The 1950's Edit

THE PERIOD STYLIST ACADEMY MINI-COURSE

Learn to Create Polished 1950s Hair with Structure and Personality

Master the rolls, sets and finishing techniques behind distinctive 1950s hairstyling, taught by film-industry hair and make-up artist Gemma Waugh.

This course gives you lifetime access to professional techniques developed across nearly three decades in film, television, bridal and education.

as trusted by

"I have worked with Gemma for many years on film sets all over the world. I can vouch from first-hand experience that she is a fabulous hairdresser. I would highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to upskill and increase their earning potential."

Meinir Jones Lewis | BAFTA Award-winning Hair & Make-up Designer

"Gemma's understanding and obvious expertise in handling hair, along with her sense of colour balance and style, all combined to create the exact look I required."

Jenny Shercore | BAFTA Award-winning Hair & Make-up Designer

Learn the Technique Behind Classic Rockabilly Hair

1950s hairstyling is full of personality.

The shapes are bold, the finish is polished and every roll and curl contributes to the complete look.

But without the right preparation and construction, barrel rolls can lose their shape, vintage sets can feel unpredictable and the finished style can look more loosely inspired by the era than genuinely considered.

The 1950's Edit will help you understand how to build these distinctive styles with greater control, balance and confidence.

Inside The 1950's Edit

Gemma will teach you the core techniques behind polished, playful and professionally finished 1950s hair.

You’ll learn how preparation, direction and finishing work together to create recognisable vintage shapes that feel full of personality without losing their structure.

Barrel Roll Technique

Learn how to prepare, direct and shape the hair into clean, controlled barrel rolls with greater consistency.

Vintage Set Construction

Understand how the set creates the movement, volume and control needed for the finished style.

Shape and Placement

Learn how the position, size and direction of each roll affect the complete silhouette.

Period-Appropriate Finishing

Discover how to refine the style with the polished detail and personality associated with 1950s and Rockabilly hair.

Self-paced learning · Lifetime access · Immediate access after purchase

All for just £97 one time payment.

Learn from Nearly Three Decades in the Film Industry

Gemma Waugh has worked as a professional hairdresser and make-up artist for nearly three decades, predominantly within film.

Her credits include productions such as:

James Bond: The World Is Not Enough

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

X-Men: First Class

And much more...

Gemma has also taught future industry professionals at respected London hair and make-up academies.

Inside this course, she brings that experience into clear, practical training, helping you understand not only how 1950s hair should look, but how it needs to be prepared, shaped and finished to a professional standard.

Is This Course for You?

The 1950's Edit is suitable for hairstylists and hair and make-up artists who:

Want to create clean, balanced barrel rolls
Struggle to control the size, placement or shape of structured rolls
Want to understand how a vintage set supports the finished style
Work with brides or clients who want a playful, alternative vintage look
Are interested in bridal, film, television, theatre or editorial work
Want to add a distinctive 1950s style to their specialist portfolio

No previous 1950s styling experience is required, although hairstyling knowledge will help you get the most from the training.

What people who have worked with Gemma say

Gemma shaped my skills and taught me a lot about period styling over the years and has the most amazing way of understanding what her protégés need and how to teach them in the best way for them. Would recommend!"

- Rosie Oction

Hair & Makeup Artist

"Gemma brings her fantastic film experience to both hair and makeup — and that is why I chose her. I wanted a period twist to my hair and makeup to suit the grandeur of the day and the venue, and Gemma did an amazing job."

- Antonia Wright

Bride

"Gemma has years of experience and it is really obvious when you work with her. At the trial she convinced me to try a hairstyle that looked slightly sixties, because my dress was a shift dress. It should not have worked — but it absolutely did. I am so glad I found her."

-Katherine Evans

Bride

"I was looking for someone who could give me a 1920s hairdo, but was worried it might look a bit over the top. I was so wrong. I looked like a black and white movie star."

-Tamara Moore

Bride

- Antonia Wright

Bride

"If you are wondering which stylist to book, then Gemma is definitely your woman. Having someone with a background in wigs and hairpieces was a massive plus."

- Stephanie Isbell

Bridesmaid

Klarna and Clearpay is available at checkout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the course live?

No. Rockabilly Bridal is a prerecorded online course that you can complete at your own pace.

How long will I have access?

You’ll receive lifetime access to the training.

Do I need previous experience creating 1950s hair?

No. The course is suitable for stylists who are new to 1950s styling or have attempted vintage rolls and sets but want a clearer, more professional method.

Is personal feedback included?

No. This is currently a self-paced course without personal feedback.

Is this only suitable for bridal stylists?

No. The techniques are relevant to stylists interested in bridal, film, television, theatre, editorial work and historical styling.

What makes 1950s hair different from a general vintage updo?

1950s styling has a recognisable structure, with carefully placed rolls, controlled volume and a polished finish.

This course will help you understand those period characteristics so your work feels intentionally designed rather than simply vintage-inspired.

Will I learn how to create a vintage set?

Yes. The course includes vintage set construction so you can understand how the preparation supports the movement, volume and shape of the finished style.

Will this course make me a period-hair specialist?

The course gives you professional 1950s techniques and a clear method to practise.

Developing any specialist skill requires repetition and practical application, but adding barrel rolls and vintage sets to your portfolio can help you offer something more distinctive.

Gemma also offers the complete Period Stylist Academy if you would like more comprehensive training across several eras and styles: https://theperiodstylistacademy.com/sign-up

Join the The 1950's Edit

A single investment. Lifetime access to the full programme to learn at your own pace.

Self-paced learning · Lifetime access · Immediate access after purchase

All for just £97 one time payment.

THE PERIOD STYLIST ACADEMY - LONDON

Gemma Waugh is the founder of the Period Stylist Academy and a specialist in period and vintage bridal hairstyling. She grew up in her mother’s wig company in London, which created wigs for some of the biggest film productions of the 1980s and 90s - including Star Wars, the James Bond films and Superman. She later worked in the film industry herself before transitioning into bridal work, bringing with her the technical standards and professional precision of a film set. Through the Period Stylist Academy, she teaches hairstylists how to develop a recognised specialist niche in period bridal styling, move away from competing on price, and build a career defined by genuine expertise.