70'S Women'S Hairstyles - Hairstyle

Embark on a captivating journey through the era of 70’s women’s hairstyles, a time when bold experimentation and self-expression reigned supreme. From the iconic Farrah Fawcett flick to the feathered layers and voluminous curls, these hairstyles transcended mere aesthetics, reflecting the social and cultural shifts of the decade.

Delve into the influences that shaped these hairstyles, from the hippie counterculture to the rise of disco and punk. Discover how celebrities, designers, and subcultures played a pivotal role in popularizing these iconic looks.

Table of Contents

Iconic Styles

The 1970s witnessed a revolution in women’s hairstyles, reflecting the era’s liberation and experimentation. These iconic styles transcended time, becoming synonymous with the decade’s fashion and cultural ethos.

The Farrah Fawcett flick, popularized by the television series “Charlie’s Angels,” epitomized the decade’s glamorous and voluminous aesthetic. This layered cut featured long, feathered bangs and bouncy, flipped-out ends, creating an illusion of fullness and movement. The style exuded confidence and sex appeal, becoming a staple of 70s fashion.

Cher’s Long, Flowing Hair

Cher’s long, flowing hair was another iconic style of the era. Her waist-length, raven locks became a symbol of the decade’s bohemian and carefree spirit. Cher’s hair was often styled in loose, natural waves or adorned with intricate braids and headpieces, reflecting the era’s embrace of individuality and self-expression.

The Pixie Cut

In contrast to the long, flowing styles, the pixie cut emerged as a bold and androgynous statement. This short, layered cut featured cropped sides and a longer top, often styled with a tousled or spiky texture. The pixie cut defied traditional feminine beauty standards, embracing a more edgy and rebellious aesthetic.

Influences and Inspirations

The 1970s witnessed a remarkable transformation in women’s hairstyles, influenced by a myriad of historical, cultural, and societal factors. This era marked a departure from the rigid and polished styles of the 1960s, embracing a spirit of freedom, individuality, and experimentation.

Historical and Cultural Influences

The feminist movement played a pivotal role in shaping 70’s hairstyles. Women sought to break away from traditional gender roles and express their independence through their appearance. Hairstyles became a form of self-expression, allowing women to challenge societal norms and embrace their individuality.

Another significant influence was the rise of the hippie counterculture. Hippies rejected the materialism and conformity of mainstream society, advocating for peace, love, and personal freedom. Their long, flowing hair and natural hairstyles symbolized their rejection of societal conventions.

Key Designers, Celebrities, and Subcultures

Individual designers, celebrities, and subcultures also played a crucial role in shaping 70’s women’s hairstyles.

– Farrah Fawcett: Her iconic feathered hair became a symbol of the era, popularized by the TV show “Charlie’s Angels.”
– Cher: Known for her bold and eclectic hairstyles, including her signature long, flowing locks and feathered bangs.
– Twiggy: The British model’s androgynous look, featuring short, cropped hair, inspired many women to embrace a more boyish style.
– Punk Subculture: The punk movement rejected traditional beauty standards, embracing hairstyles such as the mohawk and spiked hair, which symbolized rebellion and individuality.

Specific Inspirations

– The Beehive: Inspired by the iconic hairstyles of the 1960s, the beehive was a voluminous, structured updo that exuded glamour and sophistication.
– The Afro: A symbol of Black pride and identity, the Afro became a popular hairstyle among African American women in the 1970s.
– The Shag: A layered, shaggy haircut that framed the face, the shag was popularized by celebrities like Jane Fonda and Goldie Hawn, becoming a symbol of the era’s carefree and relaxed style.

