut is totally all purpose. It is usually worn by young men right out of college and ready to start on their way to the top of the career ladder. The hair is neatly styled into a side part and kept in place by a small amount of hair gel.
Lateral Comb Over
This is one of the hairstyles for men from the 1950s that is somewhere in between the Ivy League and the greaser. A lot of gel is used to keep the hair in place. However, the lateral comb over gives this greaser a more intellectual appearance.
Modern Greaser Undercut
This is a 1950s greaser hairstyle turned more modern. The top of the hair is styled in a greased up way, while the sides are shaved to create a more standard modern undercut. A great hairstyle for someone who wants to make a statement.
Short and Sleek Side Part
This 1950s hairstyle has been out of date for a while but should really make a comeback. The hair is styled neatly to create a side part and is kept in place by hair gel. Great for going to a theater or a business lunch.
Elvis Inspired Style
For several decades, there were men who wanted to look like the King. So, why not revive this great tradition? Elvis’ greaser hairstyles and pompadours are classics. They look great for any face or hair type.
Popular Men’s Hairstyles from the 1940s
High Volume Greaser for Thick Hair
Men with thick hair can try this variation of the greaser hairstyle. The hair is grown long enough on top to create a natural high look. Only a little hair gel will be required to keep it intact. The sides are cut short.
Cowlick Quiff
Still think that cowlicks are outdated? Look at the photo. While long and obvious curls are a thing of the past, slight cowlicks give any 1950s hairstyle a special zest. Leave just enough long strands on top to create a curled-up masterpiece.
Pompadour with Highlights
You will not find highlights when browsing 50s hairstyles for men. However, this is no reason to overlook them. Comb overs and pompadours look fantastic with properly done highlights. Give them a try.
Ducktail DA
DA, or Duck’s Arse, might not sound too nice, but the look is really fantastic. The style is created by applying gel to the back part of the hair. Then a comb is used to create a middle part. Afterward, the hair is brushed to create the appearance of duck wings. Very stylish.
We hope you liked the retro hairstyles for men that we have chosen for you. Now it is easy to decide which one of them will suit you best. If you feel like you want to stand out of the crowd, opt for pompadours, cowlicks, and DAs. If not, then crew cuts, greaser variations, and Ivy League cuts are the way to go. Good luck!