The natural hair craze is officially credited to Cicely Tyson who chopped her smooth, straightened bob to this short and natural cut she wore in East Side/West Side.
Later, in Sounder, she introduced cornrows as a hairdo option.
Five-Point Cut – 1965
The five-point cut developed as Vidal Sassoon added some drama to the bob cut.
The very modern-looking geometric wash-and-wear cut was preferred by British designer Mary Quant who brought us the miniskirt. The original cut has never been outdone.
Long and Straight – 1966
Cher and Sonny Bono’s duet, “I Got You Babe” catapulted Cher’s fame and her unique flair made her a fashion icon. Long and straight hair became the ubiquitous hippie look by the 70s.
Women used standard irons to smooth locks down. Later, flat irons for hair were invented.
Mop Top - 1968
When we think mop-top, we think John, Paul, George, and Ringo. But girls dug the style too. English pop singer and actress Julie Driscoll let her mop-top encroach until just her features were framed.
She was known for covering hits by musicians like Bob Dylan.
Modern Bouffant – 1969
Diahann Carroll is responsible for this voluminous hairstyle catching on like wildfire. She wore a modern bouffant on her television show, Julia.
She was the first African American actress to star in her own show as well as win an Emmy.