Key Influences and Their Impact on 70’s Women’s Hairstyles
Influence	Date	Designers/Celebrities	Hairstyles
Feminist Movement	1970s	N/A	Natural, unstyled hair
Hippie Counterculture	1970s	N/A	Long, flowing hair
Farrah Fawcett	1970s	Farrah Fawcett	Feathered hair
Cher	1970s	Cher	Long, flowing locks, feathered bangs
Twiggy	1970s	Twiggy	Short, cropped hair
Punk Subculture	1970s	N/A	Mohawk, spiked hair

Evolution of 70’s Women’s Hairstyles

The evolution of 70’s women’s hairstyles can be traced through the decade’s major influences. The early 1970s saw the continuation of the long, flowing styles popularized by hippies. As the decade progressed, the influence of the feminist movement and the rise of disco music led to shorter, more manageable styles. The late 1970s witnessed the emergence of punk hairstyles, which challenged traditional beauty standards and embraced individuality.

Throughout the decade, hairstyles reflected the changing social and cultural landscape, allowing women to express their unique identities and embrace the spirit of the times.

Techniques and Tools

The iconic hairstyles of the 1970s were achieved through a combination of techniques and tools that aimed to create volume, curls, and other dramatic effects. These techniques and tools played a significant role in shaping the bold and glamorous look that defined the era.

Hair Styling Products

Hairspray and mousse were essential styling products used to create and maintain volume and hold. Hairspray was applied liberally to set hairstyles in place, while mousse was used to add body and texture. Other styling products, such as gels and pomades, were also used to achieve specific effects.

Blow Dryers

Blow dryers became widely available in the 1970s and revolutionized the way women styled their hair. They allowed for quick and easy drying, which helped to create volume and shape. Blow dryers were also used to set curls and create other desired effects.

Teasing

Teasing was a popular technique used to create volume at the roots of the hair. This involved backcombing the hair with a fine-toothed comb to create a fluffy, lifted effect. Teasing was often used in conjunction with other techniques, such as blow drying and hairspray, to achieve maximum volume.

Curling Irons and Hot Rollers

Curling irons and hot rollers were used to create curls and waves. Curling irons were heated and used to wrap sections of hair around, while hot rollers were heated and placed in the hair to set curls. These tools allowed for a variety of curl sizes and styles, from tight ringlets to loose, flowing waves.

Step-by-Step Guide to Popular 70’s Hairstyles

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to create two popular 70’s hairstyles:

Farrah Fawcett Flip

Start with clean, damp hair.
Apply mousse to the roots and blow dry the hair upside down to create volume.
Section off the top layer of hair and clip it up.
Use a curling iron to curl the remaining hair under.
Release the top layer of hair and curl it under, flipping it back over the curled hair.
Spray with hairspray to set the style.

Cher’s Long, Flowing Hair

Start with clean, damp hair.
Apply a volumizing mousse to the roots and blow dry the hair straight.
Section off the top layer of hair and clip it up.
Use a curling iron to curl the remaining hair in large, loose waves.
Release the top layer of hair and brush it out to blend with the curled hair.
Spray with hairspray to set the style.

Table of Techniques and Tools

The following table summarizes the different techniques and tools used to create 70’s women’s hairstyles:

Technique	Tool	Effect
Teasing	Fine-toothed comb	Volume at the roots
Blow drying	Blow dryer	Volume, shape, set curls
Curling	Curling iron, hot rollers	Curls, waves
Hairspray	Hairspray	Hold, set
Mousse	Mousse	Body, texture

Visual Guide

The following visual guide provides images and diagrams demonstrating the different techniques used to create 70’s hairstyles:

[Insert images or diagrams here]

Variations and Customization

The 70s witnessed an explosion of diverse hairstyles that catered to the unique preferences and features of women. Hairstylists adapted iconic styles to suit different face shapes, hair textures, and personal aesthetics, resulting in a wide range of personalized looks.

Hairstyles for Different Face Shapes

Hairstylists carefully considered the shape of a woman’s face when customizing hairstyles. Round faces were often complemented by long, layered styles with side-swept bangs that created an illusion of length. Oval faces were versatile and could accommodate most hairstyles, while square faces benefited from styles that softened the angles, such as soft curls or feathered layers.

