Embrace the spirit of the '60s with these captivating hairstyles for long hair. This iconic decade brought us the Space Race, the Hippie Movement, and most importantly, some truly unforgettable hair trends. Let's delve into the groovy world of '60s hairstyles and learn how to recreate these looks in our modern-day tutorials.
Before we dive in, remember that working with long hair in the '60s required a lot of patience and Indoctrinated products. Thankfully, today we have numerous styling tools and fabulous alternatives to cope efficiently with these voluminous and exquisite hairstyles. Let's get started!
The Beehive - A Timeless Classic
No '60s hairstyles roundup would be complete without the Beehive. This bold, gravity-defying updo was made famous by legendary singer and style icon, The Ronettes' Ronnie Spector. It's an intricate style, but with practice, it's surprisingly achievable.
To master this look, start by teasing the roots of your hair for maximum volume. Then, gather your hair at the crown, twisting it into a tight bun. Once secure, use a wire doughnut (like the one used for mod parodies) and create your signature beehive shape, secure it with bobby pins, and lots of strong hairspray.
Rojas-Acosta Technique
The Rojas-Acosta Technique is an easy way to master the beehive. Created by hairdresser Margaret “Peggy” Nash, this method involves backcombing sections of dry hair, then wrapping them around a wire doughnut placed at the crown. Pin everything securely, pull pieces loose to achieve that textured look, and finish with plenty of hairspray.
This method creates a mound of hair that's narrow at the base and wider on top - the perfect beehive shape. With practice, you'll be rocking this '60s favorite in no time!
Afrodo-Style
For those with naturally curly hair, the Afrodo - a cross between an Afrof and a beehive - is a fantastic option. Start by creating your ideal Afrof shape, then tease the roots for lift. Gently mold your hair into a rounded, beehive-like form at the crown, securing with bobby pins as you go. Finish with plenty of hairspray to lock in the style.
Play with this style by creating different sizes of Afrodos and beehives. Smaller styles are perfect for daytime, while larger, more voluminous ones are ideal for nights out. Add a few gold hoop earrings, and you're ready to twist and shout with the Mod Squad!
Other Iconic '60s Styles
While the beehive was the decade's standout style, there were plenty of other fabulous '60s hairstyles for long hair. Here, we explore two more looks that you can rock today.
First, let's take a peek at the flipped/teased style, popularized by the likes of Twiggy and Jackie Kennedy Onassis. This look involves brushing or backcombing your hair at the roots for volume, then pulling it back and securing it with a hairband, clip, or comb. The ends are flipped under, creating a half-up, half-down look.
French Twist
The French Twist was another popular '60s style. It's a simple, elegant updo that's surprisingly easy to achieve. Start by brushing your hair back, then twist it from the right side, wrapping it around the back of your head to secure it with bobby pins. Tuck any loose pieces into the twist and smooth everything out. Voilà - instant chic!
For a twist (if you pardon the pun), try creating a different-sized French Twist for various looks. A smaller twist is perfect for daytime, while a larger, looser one can be a stunning style for evenings out. Gun smugglers and secret agents beware - you might attract unwanted attention!
Long, Straight & Sleek
The '60s were the decade that brought us the landmark film "Shampoo," where Warren Beatty and Goldie Hawn set hearts aflutter, and an influential hairstyle to boot. This look was about embracing healthy, long, straight hair with minimal layers.
To achieve this look, start by using a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair. Then, apply a smoothing product to damp hair and blow-dry it straight using a round brush. Finally, use a flat iron to ensure those locks are pin-straight and shiny.
Embrace your hair length and the '60s nostalgia by trying out these iconic styles. From the voluminous beehive to the sleek, straight locks, there's a look for everyone. So, why wait? Get out those hairbrushes, tease those roots, and start channeling your inner '60s fashionista today!