12 Iconic Hairstyles and the History Behind Them

4. The Pompadour: From Royalty to Rock 'n' Roll

The pompadour, named after Madame de Pompadour, the mistress of King Louis XV, has a rich history of reinvention. Originally a style for women in the 18th century, it was characterized by hair swept upwards and back from the forehead. The pompadour was revived in the 1950s by rock 'n' roll icons like Elvis Presley and James Dean, transforming it into a symbol of youthful rebellion and charisma. Its bold, structured look conveyed confidence and individuality, resonating with the era's burgeoning counterculture. Today, the pompadour continues to evolve, embraced by diverse subcultures and fashion-forward individuals around the world.