70's Hairstyles Womens Seventies Hairstyles

70s Hairstyles: A Retro Revolution for Women

The 1970s witnessed a vibrant explosion of fashion and self-expression, and nowhere was this more evident than in women's hairstyles. This era offered a diverse range of looks, from the sleek and sophisticated to the wildly voluminous and textured. This comprehensive guide delves into the iconic hairstyles that defined the 70s, exploring their nuances, the cultural influences behind them, and how to achieve these retro styles today. Whether you're a vintage enthusiast or simply curious about the fashion of this transformative decade, you'll find a wealth of information within.

The Defining Characteristics of 70s Hair

Several key characteristics defined 70s hairstyles for women:

• Volume: Big hair was the statement. Think teased, layered, and often heavily sprayed styles that reached impressive heights. This was a reaction against the more sleek and controlled looks of previous decades.

• Layers: Layering became crucial for creating movement and texture, allowing for both volume and a softer, more natural look, depending on the style. This technique was used in everything from Farrah Fawcett's iconic style to shaggier, more bohemian cuts.

• Texture: Whether it was sleek and straight, bouncy curls, or a tousled, wavy look, texture was key. This was achieved through various techniques, including perms, teasing, and the skillful use of styling products.

• Fringes/Bangs: From long, sweeping fringes to blunt, straight-across bangs, fringes played a significant role in framing the face and adding to the overall style.

• Color: While natural shades remained popular, the 70s also embraced bolder colors, including highlights and lowlights, often in shades of blonde, brown, and auburn. This added another dimension to the overall look, emphasizing texture and volume.

Iconic 70s Hairstyles for Women

Let's explore some of the most memorable 70s hairstyles that continue to inspire today:

1. The Farrah Fawcett Flip

Arguably the most iconic 70s hairstyle, Farrah Fawcett's voluminous, layered, and flipped-out style captivated the world. This look required skill in layering and teasing to achieve the signature volume and movement. The flip was created by using a large round brush during blow-drying to create outward curls at the ends. This style celebrated effortless chic and became a symbol of female empowerment. To recreate this look today, you'll need a good volumizing mousse, a round brush, and a hair dryer.

2. The Shag

The shag haircut was a more rebellious and less structured take on the layered styles popular during this decade. Characterized by its choppy layers and textured effect, the shag offered a carefree, bohemian vibe. It worked well on various hair lengths and textures, from long and wavy to short and slightly unkempt. The shag was a great alternative for those who wanted a less meticulously styled look. This look emphasized texture over perfect volume.

3. The Afro

The afro, a powerful symbol of Black pride and cultural identity, reached its peak popularity in the 70s. This hairstyle embraced natural hair texture, showcasing its full volume and beauty. The afro was a statement of self-acceptance and defiance against Eurocentric beauty standards. Maintaining an afro required specialized products and techniques to keep the hair moisturized and healthy. Today, it remains a popular and iconic style celebrating natural beauty.

4. Long, Straight Hair with Center Part

In contrast to the voluminous styles, the 70s also saw a resurgence of long, straight hair, often parted down the middle. This look was sleek and sophisticated, and it was achieved through careful styling with straighteners or by air-drying naturally straight hair. This style emphasized length and shine, creating a polished and refined aesthetic. This style worked best with fine to medium hair.

5. The Bouffant

The bouffant, a hairstyle featuring teased hair at the crown to create height and volume, was a staple of the 70s. This style often involved backcombing or teasing at the roots, then carefully smoothing the outer layers to create a sculpted and elegant silhouette. The bouffant was often accessorized with headbands, scarves, or barrettes.

6. The Curls

From loose, bouncy curls to tighter, more defined spirals, curly hair was a popular choice throughout the 70s. Many women achieved curls through perms, a chemical treatment that permanently alters hair texture. Other women would use rollers or hot curlers to achieve a temporary curly style. The curls could be styled in various ways, ranging from cascading waves to voluminous ringlets.

7. The Pageboy

The pageboy, a classic bob haircut with a slightly flipped-out under layer, enjoyed a revival during the 70s. This style provided a sophisticated and polished alternative to the more dramatic and voluminous hairstyles of the era. It was relatively simple to manage and was particularly flattering on round face shapes. The pageboy emphasized blunt ends and a symmetrical cut.

The Science Behind 70s Hairstyles

The achievement of these voluminous and textured styles depended on several scientific principles:

• Hair Structure: Understanding the structure of hair—the cuticle, cortex, and medulla—was crucial for manipulating its texture and volume. Teasing, for example, involves separating the hair cuticle to create volume, while perms alter the protein bonds in the cortex to change the hair’s natural curl pattern.

• Styling Products: Hairsprays, mousses, and gels were essential for holding these styles in place. These products contained polymers and resins that created a film around the hair, providing structure and hold. The high alcohol content in many hairsprays contributed to the stiffness of many styles.

• Heat Styling: Hot rollers, curling irons, and blow-dryers were used to create curls, waves, and volume. These tools use heat to temporarily alter the hair's shape by breaking and reforming hydrogen bonds within the hair shaft.

• Chemistry of Perms: The perm process involves breaking and reforming the disulfide bonds in the hair protein keratin using chemicals. This process allows the hair to be reshaped into curls or waves, a significant factor in creating many popular 70s hairstyles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How can I achieve 70s hair without damaging my hair? Modern styling techniques and products minimize damage compared to the practices of the 1970s. Use heat protectant sprays when using hot styling tools. Limit the use of harsh chemicals and opt for gentler alternatives. Focus on achieving volume through techniques like teasing and strategic layering rather than solely relying on excessive hairspray.

• What hair type works best for 70s hairstyles? Most 70s styles can be adapted to various hair types. However, voluminous styles like the Farrah Fawcett flip work best with medium to thick hair. While fine hair can achieve volume with teasing and styling products, achieving the same level of dramatic height can be more challenging.

• Are 70s hairstyles still fashionable today? Elements of 70s hairstyles are constantly reinterpreted and incorporated into modern trends. The shag, for instance, remains a popular choice, while updated versions of layered styles and voluminous looks are regularly seen on runways and in mainstream fashion. The key is to adapt these classic styles to suit contemporary aesthetics.

• What products do I need to recreate 70s hairstyles? You'll need volumizing mousse or spray, a round brush, a hair dryer, and potentially hot rollers or a curling iron, depending on the chosen style. Hairspray is essential for holding the style in place. For perms, consult a professional hairstylist.

Conclusion

The 70s hairstyles for women represent a remarkable era of experimentation and self-expression. These styles reflected the social and cultural changes of the time, embodying a sense of freedom and individuality. While some styles, like the heavily teased and sprayed looks, might seem extreme by today’s standards, their influence is undeniable. From the iconic Farrah Fawcett flip to the rebellious shag and the powerful afro, these hairstyles continue to inspire and influence modern trends, proving that the spirit of 70s fashion remains timeless and relevant. By understanding the techniques and principles behind these iconic looks, you can confidently recreate them or use them as inspiration for your own unique and stylish interpretations. The key is to embrace the spirit of the era: bold, voluminous, and undeniably chic.