1. Beehive Hair
The beehive was the queen of ’60s hair, towering above everyone like a perfectly shellacked monument. Women would spend hours teasing and spraying their hair into place, hoping it wouldn’t topple over by lunchtime. It was dramatic, glamorous, and a little bit stressful if you think about the amount of hairspray involved. These hairstyles could literally add inches to someone’s height, which probably helped with confidence too. But if a gust of wind hit, all bets were off. Maintenance was no joke, since many women slept with scarves wrapped tightly around their heads. Today, most of us would panic at the thought of that much teasing. But back then, the higher the hair, the closer to fabulous.
It’s wild now to imagine walking around with a structure that felt more like an architectural project than a hairstyle. Yet, women embraced it proudly, taking serious pride in their perfect beehive shapes. The style instantly made someone look glamorous and “done,” even if getting ready took forever. Photographs from the era show how extreme some of these hairdos got, practically defying gravity. The trend faded by the ’70s, but it still pops up for themed parties and retro-inspired photoshoots. Looking back, it’s equal parts impressive and unbelievable. The commitment alone deserves an award. And honestly, part of us kind of misses the drama.
2. White Frosted Lips
White frosted lipstick was the ultimate cool-girl look in the ’60s, and everyone wanted in on it. It gave that icy, otherworldly vibe that looked futuristic at the time. This trend was especially popular with mod fashion and those bold patterned dresses. Women paired it with dramatic cat-eye eyeliner for the full effect. It was edgy, chic, and just the slightest bit strange in certain lighting. The finish often looked more like metallic paint than makeup. Still, people swore it was the height of sophistication. Today, it reads more Halloween costume than everyday glam.
What makes it look so wild now is just how pale it actually was. The frosted shade washed out the lips completely, creating an almost ghostly look. Makeup artists today tend to use shimmer sparingly, but the ’60s went all in. The shine was intense, especially under flash photography. It’s one of those trends you can’t stop staring at because it’s equally fascinating and baffling. Some beauty lovers have tried bringing it back in softer versions, but nothing comes close to the original frost. And honestly, maybe that’s for the best.
3. Twiggy Lashes
Twiggy’s influence on ’60s beauty was massive, and her signature lashes became a full-on trend. Women drew on exaggerated lower lashes to mimic her wide-eyed doll-like look. Mascara wasn’t enough, so out came the eyeliner and the steady hands. It was dramatic and required precision to avoid looking smudgy. The finished vibe was a bit surreal but undeniably iconic. Teens especially loved trying to copy it, even if it meant redoing the look several times. Many photos from the era show clumpy, spidery lashes that were totally intentional. Today, we’d probably reach for a spoolie to fix it, but back then it was perfect.
The look feels wild now simply because it was so bold and so literal. People were basically drawing lashes onto their faces, and no one thought twice about it. Makeup was becoming more experimental, and this trend reflected that shift. It was a way to stand out and show personality without saying a word. Still, you had to commit to the maintenance, since the lines had to be crisp. Some retro-themed shoots bring it back, but day-to-day life? Probably not. It’s definitely one of the most memorable ’60s beauty quirks. And it’s impossible not to smile when you see it now.
4. Helmet Hair
Helmet hair was a highly controlled, ultra-structured look that barely moved an inch. Women styled their hair into perfectly rounded shapes that stayed frozen in place, no matter what the day brought. The amount of hairspray used could probably stiffen concrete. It gave a polished, “nothing can shake me” vibe that was very much in style at the time. But it took dedication to sculpt everything just right. Many women visited salons weekly just to keep it maintained. The end result looked almost too perfect. And today, it definitely feels more artificial than chic.
What makes it look wild now is its total lack of movement. Modern styles favor softness and texture, while ’60s hair often looked vacuum-sealed. Running your fingers through it wasn’t an option, unless you wanted to risk breaking it. The style was a symbol of order and composure during a decade full of change. Still, looking back, it can feel over the top. The commitment is admirable, even if we wouldn’t recreate it for daily life. Some vintage photos seem almost surreal because of how solid the styles appear. It’s a trend that belongs firmly in the past.
5. Heavy Blue Eyeshadow
Blue eyeshadow was everywhere in the ’60s, and subtlety was not the goal. Women applied it boldly, often from lash line to brow bone. The color choices ranged from icy pastels to rich electric blues. It was paired with sharp eyeliner for a stand-out mod look. In many cases, the more dramatic the shade, the better. Beauty magazines at the time encouraged women to really lean into the trend. Some looks photographed beautifully, while others, well, didn’t. Today, it’s more of a retro callback than a go-to daily look.
What feels wild now is how widespread and intense the trend was. People embraced shades that modern makeup artists might hesitate to use so heavily. The look was playful and expressive but didn’t always translate well off camera. Still, it was a symbol of the decade’s experimental spirit. Blue shadow became one of the most recognizable beauty trademarks of the era. Even now, it pops up occasionally on runways or themed nights out. But for the most part, it’s filed under “fun vintage ideas.” And honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.
6. Bubble Haircuts
Bubble cuts were short, rounded hairstyles that looked like perfectly shaped domes. They offered full volume and a tidy silhouette that felt very modern for the time. Salons mastered the technique, using rollers and hairspray to create a soft, airy bubble shape. The look worked well with the era’s shift toward more practical hair. It was cute, easy to wear, and had a youthful feel. Many actresses and models rocked the trend proudly. It photographed beautifully thanks to its clean lines. But today, it’s definitely not something you see often.
