Few decades can rival the 1960s when it comes to hair that truly made a statement. It was a time of rebellion, femininity, elegance, and bold experimentation—all expressed through unforgettable hairstyles that defined the era. From voluminous bouffants and polished bobs to liberated long locks and mod-inspired pixies, ‘60s hair was all about structure and presence. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless glam of Brigitte Bardot, the mod coolness of Twiggy, or the counterculture waves of Woodstock, there’s a vintage-inspired style that can speak to your personal taste today. Modern takes on these hairstyles allow you to channel retro vibes while keeping it fresh and wearable. If you’re looking to infuse a bit of retro glam into your everyday look or for a bold themed transformation, these iconic ‘60s hairstyles are ready to inspire your next hair moment. Here are 10 styles that defined a generation—and still turn heads today.
1. The Beehive
The beehive is arguably the most iconic hairstyle of the ‘60s and for good reason—it’s big, bold, and undeniably glamorous. Popularized by singers like Dusty Springfield and The Ronettes, this towering style was all about volume and drama. To recreate it, hair is backcombed at the crown and pinned into a high dome shape, with the front section smoothed over for a polished finish. The beehive flatters the face by elongating its shape and drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones. Though it may look complex, modern beehive renditions are surprisingly wearable, especially when toned down slightly for everyday wear. Use a volumizing spray and a teasing brush to get that essential lift, and finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep it in place. Whether worn with a sleek dress or paired with winged eyeliner and bold lips, the beehive delivers instant retro drama with a touch of class. It’s a fabulous choice for formal occasions or any time you want to feel iconic.
2. The Bardot Bouffant
Inspired by the endlessly chic Brigitte Bardot, the Bardot bouffant is sultry, soft, and effortlessly feminine. This style typically features voluminous hair at the crown, combined with loose, face-framing waves and curtain bangs. Unlike the stiffer beehive, the Bardot bouffant has a relaxed, undone finish that gives it a sensual, romantic vibe. Achieving the look involves teasing the crown area to create lift, then loosely curling the mid-lengths and ends for texture and bounce. Use a large-barrel curling iron and finger-comb through for that airy, just-rolled-out-of-bed beauty. Curtain bangs are a must—they soften the face and elevate the retro appeal. Perfect for both casual and dressy occasions, this hairstyle works well on medium to long hair and flatters nearly every face shape. It’s effortlessly cool yet undeniably sexy, and it continues to be a go-to look for celebrities and fashion icons seeking a nod to 1960s French glamour.
3. The Mod Pixie
No ‘60s hair list would be complete without the mod pixie—a short, sleek cut that became the defining look of fashion models like Twiggy. The mod pixie is characterized by its ultra-short length, sharp lines, and side-swept or full fringe. It’s androgynous, striking, and incredibly modern even today. While this style may be bold, it brings out your features in the best possible way, making your eyes and cheekbones pop. Styling the mod pixie is surprisingly simple—just a touch of smoothing serum or lightweight pomade will keep it in check. You can also add volume at the crown for a mini lift, or keep it sleek and tight for maximum mod impact. It’s ideal for straight hair, but can be adapted slightly for wavy textures with the help of heat tools. This cut requires confidence, but it rewards with one of the most chic and maintenance-friendly retro styles out there. Clean, edgy, and powerfully feminine, the mod pixie is perfect for a strong, minimalist look with vintage roots.
4. The Flip Hairdo
The flip hairstyle was a fun, flirtatious favorite in the 1960s, seen on everyone from Mary Tyler Moore to Jackie Kennedy. This style featured shoulder-length or shorter hair with ends that were flipped outward, often paired with side or center parts. It was polished but playful, and brought a cheerful bounce to any outfit. To achieve the look, start with a blowout and use a round brush or a flat iron to curl the ends upward. Lock the flip in place with a bit of holding spray to ensure it maintains its bouncy edge all day. The flip can be styled tightly for a more formal, retro-glam finish, or worn looser and tousled for a breezy, everyday vibe. Modern versions often include layers for added movement or bangs for a softer touch. This style suits a variety of face shapes and hair textures, and it’s especially great for adding shape to limp or fine hair. It’s the perfect blend of retro charm and wearable fun.
5. The Sleek Headband Look
The sleek headband style was a mod-girl staple, as seen on icons like Audrey Hepburn and Ali MacGraw. It’s the epitome of ’60s minimalist chic: slicked-back hair paired with a thick statement headband that draws all the attention to the face. This look works best with straight or straightened hair, pulled back behind the ears and smoothed flat against the head. Use a shine serum or lightweight gel to get that clean, sculpted effect, and add a bold headband—either in patent leather, velvet, or a contrasting color—for that vintage punch. It’s incredibly easy to style and requires almost no heat tools or complicated techniques, making it perfect for low-maintenance fashionistas. Pair it with dramatic eye makeup and neutral lips for a complete ’60s mod vibe. This style is ideal for those who want a put-together yet playful retro look that takes less than ten minutes to achieve but still leaves a lasting impression.
