Iconic 1960s Hairstyles: From the Beehive to the Bouffant

Introduction

The 1960s was a decade filled with vibrant fashion and groundbreaking hairstyles. From the iconic beehive to the voluminous bouffant, women revolutionized their hairdos, often emulating the styles of popular celebrities and following the trends set by the era’s fashion icons. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore some of the most iconic 1960s hairstyles.

The Beehive

The beehive hairstyle became the epitome of 1960s glamour. This dramatic updo involved teasing the hair to add volume and then piling it up on top of the head, creating a hive-like shape. It was held in place with copious amounts of hairspray and bobby pins. Celebrities like Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot were often seen sporting this famous hairstyle, making it a popular choice for special occasions and events.

The Flip

The flip was a short and playful hairstyle that took the 1960s by storm. This hairstyle involved flipping the ends of the hair outward, creating a fun and flirty look. Popularized by stars like Mary Tyler Moore in “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” the flip became a popular choice for women of all ages. It was a versatile style that could be achieved on both short and long hair.

The Pixie Cut

The pixie cut, made famous by the fashion-forward Twiggy, was a daring and revolutionary hairstyle of the 1960s. This super-short haircut accentuated women’s facial features and challenged traditional notions of femininity. Twiggy’s pixie cut became an influential trendsetter, inspiring women around the world to embrace their natural beauty and break free from the constraints of long locks.

The Bouffant

The bouffant was the epitome of big hair in the 1960s. This voluminous hairstyle involved teasing and backcombing the hair to achieve height and then smoothing the top layer to create a polished look. The bouffant was often paired with a headband or various hair accessories to enhance the overall effect. First popularized by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, the bouffant became a symbol of elegance and sophistication.

The Shag

The shag hairstyle, popularized by British model and actress Jane Birkin, was a perfect representation of the laid-back, bohemian fashion of the late 1960s. This disheveled and tousled look involved layering the hair and adding choppy bangs. The shag was a low-maintenance style that exuded effortless chic and freedom.

iFAQs (Infrequently Asked Questions)

• 1. Which iconic 1960s hairstyle suits different face shapes?

  Most 1960s hairstyles were versatile and could be adapted to suit different face shapes. For example, the beehive hairstyle added volume on top, making it ideal for those with round or square faces, while the pixie cut accentuated facial features, making it a suitable choice for oval or heart-shaped faces.

• 2. How long did it take to style these iconic hairstyles?

  Creating these iconic 1960s hairstyles required time and effort. The beehive, bouffant, and shag often required teasing, backcombing, and the use of hairspray, which could take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to achieve the desired look.

• 3. Are any of these 1960s hairstyles still popular today?

  While some of these iconic hairstyles have fallen out of mainstream fashion, others have made a comeback. The beehive, for example, is often seen in modified forms on red carpets or at glamorous events. Additionally, the pixie cut has maintained its popularity and remains a stylish choice for many women even today.

Conclusion

The 1960s witnessed an explosion of iconic hairstyles that reflected the cultural and social changes of the era. From the towering beehive to the rebellious pixie cut, these hairstyles became symbols of self-expression and individuality. Today, we can still trace their influences in contemporary fashion trends, proving that the hairstyles of the 1960s continue to inspire and captivate us.