As the calendar turned to 1960, the world stood on the cusp of a transformative decade. Hairstyles, ever a reflection of societal changes, began to shift from the polished looks of the 1950s towards more expressive and voluminous styles. This pivotal year marked the beginning of a hair revolution that would define an era.
The bouffant emerged as one of the most iconic hairstyles of 1960. This voluminous style, characterized by hair teased at the crown to create height and fullness, symbolized the growing desire for boldness and self-expression. Women of all ages embraced the bouffant, from young trendsetters to elegant First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, whose refined version of the style became emblematic of the new decade’s sophistication or 1960s Hairstyles .
For those seeking a more subdued elegance, the French pleat, also known as the French twist, gained popularity in 1960. This classic updo involved smoothing the hair back and twisting it upward against the head, securing it with pins. The French pleat offered a versatile option suitable for both daytime affairs and evening events, embodying the grace and refinement that remained from the previous decade.
Men’s hairstyles in 1960 began to show signs of the impending cultural shift, though they remained relatively conservative compared to the styles that would emerge later in the decade. The short, neat look of the 1950s still dominated, but slight variations began to appear. Some men opted for a bit more length on top, allowing for a touch of personality with side-swept bangs or a modest pompadour and Afro Hairstyles .
1960’S Hairstyles For Men 2025-2024
The pixie cut, while not new to 1960, experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to fashion icons like Twiggy. This short, boyish cut featured closely cropped sides and back with slightly longer hair on top. The pixie cut of 1960 was often softer and more feminine than its later iterations, sometimes styled with gentle waves or curls to maintain a delicate appearance.
Beehive hairstyles, which would become a defining look of the 1960s, began to emerge in 1960. This sky-high style, created by backcombing hair into a cone-like shape, represented the growing trend towards more dramatic and attention-grabbing looks. While the beehives of 1960 were generally more modest than they would become in subsequent years, they still made a bold statement and hinted at the extravagant styles to come.
For African American women, the 1960s marked the early stages of a significant shift in hairstyle preferences. While straightened styles remained common, there was a growing interest in embracing natural hair textures. This subtle change laid the groundwork for the natural hair movement that would gain momentum later in the decade, reflecting the burgeoning civil rights movement and a renewed sense of cultural pride.
Accessories played a crucial role in 1960 hairstyles. Headbands, often wide and decorated with bows or flowers, were popular for both practical and aesthetic reasons. They helped maintain the volume of bouffant styles while adding a touch of youthful charm. Decorative combs, hair pins, and even small hats were also used to enhance and personalize hairstyles, allowing for individual expression within the broader trends.
As 1960 drew to a close, it was clear that a new era of hairstyling had begun. The year served as a transitional period, blending the refined elegance of the 1950s with hints of the boldness and individuality that would define the rest of the decade. From the sophisticated bouffants and French pleats to the emerging beehives and pixie cuts, 1960 hairstyles set the stage for a decade of unprecedented creativity and self-expression in personal grooming and fashion.
