Iconic 1970’s hairstyles from Hollywood

 

Most 70s hairstyles may come and go, but one thing is for certain: genuinely iconic 1970s hairstyles will always be in vogue. While some 70s hairstyles may be considered to be well past their prime, others continue to be popular today.

 

Women’s hairstyles in the 1970s ranged from long, voluminous, and feminine to short, angular, and androgynous. Throughout the decade, there was a lot of experimentation and new styles were developed. Hair could be a clear reflection of the era.

 

Here, we examine the factors that inspired the hairstyles of the 1970s as well as the most popular looks that women wore at that time.

 

• The Afro

The 1970s saw the continuous popularity of Afro Hairstyles that encouraged the black population to embrace their natural hair texture. After first appearing in the 1960s, primarily as a result of the black pride movement, the afro has gained popularity ever since.

 

 

The afro of the 1970s was both politically charged and a fashion statement. Throughout the decade, it was worn by both sexes, primarily by African-Americans and members of the black community.

 

Other ethnic groups, though, wore it. Additionally, it provided those with severely curly hair with an option to the commonplace long, straight hairstyle.

 

• The Ape

The Ape was a hairstyle popular in the early 1970s that included longer hair in the back and shorter hair up top. Additionally, there were numerous layers throughout the entire head of hair, giving it a shaggy appearance. By 1972 or so, it was outdated.

 

• Asymmetrical Designs

Creating an asymmetrical appearance was fashionable in the late 1970s. Anything from a ponytail on one side of the head to waves that are styled and out on one side is possible. The 1980s saw a continuation of this trend.

 

• Wings

Wings were made by the flicked-back fringe and were termed for the wing-like shape the side of the face produced.

 

Shorter hair might have flicks around the bottom to add volume. The hair was left straight on the head and top.

 

The new generation of hot styling tools, together with rollers and tongs, were used to create flicks and wings. Some women choose to get perms to get a curl that was simple to flip out.

 

• The Pageboy & The Purdey

For many years, the pageboy hairdo was a favorite. In her portrayal as Purdey for the television series The New Avengers, British actress Joanna Lumley donned this bowl-shaped pageboy (1976-77). Consequently, it was a common hairstyle for ladies in the 1970s and was called a “Purdey” (at least in the UK).

 

• The Wedge

In 1974, Trevor Sorbie, a Vidal Sassoon protégé, invented the wedge haircut, which has an angular appearance. The back and sides of the short haircut had steeply angled layers cut around them, forming a smooth-top triangle shape.

 

Dorothy Hamill, an American figure skater, was one well-known wedge wearer. She earned a gold medal at the Winter Olympics in 1976, and women all over America flocked to get haircuts that resembled the skating world’s love.

 

And obviously celebrities can be our biggest inspiration when it comes to rocking looks and new trends. So, let us look at some of the famous people who popularised the 70s hairdo and gave it the renown it enjoys today.

 

• Farrah Fawcett

One of the pioneers of the traditional luscious feathered hair that inspired people to try blow-drying their hair is Farrah Fawcett, one of the famous actors who acted as a member of Charlie’s Angels.

 

 

• Cher

Without a doubt, one of the most iconic 70s hairstyles that continues to be popular today is Cher’s flawlessly straight hair. Cher pressed her hair on an ironing board to obtain this stylish look back then, so let’s just be grateful that we use flat irons to achieve this 70s hairstyle.

 

 

• Joan Jett

The mullet hasn’t made history, but there have been certain people who did a fantastic job with it. Just see how Joan Jett from the Runaways effortlessly portrays the image of the Queen of Rock & Roll that she is.

 

 

• Diana Ross

Diana Ross is a legend for more reasons than just her magnificent curls, which grew and improved with time. Certainly, it gave her a strong, sophisticated appearance.

 

 

• Raquel Welch

In the 1970s, Raquel Welch made waves with this photo of herself with a perfectly coiffed bubble perm that revealed a side of elegance that the era would undoubtedly never forget.