Vintage 1960s Volume without Teasing your Hair

If you’ve ever tried to brush out your teased bouffant, you know why women in the 1960s were thrilled to find “volume without teasing” tricks.

I came across this charming illustrated guide showing seven ways to get lift and fullness without ratting your hair in my October 1963 issue of Dell HairDo magazine. HairDo magazine was the first monthly magazine devoted entirely and directly to helping the woman at home style her own hair… and yes a lot of hairstylists were offended by this.

Let’s go over the original tips below and I’ll add my own tips and favorite contemporary products to help you try these techniques today, because a little height never goes out of style.

How to Have Height Without Teasing your Hair, HairDo October 1963

1. Knot or Twist Up

One way to give extra height to your hairdo is to put a knot or twist up there. Hair fairly
long and all one length works best for this.

1. Section off top hair and pull all of it back from the brow; fasten close to head with coated-rubber band.
2. Divide the fastened strand in two; twist one half to form a ropelike strand and wrap around band or into a knot. Fasten with hairpins.
3. Twist second half and complete knot or coil, fastening with pins and hairpins.

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2. Crisscrossing Strands

Another way (to lift without teasing) is to lift hair by crisscrossing strands at the top.

1. Start by brushing all hair back. Then section off a strand at the front and bring to one side smoothly.
2. Now section off a strand behind the front one and bring to the opposite
   side, lifting carefully and brushing top lightly only
   to smooth.
3. Do the same with a third strand behind the second, bringing strand to same side as the first. Again smooth strand gently. Then use rattail comb to lift up strands, separating them slightly.
4. Back will have a swing to one direction.

My Notes: This was the styling idea that really peaked my interest when I first read this article. It reminds me of this style I have seen a bunch before from the 1960s.

3. Petaling Top Hair

One of the prettiest methods makes height by curling or petaling top hair. Do it this way.

1. Section off top hair and brush back into full strand.
2. Fasten hair back with a wide comb; do it by placing comb at an angle, pushing hair forward, so that it poufs on top.
3. Now curl ends forward or to the side in little petals. A mist of spray will help hold them in position.

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4. Opposite-direction Setting

Using an opposite-direction setting is another height-adding method. This works best on fairly long hair, to give the weight needed.

1. Start by sectioning off top hair. Roll first roller from side.
2. Continue with rollers, turning all in same direction.
3. When setting is dry, remove rollers and brush in opposite direction. Use rattail comb to lift lightly. If desired, front section can be brushed in set direction, with back part reversed.

My Notes: I’m still trying to work out in my head how this would create more volume. My experience with hair tells me that this would actually end up making the style more flat.

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5. Emphasize Height with a Comb

A good way to emphasize height is with a ribbon or other device, such as a comb or barrette.

1. Section off top hair, brush back, and fasten with a comb; blouse the hair forward as you tuck
   in the comb.
2. Now tie band or ribbon around the raised hair, fastening well in back to hold. Ends may drape over the ribbon, depending on hair length.

My Notes: The ribbon is definitely a vibe, but looks distracting. But the hair comb inserted to add volume is a great idea.

6. Under the Hair to Add Extra Bulk

A handy trick, this way of creating height. You do it by using a curl or roll under the hair to add extra bulk.

1. Section off a large strand of hair on the crown area, leaving plenty of hair in front to make the finished line.
2. Coil the strand into a curl or roll; fasten well with bobby pins.
3. Now brush front hair over curl, layer by layer, to keep the top airy. Fasten in back with comb, or lightly on sides with hairpins.

My Notes: This is a common trick hairstylists use to add bulk to hair. The idea is that you roll up some of your hair and then cover it with the hair around it. It is a great way to add volume or create a spot to anchor in bobby pins. I used a similar technique to this for a hairstyle in Vintage Hairstyling: Retro Styles with Step-by-Step Techniques to add height and bulk to the “Joan” hairstyle.

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7. Hairpiece Addition

And of course there’s the hairpiece, greatest height-adder yet. You can use hairpieces number of ways, depending on the piece itself. Here’s one way.

1. Shape the hairpiece into a bun or twist or what you will. Fasten it firmly to the crown, using both hairpins and bobby pins.
2. Now brush your own hair up and around the false piece, so that it blends in. A single hairpin, used as a comb, helps control and guide single strands.