70s Hair: Retro Styles That Still Rock

The Fabulous 70s Hair: A Decade of Disco, Funk, and Eclecticism

The 1970s was a transformative time for hair, marked by a seismic shift in style and cultural attitudes. The decade's hair trends were as diverse as they were daring, reflecting the era's playful, experimental spirit. From the towering pompadours of the rock scene to the mod, geometric cuts of the disco crowd, 70s hair continues to inspire and influence modern styles.

As the 1970s dawned, the counterculture movement was still in full swing, and hair played a significant role in the era's artistic expression. Hippies and free spirits experimented with their locks, creating looks that were often wild, unkempt, and beautifully undone. The use of hair dye was also on the rise, with bold, vibrant colors becoming a staple of 70s style.

One of the defining features of 70s hair was its length. Yes, you read that right – length. During this era, hair was often worn long, whether it was down to the hips or flowing freely in the wind. The longer, the better, seemed to be the mantra of the decade. This was partly due to the influence of the hippie movement, which celebrated natural beauty and the freedom to express oneself.

However, not all 70s hair styles were long and flowing. In fact, many of the decade's most iconic styles were decidedly short. The "mullet," with its distinctive combination of short hair on the top and long hair in the back, was a classic look of the era. Businessmen and rockstars alike sported this style, which was often paired with a mustache or sideburns for added flair.

The Disco Era: Sparkling, Shining, and Fashionably Fabulous

The disco era of the late 1970s was a time of excess and extravagance, and hair was no exception. The disco crowd favored styles that were flashy, glamorous, and attention-grabbing. Think platform shoes, shimmering polyester suits, and – of course – hair that shone like the brightest lights on the dance floor.

One of the most iconic disco hairstyles was the "feathered" look, which featured hair that was styled to resemble a bird's feathers. This was achieved through the use of teasing, hairspray, and a whole lot of creativity. The feathered look was often paired with a center parting and a hair band, adding to the overall glamorous effect.

The "Afro" was another popular hairstyle of the disco era. This natural, curly look was celebrated for its beauty and uniqueness, and many African American women proudly sported their Afros as a symbol of cultural pride.

Rock 'n' Roll Hair: Big, Bold, and Unapologetic

The rock 'n' roll scene of the 1970s was all about excess and rebellion, and hair was no exception. Rockstars like David Bowie, Elton John, and Rod Stewart sported styles that were big, bold, and unapologetic.

One of the most iconic rock 'n' roll hairstyles was the "pompadour." This classic look featured a tall, towering height achieved through the use of hairspray and gel. The pompadour was often paired with a side parting and a spiky, textured finish, adding to the overall androgynous effect.

The "sideburns" were another popular feature of 70s rock 'n' roll hair. These facial hair mustaches were often paired with a pair of metal studs and a leather jacket, adding to the overall punk-rock aesthetic.

Mod Style: Clean-Cut and Geometric

The mod scene of the late 1960s and early 1970s was all about clean-cut, geometric styles. This was a time of fashion and cultural experimentation, and hair was no exception.

One of the defining features of mod style was the "side parting." This classic look featured a neatly trimmed side parting and a sleek, streamlined finish. The side parting was often paired with a neatly combed hairstyle, complete with a few strategically placed hair clips or barrettes.

The "parted-and-pomaded" look was another popular feature of mod style. This style featured a neatly parted hairstyle, achieved through the use of hairspray and gel. The hair was then styled into a sleek, polished finish, often with a few strategically placed hairpins or clips.

Psychedelic Hair: Bright Colors and Wild Textures

The psychedelic era of the 1970s was a time of experimentation and creativity, and hair was no exception. Psychedelic hairstyles often featured bright, bold colors and wild, textured finishes.

One of the most iconic psychedelic hairstyles was the "afro-puff." This look featured a natural, curly afro, which was then styled into a towering, puffy finish using hairspray and gel.

The "rainbow" hairstyle was another popular feature of psychedelic hair. This look featured a hairstyle that was dyed in a range of bright, bold colors, often with a gradient effect that appeared to shift and change as the hair moved.

Chic and Elegant: 70s Hair for the Discerning Gentleman

Not all 70s hairstyles were loud and flashy. In fact, many of the decade's most stylish men sported sleek, elegant looks that were perfect for formal occasions.

One of the most iconic 70s hairstyles for men was the "slicked-back look." This classic style featured a neatly combed hairstyle, which was then styled back and away from the face using a bit of pomade or hair oil.

The "undercut" was another popular feature of 70s men's hair. This look featured a hairstyle that was cut close to the head, with the hair on the sides and back being significantly shorter than