Step back in time to the swinging ’60s, a decade that revolutionized fashion and beauty with its innovative and bold hairstyles. The 1960s were an era where hairstyles were as significant as the clothes you wore, becoming powerful expressions of individuality and social change. From the voluminous beehive to free-flowing locks, the decade was all about making a statement with your hair. You might find it exciting to recreate these vintage 60s hairstyles that exude charm and character, even today.
Getting the perfect ’60s look doesn’t require a time machine; it’s about embracing the essence of the era with a modern twist. Whether it’s the eye-catching beehive, the iconic pixie cut, or the effortless half-up, half-down looks, each style reflects the freedom and creativity of the time. These styles not only complemented the evolving fashion trends of the 1960s but also paved the way for future beauty innovations.
Adopting a 60s hairstyle today can add some vintage flair to your contemporary wardrobe, creating a blend of past and present that’s uniquely you. With the help of guides that reveal tricks and tips, you can achieve these timeless looks, be it for a themed event or just to spice up your day-to-day style. So, if you love the allure of retro fashion, let your hair be the canvas to express your vintage-inspired creativity.
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Iconic 1960s Women’s Hairstyles
The 1960s bore witness to a revolution in women’s hairstyles, with volume and height being the ultimate trends. These styles are not just about fashion, but also about the statement you make with your hair.
The Beehive
The Beehive is a towering creation of volume and height, symbolizing the bold spirit of the ’60s. Margaret Vinci Heldt, an innovative hairstylist, crafted this iconic look which requires ample backcombing and strategic pinning to achieve its classic, rounded silhouette.
The Bouffant
A close relative to the Beehive, the Bouffant features hair lifted high on the head and is designed to create a rounded, puffed-out shape that adds shine and drama to your look. This style was a hit in the ’60s, bringing an element of glamour that paired well with the era’s fashion.
The Flip Hairstyle
Characterized by its ends curled upward, the Flip hairstyle became a symbol of youthful rebellion. To achieve this vintage hairstyle, you’ll need to curl the ends of your hair outwards, giving it a flippy, playful bounce that resonates with the free-spirited vibe of the decade.
Pixie Cuts and Vidal Sassoon
Short hair gained popularity with chic Pixie cuts, and nobody did it better than Vidal Sassoon. His precise cutting technique created sleek, easy-to-maintain styles worn by fashion icons like Twiggy and Mia Farrow. This minimalist approach offered a fresh alternative to the more voluminous hairstyles of the time.
Afros and Natural Hair
Embracing natural textures, the Afro symbolized the era’s shift toward natural beauty and cultural pride. Icons like Diana Ross showcased the beauty of voluminous Afros, encouraging others to wear their natural hair with confidence. This move towards natural hair styles helped pave the way for a broader acceptance of diversity in beauty standards.
Remember, your hairstyle in the ’60s was far more than just a fashion choice; it was a form of self-expression and often made a statement about your identity and beliefs.
Men’s Hair Trends in the 60s
In the 1960s, men’s hairstyles were a dynamic form of self-expression, ranging from clean-cut sophistication to free-spirited rebellion. Let’s explore how styles like the mop-top, side-parted hair, and hippie-inspired locks reflected the social changes of the decade.
The Mop-Top
The mop-top haircut, characterized by its rounded shape and fringe, became an iconic look in the 60s, especially due to its association with The Beatles. This style exuded a sense of youthfulness and was a departure from the more conservative hairstyles of previous generations. It worked best with naturally straight hair and typically required a bit of teasing at the roots for that extra volume you might be aiming for.
Side-Parted Styles
Side-parted styles were the epitome of the polished and well-groomed man. A sharp side part with the hair combed over to one side projected a more traditional image and was particularly popular among professionals. This look often involved using styling products to maintain a sleek appearance, with a little volume on top adding to the overall sophistication.
Longer, Hippie-Inspired Hair
In contrast to the tidier styles, longer, hippie-inspired hairstyles emerged as a symbol of rebellion and a break from conventional norms. As a reflection of your identity and music influences, you might let your hair grow out and adorn it with flowers, embracing the “flower power” movement. This free-flowing look was all about natural texture and simplicity, reflecting the lifestyle and values of hippies during the 60s.
