The years from January 1, 1970, to December 31, 1979, often called the seventies, were a time of big shifts and some real commotion, you know. This decade saw many important world happenings, like the fall of Saigon, the Soviet forces entering Afghanistan, the Munich tragedy, and a U.S. president stepping down. It was a period marked by significant historical moments that truly changed the world, with news, sports, weather, TV shows, and rock music charts filling all 3,652 days of those years.
This period, in a way, presented a unique mix of things. We saw rising tensions between countries, worries about our planet, the appearance of some very troubling figures, and the start of a major political problem. It was a time when pop culture and politics actually met, like when the "King of Rock 'n' Roll," Elvis Presley, paid a visit to President Richard Nixon in the White House Oval Office on December 21, 1970. People were really looking for new ways to express themselves, and that certainly showed up in how they dressed and how they wore their hair.
Fashion from the 1970s was truly about showing who you were and having fun, too. People wore all sorts of clothes, from full jumpsuits to tight turtlenecks and very short hot pants, just about everything you could think of. This feeling of freedom and self-expression went right into the hair trends of the time. The 1970s were, in fact, a very lively time for hairstyles, full of fresh ideas and a lot of daring choices. It was an era of revolution, bringing in new ways of living and thinking that really embodied freedom, and that feeling, you know, it clearly shaped the hair.
Table of Contents
- The Spirit of the Seventies: A Time of Change
- Iconic 1970 Hairstyles for Women
- Distinctive Styles for Men in the 70s
- Bringing 70s Hair to Today: Modern Takes
- The Lasting Mark of 70s Hair
- Frequently Asked Questions About 1970 Hairstyles
The Spirit of the Seventies: A Time of Change
Cultural Currents and Social Shifts
The 1970s were, as a matter of fact, a period of significant societal shifts in the United States and across the globe. Activists were organizing protests, forming important groups like the National Organization for Women, and working hard for things like the Equal Rights Amendment. This push for more rights and personal freedom really changed how people thought about themselves and how they presented to the world. It was a time when people felt a strong desire to break away from older ways and express their own unique identities, which, you know, definitely showed up in their personal style.
This era saw a lot of new cultural and political ways of doing things that truly embodied freedom. The feeling of revolution was in the air, influencing everything from music to art to, yes, how people wore their hair. The decade began on January 1, 1970, and ended on December 31, 1979, covering many moments that shaped history. The spirit of the times, with its unrest and upheaval, encouraged people to be bold and different, so naturally, hairstyles became a very visible way to show that.
Fashion as Expression: More Than Just Clothes
1970s fashion was, quite honestly, very expressive and a lot of fun. People wore everything from jumpsuits to turtlenecks, hot pants, and so on. This wide range of clothing choices reflected a desire for personal flair and a move away from more rigid styles of earlier decades. It was a time when people truly embraced their unique style quotient, and their hair was a very big part of that look. The clothes and hair went hand in hand, creating a total picture of the times.
The looks of the 70s, from the big screen to the catwalk, showed a clear shift towards more relaxed yet bold appearances. The disco era, for instance, is making a comeback in terms of hair trends, bringing back those really big flips and textures that have kept their influence to this day. This period was all about making a statement, whether with bell bottoms, roller skates, or, of course, those unforgettable 1970 hairstyles.
Iconic 1970 Hairstyles for Women
Women, teenagers, and girls in the 1970s had a few very popular hair looks, often inspired by famous actresses and athletes of the day. These styles were about volume, movement, and a certain kind of easygoing glamour. They really helped define the look of the decade, and you know, they still look pretty cool today. From voluminous looks that make a statement to simple and cute cuts, these were some of the best 70s hairstyles for women.
The Shag Cut: Wild and Free
The shag haircut was, in some respects, one of the most recognizable and widely adopted styles of the 1970s. It was a layered cut, typically shorter on top and longer in the back and sides, with choppy layers that framed the face. This style gave off a very casual, rock-and-roll vibe, and it was pretty easy to manage, too. Think of it as a look that said, "I'm cool without even trying."
This particular cut became popular with many famous musicians and actresses, making it a symbol of the era's rebellious and free-spirited nature. It was, arguably, a cut that allowed for a lot of movement and a slightly messy, yet stylish, appearance. You could, for instance, just wake up, shake your head, and be good to go, which was very appealing at the time.
Feathered Flips and Wings: The Blowout Sensation
Feathered hair, sometimes called "wings," was another huge trend for women in the 70s, and you know, it's still pretty iconic. This look involved layers that were styled to flip outwards, away from the face, creating a soft, feathery effect. It was often achieved with a blow dryer and a round brush, giving a lot of volume and a very polished, yet still natural, feel. Flicks and wings were also in, adding to this popular style.
