15 Iconic 1960s Hairstyles You’ll Want to Try Today

The 1960s was a revolutionary decade in fashion and beauty, known for its bold expression and creative experimentation.

Hairstyles from this era reflected the spirit of change and freedom, with iconic looks that ranged from sleek and sophisticated to voluminous and dramatic.

In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through 15 unforgettable 1960s hairstyles, each with its unique charm and character.

From classic bridal volume to feathered layers and sleek middle parts, these looks capture the essence of a decade that forever changed the world of hair fashion.

1960s Hairstyles

1. Classic 1960s Bouffant

The bouffant was a popular look in the 1960s, giving the hair height and volume at the crown. To achieve this style, start by teasing the hair at the roots, especially at the crown, using a fine-tooth comb.

Apply a light layer of hairspray to hold the teased sections. Then, smooth the top layer of hair over the teased section for a polished look. The sides can be left straight or slightly curled, depending on the desired finish.

This hairstyle is ideal for adding a glamorous, elegant touch to any look, as it frames the face beautifully and draws attention to the eyes.

2. Messy French Twist with Wispy Bangs

This messy French twist with wispy bangs embodies the casual chic of the 1960s. To recreate this look, start by teasing the hair at the crown to add volume, then gather the hair back, twist it upwards, and secure it with pins.

Leave some wispy strands around the face to soften the look and add an effortless vibe. The bangs are lightly curled and brushed to the side, enhancing the natural charm.

This hairstyle is perfect for a night out or any semi-formal occasion, offering both sophistication and a carefree spirit.

3. Voluminous Curls with a Center Part

1960s voluminous curls with a center part are iconic for a vintage glam look. To achieve this hairstyle, use a large-barrel curling iron to create big, bouncy curls.

Part the hair down the middle for a symmetrical look that emphasizes the curls’ fullness. After curling, brush through the curls gently to add softness and increase volume.

Finish with hairspray for hold. This hairstyle exudes elegance and is perfect for recreating a classic Hollywood vibe reminiscent of 1960s starlets.

4. Beehive Updo with Curtain Bangs

The beehive updo with curtain bangs is a quintessential 1960s look. Start by backcombing the hair at the crown and smoothing it over to create the classic beehive shape.

Gather the rest of the hair into a low twist at the back, securing with bobby pins. The curtain bangs frame the face delicately, giving this voluminous updo a soft finish.

This style was widely popular in the ’60s for its dramatic height and polished look, ideal for formal occasions or retro-themed events.

5. Sleek Twisted Updo

This sleek twisted updo was a popular formal look in the 1960s, especially for redheads to showcase their vibrant hair.

To achieve this style, part the hair and create two or three structured twists down the back of the head.

Each twist is secured with pins, forming a layered effect. The look is polished with a smooth, almost shiny finish, enhancing the elegance of the twists.

6. Floral Adorned Bouffant

Adding flowers or accessories to a bouffant was a trend for a glamorous, ethereal look in the 1960s.

This style starts with a teased crown to achieve volume, then is pulled back into a bouffant shape. Golden floral accessories, as shown here, are added at the sides, bringing elegance to the style.

This look combines romantic charm with a vintage flair and can be adapted for weddings, parties, or themed events to channel a retro vibe.

7. Side-Swept Bouffant

The side-swept bouffant is a classic 1960s style that emphasizes volume and asymmetry. To create this look, start by teasing the crown for height, then sweep the top layers to one side, securing with pins.

The side-swept element frames the face, drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones. This hairstyle can be worn down or with a low twist at the back, making it ideal for evening events or any retro-inspired occasion.

The key to this look is the dramatic side part and the voluminous shape.

8. Floral Fantasy Updo

The floral fantasy updo was a creative expression of 1960s style, blending volume with whimsical accessories.

To replicate this look, first curl and tease the hair to create a voluminous base. Then, arrange and secure the curls into an updo, adding colorful floral decorations throughout.

This style is all about drama and flair, perfect for costume events or retro-themed photoshoots. The flower accessories elevate the updo, transforming it into an eye-catching piece of art.

5. Elegant French Beehive

The French beehive is an iconic 1960s updo characterized by its height and sophistication. To achieve this look, begin by teasing the hair at the crown to build volume.

Smooth the top layer and gather the hair into a high twist at the back, securing with pins. This style is enhanced by soft, wispy bangs that frame the forehead, creating a balanced, elegant silhouette.

This hairstyle is ideal for formal events, giving a timeless and polished appearance that channels the grace of classic fashion icons.

