Explore iconic hairstyles of 70s for women - from disco diva curls to Boho waves. Learn how to achieve these timeless looks and embrace retro glamour!
The 1970s was a decade known for its vibrant fashion and expressive style, and hairstyles were no exception.
As someone who has always been fascinated by the fashion trends of the past, I find the hairstyles of the 70s to be particularly captivating.
In this article, I'll take you on a journey through some of the top hairstyles that defined this era, each with its own unique charm and character.
Top Hairstyles of 70s for Women
1. The Farrah Fawcett Flip
One of the most iconic hairstyles of the 70s was the Farrah Fawcett flip. This feathered and layered style became synonymous with the actress and her role in the hit TV series "Charlie's Angels." The Farrah Fawcett flip was characterized by its voluminous waves that framed the face beautifully. Achieving this look required layers of hair, lots of hairspray, and a trusty round brush for styling.
To create the Farrah Fawcett flip, you would start by blow-drying your hair with a round brush to add volume and create those signature waves. Then, a bit of hairspray was used to hold the style in place, giving it that windswept appearance that was so popular during the era.
2. The Shag
The 70s was all about embracing natural and carefree looks, and the shag haircut embodied this spirit perfectly. Popularized by celebrities like Jane Fonda and Stevie Nicks, the shag featured choppy layers and lots of texture, giving it a tousled and undone appearance.
What I love about the shag is its versatility. It looked great on both long and short hair and could be tailored to suit various face shapes. This hairstyle was all about embracing imperfections and exuding confidence.
Related: Hairstyles Of The 80s
3. The Disco Diva
Ah, disco—the music and dance craze of the 70s that brought about its own unique sense of style. The disco diva hairstyle was all about big, voluminous curls and glamorous accessories. Women would often use rollers or curling irons to create those tight, bouncy curls that could withstand hours of dancing under the disco ball.
To complete the look, hair accessories like headbands, sparkly clips, and even tiaras were added. The disco diva hairstyle was the perfect complement to the glitzy and glamorous outfits of the disco era.
4. The Afro
The 1970s was a time of empowerment and self-expression, and the Afro hairstyle was a powerful symbol of this movement. This natural and unapologetic hairstyle celebrated the beauty of natural curls and kinks. It was worn proudly by many African American women and men, including icons like Pam Grier and Jimi Hendrix.
To achieve the Afro, one would simply let their hair grow out naturally, without any chemical straightening or processing. Regular maintenance involved careful picking and fluffing to maintain its shape and volume. The Afro was more than just a hairstyle; it was a statement of pride and identity.
5. The Bohemian Waves
The 70s was also a time of embracing the free-spirited and bohemian lifestyle, and the Bohemian Waves hairstyle perfectly captured that essence. This hairstyle featured loose, flowing waves that gave off a laid-back and effortlessly chic vibe.
To achieve Bohemian Waves, one could use hot rollers or a curling iron to create loose curls and then brush them out for a more relaxed appearance. It was a hairstyle that worked well with both long and medium-length hair and was often adorned with headbands, flowers, or even braids for that extra touch of boho charm.
6. The Pixie Cut
While longer hair was all the rage in the 70s, the pixie cut also had its moment in the spotlight. Stars like Mia Farrow and Twiggy popularized this short and edgy hairstyle. The pixie cut was all about minimalism and sophistication, offering a refreshing contrast to the more voluminous styles of the era.
What made the pixie cut so appealing was its low maintenance. It was short, sleek, and required minimal styling. It allowed women to showcase their facial features and was a bold departure from the long, flowing locks that dominated the decade.
7. The Braided Beauty
Braids have been a timeless hairstyle, but they took on a new life in the 70s with the rise of bohemian and hippie fashion. Women would wear long, flowing hair with braids incorporated for a natural, earthy look. This style was epitomized by the likes of Joni Mitchell and Cher.
To create the braided beauty look, women would part their hair down the middle and create two long, thick braids on either side. These braids could be adorned with beads, feathers, or colorful ribbons, adding an extra touch of personality to the style.
