Introduction
The 1970s disco era was an iconic time in the history of music, dance, and fashion. It was a period characterized by vibrant energy, pulsating beats, and an atmosphere of liberation on the dance floors. Disco culture emerged as a powerful cultural movement that transcended boundaries of race, gender, and social class.
Alongside the infectious tunes and grooves, fashion and beauty played an integral role in defining the disco experience. In particular, hair and makeup became essential elements in creating the dazzling looks that defined the disco era.
Brief overview of the 1970s disco era
The 1970s witnessed a surge in popularity for disco music. This genre originated in underground clubs but quickly gained mainstream recognition with artists like Donna Summer, Bee Gees, Gloria Gaynor, and K.C. & The Sunshine Band dominating the charts.
Disco’s infectious rhythms encouraged people to hit the dance floor with moves like The Hustle and The Electric Slide. Disco’s influence extended far beyond just music; it permeated into every aspect of popular culture—including fashion and beauty trends.
Disco clubs were glamorous havens where individuals could express themselves through vibrant outfits and eye-catching hairstyles. As people flocked to these pulsating venues dressed to impress, they sought to embody not just a style but also a state of mind—a release from everyday constraints.
Influence on fashion and beauty trends
The disco era had a profound impact on fashion trends during that time—and even on contemporary styles today. The dynamic fashion choices reflected a fusion of different influences: from glitzy Hollywood glamour to futuristic space-age aesthetics. In terms of beauty trends, hair and makeup took center stage as essential components for achieving that iconic disco look.
Hair became larger than life with voluminous curls while makeup embraced boldness with vibrant colors that accentuated key facial features. The disco culture championed self-expression, and individuals utilized hair and makeup as tools to showcase their personalities and make a statement on the dance floor.
Importance of hair and makeup in creating the iconic disco look
When we think of the disco era, images of glamorous men and women with larger-than-life hairstyles and makeup come to mind. Hair was elevated to new heights, quite literally, with styles that exuded volume, texture, and movement.
Women often sported feathered haircuts that framed their faces beautifully or embraced afro hairstyles that celebrated natural Black hair. Makeup played an equally vital role in achieving the striking disco aesthetic.
Glittery eyes became a signature trend, captivating attention with every shimmering blink. Bold lips adorned in vibrant shades of reds, pinks, or oranges added a touch of glamour to complete the look.
The transformative power of hair and makeup during this era allowed individuals to channel their inner diva or disco king while stepping onto the dance floor. The 1970s disco era left an indelible mark on fashion and beauty trends across generations.
It was a time when people embraced individuality through bold choices in how they presented themselves. Hair and makeup became essential tools for creating that iconic disco look—a combination of big hair, glittery eyes, and vibrant lips—setting new standards for self-expression on the dance floor.
Feathered Hair: Embracing Waves of Glamour
Soft, layered waves that framed the face like a delicate halo The 1970s disco era witnessed the rise of feathered hair, a glamorous and iconic hairstyle that captured the essence of the times.
This hairstyle, characterized by soft, layered waves that elegantly framed the face, quickly became a symbol of sophistication and femininity. Feathered hair exuded an effortless yet stylish vibe that perfectly complemented the disco fashion trends of the era.
To achieve feathered hair, several techniques were employed by fashion-forward individuals. One popular method involved blow drying with a round brush.
This technique helped create volume while simultaneously giving shape to the hair strands, resulting in those coveted feathered layers. Another approach was using hot rollers to add texture and dimension to the hair.
By strategically placing rollers in different sections and allowing them to cool down, individuals achieved those signature soft waves associated with feathered hair. Undoubtedly, one of the key figures who popularized this trend was Farrah Fawcett along with her role in “Charlie’s Angels.” Her iconic feathered hairstyle became an instant sensation and served as inspiration for countless women seeking to emulate her timeless beauty.
The allure of feathered hair extended beyond Hollywood; it resonated with women from all walks of life who yearned for a touch of glamour.
Afro Hairstyles: Celebrating Natural Beauty & Black Pride
From tight coils to larger-than-life afros—embracing natural texture In tandem with evolving societal attitudes towards self-expression and diversity during the 1970s disco era, afro hairstyles emerged as symbols of empowerment and Black pride.
Disco culture played an influential role in celebrating natural hair textures while fostering a sense of identity within marginalized communities. Afro hairstyles became a canvas for creativity and self-acceptance, allowing individuals to embrace their heritage with pride.
The versatility of afro hairstyles was evident in the myriad of variations that emerged during this era. From tight coils to larger-than-life afros, every texture was celebrated.
Tight coils exuded a sense of strength and individuality, while larger afros made a bold statement with their voluminous and impressive presence. Women embraced their natural hair textures, rejecting societal pressures to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards.
Beyond being a mere aesthetic choice, afro hairstyles became intertwined with the civil rights movement and social change. Natural hair represented rebellion against oppressive beauty norms that had long dictated what was considered acceptable or beautiful.