6. The Bubble Flip Ponytail
The bubble flip ponytail was one of the most innovative and fun styles of the 1960s. Seen on youthful fashionistas and in pop culture, this hairstyle combined the structured elegance of a ponytail with playful volume bubbles and upward-flipped ends. Start with a high ponytail, then add hair elastics down the length of the ponytail every few inches. Gently tug at each section to create the signature bubble effect, and flip the tail end outward using a curling iron or a round brush. It’s cute, bold, and surprisingly modern—recent runways and red carpets have revived this look with great success. This hairstyle works best on medium to long hair and pairs well with side bangs or a deep side part. It’s perfect for themed parties, festivals, or even just an everyday statement look. The bubble flip ponytail brings out a carefree, creative energy that made the ‘60s such a standout decade in beauty and fashion.
7. The Half-Up Bouffant
This iconic hybrid style—half-up, half-down—was everywhere in the ‘60s, often paired with big lashes and big volume. The half-up bouffant offers the best of both worlds: the lifted crown of a beehive and the flowing length of loose locks. It’s flattering, easy to do, and extremely versatile. To create it, backcomb the crown section of the hair and pin it at the back of the head with a little bump of volume. Leave the lower half of the hair either straight, softly curled, or slightly waved. Finish the look with a satin bow or decorative clip for that extra vintage flair. This style works for all hair types and lengths just past the shoulders. It frames the face beautifully, adds height, and brings a soft retro glamour that’s equally fitting for casual brunches or elegant events. It’s a perfect go-to for those who want to dip into ’60s style without going all the way vintage.
8. The Long Hippie Waves
As the 1960s progressed, style turned from structured to free-spirited, and long hippie waves became a defining look of the era’s counterculture. Inspired by bohemian icons like Janis Joplin and Stevie Nicks (later in the ’70s, but rooted in the ’60s aesthetic), this look embraces natural texture and carefree movement. The key is soft, flowing waves that look like you’ve been dancing in a field, not sitting under a dryer. To get the look, use a wide-barrel curling iron to create large, loose curls, then brush them out for a soft wave. Add a center part and maybe a flower crown or beaded headband for that festival-ready vibe. This hairstyle is perfect for medium to long hair and works especially well on wavy or slightly curly textures. It’s romantic, wild, and earthy all at once, capturing the essence of the ‘60s freedom movement. Whether you’re going to a concert or just channeling retro energy, these waves always feel fresh.
9. The Structured Pageboy
The pageboy cut was a sleek and polished choice in the ‘60s, especially among women who wanted a clean, high-fashion edge. It featured hair that was blunt cut at chin length with curled-under ends and often paired with a smooth, rounded silhouette. Unlike the soft waves of the hippie style, the pageboy was about precision and symmetry. Achieve this look by using a flat iron or a round brush to curve the ends under, and keep the hair sleek with shine serum or styling cream. A blunt fringe or center part adds an extra layer of sophistication. This style is excellent for straight hair and suits oval or long face shapes beautifully. It’s a bold commitment to structure and refinement that still feels daring in its simplicity. The pageboy is ideal for professional settings or anyone craving a powerful, editorial aesthetic grounded in vintage cool.
10. The Teased Crown with Side-Sweep
The teased crown with side-swept bangs was a more understated yet undeniably stylish look of the ‘60s. It involved gently backcombing the hair at the crown to add subtle lift, while smoothing the rest of the hair into a graceful side sweep. This look was sophisticated but less dramatic than a full bouffant or beehive, making it a popular choice for everyday glamour. The key is to tease just enough to create volume at the crown without creating a hard helmet of hair. Then, brush the hair over to one side and pin discreetly, or leave it flowing down with a light wave. It works beautifully with medium-length hair and offers a flattering silhouette for round and square faces. Ideal for workdays or evening outings, this style blends the polish of vintage hair with a natural elegance that’s still completely relevant today.
The beauty of ‘60s hairstyles lies in their unapologetic boldness, their charm, and their timeless flair. Whether you’re drawn to the structured perfection of a beehive or the untamed freedom of hippie waves, these styles continue to inspire and empower. Reimagining vintage trends in a modern context lets you express both nostalgia and creativity, bringing the spirit of the ‘60s into the now. So grab your teasing comb, your boldest headband, and maybe a little hairspray—because retro hair is back, and it’s bigger (literally) than ever.
