For Women:
* Feathered Hair: This was arguably *the* defining hairstyle of the decade. Think Farrah Fawcett's signature look: long, layered hair styled away from the face with soft, bouncy waves. It required a lot of blow-drying, curling irons, and hairspray.
* Long, Straight Hair: In contrast to the feathered look, many women wore their hair long, straight, and flowing, often parted in the middle. Think Cher or Ali MacGraw. Natural texture was often embraced.
* Shags: The shag hairstyle was a layered, textured cut that could be worn long or short. It was often paired with a fringe and had a deliberately messy, rock-and-roll vibe. Jane Fonda made it a huge style.
* Afros: The Afro, a symbol of Black pride and cultural identity, remained a strong and influential hairstyle throughout the 70s. They ranged in size and shape, and were often carefully styled and maintained.
* Braids and Cornrows: Inspired by African traditions, braids and cornrows gained popularity, especially among Black women. They were a versatile and protective style.
* The Wedge: A shorter, geometric haircut popularized by Dorothy Hamill, the Olympic figure skater. It was a chin-length bob, layered and angled.
* Permed Hair: Permanent waves, or perms, were used to add texture and volume to hair. From tight curls to looser waves, perms were a popular way to achieve a variety of styles.
* Hippie Hairstyles: Often long and natural, with headbands, flowers, and beads. Braids and loose waves were also common.
For Men:
* Long Hair: Men's hair in the 70s was generally longer than in previous decades. It was often worn parted down the middle or slightly off-center. Think Led Zeppelin.
* The Afro: Like women, Black men embraced the Afro as a powerful statement of identity.
* Shags: Similar to the women's version, the shag was a popular layered and textured hairstyle for men.
* Mutton Chops and Sideburns: Long sideburns were a very common trend, sometimes reaching all the way down to the jawline. Mutton chops (even wider sideburns) were also seen.
* The Mullet (Beginning Stages): While the mullet is more strongly associated with the 80s, its early iterations started appearing in the late 70s.
* Well-Groomed "Professional" Styles: For men in more conservative professions, shorter, neater styles were still prevalent, often with side parts and a bit of length on top.
General Trends:
* Volume: Hair was often styled with volume and lift, achieved through teasing, backcombing, and hairspray.
* Natural Textures: While some styles required a lot of manipulation, embracing natural hair textures also became more common.
* Unisex Styles: Some hairstyles, like the shag, were popular among both men and women.
* Influence of Music: Rock, disco, and punk music all had a significant influence on hairstyles, with each genre inspiring its own distinct looks.
* Hair Accessories: Headbands, scarves, and clips were frequently used to accessorize hairstyles.
The 1970s were a time of experimentation and self-expression, and hairstyles reflected this spirit of individuality and change.