70s Tribute
Paul Gehring for ALCINA
The 70s was an era when everyone wanted to make a difference, stand out from the crowd, and change the world. Individualism and heroism were celebrated to the point that it almost became abnormal to be merely ordinary.
The streets were often filled with students marching for one cause or another, feminists fearlessly demanding gender equality, revolutionaries challenging social and economic issues, and musicians weaving these themes, both subtly and overtly, into their songs and stage personas.
Thanks largely to this, most people feel empowered to share their opinions and make a difference on social platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and in the comments sections of online publications.
In this brilliant collection, Paul Gehring focuses on the parallels between the 1970s and now, as reflected in hairstyles and clothing trends.
Classic Pixie Cut
The model’s hair is cut into a classic pixie cut style with clean lines, simple angles, and a wispy yet full fringe. There are countless variations of the pixie cut, but this simplest form has stood the test of time across generations. The neatness, inherent grace, and versatility of this particular hairstyle explain why it remains in demand.
You'll find this neat, simple yet feminine cut adored by classic beauties, from 1970s starlets like Mia Farrow and Barbra Streisand to modern icons such as Carey Mulligan and Anne Hathaway.
The secret to pulling off this short crop lies in its color. The intense light red-copper shade is absolutely stunning. It complements the model’s skin tone and serves as a perfect canvas to showcase the precision and clean lines of this timeless cut.
Fashionable Pixie Cut
Here, we see the short, cropped pixie cut's versatility in high-definition. Though it's the same cut and color as the previous look, the styling makes all the difference. The model’s hair is styled into an edgy, ultra-modern look that captures the unbridled yearning for individuality from the 70s while staying aligned with contemporary fashion.
Again, the vibrant light red-copper color works wonderfully with this style, embodying the creative and feisty characteristics of the hairstyle. A subtle Mohawk silhouette appears at the back, while the side fringe and wispy pieces framing the face keep the style feminine and soft.
This combination of cut and color is one of the most underutilized looks in modern fashion. Aside from a few style icons like Hayley Williams and Rihanna, few seem bold enough to rock a flaming red-copper pixie cut.
Long Shag with a Full Fringe
The long shag is one of the few long hairstyles that can truly be called androgynous. The shag has been popular among male and female celebrities for generations. David Bowie and Mick Jagger rocked this style with enthusiasm in the 70s, while Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp continue to favor longer locks.
On the female front, icons like Farrah Fawcett and Stevie Nicks embraced the shag, and today, we see the Olsen twins, Jennifer Aniston, and Hilary Duff still holding onto their shaggy hairstyles.
Blonde works well with this style, as lighter hair tends to be slightly drier, making it easier to achieve the bed-head look associated with the shag. The full fringe balances the style, adding an element of order to the free-spirited, 70s-inspired cut.
Below the Shoulders Hairstyle
Here we have a textbook example of the "near yet oh-so-far" phenomenon, exemplified by a versatile hairstyle. This is the same cut, color, and model as in the previous shot, but here, her below-the-shoulder, connected layers have been blow-dried into a smooth, gentle inward curve. The only characteristic it shares with the previous look is the full, smooth bangs.
This hairstyle exudes elegance and style, while the previous variation of the model’s layered cut gave off an edgy, individualistic aura.
Spiral Perm
The cold perm was invented in the 1940s, but it reached peak popularity in the 1980s. Watch Dirty Dancing and you’ll see what we mean. Here we have a medium-tight spiral perm that has been dried with a hair dryer and diffuser. This look is synonymous with the ‘80s, yet we still see its influence today!
The model’s hair is colored a rich medium brown with a copper undertone. The tips are slightly lighter, adding dimension and movement. Darker colors usually work better with perms, as artificial blonde shades tend to get damaged by perming chemicals.
The spiral perm suits this model, as her hair is styled into an "angel halo"—a balanced circle around her slim, diamond-shaped face. Note how the stylist incorporated an ‘80s-style blouse with a brooch to complement the look.
Hair with Bouncy Spirals
This spiral perm is more common today. The hair appears longer than in the previous picture because it's styled to fall down rather than form an angel halo. Celebrities like Beyoncé, AnnaLynne McCord, Rihanna, and Pixie Lott are just a few who love curls.
