The 1970s was a decade of great change and expression, and this was no different when it came to hairstyles. Short hair became incredibly popular during this time, with a variety of styles emerging that reflected the social, cultural, and fashion trends of the era. From the sleek and sophisticated to the bold and rebellious, 70s short haircuts had something for everyone.
The Bob Cut
The Classic Bob
The bob cut was a staple of 70s hairstyles. The classic bob was a shoulder – length or slightly shorter cut, with a blunt edge all around. It was a very clean – cut and polished look. This style was popular among women who wanted a sophisticated and easy – to – manage haircut. Actresses like Farrah Fawcett often sported variations of the bob. The classic bob could be worn straight, which gave it a very neat and put – together appearance. To achieve this, women would use straightening irons or hot rollers. If their hair was naturally wavy, they might apply a small amount of hairspray to keep the hair smooth and in place.
The Asymmetric Bob
A more modern take on the classic bob in the 70s was the asymmetric bob. This style featured one side of the hair being shorter than the other. It added an element of edginess and uniqueness to the traditional bob. Some women would have the hair cut much shorter on one side, almost cropped, while the other side reached just below the ear. This style was perfect for those who wanted to make a fashion statement. Musicians and fashion models were often seen wearing the asymmetric bob. To style it, they might use a texturizing spray to add some volume and a bit of chaos to the look, making the asymmetry more pronounced.
The Pixie Cut
The Traditional Pixie
The pixie cut in the 70s was a short, close – cropped style that emphasized a woman’s facial features. It was a very liberating style, as it required less maintenance compared to longer hairstyles. The hair was cut short all over the head, often with a slightly longer fringe at the front. Audrey Hepburn had popularized the pixie cut in earlier decades, but in the 70s, it took on a new life. Women with fine hair found the pixie cut to be ideal, as it added an illusion of volume. To style a traditional pixie, a light – hold mousse was applied to damp hair, and then the hair was tousled with the fingers while drying with a blow dryer. This gave the hair a soft, textured look.
The Punk Pixie
With the rise of the punk movement in the 70s, the pixie cut got a radical makeover. The punk pixie was all about being bold and shocking. Hair was cut extremely short, sometimes almost shaved on the sides, and left a bit longer on the top. It was often spiked up using large amounts of hair gel or hairspray. Vivienne Westwood, a key figure in the punk fashion scene, was known for her wild and unique hairstyles, including punk pixies. The hair could also be dyed in bright, unnatural colors like neon pink, green, or blue. This style was a form of rebellion against the mainstream, and punks would often pair their punk pixies with leather jackets, studded belts, and ripped jeans.
The Afro – Inspired Short Styles
The Natural Afro
For African – American women in the 70s, the natural afro was a powerful statement of pride and identity. The afro was a short, voluminous hairstyle that celebrated the natural texture of black hair. It was a rejection of the Eurocentric beauty standards that had previously dominated. Women would use products like shea butter and hair picks to maintain and style their afros. The afro could range in size from a small, tightly – coiled style close to the head to a large, full – blown ‘fro that surrounded the face like a halo. Actresses such as Pam Grier often wore their afros with confidence, inspiring a generation of black women to embrace their natural hair.
The Short Afro – Pixie Hybrid
Another popular style was the short afro – pixie hybrid. This style combined the short length of a pixie cut with the texture and volume of an afro. It was a very stylish and modern look. The hair was cut short all over, but the natural curls were left to spring up, creating a textured, bouncy effect. This style was suitable for women who wanted a low – maintenance yet trendy haircut. To style this hybrid, a curl – enhancing cream was applied to damp hair, and then the hair was allowed to air – dry or was gently dried with a diffuser attachment on a blow dryer. This helped to define the curls and add volume.
The Shag Cut
The Long Shag
The shag cut was a very popular style in the 70s. The long shag had layers of hair that were cut at different lengths, creating a tousled, textured look. The hair generally reached to about shoulder – length or a bit longer. The layers were cut in a way that added volume and movement to the hair. Jane Fonda was often seen sporting a long shag. To style a long shag, a volumizing shampoo was used to add body to the hair. Then, a curling iron was used to create loose waves in the layers. A light – hold hairspray was applied to keep the waves in place and give the hair a natural, yet styled look.
The Short Shag
The short shag was a more compact version of the long shag. It was a great option for women who wanted a shorter, more manageable haircut with a lot of style. The short shag had layers that framed the face, adding dimension. The hair was usually cut to chin – length or just above. The layers were cut in a way that they could be tousled for a messy, beachy look or combed neatly for a more polished appearance. Goldie Hawn was known for her short shag hairstyle. To style a short shag, a texturizing spray was applied to dry hair. Then, the hair was tousled with the fingers to create a messy, voluminous effect. If a neater look was desired, a comb could be used to smooth out the hair, but still maintaining some of the texture from the layers.
Influences on 70s Short Hair Styles
Fashion Trends
The fashion trends of the 70s had a significant impact on short hair styles. The rise of disco fashion, with its shiny fabrics and bold colors, influenced hairstyles to be more glamorous. Short haircuts were often paired with glittery headbands or barrettes to add a touch of sparkle. On the other hand, the bohemian fashion movement, with its emphasis on natural materials and a free – spirited look, made styles like the shag and the natural afro more popular. Women would wear their short, textured hair with flowing maxi dresses and beaded jewelry.
Music and Pop Culture
Music was a huge influence on 70s short hair styles. The punk music scene, as mentioned earlier, inspired the punk pixie cut. Punk bands like the Sex Pistols and the Clash had a wild and rebellious image, and their fans emulated their hairstyles. In the disco scene, artists like Donna Summer had sleek, short hairstyles that were popular among women who wanted to dance the night away. Pop culture icons such as Farrah Fawcett, with her iconic bob – like haircut, had a massive impact on the hairstyles of the era. Her hairstyle was so popular that it was often referred to as the “Farrah Fawcett flip.”
Feminist Movement
The feminist movement in the 70s also played a role in the popularity of short hair. Short haircuts were seen as a symbol of liberation for women. It was a way to break free from the traditional, more time – consuming and restrictive long – hair styles. Women were entering the workforce in larger numbers, and short hair was more practical for a busy lifestyle. Short hair also gave women a sense of empowerment, as it was a statement of self – confidence and independence.
Conclusion
The short hair styles of the 70s were incredibly diverse and reflective of the times. From the sophisticated bobs to the rebellious punk pixies, and from the pride – filled natural afros to the trendy shags, each style had its own story to tell. These hairstyles were influenced by fashion, music, and the social and cultural changes of the decade. The 70s short hair styles not only made a mark in the history of hairstyling but also continue to inspire modern haircuts. Whether it’s the resurgence of the bob in modern fashion or the continued popularity of the pixie cut, the 70s left an indelible mark on the world of short hair. Today, we can look back at these styles and appreciate the creativity, individuality, and social significance that they represented.
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