The 1970s was a decade of revolution and change, especially in the world of fashion and beauty. For black women, this was a time to embrace and celebrate their natural hair and break away from the Eurocentric beauty standards that had dominated for so long. The 1970s saw a variety of hair styles that reflected the cultural and social movements of the time. Let's take a look at the top 10 black women hair styles that defined the 1970s.Black Women Hair Styles in the 1970s
The 1970s was an era of self-expression and embracing one's identity. For black women, this meant embracing their natural hair and rejecting the idea that straight hair was the only standard of beauty. Many black women began to wear their hair in its natural state, whether it was curly, coily, or kinky. This was a powerful statement of embracing one's heritage and culture.Black Women's Hair in the 1970s
The 1970s saw a resurgence of traditional African hairstyles, such as braids, cornrows, and twists. These styles not only celebrated black heritage but also allowed for low-maintenance and protective styling. Many black women also began to experiment with different hair accessories, such as headbands, scarves, and colorful clips, to add a touch of personal style to their looks.1970s Black Women's Hair Styles
The 1970s also saw the rise of the iconic afro hairstyle. This bold and voluminous style became a symbol of black pride and empowerment. Black women with various hair textures and lengths could achieve an afro by using styling techniques such as twisting, braiding, or picking out their hair. The bigger the afro, the better!1970s Black Women's Hairstyles
As the 1970s progressed, black women began to experiment with more daring and creative hair trends. One popular trend was the "blowout," where hair was straightened and then styled into a large, fluffy afro. Another trend was the "feathered" look, where hair was cut into layers and styled to feather outwards. These styles were heavily influenced by the popular music and fashion trends of the time.Black Women's Hair Trends in the 1970s
The 1970s also saw the emergence of the "Jackson 5" style, named after the popular music group. This style featured tight, coily curls all over the head, giving a full and textured look. It was a popular choice for black women with shorter hair and was often paired with bold, statement accessories.1970s Black Women's Hair Trends
The 1970s was a time when black women embraced their natural hair like never before. This was a significant shift from the previous decades, where chemically straightened hair was considered the norm. Black women began to let go of these damaging treatments and embrace their natural hair textures, leading to healthier and more diverse hair styles.Black Women's Natural Hair in the 1970s
In addition to traditional African hairstyles, black women also began to experiment with new and unique natural hair styles. One popular style was the "twist-out," where hair was twisted into small sections and then unraveled to create defined curls. Another popular style was the "bantu knots," where hair was twisted and coiled into small knots all over the head. These styles allowed for versatility and creativity, and many black women continue to wear them to this day.1970s Black Women's Natural Hair Styles
We can't talk about 1970s black women's hair without mentioning the iconic afro. This style not only represented black pride and identity but also became a symbol of rebellion against societal norms. Black women with afros were seen as bold, confident, and unapologetic, challenging the mainstream beauty standards of the time. The afro remains a powerful and timeless symbol of black beauty and empowerment.Black Women's Afro Hairstyles in the 1970s
The 1970s also saw the introduction of the "fro-hawk," a variation of the afro where hair was styled into a mohawk-like shape. This style was often seen on black women in the music and entertainment industry, such as Pam Grier and Diana Ross. It was a bold and edgy look that perfectly captured the spirit of the 1970s. In conclusion, the 1970s was a pivotal decade for black women's hair. It was a time of embracing natural beauty, celebrating culture and heritage, and challenging societal standards. The hairstyles of the 1970s continue to inspire and influence black women's hair trends, proving that true beauty knows no boundaries.1970s Black Women's Afro Hair Styles