I confess I have a special interest in hair: I spent 20 years as a hairdresser specialising in designer fashion shows and fashion shoots. And I always loved creating wedding hairstyles, as it's an opportunity to do something really special.
What an icon! Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S, 1961
In the 50s, hair was still worn wavy - but often shorter and more layered than in earlier decades. It would still be set with rollers, but now the curls would be slightly looser.
And the ultimate 1950s icon, Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe is the perfect example. This classic style can still work wonderfully today, as in Katherine Heigl's glamorous red carpet look.
Katherine Heigl wearing 1950s Marilyn waves
Marilyn Monroe, 1950s platinum blonde
Scarlett Johansson, the modern blonde bombshell
Another instantly recognisable 1950s movie icon is Grace Kelly. In contrast, Grace Kelly's more sleek look represented immaculately groomed young ladies everywhere - a picture of elegance and modesty.
Grace Kelly, a more restrained 1950s glamour
Grace Kelly, always elegant
But the 50s was a decade of huge change. And for the other extreme, just look at Brigitte Bardot in 'And God Created Woman' (check out the fabulous trailer below!) Bardot's tumbling sexy curls hold a promise of the wilder decade to follow!
Brigitte Bardot, Ooh-la-la!
1960s
The 60s was all about volume and backcombing, and is typified for me by two stars, Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s from 1961, and the tousled blonde curls and high up-dos of Brigitte Bardot.
I recommend taking from each decade what suits you and making it your own. So if you love 1960s style, you don’t have to go for huge amounts of volume to get the look. I also love Tippi Hedren’s ultra-groomed hair in the wonderful Hitchcock film 'The Birds'.
Ice blonde Tippi Hedren in THE BIRDS
This is a look that is often worn on the red carpet today. I've included lots of examples of contemporary versions below, for inspiration.
Angelina Jolie in sophisticated 60s style
Brigitte Bardot's tousled appeal
Bardot-inspired messy chignon with backcombing
Bardot!
Bardot with tousled backcombing
Bardot!
Kelly Brook with sleek 1960s inspired updo
Sophie Ellis Bextor with pretty 1960s-style backcombing
Penelope Cruz
Gwyneth Paltrow does 1960s chic
Sexy 60s styles: Rachel McAdam, Sarah Jessica Parker & Scarlett Johansson
I hope you've enjoyed this little trip around the world of vintage-inspired wedding hair! Next time, I'll suggest hairstyles for 1970s vintage wedding dresses, and I'll show you some divine styles for short wedding hair.
But the 50s was a decade of huge change. And for the other extreme, just look at Brigitte Bardot in 'And God Created Woman' (check out the fabulous trailer below!) Bardot's tumbling sexy curls hold a promise of the wilder decade to follow!
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