Timeless Charm: Embracing 60s Hairstyles for the Modern Vintage Lover

The swinging 60s was an era of revolutionary fashion and unforgettable hairstyles. Today, these iconic looks are making a major comeback, with vintage enthusiasts and modern trendsetters alike embracing the charm of 60s-inspired hair. Whether you’re dressing up for a retro-themed party or simply want to infuse your everyday look with a touch of vintage glamour, this guide will walk you through some of the most beloved 60s hairstyles and how to achieve them. Get ready to turn heads and channel your inner 60s icon!

Polished Curtain Bangs Shag: A 60s Revival

The curtain bangs shag is a perfect blend of 60s style and modern sensibility. This versatile look features face-framing layers and a middle part, creating a soft, romantic frame for your face.

How to achieve the look:

1. Start with freshly washed and conditioned hair.
2. Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair, focusing on the roots.
3. Blow-dry your hair using a round brush, creating volume at the crown.
4. Once dry, use a flat iron to smooth out any frizz and create subtle bends in the layers.
5. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to maintain the shape without stiffness.

Styling tip: For added volume, try backcombing the crown area gently before smoothing the top layer.

Way Out Bouffant: The Height of 60s Glamour

The bouffant is perhaps one of the most iconic 60s hairstyles, characterized by its impressive height and voluminous crown. This dramatic look is perfect for making a statement at special events.

Steps to create a bouffant:

1. Start with day-old hair for better grip and texture.
2. Section off the crown area and backcomb thoroughly.
3. Smooth the top layer of hair over the backcombed section.
4. Secure the style with bobby pins and a strong-hold hairspray.
5. Use a fine-toothed comb to smooth any flyaways.

Pro tip: For extra hold, try using a volumizing powder at the roots before backcombing.

Classic 60s Pin Curls: Vintage Glamour Redefined

Pin curls are a quintessential 60s look that creates beautiful, defined curls. This technique is perfect for achieving that classic vintage look.

How to create pin curls:

1. Start with damp hair and apply a setting lotion.
2. Take small sections of hair and roll them tightly towards the scalp.
3. Secure each curl with bobby pins.
4. Allow hair to dry completely (overnight is best).
5. Gently remove pins and brush out curls for a soft, vintage look.

Styling secret: For a more modern take, leave the curls tighter at the bottom and looser at the top for a beautiful cascade effect.

The 60s Bardot Ponytail: Effortless Chic

Named after the iconic Brigitte Bardot, this flirty ponytail combines volume at the crown with a sleek tail for a look that’s both playful and sophisticated.

Creating the Bardot ponytail:

1. Tease the hair at the crown for volume.
2. Smooth the top layer over the teased section.
3. Gather hair into a high ponytail, leaving out face-framing pieces.
4. Secure with an elastic and wrap a small section of hair around to hide it.
5. Gently pull at the crown for added volume and softness.

Style tip: For a more formal look, curl the ponytail and the face-framing pieces with a curling iron.

Bob with Hair Headband: A Touch of 60s Whimsy

This playful style combines a sleek bob with a hair headband for a look that’s both cute and sophisticated.

Achieving the look:

1. Style your bob as usual, focusing on creating a smooth, polished look.
2. Take a small section of hair from behind one ear.
3. Braid this section and bring it across the crown of your head.
4. Secure the braid behind the opposite ear with bobby pins.
5. Tuck any loose ends under and secure with more pins.

Pro tip: For added interest, try incorporating a ribbon or decorative hair accessory into the braid.

Hippie Chic Hairstyle: Free-Spirited 60s Vibes

Embrace your inner flower child with this relaxed, bohemian-inspired style that epitomizes the free spirit of the late 60s.

Creating hippie chic hair:

1. Start with second-day hair for natural texture.
2. Create loose waves using a large-barrel curling iron.
3. Part hair down the middle for an authentic 60s look.
4. Braid small sections near the face for a boho touch.
5. Add a floral crown or headband for the ultimate hippie vibe.

Styling suggestion: For a more modern twist, try a fishtail braid instead of traditional braids.

Elegant 60s Updo: Timeless Sophistication

This refined updo combines the volume of the 60s with a sleek, polished finish, perfect for formal events or weddings.

Steps for the elegant updo:

1. Tease hair at the crown for volume.
2. Smooth the top layer over the teased section.
3. Gather hair at the nape of the neck and twist upwards.
4. Secure with bobby pins, creating a smooth, rounded shape.
5. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray for lasting elegance.

Pro tip: Add a decorative hair comb or jeweled pins for extra glamour.

Glam Chignon: 1960-Inspired Hairsyle

The chignon gets a 60s makeover with added volume and texture, creating a look that’s both classic and contemporary.

Creating a glam chignon:

1. Tease hair at the crown and smooth over.
2. Gather hair into a low ponytail.
3. Twist the ponytail and wrap it around its base.
4. Secure with bobby pins, tucking in any loose ends.
5. Gently pull at the chignon for a fuller, more relaxed look.

Styling secret: For a more textured look, try curling your hair before creating the chignon.

Long Shag with Voluminous Crown Layers: 60s Rock ‘n’ Roll

This edgy style combines the length of 70s hair with the volume and layers characteristic of the 60s, creating a look that’s both retro and modern.

Achieving the long shag:

1. Ask your stylist for long layers with shorter layers around the crown.
2. Style with a volumizing mousse and blow-dry for maximum volume.
3. Use a large-barrel curling iron to create loose waves throughout.
4. Tease the crown area for added height.
5. Finish with a texturizing spray for piece-y definition.

Pro tip: For a more authentic 60s look, try flipping out the ends of your hair with a flat iron.

Retro French Twist: Elegance with a 60s Twist

The French twist gets a 60s makeover with added volume at the crown and a slightly messier finish.

Creating a retro French twist:

1. Tease hair at the crown for volume.
2. Gather hair to one side and begin twisting upwards.
3. Secure the twist with bobby pins as you go.
4. Tuck the ends into the twist and secure.
5. Gently pull at the style for a softer, more relaxed look.

Styling suggestion: Leave out a few face-framing pieces for a softer, more romantic look.

Brigitte Bardot Ponytail: The Ultimate 60s Sex Symbol Look

This iconic style, popularized by French actress Brigitte Bardot, combines volume, texture, and a carefree attitude.

Steps to achieve the Bardot ponytail:

1. Start with second-day hair or add texture with dry shampoo.
2. Tease the crown area thoroughly for maximum volume.
3. Smooth the top layer over the teased section.
4. Gather hair into a high ponytail, leaving out face-framing pieces.
5. Secure with an elastic and tease the ponytail for added texture.
6. Finish by curling the face-framing pieces away from the face.

Pro tip: For an authentic 60s look, add a ribbon or scarf tied around the base of the ponytail.

Conclusion:

The 60s was a decade of bold fashion choices and even bolder hairstyles. From the sky-high bouffants to the relaxed hippie waves, these iconic looks continue to inspire and delight hair enthusiasts today. Whether you’re looking to channel your inner Brigitte Bardot or simply want to add a touch of retro charm to your everyday look, these 60s-inspired hairstyles offer something for everyone.

Remember, the key to nailing any vintage hairstyle is confidence. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and products to find what works best for your hair type and face shape. And most importantly, have fun with it! After all, the 60s were all about self-expression and breaking the mold.

So go ahead, tease that crown, flip those ends, and embrace your inner 60s icon. With these timeless styles in your beauty arsenal, you’re sure to turn heads and make a statement, no matter the occasion. Here’s to bringing a little bit of that swinging 60s magic into the modern day!