Groovy ‘Dos: A Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering Iconic 1960s Hairstyles

The 1960s – a decade of revolution, innovation, and unforgettable style. From the beehive to the bouffant, the decade’s hairstyles were as bold and expressive as the music and fashion of the time. Want to capture some of that vintage glamour? This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating several iconic 1960s hairstyles, offering detailed, step-by-step instructions that even a beginner can follow. So, tease your hair, grab your hairspray, and get ready to unleash your inner Mad Men muse!

## Why 1960s Hairstyles Still Reign Supreme

Before diving into the how-to, let’s explore why these hairstyles remain so popular.

* **Timeless Elegance:** There’s a reason why many of these styles are still seen on red carpets and runways. They possess a classic elegance that transcends trends.
* **Versatility:** From the sleek and sophisticated to the playfully voluminous, 1960s hairstyles offer something for everyone and every occasion.
* **Confidence Boost:** There’s something empowering about rocking a bold, retro look. These hairstyles instantly elevate your style and boost your confidence.
* **Nostalgia:** For many, these styles evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminding them of a simpler, more glamorous time.

## Essential Tools for 1960s Hairstyling

To achieve authentic 1960s looks, you’ll need the right tools. Investing in quality products and equipment will make the process easier and yield better results.

* **Teasing Comb:** This is your best friend for creating volume. Look for a comb with fine, closely spaced teeth.
* **Round Brush:** Essential for blow-drying and creating soft curls and waves.
* **Hair Dryer:** A powerful hair dryer will speed up the styling process and help set your style.
* **Hair Rollers:** Available in various sizes, hair rollers are crucial for creating bouncy curls and waves, especially for the bouffant and French twist styles. Heated rollers can speed up the process, but traditional rollers provide a longer-lasting hold.
* **Bobby Pins:** Invest in a good supply of bobby pins in various colors to match your hair. They’re essential for securing your style and hiding flyaways.
* **Hair Clips:** Sectioning clips will help you manage your hair while styling.
* **Hairspray:** A strong-hold hairspray is crucial for keeping your style in place. Look for a formula that provides hold without making your hair feel stiff or sticky. Consider using a light-hold spray for initial shaping and a stronger one for final setting.
* **Mousse or Volumizing Spray:** Apply to damp hair before blow-drying to add volume and texture.
* **Shine Serum:** A small amount of shine serum can add polish and reduce frizz.
* **Headscarves:** These were a popular accessory in the 1960s and can be used to add a touch of vintage flair to your look. Silk or satin scarves are ideal.
* **Hair Accessories:** Headbands, barrettes, and decorative combs can be used to personalize your style.

## Iconic 1960s Hairstyles: Step-by-Step Guides

Now, let’s get to the fun part! Here are detailed, step-by-step instructions for recreating some of the most iconic 1960s hairstyles.

### 1. The Classic Beehive

The beehive, popularized by stars like Audrey Hepburn and Dusty Springfield, is the ultimate symbol of 1960s glamour. It’s a dramatic, voluminous updo that’s perfect for special occasions.

**Difficulty:** Intermediate

**What You’ll Need:**

* Teasing comb
* Round brush
* Hair dryer
* Hairspray (strong hold)
* Bobby pins
* Hair clip (optional)
* Hair donut (optional, for extra height)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prep Your Hair:** Start with clean, dry hair. If your hair is freshly washed, apply a volumizing mousse to the roots to give it some grip. Blow-dry your hair using a round brush, lifting at the roots to create volume.
2. **Section Your Hair:** Divide your hair into three sections: the top section (from your forehead to the crown of your head), the middle section (from the crown to the back of your head), and the bottom section (the remaining hair at the nape of your neck). Clip the bottom section out of the way.
3. **Tease the Middle Section:** This is where the magic happens. Take small, 1-2 inch sections of the middle section, starting at the crown of your head. Hold each section straight up and use the teasing comb to backcomb towards the roots. Start about 2-3 inches from the roots and work your way down, using short, quick strokes. The goal is to create a dense, matted texture that will provide support for the beehive. Spray each teased section with hairspray to set it.
4. **Shape the Beehive:** Once you’ve teased the entire middle section, gently smooth the surface with your hand or a soft brush. Be careful not to brush out the teasing. Shape the hair into a rounded beehive shape. If you want extra height, you can place a hair donut at the base of the beehive before smoothing the hair over it.
5. **Secure the Beehive:** Use bobby pins to secure the beehive to your head. Insert the pins horizontally, pushing them into the teased hair to hold the shape in place. Use plenty of pins to ensure the beehive is secure and won’t collapse.
6. **Tease the Top Section:** Now, tease the top section of your hair in the same way as the middle section, but less aggressively. You want to create volume without making it too bulky. The top section will be used to cover the teased middle section and create a smooth, polished finish.
7. **Smooth the Top Section:** Gently smooth the top section over the beehive, covering the teased hair. Use a soft brush to smooth out any bumps or flyaways. The goal is to create a seamless transition between the top section and the beehive.
8. **Secure the Top Section:** Use bobby pins to secure the top section to the beehive, tucking the ends underneath the beehive and pinning them in place.
9. **Style the Bottom Section:** You have several options for styling the bottom section of your hair. You can curl it with a curling iron or hot rollers, creating soft waves or ringlets. Alternatively, you can smooth it down and pin it into a chignon or French twist. The choice is yours, depending on the look you want to achieve.
10. **Finish with Hairspray:** Once you’re happy with the shape and style of your beehive, give it a generous coating of strong-hold hairspray. This will keep it in place all day (or night!).

