Hairstyles during that era still reign the hair world. So, get ready to have a class in the best 60s long hairstyles! That classy beehive or mod cut you always wanted to try out, and those flamboyant hipster hairdos people sport are all from the 60s. And the hair only got bigger and better! Journey with us down memory lane, and learn about the iconic 60’s hairstyles to flaunt with your long hair!
Cultural Significance Of 1960’s Hairstyles
The 1960s a period of significant cultural revolutions. And that impacted the world of hairstyles as well. The essence of civil rights and gender equality movements, economic boom, and technological advancements can be seen in the 60’s iconic hairstyles. Be it big puffy hair or emerging Afro styles, this era was marked by bold experimentation and brought a lot of diversity in hair trends. From beehives to pixie cuts, women’s fashion and hairstyle became a symbol of individuality, rebellion, and self-reflection. The 60’s hairstyles further went on to influence the evolution of other hairstyles the voluminous 1980s hair, textured natural curls in the 1970s, and modern-day pixie cuts and messy buns. They are still considered some of the most popular hairstyles decades later. Let’s take a look at these iconic hairstyles.
24 Retro ’60s Hairstyles To Rock Right Now
1. Subtle Bouffant With A Headband
Just the mention of the word “bouffant” can easily transport you back to the 1960s, when the bouffant was seen styled with bright scarfs and headbands. Whether you’re searching for a classic, pulled-together look, or something with a hint of nostalgia, this subtle bouffant is a perfect choice. Plus, the beauty of this style is in its ease and accessibility.
2. Faux Bob With Bangs
Whether rocking a voluminous vintage do or a sleek modern look, fringe and bangs will bring a charming chicness to any style. If you want a bob cut without having to cut your long longs, this is for you. All you need to do is tie your hair in a high ponytail and then comb the hair to give it the appearance of a bob. Once paired with the iconic bob, you’ll have the perfect combination for a timeless look.
3. Low Ponytail With Pouf
Ponytails were really big in the ‘60s. They either wore an extremely high ponytail or a low mod ponytail. Over the years, the low ponytail with a pouf has become a classic style statement, often seen in vintage photoshoots.
4. The Beehive
The beehive is an iconic ‘60s updo hairstyle. It has stood the test of time and has come out victorious, influencing red carpet and bridal looks – but maybe without the extreme height of the original. You can never go wrong with a beehive if you are doing a stylized vintage look. It was all the rage back in the ‘60s. It was also a part of many iconic photoshoots.
5. The Gibson Roll
Although a Victorian era hairstyle, the Gibson Roll was a popular ‘do during the ‘60s. It remains one of the most romantic updos of all time. It’s easy to achieve and looks effortlessly beautiful.
6. Headscarf
The headscarf was a staple accessory that could be paired with almost every hairstyle in the ‘60s. Flaunting a ponytail? Throw on a scarf to amp up your look. It’s no wonder the scarf is a classic look. I’ll let you in on a secret: it’s perfect for those greasy hair days. It covers your greasy roots but allows the rest of your hair to be on display.
7. Bumper Bangs
Bumper bangs were a crazy trend in the ‘60s that we saw reflected in the pin-up, calendar girls. Simply roll your long bangs to create this quirky look. Actually, the original way to create this was on a hairstyle that didn’t have bangs as it was a way to create a faux bang. Pair your bumper bangs with vintage curls, or a high ponytail, and you are good to go!
8. Victory Rolls
The fancy Victory rolls, popular during the ‘40s, made a raging comeback in the ‘60s. They make your hair look sculpted and flawless. It’s no wonder they were big not only back then but even now. When going for this look, do remember to spritz some hairspray on the rolls so that they stay in place throughout the day.
9. Hair Flip
The hair flip was made iconic by Jackie Kennedy. Almost every woman sported this look in the ‘60s with a bouffant at the top and the ends flicked out. This was THE hair statement of the ‘60s.
10. The Brigitte Bardot Half Updo
Brigette Bardot’s looks were, and are, legendary. But nothing is more loved than her half updo hairstyle. It has volume and length, which are what every woman wants in a hairstyle. Moreover, it goes well with any look. Don’t believe me? Try a grungy look and some dark eye makeup with this hairstyle.
11. Big Bouffant
Bouffants were all the rage in the ‘60s, and they were seriously big. They also were paired with almost every hairstyle. You can see tons of photos of women sporting bouffants with ponytails, buns, or just their hair down. It adds height to your hair, making your face look slimmer.
12. Marilyn Monroe Blonde Curls
Ahh, Marilyn Monroe! All the men wanted her, and all the women wanted to be her. Her blonde curls were copied by women all over the world. They remained iconic even after she chopped her hair off, and those fluffy little curls are still remembered as one of the more fashionable ‘60s short hairstyles.
13. Straight Long Hair
If you were young in the ‘60s, chances are you have sported this look. Straight long hair that was parted in the middle was a big look back then. It shows off the length and texture of your hair and also helps in framing your face.
