8 Iconic Hairstyles of the 60s, 70s, and 80s That You Need to See to Believe
When you think about the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, one of the first things that come to mind is probably the hairstyles.
Those decades were full of iconic looks that have stood the test of time.
From short and sleek styles to big and voluminous ‘dos, each era brought its own flair to hair fashion.
Want to know why these hairstyles are still loved today? Each decade’s trends reflected the cultural vibes and the spirit of the time.
Whether you’re reminiscing or looking for a fresh look inspired by the past, these hairstyles continue to influence and inspire.
1) The Beehive
The Beehive Hairdo was a big deal in the 1960s.
It was also known as the B-52, named after the airplane because it looked like the plane’s nose.
This hairstyle was all about volume.
Created by hairstylist Margaret Vinci Heldt in 1960, the Beehive quickly became a hit.
Women would tease their hair into a tall, rounded shape.
Hairspray was a must to keep everything in place.
You might remember stars like Audrey Hepburn rocking this style.
The Beehive wasn’t just for everyday wear; it was popular at parties and formal events too.
That bouffant look is still remembered today whenever people think back to the swinging ’60s.
2) The Pixie Cut
The pixie cut became super popular in the 1960s.
Stars like Mia Farrow made it famous with her short, boyish style in the movie Rosemary’s Baby.
This cut was all about showing off your face and felt fresh and modern.
In the 1970s, everyone wanted longer, flowing hair, so the pixie cut took a back seat.
The pixie cut came back strong in the 1980s.
Celebrities like Madonna rocked it, giving it a cool, edgy vibe.
Short hair was seen as bold and rebellious, making the pixie cut a statement look.
By the late 1980s and early 1990s, the pixie cut was popular again.
Stars like Demi Moore and Winona Ryder showcased it on the big screen.
This cut was versatile, fitting both casual and high-fashion looks.
With its many comebacks, the pixie cut has proven it’s here to stay.
It’s perfect if you love low-maintenance hair and want to make a stylish statement.
3) The Shag
The shag haircut became super popular in the ’70s and has had various comebacks since.
This style is known for its layered, choppy look.
It gives your hair a lot of volume and movement.
One of the most famous early examples of the shag was worn by Jane Fonda in the movie “Klute.” This look was edgy and modern for its time.
Farrah Fawcett also boosted its popularity with her feathered version on “Charlie’s Angels.”
The shag is great because it’s versatile.
You can have it short or long, with straight or curly hair.
It works well with different hair textures and face shapes.
If you like bangs, the shag often includes them.
You can go for a full fringe or just longer, wispy bangs.
This haircut needs some maintenance, but not too much styling.
It’s perfect for that effortless, rock-and-roll look.
When it comes to celebrities, apart from Jane Fonda and Farrah Fawcett, you’ve probably seen Taylor Swift and Alexa Chung rocking modern versions of the shag.
It’s a timeless style that keeps coming back in fashion.
4) The Afro
The Afro became iconic in the 1960s and 1970s.
You could see it everywhere, from TV shows to protests.
The Afro wasn’t just a hairstyle; it was a statement.
It symbolized Black pride and the fight for civil rights.
You might remember the Afro on famous figures like Angela Davis.
She wore it proudly, showing that natural hair was beautiful.
The style was also popular among musicians, like Michael Jackson in his early career.
In the 80s, the Afro’s popularity waned a bit, but it never truly went away.
People still embraced it for its bold and unique look.
Today, the Afro remains a powerful symbol of cultural identity and history.
You can still see it celebrated in modern fashion and media.
5) The Mullet
The mullet is a classic hairstyle that took off in the late ’70s.
It became super popular in the ’80s.
The look is simple: short in the front and sides, and long in the back.
David Bowie made the mullet famous with his Ziggy Stardust persona.
His red, spiky mullet was eye-catching and made the hairstyle cool.
In the ’80s, celebrities like Metallica’s James Hetfield and Billy Ray Cyrus wore mullets.
This showed how the style could fit different music genres.
The mullet was more than just a hairstyle.
It became a symbol of rebellion and nonconformity.
It stood against traditional beauty standards.
People from all backgrounds loved the mullet.
Whether you were into rock, country, or punk, the mullet was a go-to look.
So the mullet is more than just a hairstyle; it’s a cultural icon.
6) Farrah Fawcett’s Feathered Hair
Farrah Fawcett’s feathered hair was a huge hit in the 1970s.
This iconic style featured layers, giving hair a fluffy and voluminous look.
The feathered effect was achieved by cutting the hair in a way that made it fan out like feathers.
To get the perfect Farrah Fawcett look, you need to start with a good cut.
Hair should be held straight up and cut to a length of about three inches.
This length guides the rest of the layers.
Using a blow dryer and a round brush, you can create the signature feathered flip.
Brushing hair both inward and outward while drying helps achieve those soft, flicked-back edges.
A good clarifying shampoo helps keep your hair clean and free of buildup.
This makes styling easier and helps maintain that classic, airy look.
Farrah’s style works on many hair lengths but looks best with medium-length hair.
The key is in the layers and the way they frame your face.
You’ll have that effortless, glamorous look that defined an era.
7) The Mohawk
The Mohawk is one of the most daring hairstyles from the past few decades.
