In the late 1950s and early 1960s, hair salons were more than just places to perfect the era’s iconic bouffants and big hairstyles—they were a central part of social life.
Even as these elaborate hairdos faded in popularity, giving way to more relaxed and manageable styles, the salon remained a haven for women.
It was where they could prepare for special occasions, catch up on the latest gossip, or simply escape the monotony of daily chores.
Regular visits were a given, with many women stopping in at least twice a week, whether for a full styling session or a quick touch-up—cheekily dubbed “drive-bys.”
On average, women could expect to pay anywhere from $1 to $3 for a basic shampoo and set, which was a common service for maintaining styles like bouffants or curled looks.
Permanent waves—popular for achieving long-lasting curls—typically ranged from $5 to $15, depending on the complexity and quality of the treatment.
More luxurious services, like coloring or more intricate styling for special occasions, could cost up to $20 or more, which was considered a significant expense at the time.
In the 1950s, the evolution of haircare saw the introduction of lotion shampoos enriched with conditioning ingredients, paving the way for the shampoo-and-conditioner pairings that would dominate haircare routines in later decades.
Meanwhile, the Clairol advertising campaign “Does she … or doesn’t she?” became a cultural phenomenon, driving not only their brand’s success but also a surge in hair dye sales across the industry.
Hair styling products also saw innovation, with setting gels like Dippity-do gaining popularity.
These gels came in various forms, from sprays to jellies, helping to create and maintain the structured hairstyles of the era.
For African American women, products like Lustra-Silk offered a less damaging alternative to traditional pressing oils and relaxers, promising straight, soft, and smooth hair without the heavy or greasy residue.
When it came to hairstyles, short, tight curls styled into the “poodle cut” were a defining look of the decade. First Lady Mamie Eisenhower helped popularize this style, characterized by its short bangs.
Henna dye was also a favorite for achieving rich, natural hair color, famously used by Lucille Ball to maintain her iconic red locks, as noted in I Love Lucy. Audrey Hepburn introduced another iconic look with her “gamine-style” pixie cut in the 1953 film Roman Holiday.
This chic, short haircut emphasized her delicate features and long neck, inspiring countless women to adopt the style.
Jacqueline Kennedy also made her mark on 1950s hair trends. At her 1953 wedding, she wore a short and elegant style, later transitioning to the voluminous bouffant that became one of the decade’s most enduring looks, alongside the beehive and bubble cut.
