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The 1960s was one of the most transformative decades for hair styling and fashion in general.
The Beatles, Audrey Hepburn, and numerous other celebrities showed the world new and exciting styles that matched the liberal, carefree attitudes of the time.
Throughout the 60s, there were trends towards shorter hair for women and longer hair for men, which was seen as a role reversal of the stereotypically accepted styles of previous eras.
Styles like the bouffant for women and mop-top styles for men truly defined the decade, and though we’re more than 60 years on, these styles still have a place in the present day.
So, join us as we run through some of the best 60s hairstyles to try, for both men and women, which will help to transport you back to simpler times!
Women’s 60s hairstyles
The 1960s was a decade of style icons like Racquel Welch, Brigette Bardot, and Audrey Hepburn.
Here are five 60s hair trends that many leading female celebrities of the age wore to perfection:
1. Baby bangs
If you’re searching for 60s bangs hairstyles that are still in fashion, baby bangs is the ideal look.
Wispy baby bangs part to either side and are an effortless way to style medium-length hair.
You can add baby bangs to a shag cut or shoulder-length bob for a timeless style.
2. 60s hair beehive
The beehive was one of the most iconic looks of the 1960s, and Raquel Welch is the well-suited source of inspiration for this signature style.
A loose beehive with face-framing tendrils is the ideal look to channel your inner Raquel Welch, while a strong holding hairspray will be required to keep things in shape at the front.
3. The bouffant
60s bouffant hair is a timeless look that has been fashionable for decades.
This rounded, puffy hairstyle is characterized by raised hair that covers the ears.
Back combing is key to the bouffant, so use a rat-tail comb to comb the middle section of your hair carefully.
The key here is creating as much volume as possible at the roots.
If you’re not confident with back combing, asking your stylist to create the bouffant is a smart move.
4. The 60s flip
Flipped under and flipped out hairstyles were super popular throughout the 1960s, and this is an extremely easy hairstyle to achieve in the present day.
This look is defined by an upward or downward flip at the hair’s ends, which adds significant depth and texture to numerous hairstyles.
5. 60s mod hair
Legendary hairstylist Vidal Sassoon is credited with creating mod hair, which also came to be known as “wash-and-wear” hair.
The key to mod hair is its simplicity, as the look is characterized by a precise, straight line at the top of the head, with a fringe that falls over the forehead.
As such, the mod is a 60s hair fringe haircut that’s simple and extremely easy to style.
60s hair men
The emergence of The Beatles in the 1960s redefined the fashion of the era, and the boys from Abbey Road also inspired never-before-seen hairstyles.
Mop top styles were all the rage, thanks to the Beatles, a bowl-shaped cut with a middle-parting that covered the ears and forehead.
This look became symbolic of the carefree rock-and-roll attitudes of the decade.
As for 60s hairstyles for short hair, the side-parted look was extremely popular, particularly among businessmen and professionals.
This look requires a natural parting and a holding wax or gel, which helps the style look slick and smart.
One thing we saw in the 1960s that was uncommon in the preceding years was the acceptance of sideburns and facial hair.
While men of the 1940s and 1950s were clean-shaven, the liberal attitudes of the 1960s saw facial hair rise to prominence.
Another 60s hair look that emerged in the decade is the conk.
This required the chemical straightening of hair, which was a much-loved style with African American men who opted for pompadours and waves.
What’s more, symbolic of the civil rights movements was the afro, which was a common sight of both men and women of the age.
Styling tips for 1960s hair
Regardless of the look you go for, here are some handy styling tips to consider as you opt for your 1960s hairdo:
Ionic dryer
Using an ionic hair dryer like the Laifen Swift Special will help to eliminate frizz and blow dry your hair thoroughly as you style it. This is particularly important if you’re keen on a medium or long 60s haircut.
Hairspray
You don’t need us to tell you that hairspray was all the rage in the 1960s (just think of the movie by the same name!). Technology has come on leaps and bounds in recent times, so invest in a high-quality hairspray that will help you hold your 60s style in place.
Accessorize
Flower power and hippie cuts were super popular in the 1960s, so don’t be afraid to accessorize. Whether it’s a colorful headband or literal flowers in your hair, accessorizing is a brilliant way to mimic 60s hippie hair with minimal effort.
How people styled their hair in the 1960s?
In the 1960s, hair was a statement of identity and cultural change. As fashion shifted rapidly, so did hairstyles, reflecting everything from youthful rebellion to polished glamour.
Women’s hairstyles in the early ’60s leaned toward structured elegance. Voluminous bouffants and carefully set curls were achieved using rollers, teasing combs, and generous amounts of hairspray.
As the decade progressed, styles became freer and more expressive. The influence of icons like Brigitte Bardot and Twiggy introduced softer volume, fringe bangs, and graphic cuts such as the Vidal Sassoon bob, which emphasized precision and natural movement.
Men’s hair also underwent a transformation. Clean-cut, short styles gave way to longer, more relaxed looks inspired by musicians and counterculture figures.
The Beatles popularized the mop-top haircut, while later in the decade, men embraced shaggier lengths and natural textures as a symbol of individuality.
Across both women’s and men’s styling, hair care routines were hands-on and time-intensive.
Setting lotions, blow-dryers, backcombing, and regular salon visits were essential tools of the era.
1960s dyed hair
While hair coloring existed long before, the ’60s brought it into the mainstream, which makes dyed hair a visible symbol of fashion, rebellion, and individuality.
First, natural shades dominated the early 1960s. Women often chose soft blondes, warm browns, or rich brunettes to enhance volume-heavy styles like bouffants and beehives. These colors were selected to look polished under salon lighting and photographs.
Second, blonde became iconic. Influenced by stars such as Brigitte Bardot and Marilyn Monroe, platinum and honey blondes gained popularity. Achieving these shades required frequent bleaching and toning.
As the decade progressed, color became bolder and more experimental. The rise of youth culture and countercultural movements encouraged brighter reds and even early pastel hues.
The bottom line
You now have all the information you need to travel back to the 1960s to achieve an iconic hairstyle that will turn heads for all the right reasons.
Whichever look you go for, bear in mind our simple 1960s styling tips to achieve your chosen style to perfection. You can also find ionic 1980s hairstyles here.
Also, given the complexity of some of these haircuts, we advise you to consult your stylist, and it may even be a good idea to ask them to create the look on your behalf.
