Hair 1979 Styles Trends & Icons
Hair 1979 Styles Trends & Icons
Readers, have you ever wondered what the hair trends were in 1979? It was a time of great cultural change, and fashion reflected this. From the disco era to the punk movement, there were many different hairstyles that defined the year. It was a time of bold, daring, and experimental looks, pushing boundaries and challenging traditional beauty standards. We’ve analyzed 1979 hair trends and the iconic figures who helped shape them. Prepare to be transported back in time!
The Rise of the Disco Era
The Iconic Farah Fawcett
Farrah Fawcett's signature feathered hairstyle became a symbol of the era. Her shaggy, layered locks, often styled with a center part and cascading waves, were a symbol of freedom and rebellion against the more structured looks of previous decades. In 1976, she graced the cover of *Cosmopolitan* magazine, and the look quickly caught on. It became a timeless symbol of the 1970s, a hairstyle that radiated effortless chic and bohemian spirit.
The Power of the Blowout
Blowouts were a staple in 1979, and the popularity of the hairdryer exploded. This new technology allowed women to achieve voluminous, smooth styles, often paired with a side part.
The Allure of the Afro
The Afro, a symbol of Black pride and cultural identity, gained mainstream popularity in the 1970s. It became a statement of empowerment and beauty, challenging traditional beauty standards and celebrating natural hair textures. Women embraced their natural curls and coils, with many choosing to wear the Afro with pride.
Punk Rock's Edgy Influence
The Mohawk
The Mohawk, a rebellious hairstyle with its roots in Native American cultures, became an emblem of punk rock in the late 1970s. This bold cut, characterized by a strip of hair standing upright on the head, was a stark departure from traditional hairstyles and embodied the punk movement's spirit of defiance and non-conformity.
Mullets and Spiky Hair
Mullets, with their short hair on the sides and long hair in the back, gained traction as a symbol of the punk and new wave subcultures. Spiky hair, often achieved using gel or hairspray, was another punk staple, amplifying the rebellious energy of the era.
The Rise of Hair Dye
Punk rock fueled a surge in hair dye usage. Vibrant colors like pink, green, blue, and purple became synonymous with the movement. Dyeing one's hair was a way to express individuality, challenge social norms, and embrace a non-conformist attitude.
The Evolution of Women's Hair
The Bob's Comeback
The bob, a classic hairstyle that had seen its heyday in the 1920s, made a comeback in the late 1970s. It was often styled with a blunt cut and a slight inward curl, a testament to the era's embrace of both classic and modern styles.
The Popularity of Layers
Layers, a hallmark of the 1970s, were a versatile styling technique that offered a variety of looks. Long, layered hair could be easily styled straight, curly, or wavy. Layers added volume, movement, and texture to hairstyles, adding a touch of effortless chic to any look.
The Perm's Appeal
Perms, a method of permanently altering hair texture, reached the peak of their popularity in the 1970s. They allowed women to achieve voluminous, curly styles that were popular in the era. While perms are often associated with the 1980s, they were actually a major trend throughout the 1970s.
Iconic Hair Icons of 1979
Farrah Fawcett
Farrah Fawcett's feathered hair remains an icon of the 1970s. It embodied the spirit of the era: free-spirited, rebellious, and effortlessly cool.
Debbie Harry
Debbie Harry, the lead singer of the band Blondie, was a fashion icon of the 1970s. Her platinum blonde hair, often styled in a crimped or teased look, was a symbol of the punk movement's bold and rebellious nature.
Diana Ross
Diana Ross, the lead singer of the Supremes, was a symbol of glamour and style in the 1970s. Her voluminous, often afro-inspired hairstyles, were a statement of confidence and power.
David Bowie
David Bowie's ever-changing hair styles, from his spiky red hair in Ziggy Stardust to his bold, asymmetrical cuts, mirrored his artistic persona. He was a true icon of the 1970s, pushing boundaries and challenging traditional notions of masculinity through his hair.
The Bee Gees
The Bee Gees, a pop music group known for their soulful harmonies and disco anthems, sported long, luscious locks that were symbolic of the era's love for volume and movement.
