Iconic 60s Hairstyles for Women – Retro Haircuts Ideas to Bring Vintage Charm Back in Style
The 1960s was an era of iconic fashion and unforgettable 60s hairstyles – retro haircuts ideas that still inspire modern trends. From bold beehives to elegant bobs, the hairstyles of this decade continue to captivate. But what made these styles so special? Who do they suit, and how can you recreate these looks today?
Whether you’re drawn to vintage aesthetics or want an easy look for a themed party, this article covers 22 60s hairstyles – retro haircuts ideas for all hair types and occasions. Let’s dive into these retro hairstyles and learn how to bring a touch of the 60s into the modern world!
Beehive with Voluminous Height
The Beehive is synonymous with the 1960s, representing glamour and sophistication. This towering hairstyle, featuring a bouffant updo, is perfect for women with long hair looking to make a statement. Ideal for formal events or themed parties, the beehive works best on curly hair or short hair with added extensions. However, it may not suit those with fine hair, as it requires a lot of teasing for volume.
For maintenance and styling, use a volumizing mousse like L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse before blow-drying. Finish with TRESemmé Extra Hold Hair Spray to keep the height intact throughout the day. A teasing comb and patience are essential for achieving the classic Beehive look.
Classic Bouffant with Soft Waves
The Classic Bouffant was a go-to style for many in the late 60s, exuding elegance and charm. This curly hairstyle suits both long and short hair, adding volume and soft waves around the face. Women with oval or heart-shaped faces will find this style particularly flattering. It can also work as a wedding style for those seeking a retro vibe.
To achieve this look, start with OGX Moroccan Curling Perfection Defining Cream to enhance natural waves and add shine. Follow up with Pantene Pro-V Mousse Volume Body Builder to create the bouffant shape. Secure with bobby pins and finish with Garnier Fructis Style Anti-Humidity Hair Spray to ensure it lasts all day.
Retro Flip with Blunt Ends
The Retro Flip is another iconic style that gained popularity in the 1960s. This hairstyle suits women with either short or long hair, adding a playful touch with its ends flipped outward. It works well for those with triangle or square face shapes, as it softly accentuates facial contours. The Retro Flip is easy to achieve at home and is perfect for those who love simple and aesthetic looks from the past.
For this style, use John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum to achieve a smooth finish. Apply the serum to damp hair before blow-drying and use a round brush to flip the ends. Finish with Bed Head by TIGI Masterpiece Shine Hairspray for shine and long-lasting hold.
Sleek and Straight with Side Part
The Sleek and Straight with Side Part style is perfect for those who love simple yet elegant hairstyles. This look features a smooth finish with a side part that adds a modern twist with a hint of vintage flair. It works for any hair length but looks best on long or short hair that is naturally straight. If you have curly hair, you may need to straighten it first.
For a sleek finish, use L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold for reliable hold and shine. Apply John Frieda Frizz Ease Flat Iron Spray before straightening to protect against heat and add extra gloss.
Half-Up Beehive with Ribbons
This style combines the classic Beehive with a soft and cute look using ribbons, adding a touch of charm. The Half-Up Beehive is perfect for those who want to add volume to their hairstyle without pulling all their hair up. It suits medium to long hair and works well on both straight and curly hair. The ribbons provide a cute and playful accent, making it an excellent choice for themed parties or even weddings.
For this look, use Garnier Fructis Volume Anti-Humidity Spray to lock in volume and Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast for added texture. Secure the hairstyle with ribbons that contrast with your hair color to emphasize the details.
Short Pixie with Side-Swept Bangs
The Short Pixie with side-swept bangs is a bold style perfect for those who aren’t afraid to experiment. This style became popular in the early 60s and remains a favorite among women who prefer short hair. The bangs softly frame the face, making this style versatile for both black women and light-haired individuals. It’s especially flattering for those with delicate facial features.
For styling, use Redken Rewind 06 Pliable Styling Paste to add texture and Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Texture Spray for volume. Finish with Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Finishing Spray for a reliable hold.
Mod Bob with Blunt Fringe
The Mod Bob with a blunt fringe is a chic and retro hairstyle that became iconic thanks to 1960s fashion icons. This style features a straight bob with a blunt fringe that sits just above the eyebrows, adding a sharp, edgy look. It’s ideal for women with straight or slightly wavy hair and complements those with oval or round face shapes. However, if you have a very small forehead, the blunt fringe may not be as flattering.
