Men's Hairstyles Of The 60s

A Blast from the Past: Exploring the Iconic Men's Hairstyles of the 1960s

The 1960s were a decade of dramatic social and cultural change, reflected vividly in the evolution of men's hairstyles. More than just a way to groom one's hair, these styles became powerful symbols of rebellion, conformity, and the changing times. From the slicked-back sophistication of the early years to the rebellious lengths and textures of the late '60s, men's hair became a canvas for expressing individuality and belonging to a specific counter-cultural movement. This article will delve deep into the iconic hairstyles of the 60s, exploring their origins, cultural significance, and the products that helped create these looks.

The Early 60s: Clean-Cut and Classic

The early 1960s, still echoing the conservatism of the 1950s, saw men sporting relatively neat and tidy hairstyles. Think clean-cut looks, often influenced by Hollywood heartthrobs and the prevailing societal norms.

• The Slicked-Back: This classic style, favored by businessmen and those aiming for a polished appearance, involved neatly combing hair back from the forehead, often with the aid of generous amounts of pomade or hair oil. The result was a sleek, sophisticated look, often paired with a sharp suit and tie. The emphasis was on precision and control, reflecting the relatively stable societal climate of the early 60s.

• The Side Part: A variation of the slicked-back, the side part involved parting the hair to one side, usually creating a neat, defined line. This style allowed for a slightly more casual look than the fully slicked-back version but maintained a degree of formality and neatness. Again, pomades and hair oils were essential for achieving this look.

• The Short Back and Sides: This style, characterized by short hair at the sides and back with slightly longer hair on top, offered a more versatile option. The hair on top could be styled in various ways, from a simple comb-over to a slightly more textured look. This haircut provided a balance between formality and a hint of individuality.

Products of the Era: Pomades, like Brylcreem and Murray's, were staples of the early 60s. These heavily oil-based products provided strong hold and a high shine, perfectly suited for the slicked-back and side-part styles. Hair oils were also commonly used to add shine and manageability.

The Mid-60s: The Rise of the Mod Look

As the decade progressed, so did the hairstyles. The mid-60s saw the emergence of the Mod look, a trend heavily influenced by British youth culture and the burgeoning music scene. This period marked a shift towards more textured and less rigidly controlled styles.

• The Beatles Cut: Arguably the most iconic men's hairstyle of the 1960s, The Beatles' mop-top became a global phenomenon. This style featured longer hair, typically worn down to the forehead with a fringe that sometimes covered the eyes. It was effortlessly cool, representing a rebellion against established norms and a rejection of the excessively formal styles of previous years. The seemingly effortless look belied the careful styling often required to achieve the desired texture and volume.

• The Short, Side-Swept Fringe: A slightly more refined version of the mop-top, this style involved shorter hair at the sides and back, with a longer fringe that was swept to the side. This look retained some of the rebellious spirit of the longer styles but offered a slightly more manageable and versatile option.

• The Ivy League: While retaining some elements of the earlier clean-cut styles, the Ivy League haircut allowed for a bit more volume and texture on top. The hair was generally shorter than the mop-top but longer than the previous conservative styles. This style projected a more sophisticated yet casual look, favored by those who wanted a stylish yet not overly rebellious appearance.

Products of the Era: With the move towards textured styles, hair tonics and lighter pomades gained popularity. These products offered less hold than the heavier pomades of the early 60s, allowing for a more natural and less slick appearance. The focus shifted from extreme shine to more natural texture and volume.

The Late 60s: The Rise of Longer Hair and Counter-Culture

The late 1960s witnessed a significant cultural shift, marked by the rise of counter-culture movements like hippiedom. This period saw a dramatic increase in the length and texture of men's hair, reflecting a rejection of established social norms and a celebration of individuality.

• Long Hair: The most striking change was the widespread adoption of long hair. This represented a bold statement against the prevailing societal expectations, becoming a symbol of rebellion, artistic expression, and association with various counter-culture movements. The length of the hair varied considerably, with some men letting their hair grow down to their shoulders or even longer. Maintaining long hair required specialized care and styling techniques, different from the shorter styles of earlier years.

• The Shag: This layered style created a textured, tousled look. It was a more informal and less structured look than the styles of previous years, reflecting the relaxed and unconventional nature of the late 60s counter-culture.

• The Afro: For Black men, the Afro became a powerful symbol of Black pride and cultural identity. This voluminous hairstyle, characterized by its natural texture and shape, served as a statement of self-acceptance and rejection of Eurocentric beauty standards. The Afro required specific grooming techniques and products to maintain its shape and volume.

Products of the Era: The late 60s saw the introduction of new hair products designed for longer hair. Hair conditioners became more readily available, helping to manage and style longer, often thicker hair. Also, various styling gels and mousses emerged, offering more versatility in creating textured styles.

The Science Behind the Styles: Hair Texture and Product Choice

The ability to achieve these iconic 60s hairstyles depended largely on individual hair texture and the appropriate hair products.

• Hair Texture: Fine hair would have required different products and techniques than thicker or coarser hair. For example, fine hair might have struggled to hold the volume needed for a mop-top, while thicker hair might have required additional products to manage its natural texture.

• Product Choice: The choice of pomade, hair tonic, gel, or mousse significantly influenced the final look. Heavier pomades created a slick, high-shine finish, while lighter products produced a more natural and textured effect. Experimentation with different products was key to achieving the desired style.

• Styling Techniques: From the careful precision of slicking back hair with a comb to the more relaxed approach of tousling longer hair with fingers, styling techniques played a crucial role. The tools used also mattered, ranging from simple combs and brushes to specialized combs for creating defined parts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: What was the most popular men's hairstyle in the 60s? A: While many styles were popular, The Beatles' mop-top achieved widespread recognition and cultural impact, becoming arguably the most iconic hairstyle of the decade.

• Q: How did men's hairstyles reflect the social changes of the 60s? A: Hairstyles directly reflected the changing social climate. The early 60s' neat styles reflected societal conservatism, while the later adoption of longer hair symbolized rebellion and counter-cultural movements.

• Q: What products were used to create 60s hairstyles? A: Pomades, hair oils, hair tonics, gels, and mousses were all used, with the choice of product depending on the desired style and hair texture.

• Q: Were there regional variations in 60s hairstyles? A: While many styles were adopted globally, regional variations existed, particularly influenced by local cultures and subcultures.

• Q: How did hairstyles differ between social classes in the 60s? A: While broad trends existed, hairstyles sometimes subtly reflected social class. For example, more formal styles might have been favored by higher social classes, while rebellious styles were more associated with youth and counter-culture movements.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Style and Self-Expression

The men's hairstyles of the 1960s were more than just a matter of grooming; they served as powerful symbols of a decade defined by rapid social and cultural transformation. From the clean-cut precision of the early years to the rebellious lengths and textures of the late '60s, these styles captured the spirit of the times, reflecting both conformity and a profound yearning for self-expression. The legacy of these iconic hairstyles continues to inspire modern stylists and serves as a reminder of the enduring power of hair as a form of personal and cultural statement. The styles of the 60s remain a testament to the dynamic interplay between individual style, social trends, and the evolving definition of masculinity.