70s Hair Braids: Weaving A Free-Spirited Look Today
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The 1970s, often called the '70s, was a truly unique time, more or less a decade that kicked off on January 1, 1970, and wrapped up on December 31, 1979. It was, in some respects, a period of big changes and moments that made history, like the fall of Saigon or the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. But beyond the headlines, it was also a time when people really showed off their personal style, and that included how they wore their hair.
This was a decade when music charts saw the likes of Carl Douglas and Billy Paul, and you could just groove to iconic classics that truly shaped music history. Think about it, the 70s didn't do things by halves, so too their fashion and beauty choices were bold and expressive. It was a time when the reels of tape played tunes from artists such as Van Morrison, and folks were really finding their own rhythm.
As you explore the timeline of the 1970s, you’ll find a decade marked by significant events such as The Beatles’ end and the start of personal computing, yet also a powerful current of freedom in how people presented themselves. This spirit, you know, really showed up in hairstyles, with braids taking center stage as a way to express a carefree, natural vibe. So, let's take a trip back to see how these braided looks can still inspire us today.
Table of Contents
- The Spirit of 70s Braids
- Why 70s Braids Are Still a Look
- Different Braided Looks from the 70s
- Getting the 70s Braid Vibe Today
- Frequently Asked Questions About 70s Braids
- Bringing the 70s Braid into Your Style
The Spirit of 70s Braids
The 1970s, you know, was a decade of big shifts, a time when personal expression became a powerful force. From the music that filled the airwaves to the clothes people wore, it was all about feeling free and showing who you were. This feeling, in a way, really flowed into hairstyles, too.
Braids in the 70s weren't just a way to keep hair neat; they were a statement. They spoke of a connection to nature, a relaxed approach, and a sort of gentle rebellion against strict styles. It was, arguably, a look that said, "I'm comfortable in my own skin," and that felt pretty good to many people.
You saw them everywhere, from music festivals to everyday streets. They were a common sight, more or less, on folks who loved rock music, those who followed the disco beat, and anyone who just wanted to feel good. The 70s truly embraced a variety of looks, and braids were a big part of that. Discover more about 70s hair trends.
Why 70s Braids Are Still a Look
Fast forward to today, and you might wonder why these styles keep popping up. Well, for one thing, they have a timeless appeal. They offer a simple, natural beauty that feels good and looks easygoing. That, is that, something many people look for in their daily style.
They are also quite versatile. Whether you have long flowing hair or something a bit shorter, there’s likely a 70s-inspired braid that can work for you. This means, you know, a lot of folks can try them out without too much fuss.
Plus, they bring a touch of that cool, relaxed vibe from a past era. It’s a way to add a bit of history and character to your look without trying too hard. So, it's almost like wearing a piece of a musical track from that time, just on your head.
Different Braided Looks from the 70s
The 70s offered a whole bunch of ways to wear braids, each with its own charm. It wasn't just one type, you know, but a collection of styles that fit different moods and settings. Here are some of the most memorable ones.
Classic Pigtail Braids
One of the most straightforward and popular looks was the classic pigtail braid. This style involved splitting the hair down the middle and creating two simple braids that hung over each shoulder. It was, in a way, a youthful and innocent look that many embraced.
You would often see these braids looking a little loose, not too tight, which gave them a soft, gentle feel. Sometimes, people would pull out a few strands around the face to make it even more relaxed. This was, basically, a go-to for a casual day out.
They were easy to do, and that was part of their appeal. A person could, you know, put them in quickly and be ready to go, whether it was to a concert or just hanging out with friends. They truly embodied a carefree attitude.
Bohemian Braids and Headbands
The bohemian or "boho" look was a huge part of the 70s, and braids fit right into it. This often meant long, loose braids, sometimes just one or two thin ones woven into otherwise flowing hair. It was very much about a natural, earthy feel.
People would sometimes use these braids to create a sort of natural headband, pulling a braid across the top of their head and pinning it down. This added a touch of elegance without being too formal, which was very much the spirit of the time.
Adding fabric headbands, scarves, or even fresh flowers to these braided styles was also quite common. This really brought out the free-spirited vibe, making the look feel even more connected to nature and art. It was, honestly, a beautiful way to accessorize.
Micro Braids and Cornrows
While the loose, flowing styles were popular, the 70s also saw a rise in more intricate braided patterns, especially within Black communities. Micro braids, which are very tiny, individual braids, became a stylish and practical option for many. They offered a way to wear hair in a protected style for longer periods.
Cornrows, too, gained wider recognition and popularity. These are braids woven very close to the scalp in rows, creating beautiful geometric patterns. They were, and still are, a powerful form of cultural expression and a very striking look. People often created really artistic designs with them.
These styles showed a different side of 70s braiding, one that was about precision and artistry, as well as practicality. They allowed for a lot of creativity and personal flair, and were, apparently, a comfortable way to wear hair for many daily activities.
