The non-conformist 1960s were a time of liberation--from lots of things. Equality, power and freedom were at the forefront of a sudden social-consciousness that exploded across America and the world. Women all over the world were stepping out and fashion was at the height of such independent self-expression.

Drastic changes were taking place in our country, and the modern women of the world needed an outlet of extraction that would ring the bells of freedom for a generation to hear.

They needed a declaration that screamed, "I am here and I am me." From this proclamation the legendary era began, marking history of an idealistic blank slate philosophy with a scarlet lipstick kiss. The women of the '60s left such an impression that their rebellious endeavors have never been forgotten--mini skirts, bikinis, see-through blouses, topless bathing suits, etc.

Today, their open-minded style is still celebrated, and the hair of the era is back and better than ever this spring and summer.

Spring 2007 is short, stacked and sassy! The Twiggy-inspired pixie cut is bringing the '60s back with a carefree, easy style -- a style we love because it leaves time to enjoy a nice cup of coffee, sweetened with a hint of freedom. Mornings will never be the same.

If you're the type to ease into the stylist's chair before chunks start flying, go for a less drastic short statement, such as a crop or bob. They're both a huge hair craze coming on strong this season. Choosing from a textured, boxy, French cut, and razor cut will leave you room to present your personal style.

Create your look of either edgy attitude or pretty and polished, with products such as texturizers, molding muds, spray wax and palmade.

For the women out there who love the idea of promoting freedom and independence, but are not comfortable with sassy, short hair, go long and sexy. Long hair is a favorite that hangs on through every season, but the way it's worn changes with the times.

This year, catch a wave with a natural, just-from-the-beach look with loose curls. Take a deep breath, and remember -- once you try this method I found at www.beauty-and-the-bath.com, it will get faster and easier.

One Way

1. Wash your hair with appropriate products for your hair type.

2. Dry hair with a towel and spray hair roots with a volumizing product for fine or limp hair. Work a straightening balm through hair if your hair is naturally curly or coarse.

3. Next, blow dry your hair straight, starting at the roots to achieve extra volume. (Hair must be fully dry for this style to work.) Once dry, blow cold air on the roots to add volume.

4. The next step is to separate the hair into three sections, securing each with a ponytail holder.

5. Curl hair with a one-inch barrel curling iron. Start with one section and take an one-inch portion of hair and wrap it around the barrel of the curling iron. When you are curling, make sure to leave ends loose.

6. Release the curl after five or 10 seconds, holding it longer if you want a tighter curl. You should be left with a corkscrew curl.

7. Roll and pin the curl onto your scalp. Alternate the direction of the curl as you work your way through each section. Alternating directions will make your curls appear more natural.

8. Once the pinned curls have cooled, release them.

9. Blow-dry your locks on a low, cool setting to gently loosen the waves. Alternatively, you can opt to separate the curls with your fingers.

10. Nearly finished! Now carefully spritz your locks with saltwater spray. You can either buy this or make your own from home. Just get some sea salt at the grocery store and add it to a spray bottle of water.

11. Mist with hairspray for hold.

The Other

This particular style is a bit of a challenge and commitment. It's seemingly ironic such a pure messy look comes with a list of instructions, but if you want the wave, going the extra length is worth the effort!

As we all know, spring and summer in Oklahoma are hot, humid and sticky. I suggest cute, stylish updos to help keep cool and fresh. Updos can be simple or intricate.

They look good with either jeans and t-shirt or a cocktail dress. With one simple tactic, you can pull off many different statements.

Let's start with a simple step consistent in every updo: leave bangs out and un-styled till the last step.

This Way

1. Gather hair into a high ponytail and twist gently.

2. Pile hair on top of head.

3. Secure pieces in place with bobby pins.

For longer hair and not much time, I find the next process much easier to manage.

Or That

1. Gather hair and fold up from the bottom, piling ends of hair high on the top of head.

2. Secure with clippie. Match the clip to your hair color and determine the size by weight of your hair and height desired.

3. Cover the clip with half the ends of hair piled on your head and tease and style remaining hair.

Once you have hair secured using which ever method works best for you, you can now pull off different styles by changing your bangs.

For a casual look, simply pull bangs into a triangle, starting from temples and pinning down flat and straight with a bobby pin. Be sure to style loose hair sticking out of the back of the bobby pin into updo.

For a soft and sweet look, sweep bangs to one side and pin down with a bobby pin, a pretty decorative pin or barrette. Add a flower for an extra touch of sweetness.

For an edgy look, heighten updo with volumizing hairspray and a lot of teasing, spray in place. Tease bangs up and pin back in a high barrel roll, smooth and spray.

To go retro, keep simple, boxy bangs straight across the forehead, hitting just at or below eyebrows, which creates a very retro, hip look.

Now that you have your style dos, let's talk about how you can use your hair color as an accessory. This year the way to go is with striking blonds, rich reds, and deep, caramelized browns. Use tone on tone to add sophistication to any color, such as red on red or blond on blond. Harsh black, purple, and stripy colors are out, and more beautiful, true to life highlights are in. Highlights this season are placed to accent cut or face shape. As opposed to all over highlights, peek-a-boo highlights are much less costly and time-consuming.

Spring is all about taking chances and being adventurous, with the only fashion crime being too cookie-cutter. Just as the women of the 60s embraced their independence and showed the world they were self-determined and uninhibited, this season is your opportunity to be freely unbound and open to change. This is your break to release all restriction of mainstream convention. A chance that allows the ability to let your sovereign soul express your style statement in the peaceful attire of cuts colors and clothes.