What was the natural hair movement in the 70s?

Author: Samantha Ondricka  |  Last update: Sunday, August 31, 2025

The Afro hair movement of the 1960s and 1970s began as a cultural and political expression of Black pride and empowerment. During this time, Black Americans were fighting for civil rights, and the Afro became a symbol of resistance against the oppression and discrimination they faced.

What was the natural hair movement and why was it significant?

The natural hair movement was created to encourage not only black women, but any woman with naturally curly kinky hair texture, to have knowledge and pride in their natural hair. Joining the movement involves abandoning relaxers and learning new ways to care for natural hair to promote growth and health.

How did people in the 1970s do their hair?

Long, sleek, and parted was THE look of the '70s. The total opposite of the voluminous feathered hair was the long and straight hairstyle. This usually was worn as a single-length cut with a center part that was typically adorned with flowers or a headband. For this style, it was definitely the longer the better.

What social movements in the 1960s influenced the rise of longer natural hairstyles?

The historical context of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement plays a crucial role in understanding the significance of the afro. During this era, Black people embraced natural hairstyles, including the afro, as a symbol of resistance and pride.

When did permanent waving and natural hair relaxing become popular?

Bauman Salon. Perms Through The Ages (And Why They Might Be Back In!) Popularized in the '70s and '80s, perms (or, permanent waving, if you're proper) have seen many forms over the years. There have been perm rods in the hair of everyone from Cher to Jon Bon Jovi, and even your very own grandmother, probably.

Natural Hair Representation Through The Decades (60s & 70s)

Were perms popular in the 70s?

At the peak of the second wave of popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, a number of new brands and types of perms were introduced including no-ammonia perms and "soft" perms (Rave) which guaranteed no-frizz results even on bleached or tinted hair, as well as temporary perms that lasted only a few weeks before washing away ...

Why was everyone's hair curly in the 80s?

The 1980s were a time of excess and expression. With fashion serving as a bold statement of individuality and freedom, big, curly hair wasn't just a style; it was an attitude—a rebellion against the sleek, restrained looks of previous decades.

What hairstyle was popular in the 60's?

Long hair was commonly worn middle-parted and curled at the ends or with half-pulled back and a backcombed bouffant. As the hippie look gained popularity so did long hair with bangs that fell below the eyebrows. For medium hair, the main go-to looks were rounded bouffants and curled bobs.

Did black people wear wigs in the 1970s?

"With all the variations of Black hair, these wigs were used to create hair uniformity. There was a theatrical element. Even if we look at some of the movies from the 1970s, we knew that they were wearing afro wigs."

Why were afros so popular in the 1970s?

The Afro Hair Movement of the 1960s and 1970s was a cultural and political statement that challenged Eurocentric beauty standards and celebrated Black identity. The Afro hairstyle, characterized by its voluminous and natural curls, became a symbol of Black pride and resistance against racism and discrimination.

What was the 1970s haircut called?

Back in the 1970s, the shag haircut emerged as a symbol of counterculture and rebellion. It was created by the barber Paul McGregor. It was the era of rock 'n' roll, where musicians like Mick Jagger and David Bowie were pushing boundaries not only with their music but also with their distinctive hairstyles.

Why was hair so long in the 1970s?

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.

What hair color was popular in the 1970s?

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?

What was the black is beautiful movement in 1960?

The movement encouraged black individuals to embrace their own unique beauty and identity, rather than striving to fit into a narrow definition of beauty that was based on white standards. This included embracing natural hair textures, styles, and colors, as well as celebrating diverse skin tones and features.

How do you describe the movement of hair?

Things Hair Does (and other words/phrases to describe those actions)
  1. Flip: toss, jerk, flick, shake,
  2. Blow (in the wind): float, flutter, sail, waft, fly, skim, whip, tear, thrash, twirl, buffet, lash, shimmy, sway, slap, flap.

Why is it called a Jheri curl?

Invented by the hairdresser Jheri Redding, the Jheri curl gives the wearer a glossy, loosely curled look. It was touted as a "wash and wear" style that was easier to care for than the other popular chemical treatment of the day, the relaxer.

Why did old white men wear wigs?

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.

Why do so many black woman have wigs?

Also, many black women experience hair loss or thinning due to the delicate nature of their hair texture combined with harsh styling practices like tight braiding, excessive heat, or chemical relaxers. Wigs provide a way to protect the hair while allowing the natural hair to grow.

Did Jackie Kennedy wear wigs?

When Jackie Kennedy was First Lady (1961-1963), a rumor spread that she wore wigs from time to time, which Jackie's spokespeople denied vehemently. Unfortunately, though, the rumor was proved true when sister-in-law Joan Kennedy blurted out in an interview: “You know, Jackie talked me into wearing a wig.

What is the most famous hairstyle ever?

Ahead, some of the most iconic celebrity hair moments of all time.
  • Audrey Hepburn's Chignon. ...
  • Farrah Fawcett's Fringe. ...
  • Elvis' Swoop. ...
  • Angela Davis' Afro. ...
  • Diana Ross' Curls. ...
  • "The Rachel" (Image credit: Getty Images) ...
  • Halle Berry's Pixie. (Image credit: Getty Images) ...
  • Marilyn Monroe's Blonde Bob. (Image credit: Getty Images)

What is the oldest hairstyle in history?

The oldest known depiction of hair styling is hair braiding, which dates back about 30,000 years.

What did hairstyles look like in the 70s?

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.

Why was hair so puffy in the 80s?

Big hair that was "often permed to achieve the desired volume" is especially associated with women of the mid 1980s as well as male rockstars of that era, especially of the glam metal genre. Television shows such as Dynasty helped popularize the high volume bouffant and glamorous image associated with it.

What happens to curly hair as you age?

Texture ChangesOver the years, hormones, genetics, and changes in lifestyle can affect the curl pattern. For some, the curls may loosen a bit, while others experience more frizz. And if you've been dealing with those tight ringlets for years, you might notice them getting a little looser and more wavy.

Did Bon Jovi have a perm?

The iconic perm is now a thing thanks to 80s hair heroes Cher, Jon Bon Jovi and erm Deirdre Barlow.

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