Braided Bangs and Face-Framing
Another popular way to incorporate braids was by using them to frame the face. This often involved taking a small section of hair near the temples and braiding it, then letting it hang down or pinning it back. It was a subtle way to add a braided touch.
Sometimes, people would braid their bangs or a front section of hair, pulling it to the side or back to keep it out of their eyes while still looking stylish. This was, basically, a neat trick for those with fringes or shorter layers around their face.
These smaller braids could be quite delicate, adding a soft, romantic feel to a look. They were, you know, a simple addition that made a big difference in how the hair appeared overall. It was a very gentle touch, yet quite effective.
Getting the 70s Braid Vibe Today
If you're feeling inspired to bring some of that 70s braided magic into your own style, it's actually pretty simple to do. You don't need a time machine, just a few tools and a little patience. So, let's get into how you can make these looks your own.
Prep Your Hair
For most 70s braided styles, you want hair that's clean but not too slippery. Day-old hair, honestly, often works best as it has a little more grip. If your hair is freshly washed, a tiny bit of dry shampoo or texturizing spray can help give it some hold.
Make sure your hair is well-combed and free of tangles before you start. This will make the braiding process much smoother and prevent any snags. A wide-tooth comb is, generally, a good choice for this step.
Consider your hair type, too. Thicker hair might hold braids better, while finer hair might need a bit more product to stay put. It's all about, you know, getting your hair ready for the style you want to create.
Braiding Techniques
For simple pigtails or single braids, a basic three-strand braid is all you need. Start by dividing your hair into three equal sections, then cross the right section over the middle, then the left section over the new middle. Keep repeating this pattern until you reach the end, then secure it.
For a more bohemian feel, try incorporating tiny, thin braids into larger sections of loose hair. You can make just one or two on each side, letting them blend in with your waves. This, you know, gives a subtle nod to the era without being a full commitment.
If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, learning to do a French braid or a Dutch braid can open up more options for braided headbands or more intricate designs. There are, apparently, many tutorials online that can walk you through these steps, too.
Accessorizing Your 70s Braids
Accessories really make a 70s braid pop. Think about adding a fabric headband, especially one with a floral or psychedelic pattern. This can instantly give your look that retro touch. You know, it just feels right.
Small, colorful beads or charms can be woven into the ends of your braids for a playful, whimsical feel. This was a common practice back then, and it's still a fun way to add some sparkle. It's, basically, a tiny piece of jewelry for your hair.
For a truly natural, hippie-inspired look, tucking a few fresh flowers into your braids or behind your ear can be very charming. Daisies or wildflowers are, typically, perfect for this. It's a simple, yet very effective, way to connect with the era's spirit.
Keeping Your Braids Fresh
To keep your 70s braids looking good, especially if you want them to last more than a day, a little care goes a long way. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase can help reduce frizz and keep your braids neat overnight. This, you know, really helps them stay put.
If your braids start to look a little fuzzy, a light mist of hairspray or a tiny bit of hair oil can smooth down any flyaways. Just use a small amount, as you don't want to make them stiff or greasy. It's about, more or less, keeping them looking natural.
For cornrows or micro braids, keeping your scalp moisturized is important. A light oil or leave-in conditioner applied directly to the scalp can help prevent dryness and itching. This, honestly, makes a big difference in comfort and how long the style lasts. Learn more about hair care on our site, and link to this page hairstyling tips.
Frequently Asked Questions About 70s Braids
People often have questions about bringing these vintage styles into their modern life. Here are a few common ones, you know, that might help you out.
What kind of hair texture works best for 70s braids?
Many 70s braid styles, like loose pigtails or bohemian weaves, actually work well on a variety of hair textures, from straight to wavy to curly. For styles like micro braids or cornrows, tighter curls can be quite ideal as they hold the braids very well. It's, basically, about finding the right style for your hair's natural flow.
Can I do 70s braids on short hair?
Absolutely! While many 70s styles show long hair, you can still get the vibe with shorter lengths. Think about doing smaller, face-framing braids or even just one tiny braid on the side. You might, you know, need a few more bobby pins to secure the ends, but it's totally doable.
How do I make my braids look natural and not too perfect?
The key to a true 70s braid look is a slightly undone, relaxed feel. After you braid, gently tug on the outer loops of each section of the braid to loosen it a bit. You can also pull out a few wispy strands around your face. This, you know, gives it that soft, lived-in appearance that was very popular back then.
Bringing the 70s Braid into Your Style
The 70s were a time of great music, memorable events, and a strong sense of personal freedom, which, you know, really came through in the fashion and hair choices. From the single stars of the charts to the daily news, the decade had a special kind of energy.
Bringing 70s hair braids into your look today is a wonderful way to connect with that era's easygoing, expressive spirit. Whether you pick simple pigtails, add a few boho strands, or try more intricate patterns, there's a style that can fit your vibe.
It's all about having fun with your hair and letting your personality shine through. So, why not try out a 70s-inspired braided look and see how it feels? You might just find your new favorite way to wear your hair, and that, is that, a pretty cool thing.
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