The 70s was a decade of profound transformation in fashion, including the realm of hairstyles. The bob cut, firstly popularized in the 1920s, came back with a vengeance, bringing along an array of variations that expressed the personality, freedom, and dynamism of the era. Here, we delve into the most iconic 70s bob hairstyles that redefined trends and continue to inspire today.
The decade saw a shift from the beehive and bouffant styles of the 60s, embracing a more laid-back, casual approach to hair. The 70s bob mirrored this sentiment, evolving into styles that were easy to manage yet stylish and expressive.
The Classic 70s Bob
The classic 70s bob was a short, chin-length cut with soft, feathered layers. It was a symptom of the times, reflecting the rise of women's liberation and a desire for a more relaxed, natural look.
This style was popularized by actresses like Jane Fonda and Goldie Hawn, who sported variations of the classic bob on screen and off. To achieve this look, ask your stylist for a cut that falls just below the chin with long, face-framing layers in the front.
Feathered Bob
The feathered bob took the classic cut to the next level with more exaggerated layers. These were cut to create a "feathered" effect, giving the hair a soft, windblown look. This style was often worn with a side part and flipped out at the ends.
Popularized by Farrah Fawcett, the feathered bob became the definitive hairstyle of the 70s. To recreate this look, ask your stylist to cut your hair to chin length with long, blended layers throughout. Use a round brush and a blow dryer to achieve the desired volume and flip.
Chrissie Hynde-Inspired Bob
Chrissie Hynde, the lead singer of the Pretenders, brought a edgier, moreältoscopic version of the bob to the forefront of 70s fashion. Her style featured shorter layers at the top of the head, gradually becoming longer towards the ends.
This stacked bob, also known as the inverted bob, was a bold statement that stood out among the softer, more feminine styles of the decade. It's a striking look that can be achieved with a cut that's shortest at the crown and gradually gets longer towards the front and back.
Long Bob (Lob) Styles
While the 70s saw a resurgence in short bobs, the decade also popularized the long bob (or lob). This style combined the ease of a bob with the length of a longer hairstyle, providing women with a versatile, easy-to-manage cut.
Celebrities like Lauren Hutton and Candice Bergen popularized this style, which typically fell between the chin and the collarbone.
Rachel Cut
The Rachel cut was one of the most iconic lob styles of the 70s. Popularized by actress Rachel McAdams in the show "The Notebook," this style features long, layered hair with subtle face-framing highlights. It's a style that's both timeless and modern, offering plenty of versatility.
To achieve this look, ask for a cut that falls between the chin and the collarbone with long, blended layers. Request face-framing chunks around the face for added dimension. Use a medium-sized round brush and a blow dryer to create soft, voluminous waves.
Wedges
Wedges were a popular version of the lob that involved cutting hair in a geometric, diagonal line around the face. This style was often worn with bangs that were similar in length to the shortest part of the wedge.
Popularized by Jane Fonda in her workout videos, the wedge was a practical style for women who wanted to look put-together without spending too much time on their hair. It's a confident, daring style that's still popular today.
Even after four decades, the 70s bob continues to captivate and inspire. From the classic, feathery styles to the edgy, stacked cuts, these hairstyles embody the spirit of the decade. Whether you're looking to make a bold statement or just want a practical, easy-to-manage style, a 70s-inspired bob is a timeless choice. So why not try out a 70s bob style today and let your hair tell a story of a decade that celebrated freedom, expression, and individuality?