**Tips for Beehive Success:**

* **Practice makes perfect:** Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect. The beehive takes practice to master.
* **Tease strategically:** Focus on teasing the roots of your hair, rather than the ends. This will create volume without making your hair look frizzy.
* **Use the right products:** A strong-hold hairspray is essential for keeping your beehive in place.
* **Don’t be afraid to experiment:** Try different variations of the beehive, such as adding a side part or incorporating braids.
* **Have Fun!**

### 2. The Bouffant

The bouffant is another iconic 1960s hairstyle, characterized by its voluminous, rounded shape. Unlike the beehive, the bouffant is typically worn with the hair down, creating a softer, more romantic look. Think Jackie Kennedy or Brigitte Bardot.

**Difficulty:** Intermediate

**What You’ll Need:**

* Teasing comb
* Round brush
* Hair dryer
* Hair rollers (various sizes)
* Hairspray (medium to strong hold)
* Bobby pins

**Instructions:**

1. **Prep Your Hair:** Start with clean, dry hair. Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry it using a round brush, lifting at the roots to create volume.
2. **Set Your Hair with Rollers:** This step is crucial for creating the bouffant’s signature volume. Use a combination of medium and large hair rollers to set your hair. Roll the hair away from your face, starting at the hairline. Focus on setting the hair at the crown of your head, as this is where you’ll want the most volume. Leave the rollers in for at least 30 minutes, or longer for a more dramatic effect. You can use heated rollers to speed up the process.
3. **Tease Your Hair:** Once you’ve removed the rollers, gently tease the hair at the crown of your head using a teasing comb. Focus on teasing the roots of the hair, creating a dense, matted texture. Be careful not to over-tease, as this can make your hair look frizzy.
4. **Shape the Bouffant:** Gently smooth the teased hair with your hand or a soft brush, shaping it into a rounded bouffant. Be careful not to brush out the teasing. Use bobby pins to secure the bouffant to your head, pinning the hair at the sides and back of your head.
5. **Style the Front:** The front of your hair can be styled in a variety of ways. You can create a side part and sweep the hair to one side, or you can create a center part and leave the hair loose and flowing. You can also add bangs, either straight or side-swept.
6. **Finish with Hairspray:** Once you’re happy with the shape and style of your bouffant, give it a generous coating of medium to strong-hold hairspray. This will keep it in place without making it look too stiff.

**Tips for Bouffant Beauty:**

* **Rollers are key:** Don’t skip the roller set! It’s essential for creating the bouffant’s signature volume.
* **Tease strategically:** Focus on teasing the roots of your hair, rather than the ends.
* **Experiment with different front styles:** Try different parts and bang styles to find the look that suits you best.
* **Keep it soft:** The bouffant should be voluminous, but not stiff. Use a medium-hold hairspray to keep it in place without making it look too rigid.

### 3. The French Twist

The French twist is a classic updo that was popular in the 1960s for its sophisticated and elegant look. It’s a great option for formal events or any occasion where you want to look polished and put-together.

**Difficulty:** Intermediate

**What You’ll Need:**

* Teasing comb
* Hairspray (medium hold)
* Bobby pins
* Hair clip

**Instructions:**

1. **Prep Your Hair:** Start with dry hair that hasn’t been freshly washed; day-old hair works best as it has more texture. If your hair is too clean and slippery, apply a texturizing spray.
2. **Tease Your Hair (Optional):** For added volume and hold, lightly tease the hair at the roots, especially around the crown. This will give the twist more body and prevent it from slipping.
3. **Create a Low Ponytail:** Gather your hair as if you’re going to make a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, slightly off-center (either to the left or right, depending on which side you prefer the twist to be). Hold the ponytail firmly.
4. **Twist the Ponytail:** Twist the ponytail upwards towards the crown of your head, creating a vertical roll. Keep the twist tight and secure as you go.
5. **Tuck and Pin:** Once you’ve twisted the ponytail all the way up, tuck the ends of the hair into the roll, creating a smooth and seamless finish. Use bobby pins to secure the twist to your head. Insert the pins vertically along the twist, making sure they are hidden from view.
6. **Secure the Twist:** Use plenty of bobby pins to secure the twist, especially at the top and bottom. The goal is to create a firm and stable structure that won’t unravel.
7. **Smooth and Shape:** Once the twist is secured, gently smooth the surface with your hands, tucking in any loose strands. You can also use a comb to smooth out any bumps or flyaways.
8. **Add Hairspray:** Finish with a medium-hold hairspray to keep the twist in place and add shine.

