Women’s 1970s hairstyles varied from long, soft and feminine to short, edgy and androgynous. There was also a lot of experimentation and new styles were created throughout the decade. Hair was sometimes a direct expression of the times. Here we take a look at what and who influenced 1970s hairstyles, as well as the most popular styles worn by women throughout the decade.
Influences on Women’s 1970s Hairstyles
Television & Film
Films stars were as influential as ever on fashion. For instance, there was Liza Minelli’s short feathered cut in Cabaret (1972). Jane Fonda had an androgynous shag hairstyle in Klute (1971) – a hairstyle seen in various forms throughout the decade.
Television was a popular source of entertainment, and the TV set was often the focal point of the home. Subsequently, TV had a big influence on people’s lives, fashion choices and attitudes.
Farrah Fawcett-Majors was one massive influence on late-1970s hair. Ah, the lovely Farrah hit our screens in 1976 courtesy of Charlie’s Angels. With her long, feather cut and big flicked sides – known as the Farrah Flick – she was the poster girl of many teen bedrooms. And Dads didn’t mind a jot!
Nostalgia
Nostalgia was a big thing in the 1970s, leading to a whimsical look back to various periods, especially the 1920s to the 1940s. Looking to the past can be seen in fashion, TV shows, films, and music.
For example, several films were set during the 1920s, including The Boy Friend (1971) with Twiggy and The Great Gatsby (1974) with Mia Farrow, who kept the evergreen bob in fashion.
Music
Music and fashion continued to hold hands. The 1970s sounds of glam rock, disco, funk, northern soul, new wave and punk each had their signature looks and style.
Punks were out to shock with cropped hair, shaved heads and crazy-coloured sculptures, such as Mohicans, horns and spikes.
Influential women in music include Donna Summer (numerous wigs and looks, but always glam and fashionable), Cher, Debbie Harry (bleached blonde with a fringe), Barbra Streisand and Siouxsie Sioux (spiked black hair), among many, many others.
Hairdressers
Hairdressers created a few styles during the decade that were copied by many. Some can even still be seen today, albeit with a modern update.
The shag, as seen on Jane Fonda in Klute, is credited to hairdresser Paul McGregor.
British hairdresser Trevor Sorbie created the wedge in 1974 – a short, layered and angular style.
Popular Women’s Hairstyles of the 1970s
The Afro
Hairstyles that encouraged the black community to embrace their natural hair structure continued to be popular in the 1970s. After emerging in the 1960s, predominantly as part of the black pride movement, the afro continued its rise in popularity.
During the 1970s, the afro was as much about being fashionable as it was political. It was worn by both sexes throughout the decade, mainly by African-Americans and the black community.
However, other ethnic groups wore it. It also gave people with very curly hair an alternative to the uniform long, straight hair look.
Perming allowed Caucasian hair to have tight curls. From the mid-1970s onwards, various men and women (including the famous, like Barbra Streisand) had this take on an afro.
