The 1970s, a decade marked by disco, punk, and societal shifts, was also a time of bold and innovative hairstyles. From the iconic Farrah Fawcett waves to the punk-inspired mohawk, the '70s hair scene was as vibrant and diverse as the music and fashion of the era.
Hairstyles in the '70s were heavily influenced by the cultural movements of the time. The disco era brought a glamorous, over-the-top aesthetic, while the punk movement embraced a raw, rebellious look. Let's delve into the most popular hairstyles of the '70s and explore how they came to be.
The Disco Decade: Glamour and Volume
The disco era, which spanned the mid-to-late '70s, was all about glamour and excess. Hairstyles reflected this opulence, with big, voluminous styles taking center stage.
One of the most iconic hairstyles of the '70s, the Farrah Fawcett waves, epitomized this glamorous look. Fawcett's feathered cut, popularized by her role in the TV show "Charlie's Angels," featured long, layered hair with soft waves and a deep side part. The style was achieved using large rollers and plenty of hairspray, creating a look that was both sexy and sophisticated.
The Afro: A Symbol of Pride and Empowerment
The '70s also saw a resurgence in the popularity of the Afro, a style that had been popular among African Americans in the '60s. The Afro, a rounded, full hairstyle that allowed natural hair to grow out in all directions, became a symbol of black pride and empowerment.
Celebrities like Diana Ross and Angela Davis sported large, well-maintained Afros, inspiring many to embrace their natural hair texture. The Afro was often styled with a pick or comb, and could be worn in various sizes and shapes, from small and neat to large and voluminous.
The wedge cut: A Sleek and Modern Style
For those who preferred a shorter, more modern look, the wedge cut was a popular choice. This style featured layered hair that was shorter in the back and longer in the front, creating a wedge shape. The wedge cut was often worn with a deep side part and could be styled straight or with soft waves.
The wedge cut was popular among women of all ages and backgrounds, from young professionals to older women looking for a stylish, low-maintenance cut. It was also a favorite among celebrities, with stars like Goldie Hawn and Jane Fonda sporting the style.
Punk Rock: Raw, Rebellious, and Unapologetic
While disco was all about glamour and excess, the punk movement that emerged in the late '70s was a reaction against this materialism. Punk hairstyles were raw, rebellious, and unapologetic, reflecting the anti-establishment sentiment of the punk subculture.
One of the most iconic punk hairstyles was the mohawk. This bold style featured shaved sides and a strip of long, spiky hair down the middle of the head. The mohawk was often dyed bright colors and could be styled in various ways, from tall and sleek to short and messy.
The Punk Pixie: Short, Spiky, and Defiant
Another popular punk hairstyle was the punk pixie, a short, spiky cut that was often dyed bright colors. This style was inspired by the short, boyish cuts worn by many punk musicians, like Patti Smith and Siouxsie Sioux.
The punk pixie was a statement of defiance, a rejection of traditional femininity and the beauty standards of the time. It was often paired with heavy eyeliner and bold makeup, creating a look that was both challenging and empowering.
The Shag: A Transitionary Style
For those who wanted to embrace the punk aesthetic but weren't ready to commit to a bold, dramatic style, the shag was a popular compromise. This layered cut featured long bangs that were cut straight across the forehead, and shorter layers throughout the rest of the hair.
The shag was a versatile style that could be worn straight or curly, and was often styled with plenty of hairspray for a tousled, just-out-of-bed look. It was a popular choice among young women in the late '70s, and was often seen on celebrities like Farrah Fawcett and Goldie Hawn.
As we look back on the hairstyles of the '70s, it's clear that this decade was a time of great experimentation and innovation. From the glamorous waves of the disco era to the raw, rebellious styles of punk, the hairstyles of the '70s reflected the cultural shifts and societal changes of the time. Today, many of these styles continue to inspire modern hairstyles, a testament to the enduring influence of '70s fashion and culture.