Hair Products of the 1970s
Hairsprays
Hairsprays were essential for holding hairstyles in place, especially for voluminous and teased styles. Many hairsprays contained alcohol, which dried out the hair but provided strong hold. They were a must-have product for achieving the big, bold hair looks of the era.
Mousse
Mousse, a foam-like styling product, gained popularity in the 1970s. It provided volume, texture, and lift to hair, helping to achieve the styles of the era. It was a key ingredient in achieving voluminous blowouts and adding texture to layered hairstyles.
Gels
Gels, designed to add hold and shine to hair, became popular as a styling product. They were especially useful for creating the spiky and slicked-back styles that were popular in the punk and new wave subcultures.
Hair Relaxers
Hair relaxers were a chemical straightening process that gained traction in the 1970s, offering a way to achieve sleek, straight styles for those with naturally curly or coily hair.
Hair Care Tips for 1979 Styles
The Importance of Volume
Creating volume in hairstyles was crucial for many of the 1979 styles. This could be achieved through teasing, blow drying with a round brush, using rollers, or perms. The goal was to create hair that was full and voluminous, with a lot of movement and texture.
Embrace Texture
The 1970s celebrated texture in hair. Whether it was the feathered layers of Farrah Fawcett or the spiky looks of punk rock, texture was a key element in many popular styles. Embrace your natural texture or use styling products to create the desired look.
Experiment with Colors
Hair dye was widely used in the 1970s, especially by those embracing the punk movement. Experimenting with color was a way to express individuality and challenge social norms. If you're looking for a retro 1979 style, consider adding a pop of color to your hair.
Don't Be Afraid of Boldness
The 1970s was a time of bold, daring, and experimental styles. Don't be afraid to try something new and embrace your unique style. From afros to mohawks to feathered layers, there were many different ways to express oneself through hair in the 1970s.
1979 Hair Styles: A Table Breakdown
| Style | Description | Icons | Products |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feathered Layers | Long, layered hair with soft, feathery ends. | Farrah Fawcett | Hairspray, mousse |
| Blowout | Smooth, voluminous hair achieved using a hairdryer and round brush. | Diana Ross | Hairspray, mousse |
| Afro | A natural hairstyle that celebrates Black hair texture. | Diana Ross, Angela Davis | Hair oil, conditioner |
| Mohawk | A strip of hair standing upright on the head. | The Sex Pistols | Gel, hairspray |
| Mullet | Short hair on the sides and long hair in the back. | David Bowie | Hairspray, gel |
| Spiky Hair | Short, spiked hair achieved using gel or hairspray. | Debbie Harry | Gel, hairspray |
| Bob | A short, blunt-cut hairstyle that can be styled straight or with a slight inward curl. | Mia Farrow | Hairspray |
FAQ about Hair Styles in 1979
What were the most popular hair products in 1979?
Hairsprays, mousse, and gels were among the most popular hair products in 1979. These products helped to create the voluminous, textured styles that were popular in the era. Additionally, hair relaxers were used to achieve sleek, straight styles.
What were the most iconic hairstyles of 1979?
Some of the most iconic hairstyles of 1979 included Farrah Fawcett's feathered layers, the Afro, the Mohawk, and the mullet. These styles reflected the era's embrace of individuality, rebellion, and bold fashion choices.
How can I recreate 1979 hairstyles today?
To recreate 1979 hairstyles today, consider using styling products like hairspray, mousse, and gels to create texture and volume. If you're going for a feathered look, use a round brush and hairspray to create soft, cascading waves. For a spiky look, apply gel to your hair and use your fingers to style it into spikes. If you're looking for a bold statement, consider trying a Mohawk or a mullet.
Conclusion
1979 was a year of tremendous change and transformation in fashion. Hair styles reflected these shifts, with bold, daring, and experimental looks pushing boundaries and challenging traditional beauty standards. From the iconic feathered layers of Farrah Fawcett to the rebellious mohawks of the punk movement, 1979 showcased the power of hair as a form of self-expression.
Whether you're looking to learn about the history of fashion or searching for some inspiration for your own hair style, the 1970s offer a rich trove of ideas. Check out our other articles on vintage fashion to explore more trends from this dynamic and influential decade.
