The 1970s was a revolutionary decade for many aspects of pop culture, including hairstyles. The hippie movement of the late 1960s spilled over into the early 1970s, resulting in a bohemian influence on hairstyles. Later in the decade, the disco era marked a shift towards more glamorous and refined hairstyles.
From afros to shags, feathered cuts to long, loose waves, the 70s offered a wide range of hairstyles that are still popular today. Let’s take a closer look at the iconic hairstyles of the 70s and how they continue to influence hairstyling trends today.
Iconic Hairstyles of the 70s
The 70s was a decade of peace, love and self-expression. In this era, hairstyles were as important as the clothes people wore. The hairdos of this period were incredibly diverse and unique. Popular hairstyles of the 70s could vary from big and bold to sleek and refined.
Some of the most iconic hairstyles of the 70s included the Afro, the Shag, and the Farrah Fawcett. The Afro was popular among the African American community, representing pride in their roots and natural hair. The Shag was a layered cut with lots of texture and volume suitable for both men and women. And, the Farrah Fawcett, a feathered hairstyle with voluminous curls, became hugely popular after the actress made it famous on the TV show “Charlie’s Angels.” The hairstyles of the 70s were unique, spectacular, and never shied away from showing individuality.
The Influence of Hippie Culture on 70s Hairstyles
The 1970s fashion and culture was heavily influenced by the hippie movement of the 1960s. The free-spirited and unconventional values of the hippies extended to their hair as well. Long and natural-looking hair became the symbol of the hippie movement, and this trend carried over to the 1970s. Both men and women grew their hair out, often flaunting their locks with colorful headbands or bandanas.
The hippie hairstyle was all about embracing a more organic and simple look. Women’s hair was left loose and flowy, often styled with braids or loose waves. Men’s hair was also left to grow long and wild, often with a center or side part. As the hippie movement became more mainstream, their hairstyles became more accepted and even fashionable. The relaxed and natural look of the hippie hairstyle contrasted the stiff and rigid styles of the previous decade, making it a refreshing and popular trend in the 70s.
The Beatles’ Impact on 70s Hairstyles
The Beatles were undoubtedly one of the most influential bands of the 20th century, and their impact on fashion and hairstyles cannot be overlooked. In the 70s, the Beatles’ shaggy haircuts became extremely popular, and many people tried to imitate the look. The style was characterized by long, straight hair that was cut in layers and feathered around the face. It was a hairstyle that was both masculine and feminine, and it quickly became a symbol of rebellion for young people everywhere.
As the Beatles’ music continued to inspire people across the globe, their hairstyles started to evolve. In the early 1970s, the band members grew their hair longer and started to wear it in more natural styles. John Lennon’s iconic long hair and round glasses became a staple of the counterculture movement, and many young people sought to emulate his look. By the end of the decade, the Beatles had moved on from their matching haircuts and had started to experiment with more unique and individualistic styles, paving the way for a whole new generation of hairstyles.
The Rise of Disco and Its Impact on Hairstyles
In the 70s, disco music emerged and became a cultural phenomenon across the world. This led to the rise of a new fashion sense and hairstyle trends. The disco scene brought with it a very unique style that was characterized by glittery clothes, platform shoes, and glamorous hairstyles.
Disco hairstyles were often larger than life and featured a lot of volume and curls. Even men began to sport the big hairdos. The Afro hairstyle was also very popular among people of all races. Other popular hairstyles included perms, feathered hair, and the shag. The disco era greatly impacted the hairstyles of the 70s, and even today, many celebrities and fashion icons continue to draw inspiration from the glamour and flamboyance of that time.
Roller Skating and Feathered Hair
Roller skating and feathered hair were iconic trends of the 70s. Roller skating rinks were all the rage during this era and many young people spent their weekends gliding around in circles. Along with the skates, feathered hair was also a must-have fashion statement. Feathered hair was a layered haircut that showed off soft and feathered edges, paired with a center part. This hairstyle was extremely popular with both men and women, and many celebrities including Farrah Fawcett and David Cassidy sported this look.
The feathered hairstyle was the perfect match for the roller skating scene because it was versatile and comfortable. The layers created movement and body, which worked perfectly when people were skating around. It was also practical as it stayed in place under helmets, which were a common safety accessory for skaters. Nowadays, feathered hair has seen a resurgence in popularity, with many people looking to recreate this iconic look, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down.
Celebrity Hairstyles in the 70s
Celebrity hairstyles in the 70s were as iconic as the era’s fashion trends. Stars such as Farrah Fawcett popularized the feathered hairstyle, which was characterized by voluminous curls that feathered away from the face. Women were seen sporting their hair in a similar fashion, often pairing the look with a center parting for added effect.
Another popular hairstyle during the 70s was the Afro. Celebrities like Pam Grier and Michael Jackson rocked the signature fluffy and voluminous hairdo. Other celebrities also opted for longer locks, with Cher’s long sleek hair being a popular trend. The 70s were a time for experimenting with styles that reflected individuality, and celebrity hairstyles were no different.
How 70s Hairstyles Have Inspired Contemporary Trends
The 70s hairstyles, with their unique creativity and vibrancy, had a significant impact on the world of fashion. These hairstyles have continued to influence contemporary trends with their appeal to individuality and their free-spirited nature. The bohemian flair and free-flowing locks are still seen in many styles today, constantly reminding us of the immense impact of the era.
From shaggy haircuts to feathered long hair, the 70s hairstyles have remained a significant source of inspiration for contemporary styles. With hairstylists constantly seeking new ways to breathe life into classic looks, many unique variations of the 70s hairstyles have emerged. The influence of these looks is undeniable, with many modern fashion icons sporting variations of their favorite 70s hairstyles. For people seeking a retro-inspired look with a modern twist, the 70s hairstyles are the perfect inspiration.
Verdict
The 1970s were a time of cultural transformation, and this was reflected in the hairstyles of the decade. From the shaggy and unkempt look of the early ’70s to the sleek and stylish disco looks of the later years, the hairstyles of the era were diverse and reflected the changing times. While many of these hairstyles are now associated with the 1970s, some have stood the test of time and remain popular even today.
In conclusion, the hairstyles of the 1970s were more than just a passing fad. They were a reflection of the cultural and social changes taking place at the time. From the long and flowing locks of the hippie movement to the glamorous and flashy styles of disco, each look was unique and helped to define the era. Although many of these styles may seem outdated today, they remain a source of inspiration for modern-day hairdressers and fashion designers looking to incorporate retro elements into their designs.