The 1960s were a decade of upheaval and revolutionary changes in fashion, music, and culture—and this was reflected in hairstyles. Women began to move away from the conservative and strict haircuts of the 1950s and develop new, bolder, and more playful styles that expressed their individuality. The 1960s saw the birth of many iconic hairstyles, influenced by youth culture, the pop stars of the time, and the changing society. In this blog post, we delve deep into the world of 1960s hairstyles, look at the most popular styles, and learn why this era was so influential on style.
1. The Beehive – A hairstyle for eternity
When you think of 1960s hairstyles, the beehive is one of the first images that comes to mind. This voluminous, tower-shaped hairstyle was the signature of many women in the early 1960s. The beehive was glamorous, striking, and quite elaborate. It owes its name to its resemblance to a beehive and was often worn by celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn (particularly in Breakfast at Tiffany's) and Brigitte Bardot.
How the Beehive came about
The hairstyle was created in 1960 by hairdresser Margaret Vinci Heldt, who was inspired by the shape of a hat. The look required a lot of hairspray to maintain height and a special backcombing technique in which the hair was combed backward to add volume. Anyone wanting to recreate the glamorous look of the 1960s can Hair extension and hair thickening to create additional volume.
Why the Beehive was so popular
The beehive offered women the opportunity to instantly appear taller and lent each wearer a certain majesty. The volume of this hairstyle perfectly matched the spirit of the time, which was all about thinking big and making a lasting impression. Furthermore, the beehive was extremely versatile: It could be worn in a classic, elegant way, but also boldly and playfully with loose strands or ribbons. Those who want a modern interpretation of the look can Clip-in extensions to achieve instant length and volume.
2. The Bob – Timeless and chic
The bob was another defining hairstyle of the 1960s and remains highly popular today. However, the 1960s bob differed from the classic cut of the 1920s. It was shorter, edgier, and often combined with bangs. This hairstyle symbolized the new, confident woman who was willing to break the rules and go her own way.
Twiggy and the Pixie Bob
One of the most famous icons to popularize the bob was model Twiggy, whose pixie bob became the epitome of the mod style. Her blonde, extremely short bob with sharp contours and side-swept bangs set new standards in coolness and modernity. The look was revolutionary because it stood out from the long, wavy hairstyles previously favored. For women who want to wear their bob longer, Ponytail extensions a quick and easy way to change your look.
The bob as a symbol of emancipation
In the 1960s, the image of women began to change: women began to take more freedom, both in their lives and in their appearance. The bob was a symbol of this freedom, as it was easier to maintain and less complicated than more elaborate hairstyles like the beehive. Women who wore the bob made it clear that they were ready to break away from traditional gender roles and go their own way. Those who want to simplify styling can Order extensions on accountto quickly and easily achieve the desired length and fullness.
3. The Hippie Look – Natural Waves and Boho Vibes
At the other end of the 1960s hairstyle spectrum was the hippie look, which became popular towards the end of the decade. In contrast to the elaborate and styled hairstyles of the early 1960s, the hippie style embodied a relaxed, natural aesthetic. Women grew their hair long, often with natural waves or loose curls. These hairstyles reflected the values of the hippie movement: freedom, naturalness, and a return to a simple, unconventional lifestyle. Types of extensions How Flip-in extensions ideal for quickly adding volume and length to hair.
Flowers and headbands
Another hallmark of hippie hairstyles were the accessories. Flower wreaths, headbands, and colorful scarves were integral parts of the look. They gave the hairstyle a playful, romantic touch and emphasized the connection to nature that was central to hippie culture.
The influence of music
The music of the 1960s, especially the psychedelic rock movement, had a major influence on the hairstyles of young people. Musicians like Janis Joplin and Grace Slick often wore their hair long and uncombed, popularizing the natural, imperfect look that reflected the freedom-loving spirit of the hippie movement. Although the focus was on naturalness, many who want to emulate this look today resort to Real hair extensions to achieve the characteristic length and fullness. This often involves Remy Hair Extensions preferred because they are particularly high quality and durable and look most similar to natural hair, which is ideal for an authentic hippie look.
4. The flip hairstyle – sweeping elegance
Another unmistakable feature of 1960s hairstyles was the flip hairstyle. This style involved flipping the ends of the hair outward, giving the look a youthful and dynamic touch. The flip hairstyle was especially popular among women with medium-length hair, as it was both suitable for everyday wear and elegant.
The influence of Mary Tyler Moore and Jackie Kennedy
The flip hairstyle was made famous by iconic women like Mary Tyler Moore and Jackie Kennedy. Both women exuded confidence and class, and their hairstyles reflected this. The flip hairstyle was easy to style and offered an alternative to the elaborate updos that dominated the 1950s. For a longer-lasting hairstyle, you can Tape-in extensions which are particularly safe and long-lasting.
Styling tips for the flip hairstyle
To create the signature flip look, the hair was first blow-dried outward with a round brush. Hairspray was then applied to provide the necessary hold, ensuring the ends perfectly pointed outward. The flip was a versatile hairstyle that could be worn in both formal and informal settings. To create additional volume, Microring extensions excellent because they are gentle on the hair and easy to use.
5. The Afro – A symbol of pride and identity
While many of the hairstyles mentioned above were primarily worn by white women, the Black population of the United States experienced its own hair revolution in the 1960s. The Afro became a symbol of the Black Power movement and pride in one's ethnic identity. Celebrities like Angela Davis and Diana Ross wore their natural hair loose and voluminous, making a strong statement against the beauty norms of the time, which favored straight hair.
Political and cultural significance
The Afro was not just a hairstyle, but a political statement. It represented the rejection of assimilation and the celebration of the natural beauty of Black women and men. At a time when civil rights were at the center of social debates, the Afro was a symbol of rebellion and pride. Anyone who decides to buy hair extensions should make sure they are the right one. Extensions care to preserve its longevity and natural appearance.
Caring for the Afro
An Afro required a lot of care to maintain its shape and stay healthy. Women and men who wore an Afro used special combs and products to condition their hair and add volume. At the same time, the hairstyle was also a statement of simplicity and naturalness, as it allowed the hair to be worn in its natural texture.
The hairstyles of the 60s as a mirror of society
The hairstyles of the 1960s were as diverse as the cultural and social upheavals of the time. Whether it was the voluminous beehive, the emancipated bob, the natural hippie waves, or the proud Afro – each of these hairstyles told its own story and reflected the values and ideals that shaped the women of that era. The 1960s were not only a decade of hair experimentation, but also a time when hairstyles became an expression of personal style and political stance. To this day, these iconic looks inspire us and remind us how closely fashion and culture are intertwined. The 1960s permanently changed the way we think about hair – and who knows, maybe some of these timeless hairstyles will return soon.