To achieve this sleek, straight look, use Chi Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray before flat-ironing your hair. For extra shine, finish with Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine Spray, which will give your hair a radiant glow and keep it looking polished all day.
Wavy Bob with Flip Out Ends
The Wavy Bob with Flip Out Ends is a fun and flirty hairstyle that brings a vintage flair to any look. With soft waves and ends that flip out, this style is perfect for short hair and suits a variety of face shapes. It’s particularly flattering on women with long necks, as it draws attention upward. The flipped-out ends give a carefree, aesthetic feel, perfect for both casual and formal occasions.
To create this look, apply Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray to damp hair for natural waves. After drying, use a flat iron to flip the ends outward and finish with Kenra Volume Spray 25 for long-lasting hold and volume.
Bouffant Updo with Curls
The Bouffant Updo with Curls is a classic look from the late 1960s that offers volume and elegance. This updo combines a voluminous bouffant with soft curls, creating a balanced and glamorous look. It’s perfect for women with long hair, though those with short hair can achieve it with extensions. This style suits a variety of face shapes and is ideal for formal occasions or weddings, where you want a vintage touch.
To create this look, use Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Plus Volumizing Spray Mousse at the roots for lift. Curl the ends with a Conair InfinitiPRO Curling Iron to get soft curls and finish with Sebastian Shaper Plus Hairspray for a flexible hold that lasts all day. Accessorize with a few bobby pins and a touch of hair oil for shine.
French Twist
The French Twist is a sophisticated 60s hairstyle that adds a touch of Parisian elegance. With its sleek, twisted shape, it’s ideal for formal occasions, from modern weddings to classy evenings out. This style suits women with long hair and works well with oval and heart-shaped faces. It’s less suited to curly hair, as the twist relies on smoothness.
For this style, start with Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray to protect and smooth the hair. Create the twist and secure it with bobby pins. Add a decorative accessory, like a Scunci Vintage Rhinestone Hair Comb, for a finishing touch. Spray with Oribe Superfine Strong Hair Spray for hold.
Low Chignon with Side Bangs
The Low Chignon with Side Bangs offers an elegant, understated look that was popular among women in the late 50s and early 60s. This style is best for those with long hair, although it can be adapted for medium lengths. It’s perfect for weddings and other formal events, with the side bangs adding a soft, feminine touch. This look suits those with square or heart-shaped faces, as it frames the face nicely.
To achieve this style, apply Aveda Smooth Infusion Nourishing Styling Creme to reduce frizz. Gather the hair at the nape of the neck and secure it into a chignon. Use L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray for hold and finish with a shine serum like Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum.
Soft Curls with Floral Accents
Soft Curls with Floral Accents is a romantic 60s hairstyle that brings a touch of nature into the vintage look. This style works best on long hair and is perfect for weddings or outdoor gatherings, where the floral elements add an organic charm. It suits women with curly hair naturally, though those with straight hair can achieve the look with curling tools. This style is particularly flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces.
To create this look, apply Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Curl Smoothie to define and soften curls. After curling, use small decorative flowers or floral pins to accentuate the hairstyle. Secure with Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray to keep curls in place and provide a natural shine.
Glamorous Updo with Rhinestone Pins
The Glamorous Updo with Rhinestone Pins is a sophisticated style that embodies the glamour of the 60s hairstyles – retro haircuts ideas. This updo is ideal for formal events, adding sparkle with rhinestone pins that elevate the look. It’s suited to long hair or short hair with extensions, especially for those who want a polished look. This style suits almost any face shape, bringing a touch of elegance to both young and mature women.
Start with Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray to add volume at the roots. Shape the updo using bobby pins and accentuate it with rhinestone hairpins. To finish, apply CHI Enviro 54 Firm Hold Hair Spray for a lasting hold that keeps everything in place.
Deep Side Part with Curls
The Deep Side Part with Curls is a sultry retro hairstyle that combines volume and waves. This look is perfect for those with long hair or curly hair, adding depth and dimension to the style. It works well for women with square or round face shapes, as the side part elongates the face. This look is versatile, suited for both casual outings and more formal events, depending on how it’s styled.
For styling, start with Oribe Curl Gloss Hydration & Hold to enhance natural curls. Create a deep side part and use a curling iron to define the curls further. Finish with Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast to add volume and ensure the curls hold throughout the day.
Finger Waves with Glossy Finish
The Finger Waves with Glossy Finish is a throwback to the elegance of the 50s and 60s. This style suits short hair and is a staple for those who want a dramatic, aesthetic look. It’s perfect for formal occasions or weddings, where you want to make a statement. This style flatters oval, square, and heart-shaped faces, and is particularly popular among black women for its simple yet chic appeal.
