The Iconic ’60s Hairstyle That’s Making a Massive Comeback This Spring
The Iconic ’60s Hairstyle That’s Making a Massive Comeback This Spring
Alyssa RotunnoSat, March 28, 2026 at 1:14 AM UTC
0
Trends may come and go, but every so often, an iconic look makes its return—and this spring, it’s all about the classic half-up, half-down hairstyle. Rooted in the glamorous silhouettes of the 1960s, this look leans into everything that defined the era.
Celebrity stylist Marcos Diaz, who has styled stars like Katy Perry and Hailey Bieber, explains that it’s a style built on "lift, structure and elegant shape," creating a silhouette that instantly elevates your entire look.
What makes this comeback feel especially current? Balance. The top section is softly elevated and pinned back, while the rest of the hair is left down, keeping things fluid and romantic rather than overly set. "The polished half-up style is essentially the modern version of 1960s crown volume," Diaz tells Parade. The result is polished, yes—but still relaxed enough to wear anywhere, even on your daily errands.
It’s this mix of structure and softness that gives the style its staying power. Whether you’re dressing it up or keeping things casual, it frames the face beautifully and adds just the right amount of lift where it counts. Read on for everything to know about the half-up hairstyle—and how to make it your own in 2026.
Related: 7 Elegant Long Hair Ideas for Women Over 60, According to Celebrity Hairstylists
Why Is This '60s Hairstyle Becoming Popular Again?
AFP via Getty Images (AFP via Getty Images)
The season change brings a shift toward lighter, softer styles—and the half-up, half-down style like Brigitte Bardot wore fits right in. It strikes that ideal balance between structure and ease, giving just enough lift without feeling overdone.
"It’s the perfect in-between style for spring," says Diaz. "You get the elegance of an updo while still letting your hair move naturally." It also solves a very real warm-weather dilemma: keeping hair off your face while still showing off length, making it as practical as it is pretty.
That versatility is exactly why the style is having a moment again. "It feels polished enough for events but relaxed enough for daytime," Diaz explains, which makes it an easy go-to no matter what’s on your calendar.
Related: 7 Best Short Haircuts for Fine Hair, According to Celebrity Stylists
Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic (Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic)
The key to getting it right lies in the details. You want to emphasize natural volume, rather than something that's overly stiff or set. Whether you pair it with soft waves or a smooth blowout, the end result is romantic, wearable and very chic.
Advertisement
Related: 7 Best ’50s Hairstyles, According to a Celebrity Stylist
How To Ask for This Half-up, Half-Down Hairstyle at the Salon
Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images (Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images)
When you’re in the chair, clarity is everything. When you’re trying to recreate this look, it helps to focus less on the name and more on the details. Tell your stylist you want a softly lifted crown with a clean, controlled finish—nothing overly teased or overly set. Diaz recommends emphasizing "height at the crown with softness everywhere else" so the shape feels modern and touchable.
From there, tailor the lengths to your preference, whether that’s a smooth, glossy blowout or a more relaxed, lightly waved texture. The goal is a shape that feels intentional but never rigid, with just enough lift up top to frame the face without overpowering it.
Related: 7 Best ‘Wash and Wear’ Haircuts for Women Over 60, According to a Professional Stylist
How To Style This 1960s Look Yourself
ANGELA WEISS / AFP via Getty Images (ANGELA WEISS / AFP via Getty Images)
Getting the look right starts with building that signature lift.
Begin by blow-drying with a round brush to create volume at the roots, focusing on the crown, then lightly tease that section and smooth over the top for a clean finish.
"Even a small amount of height at the crown instantly elevates the entire look and gives it that timeless ’60s silhouette," says Diaz.
From there, gather the top section from the temples back and secure it with a clip, pin or elastic, letting the rest of the hair fall freely. Add soft waves through the lengths using a 3-barrel hair waver and finish with a flexible hairspray to hold everything in place without stiffness.
As Diaz puts it, "The goal is polished volume with movement so the hair still feels soft and effortless."
Up Next:
Related: 7 Best '60s Makeup Looks, According to a Celebrity Makeup Artist
Source: -
Marcos Dias, celebrity stylist
This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the Life section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”