An Era of Expression
The hairstyles of the 1970s were a dramatic departure from the rigid, heavily set looks of the '60s. This was a time of social change, and hair became a powerful form of self-expression. For many, volume symbolised a break from convention. It was glamorous,
a little rebellious, and unapologetically bold. Whether it was the soft, feathered look of Hollywood stars or the defiant height of a rock-and-roll shag, lift at the roots was the defining characteristic that screamed confidence and individuality. This era celebrated texture and movement, making voluminous hair a key part of the decade's unforgettable aesthetic.
The Iconic 'Farrah' Flick
No discussion of '70s hair is complete without mentioning Farrah Fawcett. Her feathered, flicked-back style became one of the most requested looks of the era. The 'Farrah' was all about creating soft, wing-like layers that swept away from the face, with significant lift right at the crown. This created a look that was both glamorous and effortlessly breezy. The style relied on long, soft layers and curtain bangs that framed the face perfectly. It became a cultural phenomenon, influencing styles for years to come and cementing its place as the gold standard of '70s volume.
The Rock 'n' Roll Shag
If the Farrah was all about glamour, the shag was its rebellious cousin. Made famous by stars like Jane Fonda and musicians like Joan Jett, the shag was defined by its choppy, heavy layers, especially around the crown. This cut was intentionally messy and full of texture, creating a carefree and androgynous look that challenged traditional beauty standards. The genius of the shag was its versatility; it worked on straight, wavy, or curly hair and its signature feature was short, choppy layers on top that created natural height and movement.
Disco Curls and Studio 54 Glam
As disco fever took over the latter half of the decade, the hair got even bigger. Icons like Donna Summer and Diana Ross sported glorious manes of voluminous curls that were perfect for the dance floor. Disco hair was about achieving maximum fullness, shine, and movement to catch the light. This look wasn't necessarily about perfect ringlets but rather a halo of soft, brushed-out curls that created a dramatic silhouette. It was the ultimate expression of disco's glamorous, larger-than-life culture.
Getting the Look: Modern Techniques
Achieving that '70s crown volume today is easier than ever with modern tools and products. The foundation of any voluminous style is a good blowout. A powerful hairdryer and a large round brush are your best friends. When drying, focus on lifting the roots. One professional trick is to blow-dry your hair upside down to let gravity do most of the work. Alternatively, use your round brush to pull the hair at the crown straight up and away from the scalp while applying heat. A blast of cool air before you release the section will help set the volume in place. Hot rollers are another fantastic, old-school tool for creating lasting volume and soft curls, reminiscent of the Farrah Fawcett flip.
Your Toolkit for 70s Volume
The right products are essential. Start with a volumizing mousse or spray applied to damp roots before you even begin drying. This creates a foundational structure for the lift. Once your hair is dry, a texturizing spray or powder can be applied directly to the roots for an instant boost and a slightly gritty texture that helps maintain height throughout the day. For a more targeted lift, a volumizing iron, which creates small crimps in the under-layers of hair at the crown, can add hidden structure that supports the top layers, giving you that classic '70s shape without visible teasing. And to finish, a flexible-hold hairspray will keep everything in place without making your hair feel stiff or crunchy.
