The 1960s were the epicenter of the counterculture boom. And with any sort of social revolution, fashion, style, film, and music tend to follow suit. Considering the fact that fashion is cyclical, and often holds a mirror to what’s happening in the world, the resurgence of ’60s hairstyles makes complete sense in 2023. From beehives and bouffants to big hair and even bigger accessories, here’s how to wear all the ’60s hair trends in the modern age.
(Image Source: Getty / WireImage / Steve Granitz)
Sky-High Ponytail
Popularized for the new age by stars like Ariana Grande and Hailey Bieber, the sky-high, flippy ponytail is a true ’60s hair masterpiece. Accented with a bow or a simple twist of hair is a great way to conceal the insane amount of elastics needed to secure this hairstyle. For a modern take on the look, pull and smooth all the hair back around your face rather than styling with a deep side part.
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The Twiggy
Dame Lesley Lawson, better known as Twiggy, was a British cultural icon who made major waves in the world of modeling, acting, and singing. Twiggy’s impact on the world exploded due to her androgynous appearance and “new take” on the classic 1950s pixie cut. At the time, this smooth, boyish crop was seen as an act of rebellion against femininity. Soon after, girls and women everywhere were donning the look and still are in 2023.
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The Beehive
Beehive hairstyles stood strong throughout the 1950s and 1960s, though the latter version was typically less polished, tousled, and more sultry. As women became more open about their needs, desires, and sexuality, ’60s hairstyles also loosened up. The modern beehive can swing either way but tends to look best with a center part and a few pieces left out around the face.
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The Bouffant
First things first, a bouffant is in fact different from a beehive. While the beehive style sits directly on top of the head in a more conical fashion, the bouffant focuses on big volume that slopes slightly backward, traveling down past the crown. Think Lana Del Rey, Adele, Aretha Franklin, and Jean Shrimpton. The bouffant can be worn on short, medium, or lengthier hair, as long as volume remains the focus. Start practicing your backcombing now, you’re going to need it for this look.
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The Afro
While the short, boyish pixie symbolized rebellion for many women in the ’60s, the afro did the same for many Black women of the decade. The act of wearing your hair natural without combing it down or tying it back wasn’t always considered “proper” by societal standards, and sadly, it still isn’t. The shocking fact is that even in 2023, small towns, cities, and entire states are working to pass “crown acts” which would allow Black people to wear their hair in its natural state or in protective styles. If there was any single hairstyle that symbolized the cultural revolution of the 1960s, it would be the afro.
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The Vidal Sassoon Bob
Vidal Sassoon’s classic crops are timeless. So much so that many of his original cuts are a part of cosmetology training courses to this day. Sassoon’s angular bob was originally created for British designer and fashion icon, Mary Quant. The sharp angles and expertly trimmed face framing have cemented this style as a staple in the fashion world all the way into 2023.
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Thick Bangs and Long Lengths
If volume isn’t your thing, don’t fret! Long, sleek hair with thick, full bangs was an essential hairstyle in the ’60s. Nobody donned this style better than the Goddess of Pop herself, Cher. Give your mane the Cher treatment by keeping your lengths healthy, shiny, and frizz-free with frequent trims and a healthy dose of hair oil.
(Image Source: Getty / Michael Ochs Archives)
Hair Accessories
Headbands, hair bows, scarves, and pillbox hats are just a few of the accessories that ruled the ’60s hair trends. Hair accessories are a great way to add a bit of flair to any hairstyle or to cover up the fact that you don’t feel like curling, backcombing, and hairspraying that day. Like the hairstyles, fashion, and patterns of the time, the accessories were also just as large and eye-catching.
(Image Source: Getty / Stringer / Archive Photos)
The Bardot
Brigitte Bardot is known for many things, but her hair might be her most famous aspect. Bardot’s signature half-up half-down “bedroom hair” always seemed to turn heads with its tousled, au-natural nature. This bombshell ’60s hairstyle has endured over the years and has resurged with newfound popularity over 2022 and into 2023.
(Image Source: Getty / Stringer / Hulton Archive)
The Flipped Bob
Sleek and flippy mid-length crops with a heavy fringe were sought-after in the 1960s. In fact, regardless of length, flipping your ends was one of the more popular ways to style hair. Pairing the look with a deep side part, full fringe, or headband is an easy way to channel your inner ’60s goddess. All you need is a flat iron and a bit of effort to seal the look.
