For those that were experiencing the culture of the ’60s was a movement back into becoming youthful. The trends during this time for those during this time included several changes that were influenced by the political changes as well as the pop culture. This specific time was influenced by the hippie movement, which was defined by those who were looking for youth and freedom. This was further influenced by changes such as the civil rights movement, which brought the spotlight into different styles and concepts of culture. The 1960′s hairstyles that grew from this reflected the youthful desires that were a part of this historical decade.
For men, the styles began to be influenced through different cultural spotlights. For instance, the main stream influence included crew cuts, which were shorter lengths in hair that was easier to maintain. However, youth that were in the hippie movement would often have longer hair styles for men that naturally would grow out. Those in the business world took a different approach to youth with shorter cuts and parts on one side of the head to show a more conservative side to the culture of the time. The growth of the civil rights movement also brought in different cuts for men, specifically with the Afro cut from the African – American culture, which included tighter curls that were longer in length and that grew straight above the head.
Women also have several different looks that were a part of the division into specific cultures. The main cultural influences began with bouffant hairstyles. This included medium to long length hair that was straightened and had a higher length that was pulled back on the top. This would bob on the side, which created a look that could be used for a casual, comfort look and which also was used for women moving into the work force. Women were also known to have either very short hair or long hair, dependent on the cultural expression they were a part of. Wearing the hair down; however, was known across all cultural affiliations.
The different influences that were reflected with the 1960′s hairstyles were a direct relationship to the specific cultural divisions being expressed during this time. From the concepts of freedom to youth were several who were finding a new way to express themselves with the influences of fashion and hair at the basis.
