Iconic Hairstyles of the 1960s
The 1960s were a decade of cultural revolution, and hair was right at the centre of it. From towering, glamorous volume to sharp, modern precision cuts, 60s hairstyles captured a era of liberation and reinvention. Here’s a look back at five of the decade’s most iconic women’s styles and the famous faces who made them.
The Bouffant — Brigitte Bardot
Brigitte Bardot was the face of 60s glamour, and the bouffant was its signature. Built by teasing and backcombing the hair into a rounded shape with height at the crown, the bouffant was voluminous, sophisticated and unmistakably elegant — a defining look of early-60s femininity.
The Mod Bob — Twiggy
British model Twiggy embodied 60s mod culture, and her sharp, sleek bob became its hair signature. A clean, chin-length cut with crisp edges, the mod bob was youthful and modern — a deliberate break from the more formal styles before it, and a reflection of the decade’s changing mood.
The Beehive — Dusty Springfield
Singer Dusty Springfield was famous for her dramatic beehive — the tall, conical style created by backcombing and styling the hair upward into that distinctive shape. Glamorous and instantly recognisable, the beehive was one of the boldest statements of the era.
The Five-Point Cut — Mary Quant
The geometric five-point cut was created by the legendary stylist Vidal Sassoon, and became closely associated with fashion designer Mary Quant, a leading figure of the Swinging Sixties. A precision cut with sharp angles and a bold, almost architectural shape, it was avant-garde for its time and hugely influential among the decade’s trendsetters.
The Flip — Jackie Kennedy
First Lady Jackie Kennedy was known for her polished, timeless style, and the flip was her signature look — shoulder-length hair with the ends curled neatly outward. Sophisticated yet approachable, it became a symbol of grace and elegance, and one of the most copied styles of the decade.
60s Hair Today
The 60s gave us two enduring ideas that still shape hair now: precision cutting — the mod bob and five-point cut paved the way for the sharp, geometric cuts we still love — and bold, confident volume. If a 60s-inspired look appeals, our stylists can take the spirit of any of these and adapt it into something modern and wearable. Have a browse of our ladies’ haircuts for ideas, or book a consultation.
Enjoyed this one? Take a look at our other decades too — 70s, 80s and 90s hairstyles.
