Step back in time and imagine the glamorous, revolutionary world of hair fashion. The 1960s was a decade that completely transformed how people approached their daily looks. From towering heights to razor-sharp bobs, the 25 60s hairstyles featured in this guide represent the absolute best of this iconic era. Whether you love the voluminous drama of a beehive or the sleek chicness of a mod pixie, there is a vintage look here for everyone. These styles continue to inspire modern trends, proving that true elegance never really goes out of fashion. Get ready to explore the most memorable and influential haircuts that defined a generation and learn how to bring a touch of retro magic into your everyday routine.
1. Classic Beehive Updo
Have you ever wondered how women achieved those towering heights in the sixties? The classic beehive updo is the ultimate symbol of this decade’s grand hair fashion. This style involves piling all your hair on top of your head and shaping it into a massive, rounded cone. To get this look, you backcomb the hair extensively to create incredible volume, then smooth the outer layer for a polished finish. It works beautifully for formal events or a fun retro-themed party. Securing the shape with plenty of hairspray is essential to keep it standing tall all day. The beehive makes a bold statement and perfectly captures the dramatic spirit of the era.
2. Vidal Sassoon Five Point Cut
Imagine getting a haircut so revolutionary that it changes the industry forever. The Vidal Sassoon five point cut did exactly that in the sixties. This geometric masterpiece features sharp, precise angles that naturally frame the face without needing any styling products. The cut includes pointed sideburns, a pointed nape, and pointed corners at the brow and cheekbone. It falls perfectly into place on its own, offering a sleek and modern aesthetic. This look is ideal for anyone who wants a wash-and-wear style with serious architectural flair. It remains a fantastic choice for those who appreciate clean lines and bold, structural hair design that stands out effortlessly.
3. Mod Pixie Cut
Ready for a major chop? The mod pixie cut burst onto the scene as a rebellious and liberating alternative to the towering styles of the early decade. Championed by icons like Twiggy and Mia Farrow, this ultra-short haircut is all about embracing your natural features with confidence. The hair is cropped close to the head, often with a slightly longer top that can be worn smooth or playfully tousled. It requires minimal styling products, just a bit of texturizing paste or a light gel to keep stray hairs in place. This daring look highlights your cheekbones and eyes beautifully. It is a timeless choice for a fresh, low-maintenance appearance.
4. Flipped Out Bob
Do you love a style that brings a little extra bounce to your step? The flipped out bob is a joyful and energetic look that defined the mid-sixties. This haircut features a chin-length bob with the ends curling outward instead of curving under. Women achieved this flip using large rollers or a round brush and blow dryer, creating a bouncy, feathered effect. It looks fantastic on almost any face shape and adds a youthful, playful vibe to your everyday style. Pair it with a bit of hairspray to keep those flips intact all day long. This charming retro haircut remains an effortlessly chic option for any modern woman.
5. Bouffant Hair
Looking for a way to add serious volume to your everyday look? Bouffant hair was the reigning champion of sixties elegance, popularized by First Lady Jackie Kennedy. This style is characterized by hair that is raised high on the top and sides, creating a rounded, puffy silhouette. The key to achieving this look is heavy backcombing at the roots and smoothing the surface over the teased sections. You can wear it with a slight flip at the ends or leave the length straight. It gives an aura of sophistication and grace, making it perfect for any special occasion. A good holding spray is your best friend for maintaining this glorious height.
6. Brigitte Bardot Half Up Half Down
Want to channel your inner movie star? The Brigitte Bardot half up half down hairstyle is the epitome of sultry, effortless beauty. This iconic look features a voluminous crown section pulled back and secured at the back of the head, while the rest of the hair cascades down in loose, tumbling waves. The front usually includes long, face-framing curtain bangs that soften the overall appearance. You can easily recreate this by teasing the top section for height and using a large-barrel curling iron for the waves. It is a highly romantic and feminine style that works wonderfully for both casual outings and glamorous evenings out.
7. French Twist Updo
Need an elegant solution for a formal event? The French twist updo was a staple at sixties dinner parties and galas. This sophisticated style involves gathering all your hair to one side, twisting it upward against the back of your head, and tucking the ends inside to create a seamless vertical roll. It exposes the neck and shoulders beautifully, giving you a regal and polished look. While it may seem complicated, securing it with bobby pins and a strong hold spray makes it manageable. You can leave a few face-framing pieces out for a softer feel. It is a classic, refined updo that never fails to make a stunning impression.
8. Short Curly Pixie
Embracing your natural texture has never looked so chic. The short curly pixie takes the standard mod crop and adds a lively, bouncy twist. This look became hugely popular as women started moving away from straightening their natural curls. The sides and back are cut close, while the top is left slightly longer to let those gorgeous curls spring up naturally. A bit of mousse or curl cream is all you need to define the ringlets and keep frizz at bay. It is a fun, vibrant, and easy-to-manage haircut that shows off your facial features with pride. This playful style perfectly captures the youthful, spirited energy of the late sixties.
