The 1960s were a decade of upheaval and revolutionary change in fashion, music and culture, and this was reflected in hairstyles, too. Women began to break away from the conservative, strict haircuts of the 1950s and develop new, bolder and more playful styles that expressed their individuality. The '60s gave birth to many iconic hairstyles shaped by youth culture, the pop stars of the day and a changing society. In this blog post, we dive deep into the world of 1960s hairstyles, look at the most popular styles and explore why this era was so influential.
1. The Beehive
A hairstyle for the ages
When you think of 1960s hairstyles, the beehive is one of the first images that comes to mind. This voluminous, tower-shaped style was the signature look of many women in the early '60s. The beehive was glamorous and eye-catching, but also quite elaborate. It got its name from its resemblance to a beehive and was often worn by celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn (especially in Breakfast at Tiffany's) and Brigitte Bardot.
How the beehive came about
The style was created in 1960 by hairdresser Margaret Vinci Heldt, who was inspired by the shape of a hat. The look required plenty of hairspray to hold its height and a special backcombing technique, in which the hair was teased toward the roots to give it fullness. If you want to recreate the glamorous '60s look today, you can turn to hair extensions and hair thickening for extra volume.
Why the beehive was so popular
The beehive gave women the chance to look taller instantly and lent every wearer a certain majesty. Its volume perfectly matched the spirit of the time, which was all about thinking big and making a lasting impression. The beehive was also extremely versatile: it could be worn in a classic, elegant way, or cheeky and playful with loose strands or ribbons. For a modern take on the look, you can use clip-in extensions to add length and volume instantly.
2. The Bob – timeless and chic
The bob was another defining hairstyle of the '60s and is still hugely popular today. But the '60s bob was different from the classic cut of the 1920s. It was shorter, more angular and often paired with bangs. This hairstyle symbolized the new, self-confident woman who was ready 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 the model Twiggy, whose pixie bob became the epitome of mod style. Her blonde, extremely short bob with sharp lines and side-swept bangs set new standards for cool and modern. The look was revolutionary because it stood out clearly from the long, wavy hairstyles that had been favored before. If you want to wear your bob longer, ponytail extensions offer a quick and easy way to change your look.
The bob as a sign of emancipation
In the 1960s, the image of women began to change: women started to claim more freedom, both in their lives and in their appearance. The bob was a sign of this freedom, as it was easier to care for and less complicated than more elaborate styles like the beehive. Women who wore a bob made it clear that they were ready to break away from traditional gender roles and go their own way. If you want to simplify your styling, you can order extensions with secure payment options and quickly and easily get the length and fullness you want.
3. The Hippie Look – natural waves and boho vibes
At the other end of the spectrum of '60s hairstyles was the hippie look, which became popular toward the end of the decade. Unlike the artful, styled hairdos of the early '60s, the hippie style embodied a relaxed, natural aesthetic. Women let their hair grow 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 way of life. Types of extensions such as flip-in extensions are ideal here for quickly adding volume and length to your hair.
Flowers and headbands
Another hallmark of hippie hairstyles was the accessories. Flower crowns, headbands and colorful scarves were an essential part 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 '60s, especially the psychedelic rock movement, had a major influence on young people's hairstyles. Musicians such as Janis Joplin and Grace Slick often wore their hair long and unbrushed, which popularized the natural, imperfect look that reflected the hippie movement's ideal of freedom. Although the focus was on naturalness, many people who want to recreate this look today turn to human hair extensions to achieve the characteristic length and fullness. Remy hair extensions are often preferred, because they are especially high quality and long-lasting and look most like natural hair, which is ideal for an authentic hippie look.
4. The Flip – elegance with a bounce
Another unmistakable feature of 1960s hairstyles was the flip. With this style, the ends of the hair were flipped outward, giving the look a youthful, dynamic touch. The flip was especially popular with women with medium-length hair, as it was both practical for everyday wear and elegant.
The influence of Mary Tyler Moore and Jackie Kennedy
The flip was made famous by iconic women such as Mary Tyler Moore and Jackie Kennedy. Both women radiated confidence and class, and their hairstyles reflected this. The flip was easy to style and offered an alternative to the elaborate updos that had dominated the 1950s. For a longer-lasting style, you can use tape-in extensions, which are especially secure and long-lasting.
Styling tips for the flip
To create the typical flip look, the hair was first blow-dried outward with a round brush. Hairspray then provided the hold needed to keep the ends pointing perfectly outward. The flip was a versatile style that could be worn in both formal and casual settings. For extra volume, microring extensions are an excellent choice, as they are gentle on the hair and easy to apply.
5. The Afro – a symbol of pride and identity
While many of the hairstyles above were worn mainly by white women, Black Americans experienced their own hair revolution in the 1960s. The Afro became a symbol of the Black Power movement and of pride in one's own ethnic identity. Celebrities such as Angela Davis and Diana Ross wore their natural hair loose and voluminous, sending a strong message against the beauty standards of the time, which favored straight hair.
Political and cultural significance
The Afro was not just a hairstyle but a political statement. It stood for 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 public debate, the Afro was a sign of rebellion and pride. If you choose hair extensions, pay attention to proper extensions care to preserve their longevity and natural look.
Caring for an Afro
An Afro needed a lot of care to keep its shape and stay healthy. Women and men who wore an Afro used special combs and products to care for their hair and give it volume. At the same time, the hairstyle was also a statement of simplicity and naturalness, as it showed the hair in its natural texture.
1960s hairstyles as a mirror of society
The hairstyles of the 1960s were as varied as the cultural and social upheavals of the era. Whether the voluminous beehive, the emancipated bob, 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 '60s were not only a decade of hair experiments 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 connected.
The 1960s changed the way we think about hair for good – and who knows, maybe some of these timeless hairstyles will be making a comeback soon!