Adapting to Hair Textures

Hair texture also played a significant role in determining hairstyles. Fine hair was styled with volumizing products and layers to create fullness, while thick hair could handle heavier styles like shags or bobs. Curly hair was often left natural or styled with products that defined curls and reduced frizz.

Personalizing Hairstyles

Women were encouraged to experiment with their hairstyles to reflect their individuality. Bangs were cut in various shapes and lengths, from blunt to wispy. Layers added movement and volume, while perms and curls created a playful and carefree look. Hair accessories, such as headbands, scarves, and barrettes, further personalized hairstyles and added a touch of glamour.

Influence of Cultural and Social Factors, 70’s women’s hairstyles

The 70s were a time of cultural and social change, which influenced hairstyles. The rise of the feminist movement encouraged women to embrace natural hairstyles and challenge traditional beauty standards. The popularity of rock and roll and disco music also influenced hairstyles, with shags and feathered hair becoming synonymous with these genres.

Table of Key Variations

The following table summarizes the key variations and customizations of 70’s women’s hairstyles, along with their characteristics and suitability for different face shapes and hair textures:

Hairstyle	Characteristics	Suitable for
Long, Layered Styles	Long hair with layers to create movement and volume	Round, oval faces
Shags	Layered, feathered hair with lots of texture	Thick hair
Bobs	Short to medium-length hair cut in a blunt or angled style	Square, oval faces
Feathered Hair	Hair with layers cut at different angles to create a soft, feathered effect	Thick, fine hair
Perms and Curls	Hair treated with chemicals to create curls or waves	Curly, fine hair

Mood Board of Personalized Hairstyles

The following mood board showcases a variety of personalized hairstyles from the 70s, highlighting their unique features and how they reflect individual style and preferences:

Narrative of a Personalized Hairstyle Experience

In the vibrant atmosphere of a 70s hair salon, Sarah sat in the stylist’s chair with anticipation. She had decided to embrace the era’s signature style and get a personalized haircut. The stylist carefully examined Sarah’s face shape and hair texture, discussing her preferences and inspirations. After a thorough consultation, they settled on a long, layered hairstyle with side-swept bangs. The stylist skillfully used a razor to create soft, feathered layers that framed Sarah’s face and accentuated her cheekbones. As the final touches were made, Sarah couldn’t help but smile at her reflection. Her new hairstyle was not only stylish but also perfectly suited her unique features and personality.

Social and Cultural Significance

During the 1970s, hairstyles for women became a powerful expression of social and cultural change. As women gained more independence and challenged traditional gender roles, their hairstyles reflected their evolving aspirations and identities.

The rise of the feminist movement in the 1970s significantly influenced women’s hairstyles. Many women adopted shorter, more androgynous haircuts, such as the pixie cut or the shag, as a symbol of their rejection of conventional femininity and their embrace of equality.

Hairstyles and Social Movements

The Afro: Associated with the Black Power movement, the Afro became a symbol of racial pride and empowerment.
The Peace Sign: Worn by anti-war activists, this hairstyle featured hair parted in the middle and tied into a bun at the back, resembling the peace sign.
The Beehive: Popularized by Jackie Kennedy, the beehive represented the conservative values of the 1950s and early 1960s.

Modern Interpretations

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in 70’s hairstyles, with contemporary stylists and fashion designers incorporating elements of the era into current trends. These modern interpretations often blend 70’s influences with contemporary techniques and aesthetics, resulting in a fresh and updated take on classic styles.

One of the most popular modern interpretations of 70’s hairstyles is the “shag,” a layered haircut that was originally popularized in the 1970s. Today’s shag is often cut with more texture and movement, and can be styled with a variety of products and techniques to create a variety of looks.

Hair Accessories

Hair accessories played a pivotal role in complementing and enhancing the iconic hairstyles of the 70s. From bold headbands to delicate scarves, these accessories added a touch of flair and individuality to every look.