What makes it seem wild now is the ultra-specific shape. The hair’s roundness looks almost sculpted, like a helmet softened just slightly. Modern styles favor either sleek minimalism or messy texture, but bubble cuts landed somewhere in between. They demanded maintenance to keep that precise silhouette. Some retro lovers still recreate the look for fun, but it’s a rarity. Seeing an old photo of a bubble cut can be both nostalgic and confusing. It’s one of those trends that was perfect for its moment. Today, it mostly survives in old magazines and costume parties.
7. Dramatic Winged Eyeliner
The ’60s took winged eyeliner to an entirely new level. Thick, bold lines swept outward dramatically, giving eyes an instant lift. Women loved how it made them look glamorous and awake. This was the decade when eyeliner became a true statement piece. Some styles even included double wings or exaggerated shapes. It required a steady hand and lots of patience. Many practiced in the mirror until they perfected the flick. And when it was done well, it was striking.
What feels wild now is how far the wings extended. Some looks almost reached the temples, taking graphic liner to extremes. It was all about attitude and confidence rather than subtle definition. Today’s makeup trends tend to be softer, with more blended lines. But the ’60s embraced hard edges and bold strokes. Retro-inspired looks still borrow from this trend, but usually in more toned-down versions. The original styles were pure drama, and they knew it. Looking back, it’s impossible not to admire the nerve it took to wear them.
8. Painted-On Brows
Some women in the ’60s embraced very thin, sometimes nearly invisible eyebrows. Others went for painted-on shapes that looked more like sketches than natural brows. It gave a wide-eyed, expressive look that was considered fashionable at the time. Brow pencils were used heavily to create exaggerated arches. The style created an instantly recognizable look. But it wasn’t always flattering, especially in photos. Many women followed Hollywood’s lead without question. And looking at those trends now can be a bit surprising.
What seems wild today is how unnatural the brows often looked. The ultra-thin lines lacked the softness and definition people prefer now. It gave faces an almost surreal quality, especially when paired with dramatic eye makeup. Brow trends have shifted dramatically, leaning toward fuller and more natural looks. Seeing the stark ’60s brows can feel like looking at a different species of makeup entirely. Some fashion shoots still recreate the vibe for retro drama. But daily life? Probably not. It’s a fun but firmly outdated trend.
9. Pasty Powder Finishes
The ’60s loved a very matte, very powdered complexion. Women applied face powder with a heavy hand to achieve a soft, doll-like finish. The goal was to eliminate shine completely, giving skin that velvety look. But sometimes the powder made the face look almost chalky in photos. Foundations were often thick and not as blendable as today’s formulas. Many women wore shades that were slightly too pale, which didn’t help. The result was a look that was flawless but not exactly natural. Today, dewy skin is in, making this trend feel like a relic.
What seems wild now is how flat the complexion looked. There was almost no dimension, contouring wasn’t widely practiced, and blush was used sparingly. Skin tones often appeared washed out under bright lights. Modern makeup trends embrace glow and natural texture, which makes the ’60s matte craze look even more extreme. But at the time, it was considered the height of elegance. Women carried powder compacts everywhere to maintain it. Looking back, it’s a reminder of how much beauty standards evolve. And how thankful we are for better formulas.
10. Hair Falls and Switches
Hairpieces were a huge trend in the ’60s, giving women instant volume and length. Falls, switches, and clip-in pieces added drama without the commitment. Many stars wore them, and everyday women followed suit. Some even matched their hairpieces to their outfits. It was a fun way to change up your look without visiting the salon. But blending them seamlessly was sometimes tricky. Photos from the era often show visible attachment points. Still, they were wildly popular and considered very stylish.
What looks wild now is how obvious some of the pieces were. Modern extensions are far more discreet, making ’60s hairpieces look bulky by comparison. But fans loved the instant glamour they provided. They made it easy to create elaborate updos or dramatic ponytails. For themed parties, these accessories still make an appearance. But wearing them daily? Probably not anymore. It’s a reminder that beauty shortcuts have always existed. They just look a little different now.
11. Pale Blush
Pale, barely-there blush was a big part of the ’60s beauty look. The goal was to keep cheeks soft and understated. Women often used pastel pinks that blended into their powdered complexions. It created a porcelain-doll effect that paired well with dramatic eyes. But sometimes the blush was so light it barely showed up. This made faces look almost monochromatic. Many fashion magazines promoted this soft-focus look. Today, it feels a bit too muted for everyday wear.
What feels wild now is the lack of warmth in those looks. Modern makeup tends to use blush for dimension and liveliness. But ’60s beauty leaned heavily toward cool, pale colors. This sometimes had the unintended effect of washing out the complexion. The blush trend was part of the larger mod aesthetic, which favored stark contrasts. Looking back, the effect can feel a little eerie. Still, it was a major part of the era’s style. And it reminds us just how cyclical makeup trends can be.
12. Hair Flips
The classic ’60s hair flip curled the ends of the hair outward for a bouncy, cheerful look. It worked especially well with shoulder-length styles. Women used rollers, heat tools, and lots of spray to get the perfect flip. It gave off a wholesome, girl-next-door vibe. Many TV stars made the style famous. It was playful and flattering on most hair types. But it required precision to keep the flip looking even. Today, it feels like a charming piece of beauty nostalgia.
What seems wild now is how specific the shape was. The flip had to be crisp and perfectly curved, which meant a lot of styling time. Modern hairstyles tend to be more relaxed, making the precision of the flip feel nostalgic and a little extreme. Still, the look captured the upbeat spirit of the decade. It’s instantly recognizable in photos and old TV clips. Some people still recreate it for themed parties or retro photo shoots. And it always brings a little ’60s joy with it.
