A Symbol of Natural Freedom
The long, centre-parted hairstyle was more than just a trend; it was a statement. Moving away from the high-maintenance, heavily sprayed looks of the 1960s, this style represented a shift towards a more natural, bohemian, and liberated aesthetic. It was a rejection
of rigid beauty standards and an embrace of individuality. The look was simple, yet powerful, projecting an image of confidence and effortless cool that resonated with the counter-culture movement of the time. This hairstyle didn't require complicated setting lotions or weekly salon visits; it required healthy, well-cared-for hair that could speak for itself, reflecting a generation that valued authenticity above all else.
The Icons Who Defined the Look
No discussion of 70s long hair is complete without mentioning Cher. Her signature waist-skimming, pin-straight, centre-parted black hair became legendary, cementing the look as a pinnacle of glamour. Her style was so influential it is still referred to as 'Cher Hair' today. Another key figure was Ali MacGraw, particularly after her role in the 1970 film 'Love Story'. Her natural, girl-next-door version of the style, with its glossy finish and perfect middle part, became an instant sensation and a more accessible inspiration for women everywhere. Folk singer Joni Mitchell also embodied the bohemian spirit of the look, often wearing her long, blonde hair straight with a centre part, perfectly complementing her musical and artistic persona.
How to Get the Sleek Seventies Look
Achieving this style starts with a good foundation: healthy, shiny hair. The cut itself is relatively simple, often featuring long layers to add movement without sacrificing length. Some might opt for a blunt cut at the ends for a more dramatic, Cher-inspired finish. The key to the 70s version is a glass-like shine. To get the look, begin by washing and conditioning your hair, then apply a heat protectant and a smoothing serum. Blow-dry your hair straight, using a nozzle to direct the airflow downwards and minimise frizz. Follow up with a flat iron for that signature pin-straight finish, working in small sections to ensure every strand is sleek. A light misting of shine spray or a touch of hair oil can be used to tame any final flyaways and add that coveted glossy sheen.
Mastering the Perfect Centre Part
The centre part is the defining characteristic of this hairstyle, so getting it right is crucial. While hair is still damp, use the long tail of a pintail comb to draw a straight line from the centre of your forehead directly back. For the sharpest line, place the end of the comb at your hairline, in line with the bridge of your nose, and draw it straight back. A perfectly symmetrical part creates a striking, balanced look, while a slightly off-centre part can offer a softer, more modern feel for those who find a dead-centre part too severe. Once you've created the part, use clips to hold the two sections of your hair in place as you begin to blow-dry, which will help train your hair to lie flat in the new direction.
Making It Modern
While the pin-straight, waist-length look is iconic, there are many ways to adapt this 70s style for today without looking like you are wearing a costume. Many contemporary takes on the style incorporate soft, face-framing layers or 'curtain bangs', which were also popular in the 70s and help to soften the look. You can also play with texture. Instead of a perfectly flat-ironed finish, try letting your hair have a bit of natural movement or adding a very gentle, loose wave from the mid-lengths down for a more relaxed, bohemian vibe. The length can also be modified; a sleek, centre-parted look is just as chic at shoulder-blade length as it is at waist length. The key is to capture the spirit of the era—healthy, free-flowing hair with an effortless attitude.