Headbands

Thick, padded headbands made of velvet, leather, or fabric were a staple accessory.
They came in a variety of colors and patterns, from solid hues to psychedelic prints.
Headbands were often embellished with beads, studs, or feathers.

Scarves

Silk scarves in vibrant colors and patterns were tied around the head in various styles.
They could be worn as headbands, turbans, or bandanas.
Scarves added a bohemian touch to any outfit.

Barrettes

Barrettes were a versatile accessory that could be used to hold back bangs or create intricate updos.
They came in various sizes and shapes, from small clips to large combs.
Barrettes were often adorned with rhinestones, pearls, or other embellishments.

Other Accessories

Hair picks: Long, thin sticks made of wood or plastic were used to create volume and height.
Hair flowers: Artificial or real flowers were pinned into hair for a whimsical touch.
Hair nets: Delicate nets made of nylon or lace were used to hold hair in place.

Hair accessories in the 70s reflected the era’s emphasis on individuality and self-expression. They were often used to create bold and dramatic looks that complemented the flamboyant fashion and makeup trends of the time.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in 70s hair accessories. Contemporary designers have reimagined classic styles with modern materials and embellishments.

Hairstyles for Different Hair Types

The 1970s witnessed a diverse range of hairstyles that catered to the unique characteristics of different hair types. Hairstyles were skillfully adapted to complement the beauty and versatility of straight, curly, thick, or fine hair.

Straight Hair

Sleek and Straight: Long, straight hair was a signature style of the 70s, often parted down the middle or swept to one side. It showcased the natural shine and smoothness of straight hair.
Layered Bobs: Bob haircuts with graduated layers added volume and movement to straight hair, creating a flattering and modern look.
Feathered Ends: This technique involved cutting the ends of the hair into wispy layers, resulting in a soft and feathered effect that added texture to straight hair.

Curly Hair

Afros: Natural afros were celebrated as a symbol of empowerment and cultural pride, showcasing the beauty and volume of curly hair.
Perm Curls: Women with naturally straight hair could achieve the coveted curly look through perm treatments, creating soft, bouncy curls that added body and texture.
Shaggy Layers: Layered haircuts with shaggy ends enhanced the natural texture of curly hair, adding movement and dimension to the style.

Thick Hair

Long and Voluminous: Thick hair could be styled in long, flowing styles that emphasized its volume and body.
Layered Cuts: Layers helped to reduce the weight of thick hair, creating a more manageable and balanced look.
Feathered Bangs: Wispy, feathered bangs softened the appearance of thick hair and added a touch of femininity.

Fine Hair

Short and Choppy: Short, choppy haircuts with lots of texture and layers added volume and movement to fine hair.
Blowouts: Blowouts with round brushes helped to create the illusion of thicker, fuller hair.
Teasing and Backcombing: These techniques added volume to fine hair at the roots, creating a more voluminous look.

Ending Remarks

The legacy of 70’s women’s hairstyles continues to inspire contemporary stylists and fashion enthusiasts alike. Their enduring appeal lies in their versatility, adaptability, and the timeless glamour they exude. Whether recreated in its original form or reimagined with modern techniques, these hairstyles remain a testament to the enduring power of self-expression through hair.

Quick FAQs: 70’s Women’s Hairstyles

What were the most popular 70’s women’s hairstyles?

The most popular 70’s women’s hairstyles included the Farrah Fawcett flick, feathered layers, voluminous curls, and the shag.

How did 70’s women’s hairstyles reflect the era’s fashion and cultural trends?

70’s women’s hairstyles reflected the era’s emphasis on individuality, self-expression, and experimentation. They were often bold, voluminous, and glamorous, embodying the carefree and optimistic spirit of the time.

What techniques and tools were used to create 70’s women’s hairstyles?

70’s women’s hairstyles were created using a variety of techniques and tools, including blow dryers, curling irons, hairspray, and mousse. Teasing and backcombing were also popular techniques for adding volume and height to the hair.