15 Iconic 1960s Hairstyles You’ll Want to Try Today

The 1960s were a pivotal time in beauty history, and many of the trends that came out of the decade are still popular today. From beehive hair to bold, graphic eyeliner, the ’60s were all about breaking beauty barriers. If you’re looking for a fun and retro hairstyle to try, we’ve got you covered. Here are 15 of the most iconic 1960s hairstyles.

1. The Beehive

The beehive is one of the most iconic 1960s hairstyles. It was created by Margaret Vinci Heldt in 1960 and quickly became the go-to style for women who wanted to make a statement. This voluminous updo is perfect for any special occasion, or you can dress it down for a more casual look.

This easy beehive tutorial will show you how to recreate the look in just a few simple steps.

2. The Mod Pixie

In the ’60s, the pixie cut was all about texture and volume. To get this look, use a 1-inch curling iron to create loose waves all over the hair. Then, use a texturizing spray to add volume and define the curls.

3. The Flipped Bob

The flipped bob was a popular hairstyle in the 1960s, and it’s making a comeback today. The flipped ends and volume at the crown are what make this style so iconic.

If you have a bob haircut, you can easily style it with flipped ends using a round brush and a blow dryer. After you’ve dried your hair, curl the ends under and set them with a clip or pin until your hair has cooled.

4. The Braided Headband

Just like today, there were many ways to wear braids. Here, a simple French braid is used to create a headband that wraps around the front of the hair.

Pro tip: “If you have fine hair and want to make your braid look fuller, gently pull the sides of the braid out to create a thicker, fuller look,” says Moticka.

5. The Flapper Bob

The flapper bob was a classic 1920s hairstyle that made a comeback in the 1960s. It’s a sleek, chin-length hairstyle that’s usually styled with a side part and a slight wave.

This hairstyle is perfect for anyone who likes a shorter look but still wants to have the option to style their hair in different ways. It can be worn sleek and straight or with a little bit of a wave for a more romantic look.

6. The Half-Up Hairdo

To get the look, simply pull the top half of your hair back and secure it with a clip or bobby pins. This style is so versatile, you can wear it with your hair straight, curly, or wavy.

7. The Long

The long, straight hair of the 1960s was a stark contrast to the short, curly styles of the 1950s. This look was made famous by Cher, and it’s still one of her signature looks today.

If you’re looking to grow out your hair, you can’t go wrong with this simple yet stunning style.

Loose Waves

The epitome of a classic hairstyle, loose waves were a go-to for women in the ’60s. The look is versatile and can be worn with or without bangs. To achieve the look, use a curling iron to create loose waves and then brush them out with a boar bristle brush.

8. The Bouffant

The bouffant is a classic 1960s hairstyle that has made a comeback in recent years. This style features hair that is teased at the crown of the head and then pulled back into a ponytail or chignon.

The key to a modern bouffant is to keep the hair smooth and sleek, so it doesn’t look too over-the-top.

9. The Long and Straight Center-Parted Hair

This is another classic hairstyle that originated in the ’60s and is still popular today. The long, straight, and center-parted look is the perfect hairstyle for someone who wants to keep it simple.

Add some body and waves to the ends of your hair for a little extra pizzazz.

10. The Mop Top

The Beatles brought this look to the U.S., and it quickly became a sensation. The mop top is a medium-length hairstyle where the hair is cut straight across the forehead and above the ears. It’s a classic, low-maintenance look that anyone can pull off.

If you have curly hair, consider a curly shag to achieve a similar look. This cut is perfect for curly hair and is similar to the mop top with its layers and length.

11. The Teased and Wavy Hair

The 1960s were all about big, voluminous hair. The higher the better when it came to hairdos like this one. The hair is given a ton of volume at the roots before being teased and styled into a wavy look.

Top off your hair with a cute scarf or a headband for a fun, retro look.

12. The Voluminous Updo

For a more modern take on the classic beehive, try a voluminous updo like this one. The key to this look is to add volume at the crown and keep the rest of the hair pulled back, then pin the ends of the hair into a loose bun.

13. The Colored Hair Streaks

If you think colored hair is a 21st-century trend, think again. The ’60s were all about experimenting with hair color, and hair streaks in particular were a popular look. This style can be achieved using clip-in hair extensions.

14. The Afro

The afro is a style that has been around for decades, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that it became a symbol of Black pride and power. Women like Cicely Tyson, Pam Grier, and Diana Ross made the style popular, and it quickly became a symbol of the civil rights movement.

To get a similar look, you can use a pick or a wide-tooth comb to tease out your curls. Then, use a hair pick to shape your afro, and finish with a holding spray.

15. The Hippie Hair

Hippie hair was all about the flower power. Long, loose waves and a few strategically placed flowers made for a look that was free-spirited and oh-so-pretty.

Conclusion

There are so many different ways to wear a beehive, and they’re all stunning. You can wear a beehive with a center part, a side part, with straight or curly hair, and you can do a half-up, half-down beehive. It’s a versatile hairstyle that you can wear for any occasion.