15 Hairstyles From The '60s That Took Hours

Ah, the swinging ’60s — a decade where style didn’t whisper, it shouted, and hair? Hair practically had its own zip code.

This was the era when gravity was optional, hairspray was essential, and your ‘do said as much about you as your go-go boots or vinyl record collection. Whether you were channeling the poised polish of Jackie Kennedy or rocking the edgy vibes of the Mod scene, your hair wasn’t just styled — it was engineered.

From sky-high beehives to flippy ponytails with attitude, these iconic hairstyles were more than trends; they were personality in motion. Each look was a labor of love (and backcombing), drenched in determination and a lot of product.

So grab your teasing comb, snap on a headband, and join us for a playful stroll down memory lane — where every strand told a story, and looking fabulous was absolutely worth every second in front of the mirror.

1. The Beehive

Why yes, that is six inches of sculpted hair on top of my head. And yes, it does double as a storage unit for secrets, snacks, and sass. This towering masterpiece required a delicate balance of backcombing and hairspray — enough to hold a small hair revolution on my head.

Picture this: hours in front of the mirror, teasing each strand as if my social life depended on it. And perhaps it did, for the beehive wasn’t just a hairstyle; it was a declaration of independence and style. This gravity-defying marvel became synonymous with elegance and was sported by the likes of Brigitte Bardot and Dusty Springfield.

Every hair had its place, and the construction was as intricate as building a skyscraper. It wasn’t just about height, but about achieving the perfect silhouette. This style was not for the faint-hearted; it was for the bold, the daring, and those who wanted to keep the world guessing what they might be hiding in their hive.

2. The Bouffant

The higher the hair, the closer to the cosmos. It took a teasing comb, a can of Aqua Net, and the patience of a saint, but girl, you looked like a walking Fabergé egg. Creating a bouffant was more than a morning routine; it was a spiritual journey.

In the 1960s, the bouffant was the hairstyle du jour for every woman who dreamed big. As you meticulously teased each section, you knew you were crafting more than just a look; you were crafting a legacy. With each spray of hairspray, you sealed not just your curls, but your place in the social stratosphere.

Every strand had to align perfectly, culminating in a dome of impeccably styled tresses. The bouffant wasn’t just about fashion; it was about making an impression. Whether you were heading to the grocery store or a gala, your hair entered the room before you did, turning heads and stopping conversations.

3. The Flip

Business in the roots, party at the tips. Just one aggressive flick of the ends and the whole room knew you meant fabulous business. The flip was the quintessential 1960s hairstyle for women who wanted to turn heads with a simple yet chic statement.

Creating the perfect flip required strategic curling and a flick of the wrist that only the truly dedicated could master. It was the kind of style that combined the best of both worlds: sleek at the top and flirty at the bottom. With the right amount of hairspray, those ends stayed perky all day, ready for any occasion.

The flip wasn’t just a hairstyle; it was an attitude. It said, “I might be here to dance, but watch out, because I’m also here to conquer.” Whether you were at a dance hall or a dinner party, that sassy flip ensured all eyes were on you.

4. The Mod Pixie

Sleek. Sharp. So cool it needed a leather jacket. If your cheekbones could cut glass and your eyeliner could kill a man, this was your look. The mod pixie cut was for the bold and the brave, a haircut that carried the spirit of rebellion and sophistication.

The mod pixie wasn’t just about chopping your hair; it was about embracing a lifestyle. This daring look required precision and confidence, turning heads wherever you went. It was the hairstyle of choice for icons like Twiggy, who made it a symbol of the swinging ’60s fashion revolution.

With its sharp lines and chic appeal, the mod pixie was a declaration of independence. It wasn’t just about looking good; it was about making a statement, one that said you were ahead of the curve and didn’t follow the rules.

5. The Pageboy

Think: medieval haircut but make it fashion. Smooth, curved under, and guaranteed to look perfect right up until humidity walked into the room. The pageboy was a sophisticated choice for those who appreciated elegance and simplicity.

The pageboy cut required precision and a steady hand. Its perfectly rounded silhouette was both fashionable and functional, framing the face like a masterpiece. This style was for the woman who wanted to look polished, whether she was at the office or at an evening event.

Despite its simplicity, the pageboy made a significant impact. It was a timeless look that transcended trends, embodying a sense of grace and poise. The pageboy was the hairstyle of choice for women who wanted to exude confidence and sophistication.

6. The Bubble Cut

Helmet hair, but make it chic. It looked like your hair was preparing for liftoff—a spherical crown of perfectly puffed curls that said, “I’m sophisticated, but I’ll party if there’s fondue.” The bubble cut was all about volume and style.

Creating the perfect bubble required patience and a keen eye for detail. Each curl had to be just right, forming a cohesive, rounded look that spoke volumes about your grooming skills. This hairstyle was the epitome of 1960s glamour, worn by those who wanted to make a grand entrance.

The bubble cut wasn’t just about looking good; it was about embracing the spirit of the era. It was a hairstyle that oozed confidence and sophistication, perfect for women who wanted to stand out in any crowd. Search query: ‘1960s Bubble cut hairstyle cocktail party’.

7. The Brigitte Bardot

Half-up, all-attitude. This sultry, tousled style said, “I woke up like this,” but the bobby pin graveyard in your bathroom said otherwise. The Brigitte Bardot hairstyle was the epitome of sensuality and effortless chic.

