Pin curls, finger waves and Barbie dolls made a comeback at a recent 1950s hair show and contest at South Suburban College.
Though the students in the school’s cosmetology department were too young to remember the 1950s, each got into the nostalgic mood with their mannequin hairstyles, backed by poster boards with decorations from the era.
“For some reason when I think of the 1950s, I think of video games (with that historical theme) and diner themes,” said Alycia Bolek, as she showed off her mannequin with pin curls and finger waves in front of a poster board with pictures of ’50s diners.
In June, the class will start doing hair for clients who come to their class for the service.
“I’ve been passionate about hair for a long time,” said Bolek, who lives in Orland Hills. “I just enjoy making people feel like themselves.”
This was the first such competition for the class, which includes hair cutting, styling and color, skin care, nails and barbery. Students also learn about skin and nail disorders and time management.
The college’s barber program, led by Jai Rodriguez, has held a superhero competition, which included Batman and Captain Marvel styles.
Cosmetology is popular, too, with a wait list of 190 students for an upcoming night class in August. There were 15 students in this class and contest.
“A lot of them are into nails but want to learn cosmetology to be business owners,” said Sikisha Bramlett-Randle, cosmetology career training instructor.
Randle said she loves teaching the up-and-coming cosmetologists. She has a supportive relationship with her students, and did Bolek’s hair for the event.
“To open up something in individuals and watch them grow … it’s beautiful,” said Randle. “This (contest) allows them to see what they’re capable of and for their families to see they’re here working and making a difference.
“I’m very proud of them,” she said.
Adjunct instructor Tiffany Daniels also teaches the students.
“A lot of the students, it’s their first time,” said Daniels. “Some came in not knowing how to use certain combs.
“To see them do this is amazing,” she said.
Chloe Buford, of Glenwood, who has been a student at the South Holland school since 2024, did her mannequin with pin curls and ponytail, adding braids with colorful tinsel.
“Mine gives a 1950s rock n’ roll diner vibe,” said Buford. “I love how they give us a creative outlet and they are still able to be patient and work with all of us.”
Angela Edwards, of Matteson, celebrated Barbie in her mannequin’s hair style and look with heart-shaped glasses and pictures of the 1950s doll on her board. But this Barbie mannequin was black, in contrast to the white dolls in the 1950s.
“I loved Barbie,” said Edwards, a former nurse who decided she wanted to switch to hair and cosmetology. “Now is a good time to do this.”
Student Kamyah Thomas got the idea for her mannequin and style from looking over Tik Tok and ’50s themes.
“I feel like this was so adorable,” she said of the pink decorations. “I’m so proud of everybody … it looks like we could actually do hairstyles like these.”
Matthew Beasland, associate dean of career and technical education and one of the judges, said he was glad Randle decided to do something special for her class.
“This is really great,” said Beasland. “It’s really giving the students something to strive for.”
When she started announcing the awards, Randle became tearful.
“I’m so proud of y’all,” she said. “This is only the beginning, not just for here but for the rest of your lives.”
The winners were Savannah Pruitt-Upshaw, first place; Chole Buford, second place; Angela Edwards, third place; Mikiyah Plaxico, fourth place; and Makyah Boens, fifth place.
Janice Neumann is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
