Hairstyles have always played an important role in fashion and culture. The 1960s were a decade of social change and self-expression, and this was reflected in the popular hairstyles of the time. From the beehive to the bowl cut, the 1960s produced some iconic hairstyles that are still popular today. In this article, we will discuss the most popular hairstyle in the 1960s, its evolution, and the impact it had on society.
The Most Popular Hairstyle in the 1960s: The Bob
The bob, a sleek and sophisticated short hairstyle, was the most popular hairstyle of the 1960s. The bob was made famous by Vidal Sassoon, who developed the geometric, angular style in the early 1960s. The bob was a departure from the long, curled hairstyles of the 1950s and was seen as a symbol of modernity and independence.
The bob was originally worn as a chin-length, blunt cut with no fringe, but it evolved throughout the decade to include variations such as the pageboy and the graduated bob. The pageboy was a longer version of the bob that had a fringe and was curled under at the ends. The graduated bob was a layered version that was shorter at the back and longer at the front, with the hair gradually getting longer towards the face.
The popularity of the bob was helped along by celebrities such as Twiggy, who became a fashion icon of the 1960s with her short, boyish haircut. The bob was versatile and could be styled in a variety of ways, from sleek and straight to curly and tousled.
The Impact of the Bob on Society
The bob had a significant impact on society in the 1960s. It broke with traditional gender roles, as it was a short hairstyle that could be worn by both men and women. Women who wore the bob were seen as independent and modern, and the style became a symbol of women’s liberation.
The bob was also a popular choice among African American women, who were embracing their natural hair textures and styles. The style was particularly popular among members of the Black Panther Party, who wore their hair in a natural afro or a shortened version of the bob.
The bob’s popularity continued into the 1970s but began to decline as longer, layered hairstyles became more fashionable. However, the bob would continue to be reinvented and adapted over the years, making it a timeless hairstyle that is still popular today.
FAQs
Q. How long did it take to style a bob in the 1960s?
A. The time it took to style a bob in the 1960s would depend on the individual’s hair type and the style they were going for. Generally, a bob could be styled in 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time and effort the individual wanted to put into it.
Q. Who made the bob hairstyle popular in the 1960s?
A. The bob was made popular in the 1960s by hairstylist Vidal Sassoon, who developed the geometric, angular style that became synonymous with the decade.
Q. Was the bob considered a radical hairstyle in the 1960s?
A. Yes, the bob was considered a radical hairstyle in the 1960s, as it was a departure from the long, curled hairstyles of the 1950s. The bob was seen as a symbol of modernity and independence and was embraced by women who were breaking with traditional gender roles.
Q. Was the bob popular among men in the 1960s?
A. Yes, the bob was a popular hairstyle for men in the 1960s, particularly among those who were interested in fashion and style. Famous male bob wearers of the time include The Beatles’ Paul McCartney and actor Terence Stamp.