The Allure of Seventies Hair
The 1970s were a decade of self-expression, and hairstyles reflected that spirit. Unlike the perfectly coiffed looks of the '60s, '70s hair was all about movement and individuality. Think of iconic figures like Farrah Fawcett, whose feathered layers became
one of the most requested styles, or the soft, center-parted waves seen at music festivals. These styles rejected rigid perfection in favor of something more organic and free-flowing. The key elements were volume, soft textures, and shapes that framed the face, often with curtain bangs or feathered ends. This focus on soft, touchable volume is what makes the era's loose waves so appealing and wearable today.
What Makes a Wave 'Seventies'?
A '70s wave is distinct from the tight, uniform curls or the deliberately messy beach waves of other eras. The look is defined by a larger, softer, and bouncier curl pattern. Often, the hair is styled away from the face, creating a 'winged' or 'feathered' effect that opens up your features. Volume is crucial, but it's a soft, airy volume rather than a stiff, product-heavy one. The most iconic version, inspired by Farrah Fawcett, involves layers that are flicked outwards, but the core idea is a full-bodied wave that looks both glamorous and effortlessly chic. It's less about perfect spirals and more about creating an overall shape with lots of movement and bounce.
Gather Your Tools and Products
To achieve this look, you don't need a professional salon, just a few key items. First, a volumizing mousse is essential to give your hair the foundation it needs to hold the style. You will also need a heat protectant spray to shield your strands from damage. For styling, you have two main options: hot rollers for a more authentic, voluminous finish, or a large-barrel curling iron (at least one inch, but two inches is even better) for a quicker, modern take. Finally, a flexible-hold hairspray and a texturizing spray will help you set the look without making it stiff, and a boar bristle brush is perfect for brushing out the curls to create that signature soft finish.
How-To: The Curling Iron Method
Start with clean, dry hair prepped with mousse and heat protectant. Part your hair down the middle for that classic '70s look. Begin sectioning your hair; clipping the top half up makes it easier to work. Take a one-to-two-inch section of hair and wrap it around the large-barrel curling iron, always curling the hair away from your face. This outward direction is key to the feathered look. After holding for a few seconds, release the curl. For extra hold, you can pin the coiled curl to your head to let it cool completely. Repeat this process around your entire head. Once all sections are curled and cooled, gently run your fingers or a bristle brush through the hair to soften the curls into flowing waves.
Finishing Touches for Lasting Volume
Once you've brushed out your curls, it's time to build the volume. This is where texturizing spray comes in. Lift sections of your hair and spray at the roots and through the mid-lengths to add grit and body. If your hair tends to fall flat, you can gently tease the hair at the crown with a fine-tooth comb for extra lift, then smooth the top layer over it. To complete the look, give your hair a final misting of a workable hairspray. This will provide hold while still allowing for natural movement. Don't be afraid of big hair—the goal is a look that's full of life, bounce, and that unmistakable '70s spirit.