6. Feathered Layers with Full Bangs

This feathered layer style with full bangs embodies the effortlessly chic aesthetic of the 1960s.

The hair is cut into soft layers that add volume and movement, while the bangs are kept full and slightly parted, framing the eyes beautifully. The ends are styled with a slight inward curl, enhancing the natural shape.

This look is perfect for everyday wear, offering a low-maintenance yet stylish option that pairs well with both casual and semi-formal attire.

7. Voluminous Bubble Flip

The bubble flip hairstyle, with its voluminous, curled-out ends, was a statement look in the 1960s.

This style starts by cutting the hair into layers and using large curlers or a curling iron to create the signature flipped-out effect. Teasing at the roots adds extra volume, while hairspray provides hold and structure.

This look is ideal for those seeking a bold, glamorous style that captures the playful and expressive spirit of the 1960s, perfect for parties and evening events.

8. Mod Pixie with Blunt Bangs

The mod pixie cut with blunt bangs offers a bold, edgy look straight from the 1960s mod movement.

This cut is cropped close to the head, with sharp, straight bangs just above the brows, emphasizing the eyes. Styling this cut with a straightener helps maintain its sleek, structured form.

This hairstyle is perfect for those with a daring style, as it combines simplicity with an avant-garde edge, channeling the rebellious and artistic energy of the decade.

9. Sleek Long Bob with Full Bangs

The long bob with full bangs was a trendy and sophisticated look in the 1960s. This style features shoulder-length hair with a blunt cut and thick, straight bangs that frame the face.

To achieve this look, straighten the hair and use a round brush to curl the ends inward slightly. The bangs are cut full across the forehead, emphasizing the eyes and cheekbones.

This hairstyle is perfect for both formal and casual settings, offering a refined, chic look that captures the essence of 1960s elegance.

10. Textured Shag with Choppy Bangs

The textured shag with choppy bangs is a bold, modern twist inspired by the edgy styles of the late 1960s.

This cut is all about layers and texture, with a shorter top and longer back, creating a mullet-inspired look. The bangs are cut choppy and uneven, adding an artistic flair. To style, add texturizing spray or mousse to enhance the layers and create a messy, voluminous look.

This hairstyle is perfect for anyone looking to make a statement with a bit of retro edge, combining both classic and contemporary vibes.

11. Glamorous Waves with Curtain Bangs

The glamorous waves with curtain bangs offer a soft and romantic 1960s-inspired look. This hairstyle features voluminous, bouncy waves that frame the face, with curtain bangs parted in the middle and feathered to the sides.

To achieve this look, curl the hair with a large-barrel curling iron, then gently brush out the curls for a softer wave.

The bangs are styled to blend into the waves, adding a touch of vintage glam perfect for evening events or retro-themed gatherings.

12. Classic Baby Bangs with Loose Waves

The baby bangs with loose waves are a vintage-inspired look reminiscent of early 1960s icons. This style features short, blunt bangs, known as baby bangs, cut high on the forehead.

The rest of the hair is styled in loose, natural waves that add movement and softness. To recreate this look, use a curling iron to add subtle waves, keeping the bangs straight.

This hairstyle is ideal for adding a playful, retro touch to a casual or semi-formal look, emphasizing the eyes and framing the face beautifully.

13. Classic Voluminous Bridal Hair

The classic voluminous bridal hair look was a staple of 1960s wedding styles, featuring sleek, lifted hair with subtle volume around the crown.

This style works beautifully with a long veil, adding a touch of vintage glamour to a bride’s look. To achieve this hairstyle, straighten the hair and then tease the roots at the crown to create volume.

Smooth the top layer over the teased sections, giving it a polished, elegant appearance. This style highlights the bride’s facial features and pairs well with dramatic eye makeup.

14. Soft Curls with Feathered Layers

The soft curls with feathered layers hairstyle captures the romantic, feminine look of the 1960s. This style involves soft, bouncy curls that are brushed out to form voluminous waves, framing the face beautifully.

Start by curling the hair with a medium barrel curling iron, then gently brush through for a soft, voluminous effect.

This look is perfect for casual outings or semi-formal occasions, giving an effortlessly glamorous vibe that highlights natural beauty.

15. Sleek Middle-Parted Long Hair

The sleek middle-parted long hair look was a popular choice in the 1960s for its simplicity and sophistication.

This style is achieved by straightening the hair until smooth and shiny, then creating a precise middle part. It’s ideal for showcasing healthy, shiny hair and accentuates the face beautifully, especially when paired with bold eye makeup.

This hairstyle is versatile, working well for both casual and formal events, and embodies the minimalist elegance of the era.