1959 was a pivotal year for fashion and personal style, sitting as a crucial link between the post-war conformity of the early decade and the burgeoning liberation of the 1960s. Hair and hairstyles in 1959 were less about naturalism and more about deliberate construction, offering women a powerful tool to sculpt their identity. The hairstyles of this late-50s year were defined by volume, structure, and a polished sheen that signified sophistication and modernity.
The Reign of the Ponytail
Perhaps the most iconic and enduring hairstyle to emerge from 1959 was the high, elegant ponytail. Moving beyond the simple, low-at-the-neck version of earlier years, the 1959 iteration was a dramatic statement. Hair was meticulously smoothed back from the forehead, often with the aid of a brushing or blow-dry, and secured at a high point near the crown of the head. This elevation created an immediate illusion of height and grace, elongating the neck and drawing the eye upward. The look was frequently finished with a delicate veil of hairspray to ensure the style held its sharp, geometric line throughout the evening.
The Role of the Poodle Perm
The poodle perm, a term that evokes a distinct bouffant shape, reached the height of its popularity in 1959. This perm was not about loose curls but about creating a specific, sculpted volume. The front sections of the hair were set in curlers, resulting in a defined, rounded shape that sat atop the head like a fluffy, elegant collar. This style provided the necessary volume to support the era's sleeker back-combing techniques and offered a versatile canvas for accessorizing with hats or headbands. For many women, achieving this look signified embracing the latest in beauty technology and a willingness to experiment with their appearance.
Volume and Victory: The Bouffant and Chignon
While the ponytail represented sleekness, the bouffant remained a dominant force in 1959, particularly for more formal occasions. A hallmark of the late 1950s, the bouffant involved teasing the hair at the crown to create a cloud-like cushion of volume. This was then either pinned up or left to fall in soft, voluminous curls around the face. A more refined alternative was the chignon, a sophisticated twist or knot of hair secured at the nape of the neck. Often paired with the high bouffant, the chignon offered a balance of drama and elegance, showcasing a woman's ability to manage and style her hair with practiced ease.
- Key Influences: The style icons of 1959, such as Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, provided blueprints for these elegant looks, blending Hollywood glamour with an accessible, everyday sophistication.
- Product Use: Hairspray became a non-negotiable weapon in the beauty arsenal. It was the essential tool for maintaining the rigid structure of the ponytail, the height of the bouffant, and the sharp lines of the victory rolls.
The Cultural Context and Lasting Legacy
The hairstyles of 1959 were deeply intertwined with the cultural shifts of the era. The post-war economic boom had created a burgeoning middle class with disposable income, allowing for regular visits to the beauty salon and the purchase of home styling tools. Hair was a canvas for expressing this newfound affluence and optimism. The focus on meticulous grooming and polished coiffures reflected a desire for order and control in a rapidly changing world. These styles were a form of self-empowerment, allowing women to present a version of themselves that was confident, modern, and in control.
Looking back at 1959, it is clear that these hairstyles were more than just trends; they were a significant part of a broader cultural narrative. The decade's end was approaching, and the clean lines of the late-50s would soon give way to the radical, head-turning styles of the 1960s. Yet, the legacy of 1959's hair is undeniable. The emphasis on healthy shine, structured volume, and the high ponytail continues to influence modern hairstyling, proving that the elegant and deliberate coiffures of this year remain a timeless source of inspiration.
