You might find it surprising that boys were sent home from school for having long hair. But at the time, short hair showed good grooming and manners, and long hair was considered sloppy and rude.
Some adults regarded long hair as just another way that teenagers were starting to stir up trouble. In the late 1960s, many young people wanted to see change in America. They were calling for an end to the Vietnam War. They were also fighting for more rights for women and African Americans.
These teenagers didn’t always agree with adults—and they didn’t want to look like them either. Music stars like the Beatles had long hair hanging in their faces, and these hairstyles inspired kids to try new looks.
One major trend was hippie fashion, which included tie-dye, sandals, bell-bottom pants—and of course, long hair.