The Hair of The 70s: Men
AN OVERVIEW:
The 70s was an era in which men’s grooming and styling became a trend, with hair products being marketed just to men for the first time. Americans saw the normalization of long hair on men, and the use of hair as a political statement.
The Afro
African Americans were sporting the haircut in the 60s, but the Fro' became a firm favorite in American culture during the 70s--as it had become more mainstream and commercialized. The Afro was a political statement of black pride in addition to a styling choice.
Long Hair
The hippie culture of the 60s carried over to the 70s; as the decade fine-tuned what would become known as one of its signature hair styles. Natural, long hair was both a political symbol of rebellion, but it was also just plain popular. The long hair, won't-care attitude found its way to every hair-type.
Mod Style
The popular mod-style of the 60s made its way into the 70s too. This time with increased volume up-top and the addition of lengthy sideburns. We didn't make the rules.
The Perm
Most of America's mainstream view of the male perm was in Mike Brady's mane on The Brady Bunch. Not soon after, the perm--achieved with the help of perm salt, turned heads all across the nation into a helmet of curls.
Short & Styled
In a decade that featured long, curly and big hair-styles, there was room for something more toned-down too. The popularity of Robert Redford and his movies, ushered in a shorter style for 1970s era men. It wasn't the main stage of hair during this time, but it provided versatility. Although still messy with plenty of volume, it served as a clean cut version of the 70s' Sex Drugs Rock & Roll.
The Mustache
Facial hair for men in this decade should be all on its own. However, in the 1970s, a mustache was almost synonymous to a longer hair style. Not many decades can be defined by hair in its general sense, but the 70s can. From handlebars to shorter styles, the mustache was experimented with, one way or another.