8. The Glam Rock Star
The 70s were a time when rock 'n' roll was thriving, and with it came the rise of glam rock. Glam rock stars like David Bowie and Marc Bolan were not only known for their music but also for their flamboyant fashion and hairstyles. The Glam Rock Star hairstyle was characterized by bold, androgynous looks, featuring shaggy, shoulder-length hair with layers and texture.
Achieving this look often involved teasing the hair for added volume and applying generous amounts of hairspray to create that wild and untamed appearance. Makeup was equally dramatic, with heavy eyeliner and colorful eyeshadows. This hairstyle was a symbol of rebellion and individuality, perfectly embodying the spirit of the era.
9. The Cher Long Straight Hair
When it comes to long, straight hair in the 70s, no one rocked it quite like Cher. Her sleek, ultra-long locks became an iconic part of her image. This hairstyle was all about simplicity and elegance, a departure from the more elaborate looks of the era.
To achieve the Cher Long Straight Hair, one would typically use a straightening iron to achieve that smooth, glossy finish. The center part was key to this look, and it often cascaded down to the waist or even longer. It was a hairstyle that exuded confidence and sophistication, making it a timeless classic.
10. The Roller Disco Queen
If the 70s were known for anything, it was disco fever! The Roller Disco Queen hairstyle was all about the perfect blend of glamour and functionality. Roller skating at the disco required a hairstyle that could withstand the whirlwind of spins and twirls on the rink.
This hairstyle featured big, bouncy curls, often achieved with the help of large rollers or a curling iron. The curls were then brushed out for added volume, creating a look that was both playful and fabulous. Headbands and colorful scrunchies were popular accessories to keep hair out of the way during those disco dance-offs.
11. The Pinned-Up Beehive
The 70s may have been known for its carefree and wild styles, but it also had room for more refined looks like the Pinned-Up Beehive. This hairstyle was a modern take on the 1960s classic and was worn by stars like Priscilla Presley.
The Pinned-Up Beehive featured a voluminous crown, often achieved with backcombing or teasing, and the hair was then pinned up into an elegant bun or twist at the back. The front often had some loose tendrils for a soft, romantic touch. This style was perfect for both casual and formal occasions, showcasing a blend of retro charm and sophistication.
12. The Boho Headband
As the 70s embraced a more bohemian and free-spirited vibe, the Boho Headband became a popular hairstyle choice. This look was all about embracing one's natural texture and adding a touch of whimsy with a headband.
To achieve the Boho Headband style, women would often leave their hair loose, whether it was straight, wavy, or curly. The key was to adorn the head with a colorful, patterned headband, which was typically worn across the forehead. This hairstyle exuded a laid-back, flower-child vibe, making it perfect for music festivals and casual outings.
13. The Feathered Bob
While we've already explored the Farrah Fawcett flip, another variation of the feathered hairstyle was the Feathered Bob. This style was characterized by shorter, shoulder-length hair that was feathered back and framed the face beautifully.
Achieving the Feathered Bob involved layers, texture, and lots of feathering. Hair would be blow-dried with a round brush to create those feathery, soft layers that added movement and volume. This style was versatile and suitable for various face shapes, offering a fresh take on the feathered trend.
14. The Punk Rock Mohawk
The punk rock movement of the late 70s brought about a hairstyle that was as rebellious as the music itself—the Mohawk. This edgy and unconventional style was famously worn by punk icons like Johnny Rotten and Debbie Harry.
The Mohawk featured a shaved head on the sides, leaving a strip of hair down the center. This strip was often styled into a dramatic spike using hair gel or glue. The Mohawk was a bold statement of non-conformity and counterculture, challenging societal norms and expectations.
Conclusion
The 1970s were a decade of bold fashion choices, and the hairstyles of the era were no exception. From the glamorous Farrah Fawcett flip to the carefree shag, the expressive Afro to the disco diva's bouncy curls, these hairstyles were a reflection of the times and the individuality of those who wore them.
Whether you're drawn to the natural beauty of the Afro or the sophistication of the pixie cut, there's something timeless about these styles that make them just as relevant and appealing in the present day.
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