This style, often seen on popular TV shows and in magazines, gave a very glamorous yet approachable look. It was a favorite for those who wanted to appear put-together but still with that signature 70s bounce. The way the hair curved around the face was, honestly, quite lovely and really highlighted a person's features. It was a look that, more or less, required a bit of effort but delivered a very rewarding result.
The Voluminous Afro: A Statement of Pride
The Afro was, quite simply, a powerful and very important hairstyle in the 1970s, especially for Black women and men. It was a symbol of pride, identity, and cultural movement. This style celebrated natural hair texture, allowing it to grow out into a full, rounded shape that made a very bold statement. It was, you know, a clear expression of freedom and self-acceptance.
The Afro, from the shag to the voluminous afro, was highlighted by celebrity hairstylists as one of the best '70s hairstyles to copy. It was a look that demanded attention and truly represented the revolutionary spirit of the decade. The bigger the Afro, often, the stronger the statement, showing off the beauty and strength of natural hair.
Disco Curls and Big Volume: Ready for the Dance Floor
As the decade moved along, the disco era really took hold, and with it came hair that was all about big curls and even bigger volume. Think shiny, bouncy hair that moved with every dance step. This style often involved perms or hot rollers to create tight, defined curls that were then brushed out for maximum fullness. It was, pretty much, the ultimate party hair.
The disco era is, in fact, making a comeback, at least in terms of hair trends, bringing with it these fun, energetic looks. These styles, with their really big flips and textures, have maintained their influence to this day. They were about glamour, fun, and making sure you stood out on the dance floor, and honestly, they still look fantastic for a night out.
Long, Straight, and Natural: Simple Elegance
While volume and layers were big, a simpler, more natural look was also very popular for women in the 70s: long, straight hair with a middle part. This style was often associated with the hippie influence of the early 70s, embodying a more laid-back and earthy vibe. It was, in a way, a rejection of overly styled or artificial looks, favoring a more effortless beauty.
This straightforward style was, sometimes, paired with headbands or simple accessories, letting the natural length and texture of the hair speak for itself. It showed that even simple cuts could make a strong statement in a decade that valued personal freedom and individuality. It was a look that, more or less, said, "I'm comfortable in my own skin, and my hair shows it."
Distinctive Styles for Men in the 70s
Men's hairstyles in the 1970s also saw a lot of variety and a clear move away from the shorter, more conservative cuts of earlier times. The decade allowed for more length, more texture, and a lot more personal expression. It was a time when men, like women, were using their hair to show their unique style and, you know, their place in the changing world.
Long and Flowing: Embracing Length
For many men in the 1970s, longer hair was definitely the way to go. This often meant hair that reached the shoulders or even beyond, sometimes with a middle part, sometimes swept back. It was a relaxed, bohemian look that fit well with the counter-culture movements of the time. This style, actually, showed a freedom from older, stricter grooming rules.
This flowing hair was, in fact, a common sight, from rock stars to everyday guys. It gave off a very cool, easygoing vibe, and it often just fell naturally, without too much fuss. It was a look that, you know, really captured the relaxed spirit of a lot of the decade's music and overall culture.
The Mullet: Business in Front, Party in Back
The mullet, while perhaps more famously associated with the 1980s, definitely began to appear in the 1970s. This cut features shorter hair in the front and on the sides, but with a significantly longer section at the back. It was, in a way, a playful and somewhat rebellious style that allowed for both a neat appearance and a wilder side. You could say it was a bit of a contradiction, and that was part of its charm.
The idea of a mullet immediately brings to mind that very specific 70s feel. It was a bold choice that, honestly, showed a willingness to experiment with hair in new and unexpected ways. This style, like your other 70s looks, was about pushing boundaries and having fun with how you looked.
Sideburns and Facial Hair: Adding Character
Beyond just the hair on top of the head, sideburns and other forms of facial hair were a very big part of men's grooming in the 1970s. Sideburns grew longer and fuller, often connecting with mustaches or beards. This added a lot of character and a certain ruggedness to many looks. It was, in some respects, a way to further express individuality and a break from clean-shaven norms.
From thin mustaches to full, bushy beards, facial hair was seen as a way to complement the longer hairstyles. It was, you know, a very important part of the overall 70s aesthetic for men, giving them a more mature or, sometimes, a more rebellious appearance. This combination of longer hair and prominent facial hair was, pretty much, a signature of the decade.
Bringing 70s Hair to Today: Modern Takes
The influence of 1970 hairstyles has, truly, lasted through the years, and many of these iconic looks are making a comeback in modern fashion. People are looking to recreate these styles, sometimes with a fresh twist, for today's world. It's a fun way to add a bit of retro flair to your personal style. You can, for instance, discover 25 iconic 1970s hairstyles to complete your retro look in 2025.
Tools and Products for a Retro Look
To get those signature 70s looks, you'll need a few key tools and products. For feathered
