The 1970s, a decade marked by cultural shifts and societal changes, was also a time of significant evolution in hairstyles. From the disco era's glamorous looks to the punk movement's rebellious cuts, the 70s saw a wide range of trends that continue to influence modern hairstyles today.
As we delve into the world of 70s hairstyles, we'll explore the iconic looks that defined the decade, the celebrities who popularized them, and the cultural contexts that shaped these trends.
Disco and Glamour
The 70s disco scene brought with it an emphasis on glamour and opulence, reflected in the hairstyles of the era. Big, voluminous hair was the norm, often teased and backcombed for added height.
Afros, both natural and permed, were also popular among both men and women, symbolizing pride in one's natural hair texture and cultural heritage.
The Farrah Fawcett Feathered Cut
No discussion of 70s hairstyles would be complete without mentioning the Farrah Fawcett feathered cut. This iconic style, characterized by layered, side-swept bangs and soft, feathered ends, was made famous by Fawcett's character, Jill Munroe, in the TV show "Charlie's Angels".
The style was easy to achieve at home, thanks to the introduction of electric hair clippers and the growing popularity of home hair care products, making it a hit among women across the country.
The wedge cut
Another popular style of the disco era was the wedge cut, a short, layered style that framed the face and emphasized the eyes. This style was often worn by women with straight or fine hair and could be styled in various ways, from sleek and smooth to tousled and textured.
Celebrities like Goldie Hawn and Diane Keaton popularized this style, which remains a favorite among short-haired women today.
Punk and Rebellion
While disco was all about glamour and excess, the punk movement represented a rebellion against mainstream culture. This counterculture trend was reflected in punk hairstyles, which were often bold, provocative, and deliberately unkempt.
Punks embraced a range of styles, from shaggy, layered cuts to mohawks and buzz cuts, often dyed in bright, bold colors.
Mohawks and Spikes
One of the most iconic punk hairstyles was the mohawk, a style characterized by a strip of upright, spiked hair down the middle of the head, with shaved or closely cropped sides. This style was often associated with punk fashion, which included leather jackets, ripped clothing, and safety pins.
Other punk hairstyles included spikes, which could be achieved with the help of gel or hairspray, and buzz cuts, which were often shaved on the sides and left longer on top.
Dyed Hair and Unconventional Colors
Punk hairstyles were often characterized by their use of color, with punks embracing bright, bold hues like red, orange, and purple. This was a stark contrast to the more natural shades of the disco era and reflected the punk movement's rejection of mainstream beauty standards.
Hair dye was also used to create unique patterns and designs, with some punks sporting half-and-half colors or stripes of multiple hues.
Shaggy Layers and Messy Cuts
Not all punk hairstyles were about bold statements and extreme cuts. Many punks also embraced shaggy, layered cuts that were easy to maintain and reflected the movement's anti-establishment ethos.
These styles were often messy and unkempt, with choppy layers and uneven lengths, and were designed to be low-maintenance and rebellious.
Today, many of the hairstyles that emerged in the 1970s continue to influence modern trends. From the voluminous, glamorous looks of the disco era to the bold, provocative styles of the punk movement, the hairstyles of the 70s remain a source of inspiration for stylists and fashionistas alike. So, whether you're looking to channel your inner disco diva or punk rocker, there's plenty of inspiration to be found in the hairstyles of the 1970s.