9. Bubble Cut
Remember those classic vintage dolls with the perfectly rounded hair? The bubble cut was a major phenomenon in the early sixties, worn beautifully by stars like Connie Francis. This unique hairstyle features a short to medium length cut that is styled into a smooth, rounded shape that hugs the head, resembling a bubble. It relies heavily on setting the hair with rollers to create a uniform, flawless curve from the crown to the ends. The result is a neat, polished look with immense volume but no sharp angles. It offers a very tidy and put-together appearance that works wonderfully for anyone who loves immaculate, vintage glamour without the extreme height of a beehive.
10. Sleek Side Part Bob
Craving a look that screams pure sophistication? The sleek side part bob offers a refined and timeless aesthetic that was hugely popular throughout the sixties. This style features a precise, chin-length cut parted deeply to one side. The hair is flat-ironed or roller-set to lie perfectly smooth and shiny against the head, tucking under at the ends. It creates a striking asymmetric frame for the face, highlighting your jawline and cheekbones. You only need a shine serum and a fine-tooth comb to keep it looking sharp and frizz-free. This haircut is the ultimate choice for anyone who wants an elegant, no-fuss style that always looks incredibly expensive and well-maintained.
11. 60s Chignon
Searching for a graceful way to wear your hair up? The chignon is a timeless, low-slung bun that exudes pure elegance and was a favorite for sixties formal wear. Unlike the towering updos of the era, the chignon sits at the nape of the neck, offering a sleek and sophisticated silhouette. You can style it as a smooth, tight bun or leave it slightly loose and romantic with a few wispy pieces escaping. It pairs beautifully with strapless gowns and high-neck dresses alike. Using a styling cream helps tame flyaways and keeps the bun looking flawless. It remains a highly versatile and universally flattering choice for any elegant occasion.
12. Voluminous Roller Set Curls
Do you miss the days of big, bouncy, salon-perfect hair? Voluminous roller set curls were the backbone of sixties hairstyling. Women spent hours under hooded dryers to achieve this flawless, uniform wave pattern. The hair is set in large rollers while wet, dried completely, and then brushed out into a cascade of smooth, sweeping curls. This method provides incredible, long-lasting volume that holds its shape for days. A good setting lotion and a firm hairspray are crucial for maintaining the bounce without the frizz. It is a spectacular look for anyone wanting that authentic, glamorous movie-star appeal with maximum body and movement throughout the entire head.
13. Twiggy Short Crop
Ready to make a bold, unforgettable statement? The Twiggy short crop took the world by storm with its androgynous, striking appeal. Named after the ultimate sixties supermodel, this cut is extremely short, often featuring a long, side-swept fringe that dramatically covers one eye. The back and sides are cropped close to the head, emphasizing the eyes and bone structure. Styling is incredibly minimal, usually just a quick comb-through with a tiny bit of gel for a sleek finish. It is an incredibly liberating haircut that breaks away from traditional long styles. This daring crop is perfect for trendsetters who want a highly distinctive, low-maintenance look with serious fashion history.
14. Asymmetrical Bob
Want a haircut that offers a little bit of edge? The asymmetrical bob started turning heads in the late sixties as geometric haircuts gained massive popularity. This style features a bob that is cut longer on one side than the other, creating an angled, dramatic line. It defies the traditional uniform length and provides a dynamic, modern silhouette. You can wear it sleek and straight to emphasize the sharp angle, or add a slight wave for a softer feel. It requires regular trims to maintain the precise shape and keep the lines looking sharp. This is an excellent choice for anyone wanting a sophisticated yet unconventional, eye-catching style.
15. High Ponytail With Ribbon
Looking for a playful and youthful style? The high ponytail with a ribbon was a massive trend for young women in the sixties. This look involves pulling the hair up to the crown of the head and securing it tightly with an elastic band. A colorful silk ribbon is then tied around the base, blending seamlessly into the ponytail for a chic, seamless look. The tail itself can be straight, curled, or teased for extra volume. It is a fun, energetic style that keeps hair out of your face while looking perfectly put together. It is ideal for casual days out or a cheerful, retro-themed gathering.
16. Curtain Bangs With Straight Hair
Want to frame your face in the most flattering way possible? Curtain bangs with straight hair became an absolute sensation in the sixties, thanks to style icons like Brigitte Bardot and Goldie Hawn. This look features long, center-parted bangs that sweep outward, framing the eyes and cheekbones like a curtain. The rest of the hair is worn long and straight. The bangs are often slightly curled at the ends to flip away from the face, creating a beautiful contrast with the straight lengths. It is a highly versatile and soft look that suits nearly any face shape. This iconic combination remains a top choice for effortless, face-framing beauty.
17. Late 60s Center Part Long Hair
How did the youth revolution change hair forever? The late 60s center part long hair marked a massive shift from the structured, teased styles of the early decade. Influenced by the hippie movement, women began embracing their natural hair texture, letting it grow long and flow freely. The hair is simply parted down the middle and allowed to fall naturally, without any curling or backcombing. This look represents peace, freedom, and a return to natural beauty. It is incredibly low maintenance, requiring just regular brushing and good hydration to keep the strands healthy. It is a beautiful, bohemian option that celebrates natural length and effortless, relaxed styling.
