The 1960s were a decade of transformation, not just in fashion and music, but also in beauty standards. One of the most iconic trends to emerge was big hair, a bold statement of femininity, confidence, and independence. Women like Jackie Kennedy, Brigitte Bardot, and Jane Fonda redefined beauty with their voluminous locks, setting the stage for a style revolution. These women didn’t just follow trends—they became the trend, inspiring countless others to embrace their own unique version of big hair. Let’s revisit the unforgettable figures who made big hair a lasting symbol of glamour.

Jackie Kennedy: The First Lady Who Set the Standard

When Jackie Kennedy became the First Lady in 1961, her impeccable style instantly caught the public’s eye. Her bouffant hairstyle quickly became one of the most iconic looks of the decade. Whether it was her perfectly teased hair, styled into a flipped-up bob or brushed back into a sleek shoulder-length ‘do, Jackie’s hair embodied grace, elegance, and understated glamour.

Her bouffant became a trend-setting look, with women flocking to salons across America to replicate it. Jackie Kennedy’s hair was more than just a style; it was a statement of class and sophistication that made waves in both political and fashion circles. Even today, her iconic bouffant remains a symbol of timeless beauty.

Video

Watch the video showcasing vintage 1960s hairdos with big hair.

Jane Fonda: Bringing Big Hair to Hollywood

As a prominent actress in the 1960s, Jane Fonda was no stranger to the spotlight, and her hair quickly became a defining aspect of her persona. Fonda’s transformation from a model to a Hollywood star included embracing big, voluminous hairstyles, often paired with her youthful energy and stunning beauty.

Her big, bouncy curls epitomized the glamor of the 1960s, and her hairstyles were often as bold as her roles in film. Whether she was starring in movies or gracing the covers of magazines, Jane Fonda’s big hair symbolized her status as a leading lady in Hollywood, a look that still resonates with modern beauty standards today.

Raquel Welch: Hollywood Glamour with a Bold Mane

Raquel Welch’s stunning looks and bombshell hair cemented her place as one of the most iconic actresses of the 1960s. Known for her larger-than-life presence on screen, Welch often sported luxurious, voluminous hair that framed her face in big, bold waves.

Her hairstyles, often paired with her sultry persona, made her an undeniable sex symbol of the era. From her role in “One Million Years B.C.” to countless other films, Raquel Welch’s voluminous locks became her signature, influencing generations of women to embrace their hair’s natural volume and texture.

Catherine Deneuve: French Chic Meets the Bouffant

Catherine Deneuve, with her sophisticated beauty and graceful elegance, was the embodiment of French chic in the 1960s. Deneuve’s signature bouffant hairstyle became one of the most admired looks of the time.

Her approach to big hair was more refined, often incorporating subtle volume and soft waves. As the quintessential French style icon, Catherine Deneuve showed women how to incorporate a touch of glamour into their everyday lives, proving that big hair didn’t have to be over-the-top to make a statement.

Brigitte Bardot: The French Bombshell’s Tousled Bouffant

Another French icon who made big hair an essential part of her beauty regimen was Brigitte Bardot. Known for her bombshell status and free-spirited attitude, Bardot’s tousled, voluminous bouffant became a symbol of laid-back glamour.

Her hair was often styled with just the right amount of lift, paired with a few strategically placed curls that gave off an effortlessly chic vibe. Brigitte Bardot’s ability to combine sexy with casual made her a style icon, and her big hair remains synonymous with the “French girl” look that continues to inspire fashion and beauty trends to this day.

Sharon Tate: The ’60s Sex Symbol with Perfect Curls

Sharon Tate’s ethereal beauty and big, glamorous curls made her one of the most memorable figures of the 1960s. Known for her roles in films like “Valley of the Dolls” and her tragic fate, Sharon Tate’s long, voluminous curls were as iconic as her acting career.

Her hair added a softness and femininity that complemented her onscreen roles as the innocent yet seductive woman. Sharon Tate’s big hair remains a hallmark of ’60s beauty, influencing how women embrace volume and texture in their own hair.

Jean Shrimpton: Supermodel With the Perfect Tease

Known as one of the first supermodels, Jean Shrimpton was a style icon in the ’60s who often sported big, teased hair. Her voluminous style was effortlessly chic, perfectly paired with her iconic doe-eyed look and youthful persona.

Shrimpton’s big hair wasn’t just about volume; it was about embracing the fullness of the era, making a bold yet approachable statement about beauty. Her hairstyle perfectly encapsulated the high-fashion vibe of the time, and her influence continues to be felt in the fashion world today.

Julie Christie: Hollywood’s Effortlessly Glamorous Icon

Julie Christie’s iconic big hair, often styled in soft waves or voluminous curls, defined her status as one of Hollywood’s most glamorous leading ladies. Her hair was as bold and dynamic as her performances, and it became a staple of her stunning looks in films like “Darling” (1965).

Christie’s ability to blend big hair with elegance made her one of the most admired stars of the 1960s, and her looks still serve as an inspiration for women seeking to replicate her timeless style.

Nancy Sinatra: Big Hair, Big Style

The daughter of Frank Sinatra, Nancy Sinatra carved out her own space in the 1960s music and fashion scenes. Known for her bold voice and signature big hair, Nancy embraced the voluminous, teased styles of the era.

Her big, voluminous hair became a central element of her iconic style, which was playful and dramatic, setting her apart from other pop stars of the time. Nancy Sinatra’s big hair added to her bombshell persona and solidified her as a 1960s style icon.

Ann-Margret: The Pin-Up Girl with Bold Hair

Ann-Margret’s big, bold hair was just as glamorous as her acting career. Known for her red locks and larger-than-life persona, Ann-Margret’s voluminous hair became synonymous with her energetic, bubbly personality.

Her hair, often styled in big, full curls, was as much a part of her image as her performances. Ann-Margret’s bold style continues to influence how women embrace volume and personality in their hairstyles today.

Video

Watch the video of a 1960s blonde hairdo with big hair, styled by a hairdresser.

Conclusion: Embracing Big Hair, Then and Now

The 1960s were a defining decade in beauty, with big hair becoming one of the most iconic and influential trends of the era. The women who embraced this bold look were not only beauty icons but also trailblazers who changed the way we view femininity, glamour, and confidence. Today, big hair continues to make a statement, inspiring a new generation of women to embrace their natural volume, texture, and individuality. From Jackie Kennedy’s elegance to Brigitte Bardot’s carefree charm, these women showed us that bigger really is better, and that a bold hairstyle can speak volumes about who you are.