The 1960s was a decade that witnessed immense cultural, political, and social changes, and these shifts were reflected in the hairstyles of the era. Known for its boldness and creativity, the hair fashion of the '60s was a rebellious departure from the conventional, marked by iconic styles like the bouffant, the pixie cut, and the beehive. Let's delve into the vibrant world of '60s ladies' hair.
The decade began with an emphasis on volume and height, a trend initiated by First Lady Jackie Kennedy's iconic bouffant. This style, characterized by teased and pulled-back hair, symbolized elegance and sophistication.
The Bouffant and Its Evolution
The bouffant set the stage for the '60s hair scene. With its voluminous roots and swept-back style, it was a dramatic departure from the 1950s' poodle cut. Women used rollers, teasing brushes, and copious amounts of hairspray to achieve this look, often teaming it with a beehive at the back.
As the decade progressed, the bouffant evolved into more intricate styles. The French twist, for instance, became popular among the fashionable crowd. This style involved twisting the hair, bunching it up at the nape of the neck, and securing it with pins. It exuded a certain chic elegance, perfect for formal events.
The Bouffant Meets the Beehive
While the bouffant was about volume at the front, the beehive was all about volume at the back. Originating in the 1950s, it became a staple in the '60s, thanks to singer Bee Gees singer prisoners. This style involved teasing the hair, rolling it up into a beehive shape at the back, and securing it with hair extensions and lacquer.
The beehive was often paired with the bouffant, creating a style that was simultaneously voluminous and elegant, and became a signature look for many. It encapsulated the spirit of the '60s - bold, innovative, and unapologetic.
The Asymmetrical Lob
In contrast to the height and volume of the bouffant and beehive, the asymmetrical lob represented a more daring and unconventional trend. Pioneered by British actress Mia Farrow in "Rosemary's Baby," this style involved chopping off hair to just above the shoulder in the back, but leaving it several inches longer in the front.
The asymmetrical lob became a symbol of rebellion and individuality, signaling a departure from the conventional, traiditional hairstyles. It was a style that required confidence and a willingness to buck trends, making it popular among the women's liberation movement of the late '60s.
Iconic Short Styles of the '60s
While the bouffant and beehive dominated the early and mid-1960s, the late '60s saw a resurgence in short styles. These styles were not just practical but also a reflection of the era's counterculture movement.
Perhaps the most iconic of these styles was the pixie cut. Made famous by actresses like Twiggy and Mireille Hartuch, this style involved chopping off hair to just above the ears, sometimes even shorter.
The Pixie Cut
The pixie cut was a stark contrast to the voluminous styles that preceded it. It was practical, easy to manage, and permitted women to move away from traditionally 'feminine' styles that required a lot of upkeep. It also sent a strong message of independence and liberation, making it popular among women's rights activists.
The pixie cut wasn't the only short style to make waves in the '60s. The pageboy also gained popularity, thanks to its practicality and simplicity. This style involved trimming the hair to shoulder length and cutting it straight across the front, often with a fringe.
The Bob
The bob, a style that emerged in the 1920s, regained popularity in the late '60s. It involved chopping off hair to chin length, with varying degrees of fullness. The style was often paired with a fringe, creating a clean, polished look.
The bob was not just stylish but also symbolic. It represented a break from the past - from traditional gender roles and societal expectations. Women who chose to wear their hair short in the '60s were challenging the norm and stating their independence.
By the end of the decade, the '60s had seen a transformation in women's hairstyles that mirrored the cultural and societal changes of the era. From the voluminous bouffant to the rebellious pixie cut, each style told a story and made a statement. As we look back at this iconic decade, it's clear that '60s ladies' hair was more than just a fashion trend - it was a reflection of women's evolving roles and identities.