Ah, the 1970s, you know, it was a time when hair truly was as wild and free as the era itself. Imagine, if you will, walking into a salon back then, where the chatter would be all about disco nights and flower power. This period, it really was an expressive time for fashion, for beauty, and, well, for hair, too. From disco queens to bohemian goddesses, the women of the '70s explored a variety of hairstyles that still influence fashion trends even today, which is pretty amazing when you think about it.
The 70s, you see, was a very important decade. It was marked by a counterculture movement and big campaigns for political change. But beyond that, it also gave us some truly iconic looks. Whether you were rocking a 'Farrah Fawcett' flip, a classic afro, or maybe a sleek disco style, your hair in the 70s definitely told a story, a very personal one, actually. It’s kind of cool how hair can do that, isn't it?
Today, these iconic hairstyles, they just keep influencing modern looks. Stylists and trendsetters continue to find ways to bring these vintage vibes into our current times. Whether you're looking to channel the effortless cool of the '70s or add a touch of glamour to your everyday style, these ladies 70s hairstyles offer a wealth of options to explore. So, let’s take a trip down memory lane, and really see what made these looks so special, you know?
Table of Contents
- The Feathered Flip and Farrah Fawcett
- The Shag Haircut
- Classic Curtain Bangs
- The Voluminous Afro
- Sleek and Straight Disco Hair
- The Mullet: A Bold Statement
- Bohemian Braids and Waves
- The Bubble Perm
- The Pigtails and Ponytails
- The Bowl Cut
- The Pixie Cut
- How to Recreate These 70s Looks Today
- Frequently Asked Questions About 70s Hairstyles
The Feathered Flip and Farrah Fawcett
Save feathering, you know, it’s one of the biggest hair trends that became really popular starting in the 1970s. This style, it was truly made famous by icons like Farrah Fawcett, whose hair became, well, pretty much a global phenomenon. It’s a look that just screams 70s glamour, and it's still pretty recognizable today, actually.
To get this look, you basically cut delicate layers into the hair. These layers are often shorter at the front and then get longer towards the back, which is kind of unique. This particular layering helps create that signature outward flip and a lot of movement, you see. It really frames the face in a very soft, appealing way, and that's why so many people loved it.
How to Achieve the Feathered Look
To recreate this very voluminous look, you really need a round brush and a hair dryer. The trick is to roll back the ends of your hair while drying, creating tons of volume and that classic outward curl. It takes a little practice, but the payoff is, you know, pretty dramatic. You want to make sure each section gets enough lift at the root, too, for that full effect.
This style, it just makes a statement, doesn't it? It’s all about big hair, lots of body, and a sort of carefree elegance. People still try to get this kind of bounce and shape, which is amazing, really. It shows how timeless some of these looks can be, honestly.
The Shag Haircut
The shag haircut, that was another big one, a real staple of ladies 70s hairstyles. It’s a very layered cut, typically with layers that are shorter on top and get progressively longer as you go down. This creates a sort of choppy, disheveled look that was incredibly popular, especially with rock stars and people in the counterculture movement, you know?
It’s a style that really embodies that "wild and free" spirit of the decade. The shag is, in a way, about embracing natural texture and movement. It's not supposed to be perfectly neat, which is kind of its charm, actually. It had a sort of rebellious feel to it, which resonated with a lot of people back then.
Styling Your Shag
Styling a shag, it's pretty straightforward, which is one reason why people liked it so much. Often, you just let it air dry, maybe with a little product to enhance the layers and texture. You can also use a diffuser if you have wavy or curly hair to really bring out those natural curls and give it more body. It's about letting the cut do most of the work, you know?
The shag has seen many revivals over the years, too. Modern versions might be a bit softer, but the essence of the choppy layers and effortless cool remains. It’s a very versatile cut that can work for many hair types, which is why it keeps coming back, really.
Classic Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs, you know, they're another iconic look that came straight out of the 70s, and they are definitely having a moment again today. These bangs are typically longer in the middle and then gradually get shorter as they frame the face, sort of like curtains opening up. They're very soft, very flattering, and they just blend so well with layers, honestly.
They offer a really nice way to add some softness around the face without committing to a full, heavy fringe. This style, it works beautifully with longer hair, with shags, and even with those feathered looks. It’s all about creating a sort of effortless, undone vibe, which was very much the feeling of the 70s, you see.
Getting the Curtain Bang Look
To get curtain bangs, your stylist will cut them to frame your face, often starting around the cheekbones. You can style them by blowing them out with a round brush, sweeping them away from your face to create that signature parted look. They're pretty low maintenance, too, which is a big plus for many people, really.
These bangs are, arguably, one of the most adaptable 70s trends. They can be worn with so many different hair lengths and textures, which makes them a really popular choice for people looking for a subtle nod to the decade without going full retro. They just add a nice touch, you know?
The Voluminous Afro
The voluminous afro, this was a truly powerful and very expressive hairstyle of the 1970s. It represented pride, identity, and a celebration of natural hair texture, especially within the Black community. It was a bold statement, a very visible symbol of self-acceptance and cultural affirmation during a significant time of social change, you see.
