The effortless glamour of the 1970s continues to influence modern style, and nowhere is that more apparent than in its iconic hairstyles. Among the shags and afros, the soft, voluminous, and wonderfully loose wave remains a timeless classic.
The Enduring Allure of Seventies Hair
When we think
of the 1970s, a certain aesthetic comes to mind: bell bottoms, platform shoes, and hair with a personality all its own. The hairstyles of the decade were a celebration of freedom and volume, moving away from the rigid, sculpted looks of the past. There was a style for every statement, from Cher's sleek, center-parted straight hair to the revolutionary shag cut. Yet, it’s the soft, feathered, and bouncy waves that truly capture the era's blend of glamour and ease. Icons like Farrah Fawcett, with her legendary 'Fawcett Flip', and Stevie Nicks, with her mystical, flowing layers, defined a look that was aspirational yet felt natural and lived-in. This effortless vibe is why the style continues to see revivals, gracing runways and red carpets decade after decade. It's a look that promises movement, texture, and a touch of bohemian chic.
Defining the Look: Feathered and Free
So, what exactly are 70s loose waves? It’s more than just a simple curl. The signature of this style is the 'feathering' technique, a method of layering that creates soft, wispy ends that are styled to flip away from the face. Unlike a uniform curl, these waves are all about creating volume at the roots and a soft, airy texture throughout the lengths. The layers are key; they are often longer and more blended than those in a choppy shag, designed to give the hair natural movement and bounce without feeling weighed down. Paired with face-framing pieces or curtain bangs, the style opens up the face beautifully. The overall effect is one of soft volume and a 'lived-in' feel, as if the waves were shaped by the wind.
Get the Look: Your Toolkit
Recreating this iconic style at home is achievable with the right set of tools. While the original 70s look often involved a lengthy session with a blow dryer and round brush, modern tools can simplify the process. First, a volumizing mousse is essential to give your hair the necessary foundation and hold. A heat protectant is non-negotiable to keep your locks healthy. For the styling itself, you have a few options. A large-barrel curling iron (1.25 inches or wider) is perfect for creating big, bouncy waves. Alternatively, hot rollers are a fantastic way to achieve that classic voluminous set. Finally, a bristle brush for smoothing and a texturizing spray will help you achieve that perfectly imperfect, feathered finish.
A Step-by-Step Styling Guide
Ready to embrace your inner 70s icon? Here’s a straightforward guide to creating loose, feathered waves. 1. Prep Your Hair: Start with dry hair. Apply a generous amount of volumizing mousse from roots to ends to provide hold and lift. Brush it through to ensure even distribution. 2. Section and Curl: Divide your hair into manageable sections. Working with one-inch strands, wrap the hair around a large-barrel curling iron, always directing the curl away from your face. This outward direction is crucial for the signature 'flick'. Leave the last inch of your ends out for a more modern, beachy vibe. 3. The Front is Key: Pay special attention to the pieces framing your face. If you have curtain bangs or layers, curl them upwards and away from your face to create that classic sweeping effect. 4. Cool Down: For curls that last, patience is a virtue. If your hair struggles to hold a style, you can pin each warm curl to your head and let it cool completely before taking it down. 5. Brush It Out: This is the most important step for achieving the 70s feel. Once your curls have cooled, don't be afraid to brush them out with a bristle brush. This softens the curls into a cohesive, voluminous wave rather than separate ringlets. 6. Finish with Texture: To complete the look, flip your hair upside down and spritz with a dry texturizing spray. This will add volume and that desirable lived-in, airy quality. Fluff with your fingers and arrange the waves as you like.
