1960s Hairstyles

by Candace RichComment — Updated October 2, 2023

Hair styles

Contrary to what you may believe, the 1960s hair style was just that – styled. Whether “long, straight, curly, fuzzy” a great deal of attention was paid to getting just the right look.

1960s hair style

Although there was more flexibility in length and cut than before, hair styles were controlled. Only Janis Joplin looked like, well, Janis Joplin.

Curls were all the rage. Big deep ones, small tight ones and even spit curls.60s Fashion

Hippies, of course, prided themselves on the defiance of style, but they are covered elsewhere on this site.

SHort hair style

Actress Susan Blakely. You don’t just fall out the shower looking like that. The hair has to be set on curlers and dryed. (See How to Set Hair)
Oh, and did I mention? No blow dryers!

This photo was taken from an ad for Born Blonde and was described as “…a tumble of pale blonde tendrils… Dizzying swirls of color.”

long Hair style

This is a very fussy hair style. Lots of work went into that ‘do. Described as “… pale champagne streaks in ash blonde hair reflect the flattering look of soft shading. Hair falls freely in a deep tumble of waves.” The long hair style at left is more what you were expecting to see. That’s because you have seen a few episodes of the Mod Squad. But it was not the norm. Only young people could wear the longer straight styles.Long hair style

This is a more common style for long hair. It came with the advice, “Natural girl look of today has long, soft, and free swinging hair. To provide extra shape and swing, any below the shoulder hair should have a good blunt cut. ”

A common look was to sweep the hair straight back at the crown.

Sixties long hair

Short Hairstyles

Twiggy
Click for Twiggy photos

The British domination of 1960s fashions extended into hair styles as well. Twiggy and Vidal Sassoon each had a profound influence on short hair styles. Although they are covered elsewhere on this site, (See Mod Fashion) they were the stimulus for a whole new view of hair styling. Named the “The Face of 1966” supermodel Twiggy sported an ultrashort hairdo which was compatible with her boyish figure. Sassoon created angular cuts to compliment the designs of Mary Quant. Like most of his styles, the one at right required straight hair.
Vidal Sassoon

And then, of course there were the four moptops from Liverpool. Beatles shaggy hair was the first novel haircut of the 60s.

This model represents the more mainstream short hair style, while the one at left below reflects the British influence.
Short hair styles

Shorter hair, brushed across from a side part, dips gently over one eye, curls in a charming poof.

Hair bob

Medium Length Hairstyles

Bouffant is the word that describes all the poofy hair styles. The big hair of the Sixties required that hair expanded out from the head. This was accomplished by setting with rollers the size of Coke cans. (See How to Set Hair)

Short hair style
Mid length hair style
1960s Hairstyles Photo
hairdo
The chignon was back, but like the decade, had become a bit showy.

Chignon
Beautifully sleek in front, fuller in back. Two inexpensive dynel switches are twisted to form a very wide figure eight. A long twirly tendril in front of the ear creates a classic Spanish profile.

ChignonLong, loose curls cascade down from the back crown. A black ribbon is woven into the hair and streams down for accent.

Chignon
Hair is pulled tightly back from the face, which is then softened by many tight curls which frame the eyes and cheeks.

1960 Teen Hairstyles

In addition to all those hairdos seen on the Hair Style page, there were some styles more popular and more likely worn by teens. They are pictured here.

Teen Hair style

Long hair was swept to one side and secured with a band or a ribbon. (See ribbons and bows)

Teen Hair style

Note – no scrunchies. It will be a couple of decades before those appear.1960s Fashion - Teen Hair Styles

A teen was more likely to wear her hair loose and long than her older contemporaries.

Teen Hair style

Straight hair was the most popular and so were straighteners and relaxers.

1960s Fashion - Teen Hair Styles

You could sweep your hair back, or adopt the Twiggy look. 

Teen Hair style

Or maybe a Beatles look?

Teen Hair style

And yes, pigtails and braids were still popular.

Teen Hair styleTeen Hair style

Real Teens – From the Class of 1968

1960s Hairstyles Photo

The Homecoming Queen Cheerleading Captain

1960s Hairstyles Photo

The Prom Queen – Best All Around

1960s Hairstyles Photo

Best Looking

1960s Hairstyles Photo

Wittiest

1960s Hairstyles Photo

Most Dependable

Hair Ribbons and Bows

Hair ribbons were all the rage. They were worn in several ways.

Thick ribbons and thin ribbons.1960s fashion - hair ribbons1960s Hairstyles Photo1960s Hairstyles Photo1960s Hairstyles Photo60s FashionAnd ribbons made into bows.1960s Hairstyles Photo1960s Fashion - Hair Ribbons

Leave a Comment