A Look Back at 1960s Hairstyles That Still Inspire Us Today
The 1960s revolutionized more than just music and fashion. It gave us some of the most legendary hairstyles ever. This era was about making bold statements that turned heads, from the sky-high bouffant to the laid-back mop top.
But these styles weren’t just about aesthetics; they reflected cultural shifts like the civil rights movement, rock ‘n’ roll’s explosive rise, and the counterculture revolution. And here’s the kicker: these vintage hair trends still influence how we style our hair today.
Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast or a stylist looking for retro inspiration, this guide will take you through the most defining hairstyles of the ’60s and how they remain relevant decades later.
Women’s Hairstyles of the 1960s
The Bouffant
This voluminous hairstyle was every woman’s go-to when she wanted to make a statement. Perfected by First Lady Jackie Kennedy, the bouffant was sophisticated, glamorous, and, face it, an engineering marvel.
How did they get their hair that big? Teasing, teasing, and more teasing. Add a can of hairspray, and voilà, you have a hairstyle that could withstand a windstorm.
Key Icons: Think Jackie Kennedy’s polished perfection or Audrey Hepburn’s soft bouffant in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. If you’ve ever caught yourself watching Mad Men re-runs, you’ve likely swooned over Betty Draper’s flawless ‘do.
Modern Twist: You can create a more relaxed bouffant by backcombing your roots and using hot rollers for volume. Add texture spray for a softer, undone version Audrey would approve of.
The Beehive
The beehive took volume to the next level. Resembling, well, a beehive, this towering updo was bold, dramatic, and screamed confidence. The Ronettes popularized it in the music scene, cementing its place as a powerful symbol of femininity.
Cultural Impact: The beehive wasn’t just about size but about attitude. It spoke of a woman who wasn’t afraid to be noticed. Even Amy Winehouse brought its essence into the 2000s.
Pro Tip for recreating the look: Tease your hair to new heights, secure it with bobby pins, and finish with enough hairspray to hold it through a small earthquake.
The Pixie Cut
Twiggy’s pixie cut was a refreshing departure from the era’s obsession with big hair. Short, chic, and effortlessly cool, it broke gender norms and redefined beauty for many women.
Icons: Mia Farrow and Twiggy were the poster girls for this hairstyle, proving short hair could be daring and feminine all at once.
Legacy Today: The pixie cut remains a favourite for anyone seeking a low-maintenance yet striking look. Just ask Charlize Theron or Zendaya.
The Afro
The Afro wasn’t just a hairstyle; it was a political statement. For Black communities, sporting a natural, voluminous Afro represented pride and empowerment during the civil rights movement.
Cultural Icons: Angela Davis and Nina Simone made the Afro a symbol of resilience and strength.
Modern Impact: Today’s resurgence of natural hair movements celebrates the Afro as a timeless expression of individuality and culture.
Hippie Hair
When the late ’60s rolled around, hairstyles took a natural, free-spirited turn. Long, straight hair with centre parts became synonymous with flower power and the Woodstock generation.
Accessories like flowers, bandanas, or braided headbands made this look effortless yet impactful.
How to Nail It Now: Use a flat iron for sleek, poker-straight locks, or add a floral crown for a boho vibe perfect for festivals.
Men’s Hairstyles of the 1960s
The Beatles Mop Top
This shaggy, collar-length cut rocked the world as much as the music of John, Paul, George, and Ringo did.
Cultural Impact: The mop top wasn’t just a hairstyle but practically a membership into Beatlemania. Guys on both sides of the Atlantic ditched their crew cuts for this rebellious style.
Want to Rock It Today? Add some texture spray for a modern, tousled vibe.
The Pompadour
Before the ’60s, Elvis crooned, “Don’t Be Cruel,” but his pompadour was anything but. The slick-backed, high-volume hairstyle inspired a range of looks, from teenage greasers to rockabilly rebels.
Variations: While Elvis kept it polished, rockabilly culture gave us a messier, edgier take. Think James Dean or Danny Zuko from Grease.
The Surfer Look
Beach culture brought its laid-back style to men’s hairstyles. Tousled, sun-kissed locks gave an effortlessly cool vibe, making it a signature look for surf-rock bands like The Beach Boys.
Modern Take: Texturizing sprays or sea salt products are your best friend if you want to channel this vibe.
The Clean-Cut Ivy League
The Ivy League cut remained a classic for those not jumping on the rebellious hair trend bandwagon. Clean, short, and preppy, it was the official hairstyle of presidents and CEOs alike (looking at you, JFK).
Cultural Influences on 1960s Hair Trends
It wasn’t just fashion shaping these hairstyles but an entire cultural shift.
- Music was a massive influence. Rock ‘n’ roll, Motown, and the Woodstock hippie movement inspired hair that reflected rebellion and individuality.
- Movies and TV Shows like Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Mad Men made chic vintage hairstyles iconic for the screen and everyday folks.
- Social Movements like the rise of feminism and civil rights gave hair symbolic power, from the Afro’s political roots to the pixie’s defiance of gender norms.
How to Recreate 1960s Hairstyles Today
DIY Beehive in 5 Steps
- Start with dry, volumized hair.
- Section off the crown and backcomb for height.
- Smooth the top layer to hide the teasing (no one needs to see that chaos).
- Pin the hair into a conical shape.
- Lock it in place with your strongest hairspray.
Men’s Mop Top
- Start with damp hair.
- Add a lightweight texturized.
- Blow-dry, tousling as you go.
Here’s a bonus tip for all retro looks: Dry shampoo works wonders for adding volume while achieving that perfectly “imperfect” matte finish.
Why 1960s Hairstyles Are Timeless
Nostalgia is a powerful force, and 1960s hairstyles hit the perfect mix of rebellion and elegance. Whether you’re channelling your inner Twiggy or throwing on a Beatles-inspired mop top, these styles offer versatility for red carpets and casual days.
Plus, vintage-inspired looks have made epic comebacks, from Amy Winehouse’s towering beehive to Harry Styles’ mop-top throwbacks.
Share Your #60sHairGoals
The 1960s didn’t just give us iconic music and style; it taught us that our hair could make a statement. Whether you’re teasing your bouffant or rocking hippie braids, there’s a retro style for everyone to try.
Have you taken on 1960s hair? Share your photos with #60sHairGoals and show off your vintage vibes!