The 1950s Screen Sirens Whose Coiffed Curls We Still Love

The 1950s Screen Sirens Whose Coiffed Curls We Still Love

The 1950s was defined by tremendous social and political change, as women challenged nonsensical ideas about their role in society and African-Americans spoke out against inequality. Factor in the introduction of more television sets into households and the widespread of rock 'n roll, and it's no wonder we refer to this decade as the "Booming '50s."

While photos and films portray both the chaos and calm of the '50s, one thing that stands out to us in all the imagery are the perfectly coiffed curls. Call it superficial, but women of this era looked mighty damn fine in spite of all the disarray. Above-the-shoulder curls were popular among Hollywood stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe and Dorothy Dandridge. And housewives sported the polished 'do while working up a sweat in their patterned aprons and fit-and-flare dresses.

We've seen retro-loving celebrities of today such as Dita von Teese and Katy Perry put their own spin on perfectly coiffed curls, but we'd like to take a moment to recognize the original 1950s hair trendsetters.

Elizabeth Taylor, circa 1950

elizabeth taylor

Dorothy Dandridge, circa 1955

dorothy dandridge

Gene Tierney, circa 1950

gene tierney

Marilyn Monroe, circa 1952

marilyn monroe

Jane Russell, circa 1950

jane russell

Lena Horne, circa 1955

lena horne

Sophia Loren, circa 1955

sophia loren

Diana Dors, circa 1955

diana dors

Jayne Mansfield, circa 1955

jayne mansfield

More vintage beauty inspiration:

Deanna Durbin '40s

Vintage Fashion Moments

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