This style is all about embracing natural curl patterns and achieving maximum volume and shape. It can range from a tightly coiled, perfectly rounded shape to a softer, more free-flowing cloud of curls. It’s a look that really commands attention, and it just exudes confidence, honestly.
Caring for Your Afro
Maintaining a voluminous afro requires careful attention to moisture and curl definition. Products designed for natural hair, like leave-in conditioners and curl creams, are pretty essential. Using a pick to gently lift the roots helps achieve that incredible volume and shape without disturbing the curl pattern too much. It’s about nourishing the hair to let its natural beauty shine, you know?
The afro, it remains a timeless and very celebrated style. Its influence goes far beyond just hair; it’s a cultural icon. It shows how hair can be a very powerful form of personal expression and a symbol of heritage, which is really quite profound, actually.
Sleek and Straight Disco Hair
While some 70s ladies hairstyles were all about volume and wildness, there was also a strong trend towards sleek, straight, and very shiny hair, especially for disco nights. This look was often long, parted down the middle, and perfectly smooth. It was about glamour, about movement on the dance floor, and a sort of sophisticated simplicity, you know?
Think of Cher or Studio 54 regulars; their hair was often poker straight, incredibly glossy, and just flowed beautifully. It was a stark contrast to the feathered and shag styles, showing the incredible diversity of hair trends within the same decade, which is pretty interesting, really.
Achieving the Disco Shine
To get this sleek look, you would typically use a flat iron, which was becoming more common, or a very thorough blow-dry with a paddle brush. Hair serums and shine sprays were also key to achieving that mirror-like gloss. The goal was hair that looked absolutely flawless and moved like liquid when you danced, you see.
This style, it still influences modern trends for straight hair. People still want that incredible shine and smoothness. It proves that sometimes, less is more, especially when it comes to a polished, refined look that just catches the light, you know? It’s a very elegant choice, honestly.
The Mullet: A Bold Statement
The mullet, you know, it’s a hairstyle that often gets a bit of a mixed reaction, but it was definitely a thing in the 70s, and it was pretty bold. It’s characterized by being shorter at the front and sides, and then much longer at the back. It’s a very distinct silhouette, and it really made a statement, actually.
While often associated with the 80s, the mullet's roots are firmly in the 70s, especially as a counterculture statement. It was a style that defied traditional norms, blending different lengths in a way that was, well, pretty unconventional for its time. It’s kind of a "business in the front, party in the back" kind of vibe, you know?
Styling the Mullet
Styling a mullet usually involved keeping the top and sides relatively neat, while letting the back grow out. Depending on the person, the back could be straight, wavy, or even curly. It was about contrast, really. Some people would add layers to the back for more movement, too, which made it a bit softer.
The mullet, it's arguably one of the most recognizable and, you know, sometimes debated hairstyles. Yet, it keeps reappearing in fashion, often with modern twists. It shows how even the most unconventional styles can have a lasting impact and find new audiences, which is pretty wild, actually.
Bohemian Braids and Waves
For the bohemian goddesses of the 70s, hair was often long, flowing, and very natural. This look frequently featured loose, effortless waves, sometimes with delicate braids woven in. It was all about embracing a sort of earthy, free-spirited vibe, which really captured the essence of flower power and the natural movement, you see.
Think of women at music festivals, their hair adorned with flowers or simple headbands. It wasn't about perfect styling; it was about hair that looked like it had been kissed by the sun and wind. It had a very relaxed, almost ethereal quality to it, honestly.
Creating Boho Hair
To get these bohemian ladies 70s hairstyles, you could let your hair air dry to enhance natural waves, or use a large barrel curling iron to create soft, loose curls. Adding a few small, haphazard braids, maybe even some beads, would really complete the look. It’s about achieving a sort of relaxed beauty that feels very authentic, you know?
This style, it just never really goes out of fashion for those who love a natural, relaxed aesthetic. It’s a reminder that beauty can be found in simplicity and in letting your hair do its own thing, which is pretty refreshing, actually. It’s a very gentle, appealing look.
The Bubble Perm
The bubble perm, you know, that was another popular way to get big, voluminous curls in the 70s. Unlike softer waves, the bubble perm created very tight, uniform curls all over the head, giving a sort of rounded, "bubble-like" silhouette. It was about maximum curl, maximum volume, and a very playful look, actually.
This style was particularly favored by those who wanted a dramatic change or who had very straight hair and longed for that full, curly texture. It was a very distinct look, and it definitely made a statement. It was a way to really embrace a lot of bounce and body, you see.
Maintaining a Bubble Perm
Maintaining a bubble perm involved using products that would help keep the curls defined and frizz-free. Regular conditioning was pretty important to keep the hair from drying out, given the chemical process. It was a commitment, but for many, the results were worth it for that incredible volume and texture, you know?
While perms have evolved a lot since the 70s, the idea of adding lasting curl and volume through chemical means still holds appeal. The bubble perm is a very clear example of how people were experimenting with extreme textures during that time, which is pretty fascinating, really.