By embracing their natural hair, individuals challenged these norms and redefined beauty standards on their own terms.
Perms: Setting the Stage for Curly-Haired Revolution
Chemical treatments unlocking waves of self-expression Perms stormed into disco clubs worldwide, revolutionizing hairstyling by offering women an opportunity to experiment with different curl patterns and textures. This chemical treatment allowed for long-lasting curls or waves that added volume, bounce, and personality to one’s hair.
The process of getting a perm involved treating the hair with chemical solutions that restructured its internal bonds—breaking them down before reforming them in a new configuration. Hairstylists used various techniques like wrapping the hair around rods or curlers before applying the perm solution, which would work its magic over time.
Perms empowered women by offering them newfound freedom of expression through endless possibilities for curly hairstyles. Women who had previously struggled with straight locks could now embrace their natural curls or opt for voluminous waves full of glamour and vitality.
The impact of perms extended far beyond physical appearance; it fueled women’s confidence in expressing themselves authentically. With perms becoming mainstream within the disco culture, women showcased their individuality through a wide range of curly hairstyles.
From tight curls that added bounce to short bobs with loose waves, perms allowed for personalized expressions of style and beauty. Women were no longer restricted by societal norms; they could redefine themselves and create their own unique hair identities.
Disco Makeup Trends
Glittery Eyes: Sparkling Glamour of the Disco Era
In the flamboyant world of disco, no look was complete without a touch of sparkle and shimmer. The disco culture fully embraced glittery eyes, creating a dazzling allure that captured the essence of the era.
Glitter eyeshadow and loose glitter became essential tools in every makeup kit, allowing individuals to achieve mesmerizing eye makeup effects that radiated glamour on the dance floor. To create stunning glittery eyes, disco enthusiasts would start by applying a neutral or shimmery base eyeshadow across their lids.
Then, using a small brush or fingertip, they would carefully dab on the glitter eyeshadow or loose glitter onto their lids. By layering different shades and sizes of glitter particles, they could achieve depth and dimension in their eye makeup.
The result was an enchanting display of sparkling eyes that effortlessly caught the light as they grooved to pulsating disco beats. One iconic figure who epitomized the allure of glittery eyes during this era was none other than Diana Ross.
As a legendary diva and style icon, Ross frequently adorned her eyes with dazzling glitters that captivated audiences worldwide. Her bold use of sparkle elevated her stage presence to new heights, inspiring countless individuals to embrace this glamorous trend themselves.
Bold Lips: Vibrant Expression for Disco Divas
Alongside mesmerizing eyes, bold lips were another hallmark of disco beauty trends. The 70s witnessed a surge in vibrant lip colors that perfectly complemented the flashy attire and exuberant atmosphere of disco clubs. From fiery reds to electric pinks and purples, women everywhere used their lips as an artistic canvas for self-expression and confidence.
To achieve these statement-making lips, disco queens would often opt for highly pigmented lipsticks with a glossy finish. The lipstick shades ranged from warm tones like cherry red and coral to cool hues like fuchsia and magenta.
Bold lips became the focal point of their makeup, imparting a sense of power and audacity that mirrored the liberating spirit of the disco era. The influence of bold lip colors extended beyond the dance floor, as well.
Celebrities such as Donna Summer and Cher were known for embracing vibrant lips both on and off stage, solidifying this trend’s prominence in popular culture. Through their bold choices, these influential disco divas encouraged individuals to embrace their uniqueness and revel in vibrant self-expression.
Conclusion
As we reflect upon the glory days of 70s disco hair and makeup trends, it becomes evident that these styles were not just about aesthetics—they represented a celebration of individuality, confidence, and freedom. Disco culture empowered people to express themselves through glittery eyes that sparkled like stars in the night sky.
It encouraged them to make bold statements with their lips, using vibrant colors to assert their presence amidst a crowded dance floor. Although disco may be a thing of the past, its legacy lives on through its enduring impact on beauty trends.
The era taught us that embracing our unique qualities can be an empowering act—a lesson we can apply even today. So whether it’s adding a touch of glitter or swiping on a daring lip color, let us remember the spirit of disco and allow ourselves to shine brightly in our own way.
FAQ
You can achieve the 70s disco hair look by teasing your hair for volume, using hairspray, and incorporating waves or curls. Accessories like headbands or hairpins can enhance the style.
Popular makeup trends in the 70s disco era included bold eyeshadows, dramatic eyeliner, glittery makeup, and glossy lips. False eyelashes were also a common feature.
Using a volumizing mousse, a crimping iron, and a strong-hold hairspray can help you achieve the desired 70s disco hair. Don’t forget a fine-tooth comb for teasing.
Iconic disco hairstyles included the afro, feathered hair, and shag cuts. Makeup looks often featured shimmering eyeshadows in vibrant colors, pronounced blush, and glossy, bold lips.
