Why did sideburns become popular in the 1970s?

Author: Kirk Ritchie  |  Last update: Friday, September 12, 2025

Sideburns were associated with young mods and hippies, but in the '70s became prevalent in all walks of life. "Lambchop" sideburns also became a symbol of the gay club scenes of San Francisco and Sydney, as did the handlebar mustache.

Why were sideburns popular in the 1970s?

In the 1970s, huge sideburns on men became popular as part of the broader trend of embracing individualism and rebellious styles. Influenced by rock stars like Elvis Presley and later by figures like the Bee Gees, sideburns symbolized masculinity, confidence, and a break from traditional grooming norms.

What haircut was popular in the 1970s?

Early 1970s, a style called page boy was popular. This was about shoulder length at the front, but longer at the back. Towards the mid 1970s, styles with some of the front and top hair cut short, and the hair at the sides and back quite long became popular. Sometimes call 'shaggy dog'.

What facial hair was popular in the 1970s?

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.

Why were men in the 1970s so hairy?

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.

Why Did Men Stop Wearing Sideburns?

When did stubble become popular?

In the late 20th century it was popularized by singer George Michael and actor Don Johnson, the style later regained popularity after being worn by actor Tom Cruise in the 2000s. Several companies now manufacture beard trimmers designed specifically to maintain the designer stubble look.

How did people style their hair in the 1970s?

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 makeup was popular in the 1970s?

When dressing for the disco, 70s beauties would dial up their eye makeup with earthy gold tones, sparkling copper eyeshadows and smokey black eyeliner, sometimes adding playful pops of colour like gorgeous greens or powder blues.

What are 70s bangs called?

Made famous by Bridget Bardot in the '70s, curtain bangs are a feathered cut that creates a mussed-up, cool-girl look.

What are 70s sideburns called?

Sideburns were associated with young mods and hippies, but in the '70s became prevalent in all walks of life. "Lambchop" sideburns also became a symbol of the gay club scenes of San Francisco and Sydney, as did the handlebar mustache.

Why do females shave their sideburns?

The ultimate goal for many women seeking to manage their sideburns is not just the reduction of hair growth but also achieving a smoother skin surface for flawless makeup application.

When did the side shave become popular?

2010 saw were more tress trends than ever--and the "side-shave" was definitely one of the most popular. Inspired by the late-80s/early-90s asymmetric styles of Salt n Pepa and T. Boz, this super edgy 'do gave everyone from Willow Smith to Cassie a bold new silhouette this year.

Who started the sideburn trend?

Sideburns got their name from Ambrose Burnside, a Union general who sported the distinctive hairstyle. Although Burnside served briefly as the commander of the Army of the Potomac and as the first president of the National Rifle Association (NRA), he is best remembered today for his outstanding sartorial contribution.

Why did everyone have long hair in the 1970s?

Longer hair in general remained popular due to the youth rebellion throughout the liberal decade of the 1960s. The long hair trend grew with the spread of the hippie movement in the 1960s and, in the 1970s, longer hair styles would become the norm among men and women.

What are female sideburns called?

What Are Female Sideburns Called in General? Female sideburns, which usually occur due to genetic reasons and are seen after the hairline, are called baby hairs. Baby hairs can be seen towards the temple, cheek area, and nape. Hairs called baby hair may not be a symptom of any disease.

What were the beauty standards in the 1970s?

The 1970s marked a transition from the polished looks of the 1960s to a more relaxed and natural aesthetic. Women embraced the “hippie” vibe, favouring long, flowing hair, sun-kissed skin, and minimal makeup. Bell-bottom jeans, floral headbands, and au naturel beauty were the defining elements of the era.

When was makeup unpopular?

Though cosmetics were used discreetly by many women, makeup in Western cultures during this time was generally frowned upon, particularly during the 1870s, when Western social etiquette increased in rigidity.

What jewelry was popular in the 1970s?

Jewelry made from wood, stones, coral or bone was a popular trend in the 1970s, reflecting the decade's hippie fashion. These pieces often featured earthy tones and organic shapes, creating a relaxed and natural look. Other earthy elements like leather and feathers were also included in this trend.

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 most popular hairstyle in the 1970s?

Here are nine iconic hairstyles that defined the decade.
  • The Shag. Jane Fonda in the 1971 film "Klute" sporting a shag cut. ...
  • Straight and Sleek. Ali MacGraw with sleek, straight hair. ...
  • Facial Hair. John Lennon with long locks and facial hair. ...
  • The Pageboy. ...
  • Long Locks for Men. ...
  • Brow-Skimming Bangs. ...
  • Dreadlocks.

Why did people wear afros 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.

When were long sideburns popular?

1860s-1890s: Sideburns (aka Mutton chops)

Military men had used sideburns as a cheeky way to stay clean-shaven while also sporting facial hair. But the real extravagance of the sideburns was kicked off by Ambrose Burnside, who wore this much-longer style during the Civil War.

What races don't grow facial hair?

There is no specific ethnicity that can't grow facial hair, but East Asian individuals, such as Japanese and Chinese, tend to have less facial hair and slower growth rates compared to other ethnicities.

Does stubble age you?

This scientific study by Barnaby J. Dixson and Paul L. Vasey found that yes, men with facial hair do tend to appear older than those who are clean-shaven, sometimes by as much as 10 years or more. There are many reasons for this, some cultural and some biological.

Previous article
What happens if you don't moisturize after waxing?
Next article
Which serum first, vitamin C or hyaluronic acid?