60’s
1960s hairstyles range from the iconic, supremely classy Jackie-O, to the gargantuan beehive, to light and flowy hippie hair. Iconic hair figures from this historic era include Jackie-O, Dusty Springfield, and Diana Ross, all of which sported a signature style. Bobs, updos, and the ever so perfect flip were also prevailing looks in the transitioning times of the 1960s. And no one can forget the cropped cut, the shag, and of course, the wonderfully spherical afro haircut.
The 1960s were significant for myriad reasons, as this era represented a shift in social dynamics, the emergence of civil rights, free thinking hippy movements, and rebellion as well. Each of these sentiments were thoroughly communicated in hair, hair hair! And boy, were wigs popular in those days! This is perfectly understandable because visually speaking, beehives appear to be an impossible feat.
These hairstyles served a significant role of personal expression, weather worn as a wig, or actual hair. The 1960s represented the bridge between an era of strict family values, and one of reckless abandon. It was a time of impending rebellion, one in which previously conceived notions of what was traditional were thrown out of the window. Think of it this way. In just a few decades, people transitioned from delicate Eton crops and finger waves, to Janis Joplin waves, afros, shags, straight long hair, and beehives.
At this time, women were becoming increasingly independent and expressive in their ideas and sensuality, which is clear considering the length of the hair in this era. There was far more flexibility in hairstyle in the 1960, and women were no longer expected to restrict their hair style choices to short curls. Instead, hair became as free flowing as the evolving mindset at the time.
Many celebrities popularized specific hairstyles, and had a huge impact on their fans and admirers throughout the world. For example, Tina Turner often sported a lengthy beehive during her performances on stage, adding to her glamorous appeal. As one of the most famous entertainers of all time, she did something that was very common among entertainers of this era. Janis Joplin reinforced the significance of freedom, liberation, and non conformity, often displaying untamed, long wavy locks during performances.
This is a stark contrast to the 1950s, in which women were expected to present perfectly rounded curls of a particular length. It seems that women were beginning to define their own rules with regard to hairstyle. But even amid the free flowing hippy movement of this time, some continued to perpetuate the legacy of cookie cutter perfect hairstyles. For example, Jackie-O, and others, showcased an elegant bob with a flip. This flip trend was slightly less liberating than the untamed, Janis Joplin locks. But as one will note in subsequent eras afterward, the free flowing, voluminous hair stuck, and the short, regal, frozen curls were eventually dismissed as outdated.
If you are truly inspired by the rebellious, free thinkers of the 1960s, then be a living embodiment a hippie at your next costume party. There are many wigs on the market that cater to such 60s styles.