14. The Hippie Look
Where my hippies at? The hipster look, along with the peace sign, was big in the ‘60s. It typically involved long, loose hair paired with a center parting and a headband. Don’t forget the colorful clothes and the round sunglasses!
15. The Pageboy Bob
Short hair was big from the ‘20s to the ‘40s. From the ‘50s onwards, the focus came back onto long, sculpted hair. But, the pageboy bob stood the test of time and was one of the most sported short hairstyles for women through the ‘60s. Garçonnière, a fashion blogger, shares her journey of carrying a bob for almost a decade and delves into the history of it. She notes how the 60s bobs were inspired by the ones sported in the 20s, blames the films from the 60s she’s been watching for this obsession, and says, “But I’m not interested in having hair past my shoulders any time again soon (i).”
16. The Pixie Cut
This is another short hairstyle that was popular in the ‘60s. Many actresses, like Audrey Hepburn, sported this look, which made it even more popular. It looks stylish and chic, which is why it is big even now.
17. Finger Waves
That’s right, finger waves have been around long before you were born. It is a classic Flapper hairstyle that first appeared in the ‘20s, was rampant in the ‘60s, and remains a go-to style today. These perfectly sculpted waves are so chic that we’ve seen many celebs flaunt this look at red carpet events. Flawless!
18. The Afro
Afros got bigger in the ‘60s. The latter half of the ‘60s was the golden age of African-Americans on television. But when it comes to hair, it’s deeper than that. In the ‘60s, the natural hair movement came about. Black women everywhere started embracing their textured locks instead of opting for Eurocentric or Americanized hairstyles.
19. The Wavy Hipster
Straight at the top, wavy at the bottom – that’s the wavy hipster look. This look adds natural volume to your hair as it is not poker straight. Celebrity hairstylist Andrea Claire sheds some light on the style, “Hippies came about in the late 60s known as ‘flower children’ preaching free love and anti-establishment ideology. So it makes sense that the influence was showing in the hair. Create this look by tying loose braids in your hair and allowing the hair to set. Remove braids and shake out.”
20. The Hat
Wearing a hat was a big fashion statement in the ‘60s. But the look I’m talking about isn’t the fashionable “Oh, I just came from Paris” look. I’m talking about the hipster “I live on the beach” look.
21. Thin Braids
Boho hair was a big part of the flower child look in the late ‘60s. Many women flaunted thin braids when styling loose hair. Though you’d mainly see only hippies sporting this look, it slowly became very popular.
22. Big Hair
Big hair was all the rage in the ‘60s. Actresses like Jane Fonda, Raquel Welch, and Farah Fawcett sported this trendy look. It makes your hair look thick, which immediately makes your face look small. And all it takes to achieve this look is some hair teasing. Simple and perfect!
23. High Ponytail
The high ponytail hairstyle was a fun day-to-day look in the 1960s, and the trend seems to have continued through the decades. Ariana Grande, Rihanna, Beyonce, and Hailey Beiber have graced the red carpets in this vintage hairstyle. It suits a myriad of face shapes and offers a lifting effect that highlights your jawline and collarbones for a sharp look.
24. Curly Updo
Looking for retro hairstyles to spice up your look for formal occasions? This ‘60s updo style with voluminous curls adds an extra touch of mystery and regality to your look. This gorgeous updo is sure to turn heads while complementing your outfit and uplifting your style. To add a bit of color or some pizzazz, accessorize your updo with hair pins, flowers, or lace.
Illustration: Stylish ‘60s Hairstyles You Need To Try Out!
Experience the beauty of 1960s inspired hairdos. Check out this video to learn the steps to create classic looks with modern techniques. How can I maintain volume in a beehive hairstyle throughout the day? To maintain that high-rise volume in a beehive hairstyle, take the front section of the hair and lift it up at a 90-degree angle. Backcomb the hair to build the volume. You can also use a hair rat to create the illusion of ultra-voluminous mane. Secure the hairstyles using bobby pins. Make sure to finish off the hairstyle with a solid-hold hairspray to make it last longer. What was the most popular hairstyle in 1961? Jackie O’s voluminous ‘do is the most recognizable haircut from the early 1960s. It was the most well-known of all the iconic haircuts worn by the most stylish people in the world at that time! How do you do a ‘60s bombshell hairstyle? To do a ‘60s bombshell hairstyle, follow these steps: • Begin with clean, freshly washed hair. Add in gel or mousse. • Blow-dry your locks into voluminous curls with a medium round brush. • Tease the roots for added volume. How do you do a ‘60s half up half down style? To do a ‘60s half up half down hairstyle, follow these steps: • Tease the hair at the top of the head. • Smoothen out the teased hair at the top and tie it in a half ponytail. • Next, secure the hair with pins. • Use two long bobby pins and criss-cross them to hold the hair in place securely. • Lastly, wrap a little hair in a circle above the enormous pins to conceal them and maintain an elegant look.
