What Exactly is Feathered Hair?
Before you book a salon appointment, it helps to know what 'feathered hair' actually means. Unlike standard layers, which are often cut to create a uniform shape, feathering is a specific technique designed to add texture and airiness. The layers are strategically
cut and tapered at the ends to flick away from the face, creating a light, wing-like effect that resembles the feathers of a bird. This method removes weight, allowing the hair to have natural volume and movement without heavy styling. The style is most famously associated with a centre or side part, with the layers sweeping back to frame the face.
The Farrah Fawcett Effect
You can't talk about 70s feathered hair without mentioning Farrah Fawcett. The 'Charlie's Angels' star's iconic look became a cultural phenomenon and one of the most requested hairstyles of the decade. Her voluminous, sun-kissed style featured dramatic, wing-like flips and face-framing curtain bangs that were meticulously blown out. The 'Farrah Flip' was the epitome of 70s glamour, combining effortless movement with a polished finish. It single-handedly cemented the feathered cut as the defining look of an era and continues to inspire modern styles like the 'butterfly cut'.
How to Ask Your Stylist
To get the look yourself, clear communication with your stylist is key. Don't just ask for 'layers'; be specific. Explain that you want soft, feathered layers that are designed to sweep back and away from your face. It’s helpful to discuss where you want the shortest layer to begin, as this can be used to flatter your best features. For many, starting the feathering around the chin or hollow of the cheekbone is a flattering choice. You can also show them photos of the style you're aiming for, whether it's a classic Farrah look or a more modern, subtle interpretation. Emphasize that you're looking for volume and movement, not a blunt or heavy shape.
Styling for Soft Volume at Home
Achieving that signature soft volume is the final, crucial step. Start with clean, damp hair and apply a volumizing mousse or spray, focusing on the roots to create lift. When blow-drying, use a medium-to-large round brush. Pull sections of hair away from your face as you dry, rolling the brush outwards at the ends to encourage that classic flip. For extra volume and staying power, especially around the face, you can use hot rollers. Curl sections away from your face, let them set completely, and then gently brush them out with your fingers to loosen the curls into soft waves. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to maintain the bounce without making your hair stiff. The goal is touchable, airy volume.
The Modern Feathered Look
Today's take on the feathered cut is often softer and more blended than its 70s predecessor. While the core elements of face-framing layers and outward-sweeping movement remain, the modern version can be adapted to various lengths, from bobs to long locks. Many people pair it with trending styles like curtain bangs for a seamless, retro-modern fusion. The modern feathered look focuses on creating a light, airy texture that feels effortlessly chic rather than overly 'styled'. It's a testament to the haircut's versatility, proving that with a few small tweaks, a classic can feel completely fresh and contemporary.
