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Student Blog: The ’60s and ’70s Revival

Cosmetology student Kaya Heller breaks down the '60s and '70s revival in beauty and 2020 hair trends.
2020 hair trends

In the journey to become a great cosmetologist, or barber, stylists have to pay attention to trends to be able to keep up with their clients’ requests. To understand today’s styles, just look to the past. Kaya Heller, cosmetology student at The Institute of Beauty and Wellness, breaks down the ‘60s and ‘70s revival in beauty trends in her student blog.

aveda ibw student kaya heller
Follow Kaya Heller @coiffedbykaya

Beauty Trends Revival

The revival of trends from past decades is far from a new concept in the beauty and fashion industries. In fact, one could argue that beauty and fashion are constant rebirths of old trends with new twists.

For the last six years, Millennials and Zoomers have gravitated towards nostalgic fashion, preferring trends from the ’90s specifically. ‘90’s-inspired aesthetics have dominated the beauty and fashion world on social media for the better part of the past decade, bringing colorful, carefree sentiments from younger years. As these trends slowly start to become less prominent after their long reign, the ’60s and ’70s are starting to make their way in.

For Millennials and Zoomers, it appears the gravitational pull towards fashion from the ‘60s and ‘70s has less to do with nostalgia and is more about the allure of a time period they never got to be a part of. It’s easy to see the appeal of ‘60s and ‘70s fashion and beauty trends when looking at the many style icons that emerged from the time period.

Beauty Icons from the 60s & 70s

JANE BIRKIN
Although a London native, Jane Birkin is often credited with creating the effortlessly chic, cool, French girl look of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Today, her signature fringe is becoming a desired style amongst Millennials and Zoomers.

SHARON TATE

The star Sharon Tate's makeup looks are a part of the 60s revival.

Last year in 2019, Quentin Tarantino released his film, titled, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, which takes place in the final year of Hollywood’s Golden Age, 1969. The film features a portrayal of Sharon Tate by Margot Robbie. Since the film’s release, Millennials and Zoomers have been fascinated with the late Sharon Tate’s iconic style. Perhaps most notable is Miss Tate’s signature banana crease eyeliner, which is now being replicated over 50 years later.

BRIGITTE BARDOT
Brigitte Bardot’s undone, yet chic style garnered much attention throughout the ‘60s. Now, it’s as though her style never left. The ever-growing prevalence of the curtain bang in today’s hair trends are an ode to Brigitte’s famous fringe.

Bridget Bardot-inspired hair by Susan Ford

PRISCILLA PRESLEY
She wasn’t just Elvis’s wife; she was the ‘60s equivalent of a fashion influencer in her own right. Priscilla’s sky-high, jet black Bouffants and fabulously elaborate eyeliner became a signature look in the ‘60s. Today, her style has been replicated in editorial work and on the red carpet.

STEVIE NICKS
Since stepping onto the music scene with Fleetwood Mac in 1967, Stevie Nicks and her distinct bohemian style continue to set trends today. The shag is one of biggest trends in hair this year and Stevie has undoubtedly served as inspiration behind this ‘70s inspired cut.

Stevie Nicks-inspired hair by Brian Hickman


Between the glamour of ‘60s style and the laidback looks of the ‘70s, we are already in love with what’s trending in the 2020s. What are your favorite retro trends that are making a revival? Leave a comment below to let us know.

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