70s Hairstyles for Black Women: Iconic Styles from the Decade

The 1970s was a decade of vibrant fashion and bold hairstyles, and black women were at the forefront of these trends. This era was marked by a celebration of natural hair textures and an embrace of cultural heritage, leading to an array of iconic hairstyles that continue to influence modern trends today.

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From the Afro to the Jheri curl, the 70s saw a diverse range of hairstyles that reflected the spirit of the times. This was an era of empowerment, self-expression, and breaking away from traditional beauty standards. Let's delve into some of the most iconic 70s hairstyles worn by black women.

The Most Iconic 1970s Hairstyles We Still Want to Wear Now

Afros and Natural Hairstyles

The Afro was more than just a hairstyle; it was a symbol of pride and empowerment. It represented a rejection of Eurocentric beauty standards and an embrace of natural hair textures. Afros came in various sizes and shapes, from small and neat to large and voluminous.

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Other natural hairstyles that gained popularity included the Afro puff, where hair was gathered into a single puff at the top of the head, and the Afro hawk, where the hair was styled into a mohawk shape. These styles celebrated the beauty of natural hair and encouraged black women to embrace their texture.

Afro Puffs and Twists

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Afro puffs were a practical and stylish way to manage natural hair. They could be worn in various styles, from a single puff at the top of the head to multiple puffs scattered throughout the hair. Some women also combined puffs with braids or twists, creating intricate and unique hairstyles.

Twists were another popular natural hairstyle. They involved sectioning the hair and twisting each section around itself to create a spiral pattern. Twists could be worn loose or tight, and they were often combined with other hairstyles like puffs or braids.

Frohawks and Afros with Bangs

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The frohawk was a variation of the Afro that was styled into a mohawk shape. This style was often worn by women who wanted to add a bold touch to their natural hairstyle. It required a lot of volume and was typically worn by women with larger Afros.

Afros with bangs were another popular style. This involved cutting the hair short in the front to create a fringe, while leaving the rest of the hair in an Afro. This style was often worn by women who wanted to soften the look of their Afro or add a feminine touch.

Protected Hairstyles and Wigs

Protected hairstyles like braids, cornrows, and updos were also popular in the 70s. These styles not only looked great but also helped to protect the hair from damage and maintain its health. They were often worn by women who wanted to give their hair a break from heat styling or chemical treatments.

Wigs were another popular choice, especially among celebrities. They allowed women to experiment with different styles and lengths without damaging their natural hair. Wigs came in a variety of textures and colors, from straight and blonde to curly and black.

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The Eternally-Cool '70s Hairstyles We Still Can't Get Enough Of

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Braids and Cornrows

Braids and cornrows were popular protected hairstyles in the 70s. Braids involved sectioning the hair and braiding each section, while cornrows involved braiding the hair close to the scalp in a straight line. These styles could be worn in various patterns and lengths, from short and simple to long and intricate.

Braids and cornrows were often combined with other hairstyles, such as puffs or twists. They were also a popular choice for women who wanted to give their hair a break from heat styling or chemical treatments.

Wigs and Weaves

Wigs and weaves were a popular way to change up a hairstyle without damaging the natural hair. Wigs were typically made from synthetic or human hair and could be worn in any style or length. Weaves involved sewing hair extensions into the natural hair to create a fuller, longer look.

Celebrities like Diana Ross and Donna Summer popularized the use of wigs and weaves in the 70s. They allowed women to experiment with different styles and lengths without committing to a permanent change.

Today, many of these 70s hairstyles continue to influence modern trends. From natural hairstyles like Afros and twists to protected styles like braids and cornrows, these looks are as popular and relevant today as they were decades ago. So, embrace your natural texture, experiment with different styles, and rock your hair with pride - just like the fabulous black women of the 70s did.