Brigitte Bardot’s Most Iconic Hairstyles

In the 1960s, French actress/singer/model Brigitte Bardot took the world by storm. And despite her sex kitten reputation, she was just as well-loved by women as by men thanks to her rebellious, sultry style and dishevelled hairdos.

Even though time has passed, she remains one of the most sought-after hair icons around, with Pinterest recently announcing a 42% increase in people pinning Brigitte Bardot hairstyles since the beginning of this year. If that’s not the sign of a true icon, we don’t know what is!

So, whether you’re a loyal Bardot fan or you’re yet to discover her effortless style, get the low-down on the actress’ historic hair hits, below.

Brunette Bangs

Brigitte wasn’t always a blonde! Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Do you recognise this fresh-faced beauty? Long before Brigitte became the blonde bombshell we know and love, you might be surprised to discover that her hair was actually naturally brunette!

Instead of her trademark parted bangs, the young up-and-coming actress also rocked a full, choppy fringe and left her colour au naturel.

Headbands

Headbands were a 60s style staple! Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

We’ve got Brigitte to thank for helping bring the headband trend to the masses, with her now-iconic jersey head wrap look.

With her tousled blonde hair swept back off her face, this became the ultimate low-maintenance, off-duty hairstyle for women everywhere.

The Beehive

Brigitte became known for her buzzing beehive barnet! Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Probably the most recognisable look, maybe ever, the beehive is another hairstyle Brigitte Bardot helped bring to the world stage.

Although this voluminous look became synonymous with ’60s style in part thanks to Audrey Hepburn’s glamorous updo in the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Brigitte was another fan of this sky-high style, yet often opting for a more lived-in, bed head vibe.

Editor’s tip: Tempted to take on the beehive? The (aptly named) TIGI Bed Head Oh Bee Hive! Dry Shampoo has a super fine powder formula, that once sprayed into your roots instantly boosts volume to help you create this structured ’60s style.

Undone Updo

The undone updo was Brigitte’s forte. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

While Brigitte was often photographed with more casual, messy styles, updos were also very popular at the time.

Combining the height of a beehive with the classier touch of an updo, Brigitte made this look her own by remaining faithful to her go-to split bangs, giving the look a softer, more feminine feel.

The ’60s Pixie

Twiggy, is that you?! Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Pixie cuts first hit the scene back in the 1960s thanks to doe-eyed British model Twiggy. So popular was the look that Brigitte traded in her trademark blonde mane for a platinum feathered pixie cut for a film role. Obviously she managed to pull it off with utter perfection!

Backcombed Beauty

Brigitte took volume to whole new heights! Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

In case you hadn’t already noticed, the 1960s had only one rule when it came to hair – and that was volume, volume, volume!

Combs were used to pull the hair back towards the root to create masses of lift for a fuller-looking mane; a method Brigitte often turned to to boost her tresses.

Editor’s tip: To transform limp locks from drab to fab, try using a specialist backcombing product, like the VO5 Dry Backcomb Spray, before getting to work with your backcombing brush.

This will not only help to give your strands a body boost but also provide texture and grip, which will make your look last longer.

The Half-up Bouffant

Half-up half-down styles are the best of both worlds! Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

And last but not least, how could we possibly compile a list of Brigitte’s best hairstyles without referencing her timeless half-up, half-down style?

Combined with her bold cat eye liner and pouty nude lips, this look became her trademark style and is still emulated by Hollywood starlets like Lana Del Rey to this day.

Psst! All Things Hair are going to be at Goodwood Revival at Betty’s Salon, so don’t forget to come say hello!

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