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.
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.
Hippies, of course, prided themselves on the defiance of style, but they are covered elsewhere on this site.
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.”
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.
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.
Short Hairstyles
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.
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.
Shorter hair, brushed across from a side part, dips gently over one eye, curls in a charming poof.
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)
The chignon was back, but like the decade, had become a bit showy.
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.
Long, loose curls cascade down from the back crown. A black ribbon is woven into the hair and streams down for accent.
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.
Long hair was swept to one side and secured with a band or a ribbon. (See ribbons and bows)
Note – no scrunchies. It will be a couple of decades before those appear.
A teen was more likely to wear her hair loose and long than her older contemporaries.
Straight hair was the most popular and so were straighteners and relaxers.
You could sweep your hair back, or adopt the Twiggy look.
Or maybe a Beatles look?
And yes, pigtails and braids were still popular.
Real Teens – From the Class of 1968
The Homecoming Queen Cheerleading Captain
The Prom Queen – Best All Around
Best Looking
Wittiest
Most Dependable
Hair Ribbons and Bows
Hair ribbons were all the rage. They were worn in several ways.
Thick ribbons and thin ribbons.
And ribbons made into bows.
