Rockabilly style is all about having fun. Bred out of the rock 'n' roll music scene in the early 50s, rockabilly tunes blend country tones with rhythm and blues for a sound that makes you want to jive. Fashion has always played a big role in the movement's appeal, with polka dots and plaid being the favored patterns while leather jackets add a bit of edge. Rockabilly hairstyles draw on this swinging fashion, offering a whole lot of attitude and throwback cool. Here we take a look at some of the best men’s and women’s retro rockabilly hairstyles so you can learn how to style rockabilly hair.
Wear your hair with rockabilly attitude
From Elvis to James Dean to Marlon Brando, the 50s saw a new kind of male ideal emerge. Tough-laced and hard-edged, men’s rockabilly style was all about giving plenty of attitude. The greaser image combined jeans with leather jackets and motorbikes and slicked back hair à la Rebel Without A Cause.
To get your own rockabilly hairstyle, there are a few things you will need. Keep in mind that you will need to grow your hair long enough to style it: at least two inches on top will be necessary. Next up, you’ll need a comb and some high-shine hair pomade or wax, such as the göt2b® Phenomenal Grooming Wax. This will give you the sculpting hold and shine that define men’s rockabilly hairstyles.
After showering, let your hair dry completely. Use a generous quantity of pomade and rub it between your hands before distributing evenly throughout the hair. With your comb, slick all your hair back, concentrating especially on the sides. To create a pompadour haircut, you’ll want to push the hair on top forward after combing, to give it the big wave effect. If you are feeling really brave, you could even try the ducktail style, which involves parting the hair centrally down the back of the head.
Victory rolls are an iconic rockabilly look
From Bettie Page bangs to old Hollywood curls, there are a number of ladies' rockabilly hairstyles for short hair as well as long. The rockabilly look is all about making a statement and opting for a high impact style: from striking colors to edgy cuts, we take a look at two of the most famous retro looks for women.
Victory rolls
To create gorgeous victory rolls, you need to follow a few simple steps. First, you’ll have to part your hair and comb it to the side. Then take a section of hair, about two inches in width, and tease the underside of the hair slightly. Begin curling the hair underneath itself, rolling it up towards the head while maintaining an inch or so space inside. Pin the hair in place using a bobby pin, sliding it through the hair roll and fix it firmly down to the head. Try to hide the pins discretely in the hair. Finish with a good spritz of göt2b® Insta Hold High Hold Hairspray to ensure everything stays in place.
Updo with a bandana
A great rockabilly hairstyle for long hair is to combine a gorgeous updo with a scarf or bandana. This look works great if you have blunt bangs or even want to add a victory roll to amp it up! Tie your scarf in an oversized bow or wear it knotted to one side by the ear: you can be as creative as you like.