The 1970s was an iconic decade for hairstyles, offering a range of timeless looks that are still popular today. If you have long hair and want to recreate the glamorous, bohemian, or disco-inspired styles of the 70s, this guide will walk you through step-by-step tutorials on how to achieve these vintage looks. From voluminous waves to sleek, straight locks, the 70s hairstyles remain versatile and suitable for various occasions.
Understanding the Basics of 70s Hairstyles
Before diving into specific styles, it’s essential to understand what made 70s hairstyles so distinctive. The decade was marked by a blend of natural beauty, volume, and dramatic flair. Here are some common themes:
Volume and Texture: Whether you were rocking waves, curls, or straight hair, volume was a crucial component of 70s hairstyles.
Loose and Flowing: Long hair was often left to flow freely, with soft waves or straight styles.
Middle Parting: A signature of the era was the center part, giving the hair a relaxed and natural look.
Accessories: Headbands, scarves, and flowers were frequently used to complement the look.
Now that we’ve explored the fundamentals, let’s dive into specific hairstyles from the 70s and how you can recreate them with long hair.
The Classic Farrah Fawcett Flip
One of the most iconic hairstyles of the 70s is undoubtedly Farrah Fawcett’s voluminous, flipped waves. Known for her signature look, this style became synonymous with glamour.
How to Achieve the Farrah Flip:
Start with Clean, Dry Hair: The flip works best on freshly washed and dried hair. Apply a volumizing mousse or spray to give your hair the bounce it needs.
Part Your Hair in the Middle: Use a fine-toothed comb to create a clean center part. This is a signature feature of the Farrah Fawcett look.
Use a Large-Barrel Curling Iron: Take large sections of your hair and wrap them around a large-barrel curling iron. Focus on curling the hair away from your face to create the signature outward flip.
Tease the Roots for Volume: Once you’ve curled all sections of your hair, use a teasing comb to gently backcomb the roots. This will give your hair the voluminous lift that was a hallmark of the 70s.
Finish with Hairspray: To hold the curls and the volume in place, use a strong-hold hairspray. Make sure to flip your hair over and spray the underside as well to lock in the volume.
Bohemian Waves
The 70s was also a time of bohemian, carefree style. Boho waves were soft, loose, and natural, often paired with middle partings and hair accessories.
Steps to Create Bohemian Waves:
Prep with Sea Salt Spray: To achieve that effortless, beachy texture, start by applying sea salt spray to damp hair. This will give your waves a natural, undone look.
Twist and Air-Dry: Instead of using a heated styling tool, twist sections of your hair and pin them up while your hair air-dries. This will create soft, loose waves without any heat damage.
Create a Center Part: Once your hair is dry, take a comb and part your hair down the middle. For a more authentic boho feel, you can also leave the parting slightly imperfect.
Finish with Light-Hold Hairspray: To ensure your waves last all day without looking stiff, use a light-hold hairspray. Avoid using too much product, as this look is all about softness and movement.
Add Accessories: Complete the bohemian vibe by adding a flower crown, headband, or scarf.
SEE ALSO: How to Cut a Long Wavy Wig?
The Sleek and Straight Look
For a more polished, sophisticated 70s vibe, sleek, straight hair was a major trend. Whether paired with the classic middle part or accessorized with a headband, straight hair was a common go-to style in the disco scene.
How to Style Sleek, Straight Hair:
Start by Blow-Drying: Apply a heat protectant to your hair and use a round brush to blow-dry it straight. Focus on getting your hair as smooth as possible during this step.
Flat Iron for Extra Sleekness: After blow-drying, use a flat iron to straighten your hair further. Make sure to go over each section slowly to ensure maximum sleekness.
Use a Shine Serum: To give your hair that glossy, mirror-like finish, apply a small amount of shine serum, focusing on the ends.
Part in the Middle: As with many 70s styles, the middle part is key to achieving that authentic look. Use a fine-tooth comb to create a sharp, clean part.
Optional Accessories: You can enhance this sleek look with a simple headband or a thin scarf tied around the crown of your head for a chic touch.
The 70s Shag Haircut
The shag haircut was another defining look of the 70s, popularized by rock stars and actresses. It’s a layered cut that creates a choppy, textured look, ideal for those who want to add some edge to their long hair.
How to Achieve the 70s Shag:
Cut Layers into Your Hair: A shag is all about layers. The top of the hair should have shorter, choppier layers, while the bottom remains longer. Ask your hairstylist for lots of texture and movement in the cut.
Add Texture with Mousse: Once you’ve got the shag cut, apply a texturizing mousse to damp hair to give it that messy, undone feel.
Air-Dry or Diffuse: The 70s shag looks best when it’s not overly styled, so let your hair air-dry, or use a diffuser to enhance your natural texture.
Finish with Hairspray or Gel: To keep the layers defined and prevent the style from falling flat, use a light gel or hairspray to lock in the shape.
Feathered Bangs
Feathered bangs were a massive trend in the 70s and can easily be incorporated into modern looks. This style adds softness around the face and pairs well with both straight and wavy hair.
How to Style Feathered Bangs:
Blow-Dry with a Round Brush: Start by blow-drying your bangs using a round brush. Pull the hair up and away from your face to create that signature feathered effect.
Use a Straightener or Curling Iron: If your bangs need a little extra shaping, you can use a straightener or small-barrel curling iron to curve the bangs outward.
Set with Hairspray: Lightly spritz your bangs with hairspray to keep the feathered look intact all day.
Pair with Soft Waves or Straight Hair: Feathered bangs work best with long, loose waves or sleek, straight hair. Avoid pairing them with overly curly styles, as the textures can clash.
Disco Curls
The disco era brought big, bold curls into the spotlight. If you want to embrace the glitz and glamour of the 70s, disco curls are the way to go. This style is all about volume and bounce, perfect for a night out or a themed party.
Steps to Create Disco Curls:
Prep with Curl-Enhancing Products: Start by applying a curl-enhancing mousse or cream to damp hair. This will help define your curls and prevent frizz.
Use a Small-Barrel Curling Iron: To achieve tight, bouncy curls, use a small-barrel curling iron. Wrap small sections of hair around the iron and hold for a few seconds before releasing.
Tease for Volume: Once you’ve curled your entire head, gently tease the roots to add more volume. Disco curls are all about going big, so don’t be afraid to backcomb!
Set with Hairspray: Use a strong-hold hairspray to keep your curls intact throughout the night. Flip your head over and spray the underside of your hair for even more volume.
Final Tips for Perfecting Your 70s Hairstyles
Use the Right Tools: A large-barrel curling iron, a flat iron, and a teasing comb are essential for recreating many 70s looks.
Don’t Forget Hairspray: Volume and texture are key to these styles, and a good hairspray will help lock everything in place.
Embrace Accessories: Headbands, scarves, and flowers are perfect for completing your 70s-inspired hairstyle.
Conclusion
The 70s offered a wide range of iconic hairstyles, from voluminous Farrah Fawcett-inspired flips to carefree bohemian waves and sleek, straight looks. Key elements like middle partings, texture, and volume defined the decade’s hair trends. By using tools such as curling irons, flat irons, and the right styling products, you can recreate these timeless looks. Accessories like headbands and scarves can also elevate your style, giving your long hair a distinctly retro touch. With some practice and creativity, these 70s hairstyles will bring a groovy, vintage vibe to your look.
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