Step into a time machine and you'll find yourself in the vibrant, groovy decade of the 1970s, where fashion, music, and hairstyles were as bold and colorful as the disco lights. The '70s type hair was all about embracing your natural texture, experimenting with length, and making a statement. Let's dive into the iconic hair trends that defined this decade.
The '70s was a decade of change, and hairstyles were no exception. From the long, flowing locks of the early '70s to the big, bold styles of the disco era, every year brought new trends. Whether you were a fan of the Farrah Fawcett waves or the punk-inspired mohawk, there was a hairstyle for everyone in the '70s.
The Long and the Short of It: Length in the '70s
In the '70s, hair length was a statement. Long hair was the norm, with many men and women embracing their natural texture and letting their hair grow out. This wasn't just about length, though. It was about embracing your natural curls, waves, or straight hair and working with what you had.
But the '70s wasn't all about long hair. Short styles were also popular, especially among men. The buzz cut and the crew cut were both popular choices, often seen on TV shows and in movies. For women, the pixie cut was a bold and daring choice, often seen on stars like Mia Farrow and Twiggy.
The Power of the Perm
The '70s saw the rise of the perm, a chemical treatment that gave hair a permanent wave. This was the decade of the big, bouncy curls, and the perm was the key to achieving this look. Whether you were going for tight, spiral curls or loose, beachy waves, a perm could give you the look you wanted.
Perms were popular among women of all ages, from teens to seniors. They were also a popular choice for men, who often used perms to add volume and texture to their hair. The perm was a symbol of the '70s, a time when people were embracing their natural texture and experimenting with new styles.
The Rise of the Afro
The '70s was a time of cultural and political change, and this was reflected in hairstyles. The Afro, a natural hairstyle worn by people of African descent, became a symbol of pride and empowerment. It was a statement about identity and heritage, and it was embraced by people of all backgrounds.
The Afro was often seen on stars like Diana Ross and Angela Davis, who used their hair as a political statement. It was also a popular choice among men, who often wore their Afros short and tight. The Afro was more than just a hairstyle; it was a symbol of pride and resistance.
Disco Diva: The Big Hair of the '70s
As the '70s progressed, hair got bigger and bolder. The disco era was all about excess, and hairstyles were no exception. Big, teased hair was the look of the moment, often seen on stars like Cher and Donna Summer.
This wasn't just about volume, though. It was about creating a look that was bold and dramatic, a hairstyle that would stand out on the dance floor. This was the era of the beehive, the bouffant, and the wedge cut, all styles that were designed to make a statement.
Farrah Fawcett Waves
Farrah Fawcett's iconic waves were one of the most copied hairstyles of the '70s. Her feathered cut, with its long layers and soft waves, was the epitome of '70s glamour. It was a style that was both romantic and sexy, and it was a look that many women wanted to achieve.
To get the Farrah Fawcett look, you needed long hair and a good set of hot rollers. You would roll your hair, let it set, then brush it out for soft, cascading waves. It was a style that was both effortless and elegant, a perfect blend of natural and glamorous.
The Punk Rock Mohawk
While the disco era was all about big, glamorous hair, the punk rock movement was going in a different direction. Punk hair was all about rebellion and individuality, and the mohawk was the ultimate punk hairstyle.
The mohawk was a bold and daring choice, with shaved sides and a strip of long hair down the middle. It was a style that was both shocking and empowering, a statement about nonconformity and individuality. The mohawk was often seen on punk rock stars like Johnny Rotten and Siouxsie Sioux, who used their hair as a symbol of their anti-establishment views.
Looking back at the '70s, it's clear that this was a decade of change and experimentation. Hairstyles were a reflection of this, with new trends emerging every year. From the long, flowing locks of the early '70s to the big, bold styles of the disco era, every hairstyle was a statement about identity, individuality, and the times.