18. Pin Curl Updo
Have you ever admired those flawless, sculpted waves from vintage photographs? The pin curl updo was a sophisticated and highly popular way to wear hair in the sixties. This technique involves taking small sections of damp hair, winding them into tight coils, and pinning them flat against the scalp. Once dry and unpinned, the hair forms beautiful, distinct spiral curls that can be arranged into an elegant updo. You can sculpt these curls around the crown or pin them into a low, elegant chignon. It requires patience and plenty of bobby pins, but the resulting glamour is unmatched. This is the perfect style for formal occasions requiring classic, vintage elegance.
19. Early 60s Pompadour
Looking for a way to add dramatic height without a full beehive? The early 60s pompadour offers a stunning, face-framing solution that borrows heavily from rock and roll fashion. This style focuses on volume at the very front and crown of the head. The front section of the hair is heavily backcombed and then swept upward and backward, creating a tall, sweeping wave. The sides and back are kept much flatter, which makes the front volume stand out even more. You will need a strong hold gel and hairspray to keep the roll in place. It is a bold, confident style that gives a nod to the rebellious side of the era.
20. Soft Shag Haircut
Want a cut that moves naturally and feels completely effortless? The soft shag haircut emerged in the late sixties as a laid-back alternative to rigid, structured styles. This cut features heavy layers throughout the hair, creating incredible natural movement and texture. The layers are often feathered around the face to highlight your features gently. It works wonderfully on both straight and wavy hair types, offering a relaxed, lived-in feel. You can style it with just a bit of texturizing spray or let it air dry for a messy-chic aesthetic. This is the perfect choice for anyone wanting a highly versatile, low-maintenance look that still has plenty of personality and bounce.
21. Natural Afro
How did the late sixties embrace natural beauty in a powerful way? The natural afro became a profound symbol of pride, identity, and cultural shift during this decade. This style involves letting naturally coily or curly hair grow out into a beautiful, rounded shape without using chemicals to straighten it. The hair picks up into a stunning halo of texture that demands attention and respect. Maintaining the shape requires regular trimming and deep conditioning to keep the curls healthy and hydrated. It is a breathtaking, bold look that celebrates heritage and natural beauty. The afro remains an empowering and iconic hairstyle that changed the landscape of hair fashion forever.
22. Retro Space Buns
Ready to blast off into a fun, quirky style? Retro space buns were a playful and futuristic hair trend that perfectly captured the space age obsession of the sixties. This look involves parting the hair down the middle and twisting each side into two separate, high buns on top of the head. You can make them sleek and neat or pull out a few strands for a messier, more relaxed feel. It is a youthful, energetic style that works wonderfully for festivals or casual weekend outings. Securing them with elastic bands and pins ensures they stay put all day. This is a fantastic option for a bold, cheerful, and totally unique appearance.
23. Mia Farrow Pixie
Did a single haircut ever cause such a worldwide sensation? The Mia Farrow pixie became instantly famous when she debuted it during the filming of Rosemary’s Baby. This extremely short, delicate cut features soft, wispy layers that gently hug the head. It is incredibly feminine and airy, highlighting the neck and facial features beautifully. The styling is remarkably simple, often just towel-drying with a tiny amount of styling cream to define the soft pieces. It strips away all the heavy teasing and hairspray of the era, leaving behind pure, unadorned beauty. It is a brave but breathtakingly pretty choice for anyone wanting a minimalist, highly elegant appearance.
24. Flipped Ponytail
Looking for a simple way to add vintage charm to a basic style? The flipped ponytail takes a standard pony and gives it a distinct sixties upgrade. To achieve this, the hair is pulled back into a mid-height ponytail and secured tightly. The tail itself is then curled upward and outward using a curling iron or large rollers, creating a bouncy, flipped effect at the ends. It gives a cheerful and polished vibe to an otherwise casual look. You can wrap a small piece of hair around the hair tie to make it look more elegant. It is a sweet, easy-to-wear style that adds a touch of retro flair to any day.
25. Voluminous Blowout
Want hair that looks like you just stepped out of a high-end salon? The voluminous blowout was the foundation for many glamorous sixties looks. This styling method uses a round brush and blow dryer to lift the roots high and curve the ends under or outward. The result is hair that is full of body, smooth, and incredibly shiny from root to tip. It requires some skill with the brush to create that perfect, bouncy tension, but the payoff is massive. A volumizing mousse at the roots and a shine spray on the ends complete the look perfectly. It is a timeless, universally flattering style that always looks polished and put-together.
Conclusion:
The 1960s was undeniably one of the most transformative and exciting decades for hair fashion. As we have explored in these 25 60s hairstyles, the era offered an incredible range of looks, from the towering heights of the beehive to the sleek liberation of the pixie cut. Whether you prefer the polished elegance of a French twist or the free-spirited nature of long, center-parted hair, there is a retro style that can easily be adapted for today. These iconic haircuts remind us that hair is a powerful form of self-expression and creativity. By incorporating a touch of sixties glamour into your routine, you can enjoy a timeless and beautiful look that never goes out of style.
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