Achieving this look required a combination of teasing, pinning, and a touch of laissez-faire attitude. It was a style that embraced imperfection, allowing stray strands to fall naturally, adding to its allure. This hairstyle was perfect for those who wanted to channel their inner French icon.

The Brigitte Bardot wasn’t just a hairstyle; it was a lifestyle choice. It spoke of late nights, romance, and a certain je ne sais quoi that only the truly daring could pull off.

8. The Teased Ponytail

Ponytail? Sure. But first: tease it to the heavens. Add a ribbon, some eyeliner, and maybe a revenge plot. Perfection. The teased ponytail was the ultimate power statement for women who wanted to combine elegance with a touch of rebellion.

Creating this look involved hours of backcombing and strategic pinning. It was not just about gathering hair into a ponytail; it was about crafting a masterpiece that stood tall and proud. This hairstyle was for the fashion-forward woman who wasn’t afraid to make her mark.

The teased ponytail wasn’t just about hair; it was about attitude. It was a look that demanded attention and respect, perfect for anyone ready to take on the world in style. Search query: ‘1960s Teased ponytail fashion studio’.

9. The Sleek Middle Part

No volume, no drama — just dead center part, long shiny strands, and a silent protest against hairspray. Joan Baez is weeping somewhere. The sleek middle part was the go-to look for the bohemian soul who embraced simplicity and natural beauty.

Creating this look was all about achieving the perfect balance. The middle part required precision and patience, ensuring each strand fell perfectly in place. This hairstyle embodied the free spirit of the ’60s, a nod to the era’s focus on peace and love.

The sleek middle part wasn’t just about hair; it was about lifestyle. It represented a choice to embrace authenticity and reject societal norms. It was a look that celebrated individuality and personal freedom. Search query: ‘1960s Sleek middle part hairstyle music festival’.

10. The French Twist

Elegant. Dramatic. Not waterproof. You looked like you were about to attend a royal gala… even if you were just going to Safeway. One wrong move, though, and that twist unraveled faster than your last relationship.

The French twist required skill and precision. It was a hairstyle that embodied grace, perfect for those who wanted to make a statement of elegance. Despite its complexity, it was a timeless look that never went out of style.

The French twist was more than just a hairstyle; it was a piece of art. It required patience and a steady hand, resulting in a look that was both sophisticated and classic. This hairstyle was for the woman who wanted to exude confidence and poise.

11. The Jackie Kennedy

Grace under hair pressure. Perfectly shaped, perfectly sprayed, perfectly First Lady. Ideal for inspiring a nation—or at least impressing your bridge club. The Jackie Kennedy hairstyle was the epitome of understated elegance and sophistication.

Creating this look required precision and attention to detail. Every strand had to be in place, forming a perfectly rounded silhouette that exuded confidence and poise. This hairstyle was synonymous with class and was the go-to look for women who wanted to embody the grace of the First Lady.

The Jackie Kennedy wasn’t just about hair; it was about style. It represented a choice to embrace elegance and sophistication, making it the perfect look for any formal occasion.

12. The Bardot Bangs

A curtain call for your forehead. They weren’t just bangs—they were mood lighting for your face. Voluminous, split in the middle, and loaded with mystery. The Bardot bangs were the ultimate choice for those who wanted to add a touch of drama to their look.

Creating the perfect Bardot bangs required precision and a flair for the dramatic. They needed to frame the face just right, adding a sense of allure and sophistication. This hairstyle was perfect for anyone looking to channel their inner Brigitte Bardot.

The Bardot bangs weren’t just about style; they were about attitude. They represented a choice to embrace boldness and individuality, making them the perfect addition to any fashion-forward look.

13. The Mop Top

Because The Beatles did it first. Unisex and undeniably groovy. If your hair looked like it belonged to a charming British musician with too many fans, you were doing it right. The mop top was a symbol of the ’60s music revolution.

Creating this look was all about achieving the perfect balance between length and volume. The mop top was both casual and cool, making it the ideal choice for anyone looking to embrace the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.

The mop top wasn’t just a hairstyle; it was a lifestyle. It represented a choice to embrace individuality and reject conformity, making it the perfect look for anyone ready to shake things up.

14. The Afro

Bold. Beautiful. Revolutionary. Natural hair loud and proud. This wasn’t just a hairstyle—it was a political statement wrapped in glorious coils. Power to the people.

Creating the perfect Afro required patience and a love for natural beauty. It was all about embracing what nature gave you and celebrating it in its full glory. This hairstyle was a symbol of pride and empowerment, a celebration of one’s heritage.

The Afro wasn’t just about hair; it was about identity. It represented a choice to embrace authenticity and reject societal norms, making it the ultimate statement of self-expression.

15. The Wig Life

Because who has time every day? You think she grew that ‘do overnight? No ma’am—she kept a rotation of wigs named like hurricanes and wore them like royalty.

The wig life was all about versatility and convenience. It allowed women to change their look at a moment’s notice, perfect for those who wanted to keep things fresh and exciting. This hairstyle was a nod to the fast-paced lifestyle of the 1960s.

The wig life wasn’t just about practicality; it was about empowerment. It represented a choice to embrace change and creativity, making it the perfect option for anyone looking to express themselves in new and exciting ways.