Cultural and Fashion Influences
In the 1960s, hairstyles weren’t just about fashion; they were a declaration of identity and an echo of the dynamic cultural landscapes. Your hair could signal everything from your favorite music to your political leanings.
Hollywood and Music
Hollywood stars and music icons had a massive influence on the hairstyles of the ’60s. Brigitte Bardot brought to light the sensuality of soft curls and effortlessly chic updos, often complemented with bangs that framed the face. Inspired by the bold looks of The Supremes, and Raquel Welch, women rocked voluminous hairdos that embodied glamour and sophistication.
Social Movements and Rebellion
The ’60s were a time of transformation, where the youth rebelled against rigid social norms. This cultural shift manifested in the adoption of more casual, carefree styles, like long, straight locks with a middle part or adorned with headbands and scarves. Influences from social movements created a beauty vernacular ripe with texturizing spray, high ponytails, and wispy bangs, symbolizing freedom and nonconformity.
First Ladies and Fashion Icons
Jackie Kennedy, the First Lady, was a paragon of elegance, widely admired for her perfectly styled bouffant hair. Many women emulated Kennedy’s regal style, often complete with a [pillbox hat. Meanwhile, Jane Fonda highlighted the versatility of hair as an accessory of change, sporting styles that ranged from side-swept bangs to daring shags, encapsulating the spirited energy of the decade.
1960s Hairstyling Techniques and Products
In the 1960s, achieving the perfect hairstyle meant mastering certain techniques and having the right products on hand. From creating voluminous looks to ensuring they stayed in place, the era introduced some beauty staples that are still used today.
Teasing and Back-Combing
Teasing, or back-combing, was fundamental in creating many of the iconic hairstyles of the 1960s, such as the beehive and high-volume updos. To achieve this, you would take a small section of hair, hold it taut, and comb it backwards towards the scalp, creating a tangled mass of hair at the roots. This technique added the necessary height and volume needed for dramatic styles.
- How to Tease: Hold a section of hair up, use a fine-toothed comb, and push hair towards the scalp.
- Tip: Use a light hairspray to help maintain the structure before smoothing out the top layer.
Hairspray and Hair Products
Hairspray was a must-have item in your beauty arsenal during the ’60s. It was essential to lock in the style and add a glossy finish to hairdos like the bouffant. The period saw the use of strong-hold hairsprays that could keep a hairstyle in place for hours. Additionally, hair products like heat protectants were becoming more common to safeguard hair from heat damage during styling.
- Popular Products:
- Strong-hold hairspray to set styles.
- Heat protectant sprays when using hot tools.
Innovative Hair Tools
New hair tools came into play to create the various popular looks of the decade. Hot rollers became a popular accessory to achieve curls and volume, while hair dryers evolved to make the blowout with bangs a realisable dream. Hair clips and accessories were not only functional in achieving styles such as updos but also became fashionable items themselves.
- Hair Tools and Accessories:
- Hot Rollers: For creating curls and bounce.
- Clips: To hold hair in place while styling and as decorative elements in completed hairdos.
By understanding these techniques and making good use of the available products and tools, you could achieve an authentic ’60s hairdo that’s full of body, shine, and hold.
Hair Accessories and Embellishments
In the 1960s, hair accessories weren’t just functional; they were pivotal in creating iconic styles. A simple addition could transform everyday hair into a statement of fashion and self-expression.
Headbands and Scarves
You could easily spot headbands and scarves wrapped around voluminous hairdos of the ’60s. Worn by icons like Brigitte Bardot, the padded headband was more than just an accessory; it was a style staple that added a touch of elegance to any outfit. Scarves, on the other hand, were versatile pieces that could be tied in a bow for a polished look or woven into a side ponytail for a more casual, Bohemian vibe.
Hair Clips and Tiaras
Hair clips in the ’60s ranged from simple barrettes for securing a twist to ornate pieces that complemented a beehive. Meanwhile, tiaras made a surprising leap from royal heads to high fashion, adding sparkle to special occasion hairdos. Whether you were clipping back strands or donning a tiara for extra glamour, these accessories added a final touch that could make even the simplest style look chic.
