The '60s were a decade of immense cultural and societal change, and this spirit of transformation was also reflected in hairstyles—including the popularization of short hair on women. The "cabello corto" look, as it's known in Spanish, became a symbol of newfound liberations. Let's delve into the world of short hair from this iconic decade.
In the early 1960s, as hemlines rose, so did women's confidence. The suffragette movement of the past resonated in the echoes of women preferring practical, low-maintenance cuts. The "cabello corto" became more than just a hairstyle; it became a statement of modern womanhood.
The Iconic Bob Cut
The bob cut, a staple of the '20s, returned to the forefront of short hairstyles. But in the '60s, it was shorter and choppier, named the "(pageboy" cut) after the blunt bangs that fell to the eyebrows or slightly above, framing the face. It was a bold look, symbolizing a new era.
Pioneered by celebrity hairdresser Vidal Sassoon, the '60s bob was all about geometry and simplicity. It required precision but resulted in a sleek, modern look that suited all face shapes, making it a versatile choice.
The Bouffant Bob
Despite its simple base, the bob could be dressed up with volume at the crown, known as the bouffant bob. This added a playful touch, contrasting with the crisp, straight lines below.
This style was spotted on prominent figures like Twiggy, the British model who became a global icon. Her signature bouffant bob exemplified the mod style of the '60s, capturing the optimism and energy of the decade.
The Dixie Cut
A variation of the bob, the "Dixie" cut was a particularly short, often asymmetric style. Named after the southern U.S. state, it was a bold choice, requiring confidence to pull off.
The Dixie cut was often seen on youthful rebels, students, and working women. It was a practical cut, easy to style, and maintain—a function-first look that embodied the spirit of the decade's winds of change.
Influences from Around the World
The '60s was a decade of global influence, and hairstyles were no exception. The "cabello corto" trend was inspired by styles from other cultures, lending it an eclectic, diverse feel.
For instance, the Mod cut, popularized by London's King's Road and Carnaby Street, took inspiration from French kids' short, layered styles. Meanwhile, the '60s aprilie, a shorter, sweeter version of the pixie cut, was influenced by French New Wave films and stars like Jean Seberg.
The Pixie Cut
Made famous by Hollywood legends like Audrey Hepburn, the pixie cut reached new heights in the '60s. It evolved into a more angular, geometric style, with cropped lengths at the back and often longer bangs at the front.
Stars like Mia Farrow and Natalie Wood popularized this cut, which symbolized youth, innocence, and rebellion all at once.
Afro Hairstyles
For Black women, the '60s was a time of embracing natural hair textures. The Afro, a natural, rounded hairstyle, became a proud and defiant symbol of Black identity and culture.
Worn by icons like Angela Davis and Diana Ross, the Afro was more than just a hairstyle. It was a statement of resistance and a declaration of pride in one's heritage.
The '60s "cabello corto" movement was more than a fashion trend; it was a reflection of societal shifts. These new hairstyles signified freedom, practicality, and individuality. And while trends may change, the spirit of this decade lives on in our ongoing celebration of personal expression.