The model’s hair is fine and of medium density, making it ideal for spiral perms. If you have fine, limp hair, a perm might just be your new best friend! The model’s entire head has been treated, so even her fringe coils into bouncy spirals, creating a rich, full look.
This look grabs attention because it signifies individuality and confidence. In a world of Brazilian blowouts and chemical straighteners, it feels like a breath of fresh air in a very monotonous fashion era.
Wash-and-Wear Hairstyle
This beautiful layered hairstyle with a long fringe was a hit for both sexes in the ‘70s. Think David Bowie, Jane Fonda, Goldie Hawn, and David Cassidy. Its popularity spilled over into the ‘80s, with icons like Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love leading the pack.
The model’s rich dark brown hair is naturally straight and fine with medium density—perfect for this style. If you’re lucky enough to have this type of hair, this could be the ultimate wash-and-wear hairstyle for you.
The style itself is enigmatic, amplified by the model’s long, wispy fringe, brooding expression, and dark makeup. The hair covers her ears and falls in wispy tendrils around the weight line, creating a soft, effortless look.
Away-from-the-Face Hairstyle
This look is similar to the previous style but has a completely different feel. In the ‘70s and ‘80s, hair was worn like a halo, framing the face and covering the ears and temples. Today, hair is styled away from the face, opening up facial features.
The dark brown hair contrasts beautifully with her fair complexion. Her orange-nude lips and bronzer along the cheek hollows complement her bright orange top perfectly.
Long Bob with Full Bangs
This long bob with bangs was extremely popular in the ‘70s, especially for those with thick, straight hair. The defining characteristic of the ‘70s style is the rounded, full fringe. Men and women alike rocked this look, which is still associated with the era today. Check out American Hustle, set in the ‘70s, and you’ll see what we mean.
The model’s dark brown hair contrasts beautifully with her alabaster skin. The slightly longer tips flare subtly toward the front. Her darker eye makeup, nude lips, and tan high-necked shirt create a balanced, neutral backdrop, with the hairstyle as the focal point.
Wavy Hair with Straight Bangs
This style was popular in the ‘80s and ‘90s and still has a cult following today. Celebrities like Katy Perry, Cheryl Cole, Taylor Swift, and Olivia Palermo all favor variations of this look.
The model’s hair is parted to the side, with the ends curled using a large-barrel curling iron. The stylist gently combed out the structure of the curls, leaving the hair relaxed and wavy.
The straight bangs create a more severe, corporate look—a style in high demand during the ‘80s when baby boomers dominated the commercial world. The model’s dark eye makeup and glossy-pink lipstick were also trademarks of businesswomen in the ‘80s, perfectly complemented by the structured blazer.
Pastel Hair Colors
Pastel hair colors, which have taken the fashion world by storm, originated as a solution for the yellowing of gray or white hair. Much like blonde hair that can turn brassy, gray hair can develop a golden hue, especially among smokers. To counter this, people began rinsing their hair with purple or pink-tinted water, which balanced the yellow tones but often left the hair with a pastel hue. This became a popular fashion statement in the ‘70s.
Here, the model has medium-length layered blonde hair with a full, side-fringed style, also popular in the ‘70s. Her black eyeliner, navy-blue suspenders, bright orange sweater, turtleneck, and chunky necklace flawlessly mirror the era's style.
Flipped-Over Bangs
This hairstyle is in high demand. The model’s extra-accentuated flipped-over fringe became hugely popular during the emo and grunge era. Though much of that era’s spiked chokers, chipped nail polish, and all-black fashion have faded, we’ve kept the very full, flipped-over diagonal bangs.
You’ll often see Taylor Swift, Emma Stone, Kristen Stewart, Selena Gomez, and Vanessa Hudgens wearing their bangs this way.
The model’s medium ash blonde hair has been cut into a wispy, textured, layered style, with the ends colored a pastel pink. The tips splay out slightly, emphasizing the pastel hue and the wispy effect. The pink works beautifully with her peaches-and-cream complexion and dramatic eye makeup.
Hair: Paul Gehring for ALCINA
Photography: Carlo Ballocchi