**Variations:**

* **Loose French Twist:** For a more relaxed and romantic look, create a looser twist and allow some strands to fall out around your face.
* **Braided French Twist:** Incorporate a braid into the twist for added texture and visual interest. You can braid a section of hair along the hairline and then incorporate it into the twist, or you can create a separate braid and pin it to the twist.
* **Accessorized French Twist:** Add a decorative comb, barrette, or headband to dress up your French twist for a special occasion.

### 4. The Pageboy

The pageboy, a sleek and polished hairstyle, was a favorite of women who preferred a more understated yet elegant look. Characterized by its smooth, rounded shape and curled-under ends, the pageboy is a timeless style that can be adapted for various hair lengths.

**Difficulty:** Beginner

**What You’ll Need:**

* Round brush
* Hair dryer
* Curling iron (optional)
* Hairspray (light to medium hold)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prep Your Hair:** Start with clean, damp hair. Apply a smoothing serum or leave-in conditioner to add shine and reduce frizz. This is crucial for achieving the pageboy’s signature smoothness.
2. **Blow-Dry with a Round Brush:** Using a round brush, blow-dry your hair in sections, directing the airflow downwards. As you blow-dry, curve the ends of your hair inwards, towards your face. The goal is to create a smooth, rounded shape with the ends curled under.
3. **Curl the Ends (Optional):** If your hair doesn’t naturally curl under, or if you want a more pronounced curl, use a large-barrel curling iron to curl the ends of your hair inwards. Hold the curling iron horizontally and curl the ends of your hair away from your face. Be careful not to over-curl, as you want a soft, natural-looking curl.
4. **Smooth and Shape:** Once you’ve blow-dried or curled your hair, gently smooth the surface with your hands, tucking in any loose strands. The goal is to create a smooth, rounded shape with the ends curled under.
5. **Add Hairspray:** Finish with a light to medium-hold hairspray to keep the pageboy in place and add shine. Avoid using too much hairspray, as you want the hair to look natural and not stiff.

**Tips for Pageboy Perfection:**

* **Start with smooth hair:** The pageboy is all about sleekness, so start with smooth, frizz-free hair.
* **Use a round brush:** A round brush is essential for creating the pageboy’s signature rounded shape.
* **Curl the ends gently:** Don’t over-curl the ends of your hair. You want a soft, natural-looking curl.
* **Keep it simple:** The pageboy is a simple and elegant hairstyle, so don’t overcomplicate it with too many accessories or embellishments.

### 5. The Pixie Cut (1960s Style)

The pixie cut, famously sported by Twiggy and Mia Farrow, was a revolutionary hairstyle in the 1960s. It represented a departure from the long, flowing locks of previous decades and embraced a more modern, edgy aesthetic. While a true pixie requires a haircut, you can style shorter hair to mimic the look.

**Difficulty:** Beginner (Styling)

**What You’ll Need:**

* Texturizing spray or mousse
* Hair wax or pomade (optional)
* Hairspray (light hold)

**Instructions (for styling short hair):**

1. **Prep Your Hair:** Start with clean, dry hair. Apply a texturizing spray or mousse to your hair to add volume and definition. This will help you create the piecey, textured look that’s characteristic of the 1960s pixie.
2. **Create Texture:** Use your fingers to tousle your hair and create texture. Lift the hair at the roots to add volume. You can also use a small amount of hair wax or pomade to define individual strands and create a more structured look.
3. **Style the Bangs:** The bangs are an important part of the 1960s pixie look. Style your bangs to the side, creating a soft, wispy fringe. You can use a small amount of hair wax or pomade to hold the bangs in place.
4. **Add Hairspray:** Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the pixie in place and add shine. Avoid using too much hairspray, as you want the hair to look natural and not stiff.

**Tips for Pixie Power:**

* **Texture is key:** The 1960s pixie is all about texture, so don’t be afraid to tousle your hair and create a messy, undone look.
* **Style the bangs:** Pay attention to the bangs, as they are an important part of the overall look.
* **Keep it short:** If you’re considering getting a pixie cut, keep it short and choppy for an authentic 1960s vibe.

## Modern Twists on Classic 1960s Hairstyles

While staying true to the original styles is fun, you can also incorporate modern elements for a contemporary twist.

* **Braids:** Add braids to any of these styles for a touch of bohemian flair. A small braid woven into a bouffant or a braided headband incorporated into a beehive can look stunning.
* **Color:** Experiment with modern hair colors. Pastels, ombré, or even bold, vibrant hues can update a classic 1960s hairstyle.
* **Accessories:** While headscarves and headbands are traditional, consider using modern accessories like jeweled clips, statement earrings, or even a delicate chain worn across the forehead.
* **Texture:** Play with different textures. A slightly messy beehive or a textured French twist can give these classic styles a more relaxed and modern feel.

## Final Thoughts

Mastering these iconic 1960s hairstyles is a fun and rewarding way to express your personal style and tap into a timeless era of glamour. With a little practice and the right tools, you can recreate these looks and make them your own. So, go ahead, tease your hair, spray it with hairspray, and embrace the fabulousness of the 1960s!

Now go forth and create! Don’t forget to experiment, have fun, and find the 1960s hairstyle that makes you feel like the ultimate vintage queen.