The 1960s was a decade of rapid social change, and it was reflected in the hairstyles that became popular during this time. From the bouffant to the beehive, the 60s saw a wide range of hairstyles that were as diverse as the decade itself. Let's delve into the fascinating world of 60s hairstyles and explore how they were created and worn.
One of the most iconic hairstyles of the 60s was the bouffant. This style, made famous by first lady Jackie Kennedy, involved teasing the hair at the roots to create volume, then brushing it out to form a rounded shape. The bouffant was often worn with a fringe or bangs at the front, and it could be worn high or low depending on the desired effect.
The Bouffant and Other Teased Styles
The bouffant was just one of many teased styles that were popular in the 60s. Teasing involved backcombing the hair to create lift and volume, and it was often used to create height at the crown of the head. Other teased styles included the beehive, which was a tall, rounded style that resembled a beehive, and the flip, which involved teasing the hair at the roots and then curling the ends under.
Teasing was a time-consuming process, but it was worth it for the dramatic volume it created. To create a bouffant, for example, hair would be brushed back from the forehead, then teased at the roots using a fine-tooth comb. The hair would then be brushed out to create a rounded shape, and hairspray would be used to hold it in place.
Tools of the Trade
Creating 60s hairstyles required a few key tools. A fine-tooth comb was essential for teasing the hair, while a round brush was used for curling and shaping. Hairspray was also crucial for holding styles in place, and it came in a variety of strengths depending on the desired hold.
Hair rollers were another important tool for creating 60s hairstyles. They came in a variety of sizes and could be used to create curls, waves, or even straight styles. For the bouffant, for example, large rollers would be used to create volume at the roots, while smaller rollers would be used to create curls at the ends.
Inspiration from the Stars
The 60s saw the rise of youth culture, and with it, a new breed of style icons. Actresses like Audrey Hepburn and Twiggy were known for their distinctive hairstyles, and their looks were often copied by fans. Hepburn's sleek, short bob was a departure from the teased styles of the time, while Twiggy's mod-inspired cuts and colors were ahead of their time.
But perhaps the most influential style icon of the 60s was Brigitte Bardot. The French actress and singer was known for her tousled, windswept look, which was achieved by brushing out curls and leaving the hair slightly disheveled. This style was a departure from the polished looks of the time, and it helped to popularize the idea of natural, effortless beauty.
Afros and Natural Hairstyles
While teased styles were popular among white women in the 60s, the decade also saw a rise in natural hairstyles among Black women. The Civil Rights Movement of the 60s was accompanied by a cultural shift towards embracing natural hair and rejecting Eurocentric beauty standards.
Afros became a symbol of Black pride and identity, and they were worn by prominent figures like Angela Davis and Nina Simone. To create an Afro, hair would be washed and conditioned, then combed out to its natural texture. The hair would then be shaped and styled using a pick or comb, and sometimes held in place with a scarf or headband.
Chemical Straightening and Relaxers
Despite the rise of natural hairstyles, many Black women still chose to straighten their hair using chemical relaxers. These products contained harsh chemicals like lye or sodium hydroxide, which broke down the bonds in the hair to make it straight.
Relaxers were often applied by stylists in beauty salons, and they could be damaging if not used correctly. Despite the risks, relaxers remained popular among Black women who wanted to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards or who found it easier to manage straight hair.
The Influence of Mod Culture
In the mid-60s, a new youth culture emerged in Britain known as mod. Mods were known for their sharp, tailored clothing and their distinctive hairstyles. For men, this often meant a short, neat cut with a side parting, while women wore their hair in sleek, straight styles with a fringe or bangs.
Mod hairstyles were influenced by the music and fashion of the time, and they were often seen as a rebellion against the more conservative styles of the past. They were also easier to maintain than teased styles, which required a lot of time and effort to create.
As the 60s came to a close, hairstyles began to evolve once again. The teased styles of the early part of the decade gave way to longer, straighter looks, and the natural hairstyles of the Civil Rights Movement continued to gain popularity. But the 60s had left an indelible mark on the world of hair, and many of the styles and techniques that emerged during this decade continue to influence fashion today.