The Spirit of Seventies Hair
Moving away from the rigid, structured styles of the 1960s, 70s hair was all about freedom and movement. The decade embraced a softer, more natural aesthetic that was both glamorous and effortlessly cool. This shift was defined by layers—and lots of them.
The goal was to create texture, body, and a breezy, airy feel that looked incredible in motion. Hairstyles became a form of self-expression, whether you were inspired by disco queens, rock and roll artists, or the burgeoning feminist movement. It was a time to let your hair down, both literally and figuratively.
The Reign of the 'Farrah Fawcett'
You can't talk about 70s hair without mentioning Farrah Fawcett. The 'Charlie's Angels' star's iconic feathered flip became the most requested style of the decade. This look was all about volume at the crown and layers flicked back and away from the face, creating a 'winged' effect that was soft yet incredibly glamorous. The style, often paired with sun-kissed highlights, perfectly captured the era's blend of casual California cool and sophisticated charm. It remains a benchmark for feathered hair, inspiring countless modern interpretations on social media and red carpets today.
The Edgy and Versatile Shag
If the Fawcett flip was pure glamour, the shag was its rock-and-roll cousin. Popularised by stars like Jane Fonda and Joan Jett, the shag is a unisex cut defined by evenly progressing, choppy layers from the crown down, often paired with a full fringe. This style created a different kind of volume—one that was less about bounce and more about texture and attitude. It was rebellious, low-maintenance, and perfectly suited the anti-establishment mood of the time. The beauty of the shag was its versatility; it could be worn short and punky or long and wavy, making it a signature look for many.
Bollywood's Glamorous Take
The trend wasn't just a Western phenomenon. In India, leading ladies of the 70s like Zeenat Aman and Parveen Babi redefined Bollywood glamour with their modern, westernised fashion and hairstyles. They moved away from traditional buns and braids, embracing voluminous, layered looks that were bold and sophisticated. Often seen with soft waves, centre partings, and face-framing layers, their hair embodied a new kind of confidence and charisma. These actresses became style icons, proving that soft volume and flowing layers were a universal language of chic.
How to Get the Look Today
Want to bring a touch of 70s glam to your hair? It's easier than you think. The key is in the cut and the styling. Ask your hairstylist for 'long layers' or 'feathered, face-framing layers'. For that signature volume, a good blow-dry is essential. Use a round brush to lift the hair at the roots and curl the ends away from your face. For an authentic Fawcett-style flip, focus on flicking out the ends of your layers with a curling iron or even a straightener. The modern take is less about perfect, helmet-like coifs and more about soft, touchable movement. A spritz of volumizing spray or dry shampoo can help maintain the height and airy texture without the stiffness of old-school hairsprays.