The Pigtails and Ponytails
Even simple styles like pigtails and ponytails got a 70s twist, you know. They were often worn lower, sometimes with added volume at the crown or with those signature feathered bangs framing the face. It wasn't just about pulling your hair back; it was about doing it with a certain flair that fit the era, actually.
Sometimes, ponytails would be very high and bouncy, especially for disco looks, or very low and loose for a more bohemian feel. Pigtails could be worn sleek or with a lot of natural texture. It was all about adapting these classic styles to the prevailing trends of volume and freedom, you see.
Styling Simple 70s Updos
To give a ponytail a 70s vibe, you could tease the crown a little before gathering the hair, or leave out some face-framing pieces to curl or feather. For pigtails, adding a center part and keeping them low and loose would give that relaxed, natural feel. It’s about those little details that really make a difference, you know?
These simple styles show how even everyday looks were influenced by the decade's focus on expression and personal touch. They prove that you don't always need a complex cut to channel a specific era, which is pretty cool, honestly.
The Bowl Cut
The bowl cut, you know, it was another distinctive look that saw some popularity in the 70s, often with a softer, more rounded edge than its later, sharper iterations. It's characterized by hair that's cut evenly around the head, looking a bit like a bowl placed over the head, which is where it gets its name, actually.
In the 70s, it might have been worn with a bit more length, perhaps reaching the jawline, and sometimes with a slight feathering or layering to make it less severe. It was a very clean, somewhat minimalist look compared to the wilder styles, you see. It offered a different kind of statement, one of simplicity.
Modernizing the Bowl Cut
Today's bowl cuts often incorporate more texture and subtle layers to give them a softer, more contemporary feel. You can style it by tucking it behind the ears for a sleek look or adding a bit of volume at the crown for a more playful vibe. It's a very precise cut that really highlights the face, you know?
The bowl cut is a good example of how even very simple shapes can be interpreted differently across decades. It shows that even a basic cut can carry a certain retro charm, which is pretty neat, really.
The Pixie Cut
The pixie cut, while always a classic, also had its moment in the 70s, often seen on women who wanted a very bold, independent look. It’s a very short cut, typically tapered at the back and sides, with a slightly longer top that can be styled in various ways. It’s a look that really emphasizes facial features, you know?
In the 70s, pixies might have been a bit softer than previous decades, perhaps with a slight fringe or some texture on top. It was a statement of liberation, a rejection of longer, more traditional styles. It was about convenience, too, and a sort of chic simplicity, actually.
Styling a 70s Pixie
Styling a 70s pixie could involve using a bit of pomade or wax to create texture and definition, or simply letting it fall naturally for a softer look. The key was often to keep it a little messy, a little undone, to fit that relaxed 70s vibe. It’s a very low-maintenance cut, which is a big plus, really.
The pixie cut remains a very popular choice for those who want a strong, confident look. It proves that short hair can be just as expressive and stylish as long hair, and it definitely carries that timeless appeal, which is pretty cool, honestly.
How to Recreate These 70s Looks Today
Recreating these ladies 70s hairstyles today is actually quite fun, and it’s easier than you might think. The great thing is that many of these looks have been modernized, so you can get the essence without feeling like you're wearing a costume. It's about taking inspiration and making it your own, you know?
For volume, consider using volumizing mousses or sprays at the roots before blow-drying. A good round brush is pretty essential for feathered looks and adding bounce. For texture, sea salt sprays can help create those effortless waves, and dry shampoo can add body to any style, actually.
Don't be afraid to experiment with layers. Delicate layers, as mentioned for feathering, can really transform a bob or a longer cut. If you’re unsure, talk to your stylist. They can help you figure out which 70s-inspired cut would best suit your hair type and face shape, you see. It’s all about finding what works for you.
Remember, the 70s was about expression and freedom. So, whether you pick a voluminous look that makes a statement or a simple and cute cut, these are some of the best 70s hairstyles for women. They offer a diverse array of styles that can be emulated for a unique and trendy look. You can learn more about hair trends on our site, and link to this page Allure for more inspiration, too. These styles, they really give the best competition to modern hairstyles, honestly.
Frequently Asked Questions About 70s Hairstyles
What was the most popular hairstyle in the 70s?
The feathered flip, often associated with Farrah Fawcett, was arguably the most popular and iconic hairstyle of the 70s, you know. It truly defined the look of the decade for many women. It was all about volume, layers, and that distinctive outward curl, which was pretty revolutionary at the time, actually.
How do you do 70s hair?
Doing 70s hair often involves focusing on volume, layers, and movement, you see. For feathered styles, you use a round brush and hairdryer to roll back the ends. Shags embrace choppy layers and natural texture. Curtain bangs frame the face softly. It's about creating a sense of effortless cool, really, and using the right tools to get that bounce and shape.
What is a 70s shag haircut?
A 70s shag haircut is a very layered style, typically shorter on top and gradually longer towards the bottom, creating a sort of choppy, disheveled look, you know. It's meant to be worn a bit messy and embraces natural texture, giving off a very relaxed and rebellious vibe. It was a huge hit for its easygoing nature, actually.
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