To achieve this look, use Suavecito Pomade to create the waves, working it into damp hair and shaping with a comb. Finish with John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum to add a glossy, polished finish that holds throughout the event.
Vintage Victory Rolls
Vintage Victory Rolls are a staple of retro fashion, popular in both the 50s and early 60s. This style, featuring two large rolls on top, brings a touch of vintage elegance to any look. It suits long hair or short hair with extensions and is ideal for formal occasions or themed events. Women with square or oval face shapes will find this style particularly flattering.
To create Victory Rolls, apply TIGI Catwalk Root Boost Spray for volume and use a curling iron to create the rolls. Secure them with bobby pins and finish with Bed Head by TIGI Hard Head Hairspray for a strong hold. Add a small accessory, like a flower pin, for added flair.
Curtain Bangs with Soft Volume
Curtain Bangs with Soft Volume bring a timeless look that’s both modern and reminiscent of the 60s. This style works well on long hair and adds softness around the face, making it perfect for oval and heart-shaped faces. It’s versatile, suitable for both everyday wear and formal occasions, offering a simple yet chic look.
For styling, apply L’Oréal Paris Air Dry It Ruffled Body Mousse to add texture. Dry the bangs with a round brush to create soft volume and finish with Paul Mitchell Super Clean Spray for a light hold. The curtain bangs can also be parted to the side for a more relaxed look.
Bardot-Inspired Half-Up Style
The Bardot-Inspired Half-Up Style is an iconic look that adds a touch of romance and elegance. This updo works beautifully for long hair and is a favorite for formal events, especially weddings. It suits various face shapes, particularly round and heart-shaped faces, as the volume at the crown elongates the face.
To achieve this style, use Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse to add volume at the roots. Tease the crown and secure the top section of hair, leaving the bottom layers loose. Finish with Kérastase Laque Couture Medium Hold Hairspray for a natural, flexible hold that keeps the style in place.
Hollywood Curls with Side Part
Hollywood Curls with Side Part exudes vintage glamour and is a nod to 50s and 60s movie stars. This look features large, defined curls with a deep side part, perfect for formal events and adding a touch of old Hollywood elegance. This style works best on long hair and is particularly flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces.
For this style, start with Garnier Fructis Curl Construct Mousse to add volume and hold. Use a large-barrel curling iron to create the curls and set with Sexy Hair Big Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray for a strong, lasting hold that keeps the curls bouncy and voluminous.
Sleek Beehive with Headband
The Sleek Beehive with Headband is a classic updo from the 60s that adds height and elegance. This style works well for long hair or short hair with extensions, as the beehive shape requires volume. The headband adds a simple and stylish accent, making it ideal for formal events or weddings. This look is particularly flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces.
To style, apply Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam to add volume and set the beehive shape. Secure the beehive with bobby pins and add a headband for a polished finish. Use Oribe Superfine Hair Spray for a strong hold that keeps the beehive in place all day.
Soft Waves with Volume at the Roots
Soft Waves with Volume at the Roots is a timeless aesthetic look that suits both long and medium hair lengths. This easy style adds volume and movement, making it perfect for curly hair or straight hair with added waves. It’s especially flattering on round and oval faces, as the volume at the roots helps elongate the face and add balance.
To create this style, apply Living Proof Full Thickening Cream to damp hair, focusing on the roots. Use a curling iron to add soft waves, and finish with L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray to keep the volume and waves intact throughout the day.
Pinned Curls with Side Swoop
The Pinned Curls with Side Swoop is a glamorous 60s hairstyle that combines volume and sophistication. This look features curls pinned to one side with a soft swoop across the forehead, making it perfect for formal events and weddings. It’s best suited to long hair or short hair with extensions, and it’s particularly flattering on oval and square face shapes, as the side swoop creates a balanced effect.
To achieve this look, use OGX Locking + Coconut Curls Air Dry Cream for defined curls, then set the curls with pins to one side. Add John Frieda Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Firm Hold Hairspray for extra hold and shine. This style is best complemented with a few delicate accessories, like pearl pins or a small decorative comb.
Conclusion
The 60s hairstyles – retro haircuts ideas offer a world of inspiration for those looking to add a touch of nostalgia and glamour to their look. Whether you’re drawn to the cute and simple styles or the more intricate updos, there’s something here for everyone. Try recreating these looks at home and embrace the charm of the 60s! Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your favorite style!
