The embracing of dramatic afro wigs, particularly by Black artists of the era, solidified it as a defining element of glamorous 70s styles, and paved the way for the plethora of modern, natural hair textured wigs of today.
The 1960s and 70s saw wigs become mainstream, with women loving the ease of changing hairstyles without any long-term commitment. Technological advancements during this time made wigs more fabulous than ever.
Ponytails: High or low ponytails were common, sometimes worn with scrunchies or other decorative accessories. Buns and Braids: Various styles of buns and braids, including the classic French twist or simple braided pigtails, were also popular.
Throughout history, wigs have often had a deep-seated cultural and societal value with correlations to wealth and positions of power. The art of wig-making can be dated back to Ancient Egypt. [1] The earliest specimen was found in a female burial at Hierakonpolis dating from c. 3400 BC.
Besides headbands, hair scarves and bandannas were worn by hippies and mods alike. Additional hair accessories include flower clips, sparkling barrettes, and combs. The 70s Afro or long hairstyle may require a good wig to create the iconic looks.
Low pigtails with a middle part were all the rage in the '70s. These would often be brushed into two low ponytails at the nape of the neck (the ends could be left straight or curled), and secured with a ribbon or hair tie. Hair extensions can be added to create the desired look.
Sideburns and facial hair were also incredibly popular. Sideburns varied in length, ranging from neatly trimmed to full mutton chops. Facial hair also varied from handlebar mustaches to full untrimmed beards and everything in between.
However, by the time of the American Revolution, wigs were out, replaced by a trend for powdering one's natural hair. While it's true that wigs were a major status symbol early in the second half of the 18th century, by 1800 short, natural hair was all the rage.
Red wigs became a popular alternative, which Elizabeth also took to wearing.
Use Baking Soda On Your Wig
Either add a teaspoon of the soda to your wig washing mixture (see above) or fully dilute a few teaspoons in a basin and leave the wig to soak for 10-30 minutes. Rinse with cold water and complete a full wash of your wig to ensure any chalky residue is removed.
In the 70s, platinum blonde was the colour of choice for feminine and sensual styles, just like the shade seen on Sylvie Vartan and Brigitte Bardot. XXL volume. Diana Ross and Donna Summer are to thank for the success of the afro cut. The idea?
The social change and dynamic introduced a new kind of expression of femininity that also reflected the male gaze and the heavy-handed objectification of it all. Fast forward to the 1970s when long hair became well associated with the counterculture movement of the hippies and the rejection of societal conformity.
Hoop earrings were worn with both casual and formal outfits and drew on the bohemian and disco-inspired trends of the era.
Some iconic 70s hairstyles for women include the shag haircut, feathered hair, curtain bangs, and the afro. These styles represented the fashion and beauty trends of the decade and are still recognized and celebrated today.
By the late 18th century, powdered wigs were beginning to fall out of fashion. Some attribute this to a shift in aesthetics, as simpler, more natural hairstyles began to emerge.
Aside from hair scarves, thin, braided headbands were another popular hippie hair accessory in the '70s. These headbands were typically worn across the forehead, paired with a middle part and straight hair.
Whilst hair loss isn't a widely acknowledged as a smallpox symptom, it could be that the trauma to Elizabeth's body resulted in her experiencing telogen effluvium, where hair falls out due to sudden unexpected stresses on the body.
As a younger princess, The Queen's natural, shoulder length curls were worn down, a style that was passed down to her daughter, Princess Anne.
Bald patches were considered “undignified” and wigs soon became a very practical way of hiding those issues. England's King Charles II, who was a cousin of Louis XIV, was showing common symptoms of syphilis when he started to wear a wig. Almost by accident, wigs also solved another common 17th-century problem: lice.
With a [bigger] film budget, we were able to go to three of the best wig companies to have bespoke wigs made for all our leading ladies, and toupees for some male actors. We spent a lot of time making sure everyone had natural, glowing skin, while still staying true to 1927 time period.
Big hair is a hairstyle that emphasizes large volume or largely styled hair, especially when those styles make the hair occupy a large amount of space above and around the head. The label "big hair" for such styles originated in the late 1970s, when these styles were beginning a period of popularity.
It began as a symbol of youth culture rebellion linked to music. By the latter part of the sixties, however, it became associated with a political and social critique of American society. Quickly, hair length, like bell bottoms and other symbols of youth rebellion became commercialized and meaningless.
As hippie and disco culture grew, so too did the trend for facial hair. Sideburns, moustaches and beards – and hair generally for that matter – was left to its own devices, resulting in a hirsute, free loving generation.