Astrology Meets Vintage Hair: Zodiac Hairstyles from the 1950s
Astrology enthusiasts and vintage hair lovers, rejoice! As we kick off a brand-new year. And with the Lunar New Year just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to explore how the stars align with your style.
Today, we’re taking a step back in time to revisit a truly unique beauty guide from 1952. This delightful article from Glamour magazine’s Beauty A to Z issue uses the twelve signs of the zodiac as inspiration for showcasing some of the most fabulous coiffures of the early 1950s.
Whether you’re an adventurous Aquarius, a dreamy Pisces, or a practical Capricorn, there’s a hairstyle tailored just for you… or at least, that’s what this retro beauty feature claims!
Before we dive in, a quick note: As with many articles from this era, the language and attitudes of the time reflect a different societal context. Keep in mind that these descriptions, while fun and informative, occasionally veer into language that feels dated or even a bit condescending by today’s standards.
Aquarius
January 21 to February 19
You are often considered original, even ”daring.” You can, if it pleases you, cut through, or even ignore, conventionalities.
New and unusual, this intricate coiffure by the Elizabeth Arden salon. It features top hair waved to the side, a fringe of piquant, slightly naughty bangs. The back is brought high by means of a ruff of short and feathery curls.
Pisces
February 20 to March 21
You are resourceful, adaptable. You set a good example to others, can often be a joy to those around you, love helping people.
Your ”angelic” quality is stressed in this soft, jeune fille style by Emile of Dorothy Gray. Grown slightly longer at the nape, it has a flat halo of youthful curls at the crown, a smooth, lifted treatment of hair at the sites.
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Aries
March 22 to April 20
Slow to put on weight. Practically, you are generous but appreciate a good bargain.
For your lean face, Mr. Victor of Charles of the Ritz brings up the top hair forward into sculptured, crescent-shaped bangs. And for your practical side, the Ritz salons offer new value: a one price only policy on permanent waves.
Taurus
April 21 to May 21
This is the sign of the physical energy; those born under it are apt to be stocky. Character-wise, they are inclined to let a troublesome situation drag on.
At the Breck Salon, Mr. Van designs a hairstyle with deep waves, a new feeling of height at the front. Here, too, any “troublesome situation” (which in this case might be a problem hair or scalp condition) is definitely remedied.
Gemini
May 22 to June 21
You frequently have long hands and fingers, a classically long nose. Your outlook is youthful. Gemini is the sign of twins.
One girl plays the part of twins. At the left her own young, pretty poodle cut, slightly longer this season. Beside it, a distinguished long-looking style, via the addition of a Joseph Fleischer hairpiece, mashed, pinned-on.
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Cancer
June 22 to July 23
Your face may be full-cheek, your eyes large and sometimes melancholy. You enjoy the feeling that you are part of everything.
To minimize a full face, a likely choice is this short, close, turned-under hairdo with flat waves at the cheek line. The hairstyle, simple in line, has a classically “polished” look, is by Mr. Lance of the Richard Hudnut salon.
Leo
July 24 to August 23
This is a dramatic sign. You like to shine, to attract attention to yourself. Physically, you may have a full lip line, prominent eyes.
For every day, a sophisticated, close-clipped coiffure, dramatically waved and back-lifted by Raymond. Sprayed with temporary silver streaks it takes on an even more exciting quality, becomes an eye-catcher for eveningwear.
Virgo
August 24 to September 23
Height and slenderness are associated with you. Yours is a long-lived sign. Your major fault is a tendency toward always looking at the same.
Welcome a change of pace with this high, side parted arrangement waving back to short, brushed fullness. The flat curl at the hair line is soft, becoming. This sensibly flattering coiffure is the creation of Henry of the Roosevelt.
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Libra
September 24 to October 23
You run to good looks, a round forehead, a direct gaze. But, personality-wise, sometimes you are a vacillating, indecisive person.
To make up your mind for you, if necessary, Robert Fiance designs a definitely sculptured short silhouette. Its points of interest: a soft swirl front and center, sleekly waved size and the merest whisper of fringe at your brow.
Scorpio
October 24 to November 22
You are in tense, proud, realistic and very often conservative. You have good judgment and, in most cases, know how to use it.
At Gimbel’s at Beauty Salon you choose a new and slightly more dignified version of the still-popular shorts-cropped hair. This one is waved back and upward from a serene face, ends in a halo of curls surrounding a sleek, flat crown.
Sagittarius
November 23 to December 22
You enjoy outdoor life, often go in for active sports. Large, beautiful, sympathetic eyes maybe your outstanding feature.
A casual coiffure, easy to care for and well adapted to an active existence, is this by Berthold. It is part-less (an importance, continuing trend) and features slightly waived sides drawn back to focus attention on the eyes.
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Capricorn
December 23 to January 20
The most practical people come under this sign. You do not experiment with new ideas without giving them great thought.
Long hair handled in a new way suits your ideas of practicality and the tried-and-true. Here it is coiled in a high, flat, ribbon-like the effect in back, the front softly waived. A timeless design by Christian Frederick Jungst.
Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I may earn a commission.
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