Hippie Hairstyle

Hippie hairstyles are a reflection of the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s. They were characterised by long, natural hair, often with loose waves or braids, and adorned with flowers, headbands, and other natural accessories. These hairstyles were a symbol of the hippie movement's rejection of mainstream culture and celebration of individuality and freedom.

Hippie Hairstyles Throughout History

The history of hippie hairstyles can be traced back to the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s. During this time, young people were rejecting the mainstream culture of their parents and seeking a new way of life based on peace, love, and freedom. The hippie hairstyle became a symbol of this movement, as long, natural hair represented a rejection of traditional, conservative beauty standards.

Women in particular embraced the hippie hairstyle, as it represented a break from the restrictive and structured beauty standards of previous generations. Many women grew their hair long and wore it in loose, natural styles, often adorned with flowers, headbands, or other natural accessories. Braids were also a popular choice, as they allowed women to keep their hair out of the way while still maintaining a bohemian look.

As the counterculture movement waned, so did the popularity of hippie hairstyles. However, the influence of this era on fashion and beauty has persisted, and hippie hairstyles continue to be a popular choice for those who want to embrace a free-spirited, bohemian look. Today, hippie hairstyles are often adapted to suit contemporary fashion trends, but they still retain the elements of individuality, freedom, and natural beauty that were so important to the counterculture movement.

Characteristics Of Hippie Hairstyles

Hippie hairstyles of the 1960s and 70s were characterised by −

• Long Hair: Hippies often grew their hair long, eschewing short, traditional hairstyles.

• Natural Texture: Hair was often worn in loose waves or with natural curls and kinks.

• Accessories: Hippies frequently adorned their hair with flowers, beads, and headbands.

• Braids: Braids were a popular way to keep long hair out of the way while adding a bohemian touch.

• Center Part: Hair was often parted down the center, with long, flowing hair on either side.

• Unisex: Hippie hairstyles were often worn by both men and women, breaking down traditional gender roles and expectations.

• Natural Colors: Hippies often eschewed traditional hair dyes, instead opting for natural hair colors or henna-based dyes.

• Unstructured Styles: Hippie hairstyles were often characterized by a lack of structure or form, with hair left to flow freely.

• Emphasis on Individuality: Hippie hairstyles were often unique and reflected the wearer's individuality, with no two styles exactly alike.

• Rejecting Traditional Beauty Standards: Hippie hairstyles were often seen as a rejection of mainstream beauty standards, celebrating individuality and rejecting conformity.

• "Au naturel" Approach: Hippie hairstyles often took a natural, organic approach to hair care, with an emphasis on gentle products and minimal heat styling.

These characteristics helped to define the hippie hairstyle as a reflection of the larger counterculture movement and its emphasis on individuality, freedom, and a rejection of mainstream culture.

For Whom Hippie Hairstyles Are Suitable

Hippie hairstyles are suitable for anyone who wants to embrace a free-spirited, bohemian look. They can be especially flattering for those with long hair, as the flowing, unstructured style can accentuate the length and natural texture of the hair. Hippie hairstyles can be worn by both men and women and can be tailored to a variety of hair types and face shapes. However, it's important to keep in mind that the loose, unstructured style of hippie hairstyles may not be appropriate for all occasions or workplaces, so it's important to consider the context before deciding on this type of hairstyle.

Hippie Hairstyles for Women

Hippie hairstyles were particularly popular among women during the 1960s and 70s, as they represented a rejection of traditional beauty standards and an embrace of individuality and freedom. Women often grew their hair long and wore it in loose, natural styles with braids, flowers, and headbands as popular accessories. Hippie hairstyles were a way for women to express their personalities and break away from the more structured and conservative beauty standards of previous generations. Today, hippie hairstyles remain a popular choice among women who are looking for a carefree and bohemian look and can be adapted to suit a wide range of hair types and face shapes.

Different Types of Hippie Hairstyles

Hippie hairstyles are all about embracing natural, flowing looks that accentuate the beauty of long, unstructured hair. Here are some different types of hippie hairstyles that were popular during the counterculture era and continue to be popular today −

Long, Straight Hair

One of the most iconic hippie hairstyles was long, straight hair that was left loose and flowing. This style was often paired with a centre part and natural-looking waves or curls.

Braids

Braids were a popular choice for hippie women, who often wore them in long, flowing styles or incorporated them into more complex hairstyles. French braids, fishtail braids, and side braids were all popular choices.

Headbands

Headbands were a popular accessory for both men and women and were often worn with loose, flowing hair. They could be made of fabric, leather, or other natural materials and could be simple or ornate.

Flowers and other natural accessories

Hippies often incorporated flowers and other natural accessories into their hairstyles, whether as part of a headband or woven into braids. This created a natural, free-spirited look that was a hallmark of the era.

Updos

While hippie hairstyles were often unstructured and free-flowing, there were also many updos that were popular during the era. These included braided buns, messy top knots, and half-up, half-down styles.

These are just a few examples of the many different types of hippie hairstyles that were popular during the counterculture era and continue to be popular today. The key to creating a great hippie hairstyle is to embrace natural, free-flowing looks that accentuate the beauty of long, unstructured hair.

People Who Popularized Hippie Hairstyles

There were many people who popularized the hippie hairstyle during the 1960s and 70s, as it became a symbol of the counterculture movement and its emphasis on individuality and freedom. Here are a few examples −

• Janis Joplin: The legendary singer was known for her wild, free-spirited look, which often included long, flowing hair, headbands, and flowers.

• Jimi Hendrix: The iconic guitarist often wore his hair in a wild, afro-style, which became a signature look of the era.

• The Beatles: The British rock band embraced the hippie look in the late 1960s, with long hair and colorful, psychedelic clothing becoming part of their image.

• Stevie Nicks: The singer and songwriter became famous in the 1970s as part of Fleetwood Mac, and her flowing, bohemian hairstyles became an inspiration to many women.

• Joni Mitchell: The folk singer-songwriter was known for her long, natural hair, which she often wore in loose, flowing styles.

These are just a few examples of the many people who helped to popularize the hippie hairstyle during the counterculture era. Their embrace of free-spirited, natural styles helped to define the look of the era and continues to influence fashion and beauty today.

Conclusion

Hippie hairstyles are all about embracing a natural, free-spirited look that accentuates the beauty of long, unstructured hair. Popularized during the counterculture era of the 1960s and 1970s, hippie hairstyles remain popular today for their bohemian charm and effortless style. From long, straight hair to braids, headbands, and flowers, there are many different types of hippie hairstyles that offer a range of options for anyone looking to embrace a more natural, carefree look. Whether you're a man or a woman, there is a hippie hairstyle that can help you express your individuality and embrace the beauty of long, flowing hair.