It stands out with its bold strip of hair running from the front to the back of the head, while the sides are shaved clean.
This look grabbed everyone’s attention in the 70s and 80s, especially in punk culture.
Originally, the Mohawk has roots in Native American tradition.
The name comes from the Mohawk nation, but the style we know today wasn’t its traditional hairstyle.
It got really popular in Hollywood in the 1939 film “Drums Along the Mohawk.”
Punk rockers in the 70s and 80s took the Mohawk to new levels.
They added bright colors and spiked the hair high.
Bands like The Clash and the Sex Pistols helped make this wild look famous.
It became a symbol of rebellion and nonconformity.
During World War II, some American soldiers in the 101st Airborne Division sported Mohawks to look fierce.
The hairstyle has changed a lot over the years.
Today, you might see a softer, more modern version or the full-blown, spiked style from punk rock days.
From its Native American origins to Hollywood and punk rock, the Mohawk remains an iconic style.
It’s a look that screams daring and different.
If you want to make a statement, the Mohawk might be the way to go.
8) The Dorothy Hamill Wedge
The Dorothy Hamill Wedge was a huge hit in the 1970s.
Dorothy Hamill, a famous figure skater, made this short, layered haircut super popular.
After she won a gold medal at the Winter Olympics in 1976, everyone wanted her look.
The Wedge haircut is known for its short length and full bangs.
It’s a bob with a twist, creating a voluminous shape.
Women of all ages tried it, making it a fashion statement.
This style is great for different face shapes and hair types.
It’s easy to manage and looks great, which made it popular even beyond the ’70s.
If you love retro hairstyles, the Dorothy Hamill Wedge is a classic.
Cultural Impact
The hairstyles of the 60s, 70s, and 80s weren’t just fashion statements; they were powerful symbols shaped by music icons, television, film, and global fashion trends.
Their influence reached every corner of society.
Influence of Music Icons
In the 60s, music icons like The Beatles changed hair trends with their “mop-top” hairstyles.
This look became hugely popular among young men.
Bob Dylan’s messy curls also inspired many.
The 70s saw the rise of disco, and big, voluminous hairstyles became the rage, thanks to artists like Donna Summer.
You’d also notice how punk rockers like Sid Vicious sported spiky hairstyles, seen as symbols of rebellion.
By the 80s, pop stars like Madonna and rock icons like Bon Jovi influenced hairstyles with their flamboyant, bold looks.
Crimped hair, mullets, and teased styles were everywhere, reflecting the vibrant and eclectic music scene.
Television and Film Trends
TV shows and movies hugely impacted hairstyles too.
In the 60s, TV series like “Bewitched” popularized sleek, elegant hairdos. “Star Trek” introduced unique styles like Mr. Spock’s straight cut and Captain Kirk’s voluminous look.
The 70s had shows like “Charlie’s Angels,” where Farrah Fawcett’s feathered hair became a must-have.
In movies, “Grease” revived 50s-inspired slick back hairstyles for men and bouffant styles for women.
During the 80s, shows like “Dynasty” featured big, glamorous hair, inspiring millions to use hairspray generously.
Movies like “Flashdance” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” made casual, tousled styles and soft curls immensely popular.
Global Fashion Statements
Hairstyles didn’t just stay within western pop culture.
In the 60s, fashion icons like Brigitte Bardot and Twiggy influenced women worldwide with their voluminous beehives and short, pixie cuts.
The 70s included global movements; Bollywood stars in India flaunted side-swept bangs and long, wavy hair, impacting fans everywhere.
By the 80s, globalization meant styles from Japan, like the “Harajuku” look, influenced western trends.
African-American hairstyles such as dreadlocks and afros gained mainstream popularity, symbolizing cultural pride and identity.
This cross-pollination of styles made the 80s especially dynamic and diverse in hair fashion.
Hair Care and Styling Techniques
During the 60s, 70s, and 80s, hair care and styling evolved with popular products, a balance between DIY and salon styles, and essential maintenance tips.
Popular Products
Hair sprays like Aqua Net were everywhere for keeping styles in place.
You probably saw a can on every dresser. Vidal Sassoon shampoos were trendy, promising salon-quality hair at home. Hot rollers were a must-have for creating big curls and waves.
Mousse and gel helped to add volume or keep the hair sleek and shiny.
Products emphasizing volume became a staple, especially in the 80s when bigger was always better.
Using the right product was key for anyone looking to maintain their look with flair.
DIY vs. Salon Styles
In the 60s, you might have tried the beehive at home, but many styles needed a professional touch.
Salon visits were common for perms and intricate updos.
The 70s brought more relaxed styles like feathered hair, which you could achieve at home with a blow dryer and brush.
By the 80s, you likely saw a mix of home and salon styles.
Crimping irons and home perm kits allowed for some creativity at home, while color treatments often required a trip to the salon.
The balance came down to complexity and personal skill.
Maintenance Tips
Caring for these iconic styles often meant regular trims to keep the shape.
You had to combat dryness from teasing and heat styling by using deep conditioners.
For those rocking perms, daily care included moisturizing shampoos and avoiding excessive brushing to prevent frizz.
Silk pillowcases helped reduce breakage caused by friction at night.
When styling with heat, always applying a heat protectant spray was important.
Learning proper hair care routines ensured your style stayed fresh and your hair healthy.