Popular Men’s Hairstyles of the 1960s

The 1960s brought about a major transformation in the way men dressed. The decade stood as a transition period between the conservatism of the 1950s and the more carefree nature of the 1970s. In contrast to the more subdued style of the ‘50s, men began wearing bolder and more colorful styles as a way of expressing themselves. The changes in men’s hairstyles also reflected the social currents and upheavals of the time.

The Mop-Top

The Beatles were ‘60s icons in more ways than one. Aside from being known all over the world for their catchy tunes, this band also became one of the style icons of the decade. All four members sported a hairstyle that became known as the mop-top, with bangs that reached the eyebrows and hit the shirt collar at the back. This particular hairstyle became so popular that other rock groups at the time emulated it, including The Rolling Stones, The Doors, and Herman’s Hermits. The style’s popularity continued all the way up until very recently, with Justin Bieber sporting the haircut during the early days of his career.

The Crew Cut

While there were plenty of striking changes to men’s fashion and hairstyles in the 1960s, there were certain aspects of the previous decade that remained. The crew cut was a clean-cut and wholesome style preferred by more conservative boys and men. Achieving this look is easy and the process is pretty straightforward – all it takes is a set of hair clippers. The crew cut was also known as the “flat top” or the “buzz cut” because of the flat appearance of one’s hair on the top of the head. The crew cut continues to be a mainstay in barber shops around the world.

The Rockabilly Look

The rockabilly look, also known as the pompadour look, was another style that was carried over from the 1950s. Unlike the more wholesome crew cut style that was popular with conservative boys and men, this swept-up and wavy hairstyle had a sexier look and was associated with musical acts like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. This hairstyle was short in the back and long in the front and was held together by generous amounts of wax or other similar products. This style served a practical purpose for Elvis, too – he could dance and groove onstage without his hair getting in his eyes.

The Afro

The late 1960s saw major changes in American society. Aside from the rise of various women’s rights movements that sought to protect and empower women, there was also a rise in black power movements that emphasized racial pride among African-Americans in the United States. Some African-American men and women began to shy away from the more relaxed and straightened hairstyles worn by caucasians and began to wear their hair with a more natural curl and texture. This hairstyle would become known as the “afro” in homage to Africa. The funky style continued to flourish well into the 70s, and some men and women sport variations of the afro to this day.