Simple 60s Hairstyles: Easy Retro Looks To Try

Readers, have you ever wished you could travel back in time and experience the iconic fashion and hairstyles of the 1960s? The 60s were a time of bold experimentation, with women embracing new styles that reflected the spirit of liberation and change. From the sleek and sophisticated to the playful and whimsical, 60s hairstyles remain a source of inspiration for fashion enthusiasts today.

The 60s saw a shift away from the traditional, structured styles of the 50s, making way for more relaxed and effortless looks. The era was defined by a sense of rebellion, and hairstyles reflected this trend, with women embracing shorter cuts, voluminous curls, and bold accessories.

I've spent countless hours researching and analyzing the most popular 60s hairstyles, and I'm excited to share my insights with you. In this article, we'll explore the key elements of 60s hairstyles, discover easy-to-follow tutorials, and learn how to recreate these timeless looks for modern-day style.

The Era of Change: Embracing the 60s Hairstyle

The 1960s marked a significant departure from the previous decade's styles, ushering in a new era of freedom and individuality. The rise of the counterculture movement, with its emphasis on self-expression and rebellion, profoundly influenced fashion and beauty trends. Women embraced shorter cuts, voluminous curls, and bold accessories, reflecting the spirit of change and liberation.

The iconic "beehive" hairstyle, with its towering height and voluminous texture, became a symbol of the era's playful and whimsical spirit. Meanwhile, the "bob," a shorter cut with a blunt line, represented a more sophisticated and practical approach to style.

The 60s hairstyling techniques embraced the use of hairspray, rollers, and teasing to create voluminous and textured looks. These tools allowed women to experiment with different styles, from sleek and polished to loose and undone, reflecting their unique personalities and individual preferences.

The Influence of Pop Culture

Pop culture played a significant role in shaping the 60s hairstyle trends. Icons like Twiggy, with her chic and androgynous bob, and Brigitte Bardot, with her voluminous curls and effortlessly sexy style, became symbols of the era's fashion and beauty ideals.

The rise of the Beatles and other popular music groups further influenced the fashion and hairstyle trends of the time. The "mop top" hairstyle, with its long, shaggy locks, became synonymous with the rebellious spirit of the youth culture.

The 60s hairstyles were more than just a fashion statement. They were a way for women to express their individuality and embrace the spirit of change and liberation that defined the era.

Essential Elements of a 60s Hairstyle

To recreate the iconic hairstyles of the 60s, it's important to understand the key elements that defined the era's beauty trends. Here are some of the essential features to consider:

Volume: Whether it's a towering beehive, a bouncy bouffant, or a voluminous ponytail, volume was a defining characteristic of 60s hairstyles. This was achieved through the use of hairspray, rollers, and teasing techniques.
Texture: The 60s hairstyles often featured textured elements, such as curls, waves, or crimped hair. These textures added dimension and interest to the overall look.
Shape: 60s hairstyles were often characterized by distinct shapes, such as the rounded silhouette of a beehive or the angular lines of a bob. These shapes helped to create a sense of structure and sophistication.
Accessories: Headbands, scarves, and hair clips were popular accessories in the 60s, adding a touch of whimsy and individuality to hairstyles. These accessories were often used to create a retro vibe and enhance the overall look.

Must-Try 60s Hairstyles

Ready to embrace the retro vibes and try out some of these iconic 60s hairstyles? Here are some popular looks to try:

The Beehive

The beehive, with its towering height and voluminous texture, is perhaps the most iconic hairstyle of the 60s. This style evokes a sense of playful whimsy and is perfect for special occasions or dressing up for a night out.

How to Create a Beehive: A Step-by-Step Guide

Start by backcombing your hair at the crown to create volume.
Roll your hair into a bun at the crown of your head, securing it with bobby pins.
Tease the remaining hair to add volume.
Carefully pull out strands of hair around your face to frame it.
Finish by applying hairspray to hold the style in place.

The Bouffant

The bouffant is a versatile hairstyle that can be dressed up or down. This look features a voluminous top section, creating a sleek and sophisticated silhouette.

How to Create a Bouffant: A Step-by-Step Guide

Start by backcombing the top section of your hair to create volume.
Smooth the top section of hair and secure it with bobby pins.
Style the remaining hair as desired, whether it's a ponytail, a braid, or left loose.
Finish by applying hairspray to hold the style in place.

The Ponytail

The ponytail was a staple of the 60s and remains a popular hairstyle today. To achieve a 60s-inspired ponytail, focus on creating volume and texture.

How to Create a 60s Ponytail: A Step-by-Step Guide

Start by backcombing your hair at the crown to create volume.
Gather your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with a hair tie.
Wrap a strand of hair around the hair tie to conceal it.
Finish by applying hairspray to hold the style in place.

