The History of Hairstyles Throughout Decades of Notable Looks

Regardless of your age, you probably look back at some of your old photos and cringe not only at your choice of apparel but your choice of hairstyle. Ironically, your clothing and hairstyle were probably sources of pride decades ago when you sported them! Here’s a look at some of the most iconic hairstyles from generations past.

The Free-Spirited 1970s

In the post-“Leave it to Beaver” 1970s, right off the heels of Woodstock, more women and men began rebelling against sometimes oppressive traditional gender roles. They embraced free-flowing hairstyles to match their free-spirited attitudes. Shag, flippy wigs, and long and loose “hippie hair” were en vogue. Sonny and Cher, Farrah Fawcett and her “Charlie’s Angels” costars; Olivia Newton-John, and Joni Mitchell are a few of the decade’s hair role models.

The Big Hair 1980s

Spiral perms, teased and crimped hair, and plenty of hairspray, gel and mousse (the stronger the better) were popular 1980s hairstyles. Cyndi Lauper, Julia Roberts, Madonna, Bon Jovi and Hall & Oates were big-hair icons. Perhaps you were inspired to emulate their crispy coifs?

The De-Poofed 1990s

By the 1990s, women and men grew tired of huge, flammable hair. Some chose to lop off most of their locks altogether, with surprisingly flattering results. Winona Ryder and Linda Evangelista sported gender-bending pixie haircuts. Those not quite as daring embraced layers, both long and short. Arguably the most iconic example of 1990s hair is the “Rachel Cut.” How many of your friends sported this immensely popular look?

The Low-Key, Lower-Maintenance 2000s

Hairstyles in the 2000s have, for the most part, been “anti-80s.” That is, the theme is sleek, shiny and polished. Instead of perms and crimping irons, 2000s hairstyles are created with flat irons, smoothing serums and blowouts. Back in the 1980s, you probably never would have believed that “blow bars” would become an actual thing. Many new millennium hairstyles might be described as “effortlessly beautiful.”

As the decades march on, hair trends will come and go. What will the future hold? Will future generations’ conservative business leaders sport hair colored in fluorescent hues? Will bigger-is-better hairstyles make a comeback? Who will be the next famous hairstyle muse? As the past 50 years prove, styles will change immensely!

At New Look Institute we support any hairstyle you choose. If you’re suffering from hair loss and want to get your look back we’ll start by restoring the hair you’ve lost over the years. There are proven women’s hair loss solutions and proven men’s hair loss solutions. New Look Institution is here to help you. Contact us today!

Photo Credit: rickh710 Via Flickr Creative Commons

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