Iconic styles of the  ’70s

The Feathered Look

This iconic look was made famous by actress Farrah Fawcett, who stepped out in the soft, feathery hairstyle on the set of ‘Charlie’s Angels’. Arguably the most popular look of the decade, the style involved mid-length to long hair, brushed back and outward at the sides, giving the appearance of the feathers of a bird. To get this look, have layers cut around your face. Then, curl 1-inch sections around a large barrel curling iron away from your face. Fluff and go. This is a great hairstyle today for square jaws as it pulls the eye away and softens edges.

Since the ’70s, Feathered haircut has been ruling the fashion scene and it is here to stay

The Shag

While ’60s hair was quite tailored and neat, in contrast, the unkempt look was quite popular in the ’70s. A good example of this was known as the ‘shag’, a hair style whose very name conjures up thoughts of a messy do. Jane Fonda wore the look in the 1971 film ‘Klute’ and inspired a nation to follow suit. The short to mid-length style was characterized by evenly progressed layers from shortest at the top of the head, to longest at the bottom for an overall ‘shaggy’ effect. The look was worn by men and women alike in varying lengths and interpretations.

The ‘shaggy cut’ ruled the 1970s and it is oh-so-trendy till now

The Wedge

The wedge was created by Vidal Sassoon protege Trevor Sorbie in 1974. The Wedge was also a very prolific haircut because it worked for most hair types except for really wavy or curly hair. The Wedge haircut of the ’70s was popularized by ice skater Dorothy Hamill, who wore the easy, sassy cut when she won the Olympic gold medal in 1976 when she was just 19 years old.

The wedge haircut is still popular and sassy as ever

The Pageboy

Although this style first began appearing in the U.S. in the 1950s, it didn’t truly take off until 20 years later, when England- born model and actress Joanna Lumley brought the pageboy back into style. The new version was shorter, with hair cut anywhere from shoulder- length to just below the ear. Hair was flipped under, and bangs were a prominent feature of this look. The pageboy was worn mainly by women, but men could be spotted wearing variations of the style as well.

Pageboy cut is trending these days but the newer version is slightly longer and trendier

Perms and Punks

Perming became more popular later in the decade, from tight curls to more bubble-like creations. One perm that was so 1970s was the stack perm.

While not worn by the masses, punk has its rightful place in ’70s hair history. Generally short, spiked and unkempt, punk hairstyles were the opposite of long ‘hippie hair’ and was a look created by the younger generation. Punk brought bright coloured hair to the street and anything went, from a rainbow of colour to jet black or bleached blonde.

Go funky with punks and perms

Cornrows

An ancient and traditional way of styling hair in Africa and for African-descended people worldwide, cornrows became fashionable again in the ‘60s and ’70s due to the black pride movement. Bo Derek sported these tiny braids for a role in the 1970s and it propelled cornrows into a style that transcended cultures and time periods. There are endless patterns the hair can be braided into and it’s a hairstyle that really allows a woman to show off her personality. Try adding beads at the bottom of the braids for an even more personalized look.

A fashionable hairstyle that has transcended from the ’70s, cornrows look preppy and cool

Long Straight Haircut

Born from the hippie movement, long, straight hair became highly fashionable during the ’70s. The look was all about appearing natural. In the 1970’s Cher was a fashion star and her long, pin straight hairstyle became undeniably trendy. Back then, if you didn’t have naturally straight hair, you had to have a friend literally help you use an iron on it. Luckily today we have flat irons to get the desired look.

Flaunt those silky, straight hair. This is one style that never goes out of fashion

Afro African

The ’70s is also associated with the disco era. And if there could be one hairstyle that was considered to be the signature one for the ’70s, no doubt about. It would have to be the Afro! After the 1960’s trend of ultra-polished and controlled hairstyles, women relished in this way to set their hair free and be themselves. Quite simply, those who wanted to wear an Afro allowed their hair to grow long and extend straight out from the head. Often, however, hair was curled or braided before it was styled in order to make it as frizzy as possible.

Diana Ross and Donna Summer are to thank for the success of the Afro cut. The afro hairstyle is still popular today for women of all races, and not just black African, who prefer to let their natural beauty shine through.

Platinum blonde

If there was a signature colour for the ’70s, it had to be platinum blonde. If you decide to attempt this, just make sure to have a professional stylist colour your tresses for you. That way, you can avoid damaging your locks.

If you are daring enough, then it is time to dye your hair blonde...

Brow-Skimming Bangs

Bangs were nothing new by the time the 1970s rolled around, but unlike the fringe of the previous eras, ’70s women chose to wear the style in a softer, longer and looser manner. Bangs were grown out to enhance and draw attention to the eyes while serving as the perfect complement to long, natural hair. Stars like Joni Mitchell, Olivia Newton-John and Jane Birkin helped to bring the look into the mainstream.

Draw some attention to your eyes, as Bangs are back with a bang!