It's not just '60s music that lives on. The hairstyles that defined the era are similarly sell-by date free and a source of inspiration for today's most in-demand and innovative stylists and their celeb clientele. "It's an inspiring decade because it was a time when women were most conscious of their hair," says Laurent Philippon for Bumble and bumble. The beautiful young people vibe really revolutionised the hair industry and ushered in new looks, many of which have become iconic.
Sex kitten hair
Long, luscious, seductive locks defined the free love era and Kate Moss's brand of Bardot carries on the tradition of St. Tropez girly-glam with a bit of a bad girl edge patented by Brigitte. Kate's modern day London-cred version has an 'undone' feel combining sleek with soft blurry waves, a slightly off centre parting and multi-tonal honey, caramel and baby blonde lights. Kate Hudson's couture-hippie take on the look is also the epitome of cool. Keep the top sections sleek and encourage natural curl by using the diffuser attachment on your dryer, plaiting hair while it's wet, or using the versatile Carmen Blow & Curl, £14.99 (Argos) on random sections.
Mad for Mod
Another seminal style with its roots in the Sixties is the urchin-cropped Mod-look typified by Twiggy, Mia Farrow and Warhol muse Edie Sedgwick. To play the latter in a forthcoming movie Sienna Miller went for the chop and has again set a precedent. Celebrity stylist Robert Eaton says, "Sienna's Edie Sedgwick beatnik look is fantastic and she has definitely set the trend by moving away from long hair and creating a stronger retro vibe. The style is cut in such a way that she can wear it smooth, sleek and sophisticated one minute and then with lots of texture for a mussed-up Mod look." Short, choppy razored crops worn short through the front and cut ultra-tight into the nape are innocent yet flirty looking. Kylie may have been to hell and back as regards her health, but her cute new do is the apogee of this look and again will prove influential with doe eyed beauties blessed with the delicate bone structure to carry it off.
Roll models
French pleats, beehives and bouffant Goddess 'dos were favourites of iconic beauties such as Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren and it's a tradition that lives on with the likes of Marcia Cross, Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lopez and Charlize Theron. Create sculptural shapes by backcombing hair all over, but combing the sides and crown out smooth. "There's nothing more classic than a French Twist. This style is not about a time period or a trend. It's the most sophisticated, yet simple style that a woman can have. And it must be shiny, use Bb.Shine spray, from £15 (01768 891394) for the ultimate couture look," says Laurent Philippon for Bumble and bumble. Combining a sixties inspired up-do with a ballerina band gives the look a contemporary twist and helps retain the shape.
Bobbydazzlers
This year's key bob shape is ultra-feminine moving the look on from the very short, sharp '20s shape to a longer swingier version with volume through the crown as worn by Natalie Imbruglia, Keira Knightley and Sharon Osbourne. Outgrown or wide seductive fringes cut to lash length complete the look. Kérastase's Volumactive Amplifying Perfecting Mousse for vulnerable hair, £14 (0800 3164400) creates lift without stickiness and a few strategically placed rollers at the crown will boost dimensions further, as will backcombing the roots a little.
Beauty parlour perfect
The legacy of the weekly shampoo and set at the salon lives on, but is given a contemporary spin with 'brushed out' sets, body and blurred curls. It's a sexy yet super-touchable look and Dita Von Teese, Scarlett Johansson and Kelly Brook have all succumbed to the allure of elegant coiffage. To achieve the look, apply a volumising product to towel-dried hair. Then tip hair upside down and blow-dry on full power. Wind in half a dozen medium-sized heated rollers and allow them to cool thoroughly before removing them. Brush through once, twice, three times, depending on how deconstructed a curl you want. Finish with Andrew Collinge Salon Solutions Weightless Volume Thickening Hairspray, £3.95.
Pony express
Another modern classic is the '60s influenced ponytail combining the decade's obsession with backcombing - to create fullness on top - contrasting with sleek shiny lengths for a playful yet dressy finish. A good shape and show ring standard levels of shine are a must. Nicole Kidman nailed the look at this year's Grammy Awards and Eva Mendes, Eva Longoria and Gwen Stefani (again) regularly trot this style out with guaranteed success. Use a really good foundation product such as Joico K-Pak Thermal Designing Foam, £9.95 (www.joico.com). For a really professional finish Scünci's No Damage Polybands, £2.99 (from Boots), are virtually invisible or alternatively wrap an underneath section of your ponytail over the top of your hair elastic and pin into place.