The Bob

The bob, a shorter cut with a blunt line, was a popular choice for women looking for a more sophisticated and practical hairstyle. The bob can be styled in various ways, from sleek and straight to textured and wavy.

How to Style a Bob: A Step-by-Step Guide

For a sleek and straight bob, blow-dry your hair with a round brush.
For a textured bob, use a curling iron or a texturizing spray.
Finish by applying hairspray to hold the style in place.

The Pageboy

The pageboy, with its short, blunt bangs and rounded shape, was another popular 60s hairstyle. This style is reminiscent of the era's retro feel and is perfect for those with fine or thin hair.

How to Create a Pageboy: A Step-by-Step Guide

Start by cutting your hair into a short, blunt bob with bangs.
Use a round brush to blow-dry your hair, focusing on creating volume at the crown.
Style your bangs by brushing them straight across your forehead.
Finish by applying hairspray to hold the style in place.

Essential 60s Hair Accessories: Adding a Retro Touch

Accessories were a crucial part of the 60s fashion and beauty scene, allowing women to add a touch of individuality and whimsy to their looks. These accessories were often used to create a retro vibe and enhance the overall style.

Headbands

Headbands were a popular accessory in the 60s, adding a touch of sophistication and glamour to hairstyles. They came in various styles, from thin and delicate to wide and bold, and were often adorned with embellishments like beads, sequins, or flowers.

Scarves

Scarves were another popular accessory for adding a touch of color and pattern to hairstyles. They could be tied around the head, worn as a headband, or used to accentuate a ponytail. Scarves came in a wide range of materials, colors, and patterns, allowing for endless creative possibilities.

Hair Clips

Hair clips were used to hold hair in place, create intricate styles, and add a touch of whimsy to hairstyles. They came in various shapes, sizes, colors, and materials, from simple bobby pins to decorative barrettes.

60s Hairstyles for Different Hair Lengths

Looking to incorporate 60s hairstyles into your modern look? Here's a guide to creating iconic 60s styles for different hair lengths:

Short Hair

For those rocking short hair, a 60s-inspired look can be achieved through a combination of teasing, volume, and styling products. Try a short bob with a side parting and subtle waves, or embrace the androgynous look of a pixie cut with a touch of volume on top.

Medium Hair

Medium-length hair provides a versatile canvas for recreating classic 60s hairstyles like the bouffant, beehive, or a ponytail with added volume. Use rollers or a curling iron to create structured curls and use hairspray to hold the style in place.

Long Hair

Long hair offers endless possibilities for recreating 60s hairstyles. Experiment with voluminous ponytails, braids, or even a half-up, half-down style with a bouffant at the crown. Embrace the era's love for texture and incorporate loose waves or curls into your long hair.

Simple 60s Hairstyles for Everyday

Looking for easy and effortless 60s hairstyles to incorporate into your everyday routine? Here are some simple looks to try:

The Half-Up, Half-Down

This classic 60s hairstyle is perfect for those who want to add a touch of retro flare to their look without going all out. Simply gather the top section of your hair into a ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Leave the bottom section of your hair loose and style it as desired.

The Side Part

A side part can instantly transform your hairstyle and add a touch of vintage charm. Create a deep side part and use a comb to style your hair in a sleek and smooth look. You can also add a touch of volume by backcombing the crown of your hair.

The Messy Bun

Even the messy bun can be given a 60s twist! Simply gather your hair into a high bun and secure it with a hair tie. Pull out a few strands of hair around your face to frame it. Then, use a texturizing spray or your fingers to tousle your hair and create a messy, effortless look.

FAQ: Answering Your Questions About 60s Hairstyles

How can I recreate the volume of 60s hairstyles without using hairspray?

While hairspray was a staple in the 60s, there are other ways to achieve volume without relying on it. Try using a volumizing mousse or a texturizing spray to add lift and texture to your hair. You can also use a round brush to blow-dry your hair, focusing on lifting your roots.

What are some modern-day interpretations of 60s hairstyles?

Modern interpretations of 60s hairstyles often incorporate elements of the era's iconic styles while adapting them to contemporary trends. Think sleek bobs with blunt lines, voluminous ponytails with a touch of texture, and playful side parts with a modern twist.

How can I make my 60s hairstyle look more modern?

To make your 60s hairstyle look more modern, consider incorporating elements of current trends. Add a touch of color, experiment with different textures, or use styling products to create a more effortless and undone look.

Conclusion

So there you have it, Readers! The 60s hairstyles were a reflection of the era's bold spirit and a testament to women's desire to express their individuality. Whether you choose to embrace a classic beehive, a sleek bob, or a voluminous ponytail with a touch of texture, these timeless styles offer a fun and creative way to step back in time and channel your inner fashion icon.

Ready to explore more vintage style tips and tricks? Be sure to check out our other articles on everything from 50s fashion to 70s trends. We're your one-stop shop for all things retro style!

Video 3 easy 60's hairstyles