13 Fascinating and Bizarre Beauty Trends from the 1970s That Shaped the Decade!

The 1970s were a decade of bold experimentation in the world of beauty. From extravagant makeup looks to unusual hairdos, this era was all about embracing individuality and pushing boundaries. Some of these beauty trends have left us scratching our heads today, while others are slowly making a comeback. Here’s a look at 13 of the most bizarre beauty trends from the 1970s that will surely take you back in time.

1. Frosted Makeup

In the 1970s, frosted makeup was all the rage. Women would slather on frosty, metallic shades of eyeshadow, lipstick, and even blush. The shiny finish was meant to add a glamorous, futuristic touch to their look. However, looking back, it seems like a bit of an odd choice. Bright silver eyeshadow and icy pink lips were especially popular, giving off an almost alien-like vibe.

2. Feathered Haircuts

Feathered hair was an iconic trend of the ’70s. Think of Farrah Fawcett’s famous feathered hairstyle, with soft layers that flared out at the ends. This look was created using a blow dryer and hairspray to add volume and texture. While it looked cute for some, it was a difficult style to maintain and required a lot of work. Feathered haircuts were very popular, but they sure demanded commitment.

3. Blue Eyeshadow Galore

Blue eyeshadow was everywhere in the ’70s. From bright, bold shades to softer pastel blues, everyone was experimenting with different colors to make their eyes pop. The shade became a signature of the era, and many women would apply it heavily, covering their eyelids and even their brows. It was a fun look at the time, but today, it’s often remembered as a bit too much.

4. Lip Gloss Overload

While today we love a glossy lip, in the 1970s, lip gloss wasn’t just a little dab on the lips—it was a thick layer. The glossier, the better! Women would apply a heavy coat of sticky, shiny gloss to create a bold statement. This trend was loved for its shiny and youthful appearance, though it could get a bit messy, especially in hot weather.

5. Twiggy Lashes

Inspired by model Twiggy, long, dramatic lashes became a symbol of the 1970s beauty scene. People were all about big, voluminous lashes that made a bold statement. To achieve the look, many women used thick mascara and even false lashes. Some would layer on several coats of mascara to make their lashes look as long and thick as possible. This trend is still loved today, but we’ve toned it down a bit with more natural-looking lashes.

6. Permed Hair

If you weren’t rocking feathered hair, then you were likely sporting permed hair. Perms were incredibly popular in the ’70s, with tight curls and volume being the ultimate beauty goals. Women and men alike were getting their hair permed to achieve that perfect curly look. The process was time-consuming and damaging to hair, but it sure created a unique, voluminous style that many adored.

7. Heavy Blush

In the ’70s, blush wasn’t just a light dusting on the cheeks—it was bold and noticeable. Women applied thick layers of blush to create a flushed, doll-like appearance. The focus was on creating high cheekbones with a heavy sweep of pink or coral blush. While it gave a youthful look, sometimes it went a little too far, leaving some with cheeks looking much too pink for comfort.

8. Bronzed Skin

The idea of a tan being the ideal beauty standard started gaining traction in the ’70s. People would use tanning lotions, sprays, and even sit out in the sun for hours to get that golden glow. Tanning was the must-have beauty look of the time, and while it looked great on some, it has become less desirable today due to health concerns over sun exposure.

9. Moustaches on Men

Facial hair on men had a big moment in the ’70s, with the moustache being the most popular choice. From full-grown, thick moustaches to thinner, more trimmed versions, men of the ’70s were all about the facial hair.

This trend was widely seen among famous figures like Burt Reynolds and Tom Selleck, and it became a symbol of masculinity for the era. Today, moustaches are still around but are often seen as more of a hipster trend.

10. Bright, Bold Nail Polish

In the ’70s, nails were often painted in bold, vibrant colors. Women embraced bright shades of red, orange, and purple to make their nails stand out. The goal was to make your nails as eye-catching as your outfit. Nail art was also starting to gain popularity, with funky designs like stripes and polka dots taking over. It was all about making a statement with your nails.

11. Headbands and Hair Accessories

Hair accessories were a huge part of the ’70s look, especially headbands. Women wore them to keep their hair in place or simply as a fashion statement. Brightly colored headbands, often with large bows, were used to add a pop of fun to any hairstyle. Alongside headbands, other hair accessories like clips, barrettes, and even ribbons were worn to complement the look.

12. Dramatic Eyebrows

The ’70s were the time when eyebrows started to take center stage. Instead of the pencil-thin brows of previous decades, women were going for fuller, thicker brows. Many were inspired by celebrities like Brooke Shields, whose natural, bold brows became iconic. While today we still admire full brows, the ’70s version was much thicker and often looked a bit unkempt.

13. The Afro

The afro hairstyle was a symbol of pride and rebellion during the 1970s. While it became a major cultural statement in the African-American community, it was also embraced by people of all backgrounds. The hairstyle required a lot of maintenance, but it gave its wearers a bold, powerful presence. Today, the afro continues to be a symbol of self-expression and beauty.

Conclusion

The 1970s were a wild time for beauty trends, with many of them being over-the-top and experimental. From frosted makeup to perming and dramatic lashes, these trends might seem bizarre today, but they were a significant part of fashion history.

Many of these styles have since evolved, while others remain as quirky reminders of a past era. Whether it’s a comeback of the perm or a return to bold eyebrows, the ‘70s still influence beauty trends today.

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