14 Bizarre Beauty Trends From The 1970s

The 1970s was an era of bold experimentation and boundary-pushing beauty trends that left a lasting impression on the world of fashion and cosmetics.

Known for its groovy vibes and daring aesthetics, this decade embraced everything from outrageous hairstyles to unconventional makeup techniques, creating a vibrant and sometimes bewildering beauty landscape.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into 15 of the most unusual beauty trends from the ’70s, each more intriguing than the last.

Whether it’s disco-inspired glitter or dramatic hairdos, these trends showcase the creativity and fearless self-expression that defined one of the most iconic decades in beauty history.

1. The Glitter Bomb

Sparkle was the name of the game in the 1970s. Imagine your face as a canvas that could rival any disco ball. Women would coat their cheeks, eyelids, and even hair with layers of glitter, turning any room into a party.

This trend was not just about catching light but about catching attention. The bold use of glitter screamed confidence and individuality. It was as if every speck added a bit of magic to the mundane.

Though it sometimes meant glitter in unexpected places, it was all part of the fun.

2. The Feathered Hair Frenzy

When it came to hairstyles, the feathered look was soaring high. This trend was all about layers and texture, creating a soft, fluffy appearance that framed the face beautifully.

Inspired by the wings of a bird, it was both elegant and slightly wild, capturing the free spirit of the decade. Men and women alike embraced the feathered frenzy, making it a unisex phenomenon.

It was one way to ensure your hair was always ready to take flight, no matter the occasion.

3. Psychedelic Nail Art

Nail art took a trippy turn during the 1970s. With psychedelic patterns and bold colors, nails became mini canvases for expression. The idea was to match the vivid and swirling patterns of the era’s fashion.

This wasn’t just a beauty trend but an art form. The intricate designs required patience and a steady hand, resulting in a mesmerizing finish.

Every finger was a masterpiece, and every glance at those nails was like a journey to an alternate universe of style and creativity.

4. Bizarre Eyelash Extensions

Eyelashes in the 1970s were anything but ordinary. Extensions reached new lengths, sometimes so long they could double as tiny fans. The bolder, the better was the motto, with bright colors and even glitter added to these lashes.

These extravagant lashes were a daring statement, making eyes pop with every blink. They were more than just an accessory; they were a focal point.

While they might have been a bit cumbersome, they surely were an attention-grabber, batting away the ordinary effortlessly.

5. Rainbow Hair Dye

Color was paramount in the ’70s, and this extended to hair. Rainbow hair dye wasn’t just for the brave – it was a declaration of joy and creativity. Every strand was a different color, creating a living rainbow atop one’s head.

This vivid trend was a hit among teenagers who wanted to express themselves loudly and proudly. It was hair art that defied the monotony of single-color styles.

Though temporary, the impact was lasting, leaving trails of color in everyday life.

6. Freckle Tattoos

Freckles were embraced like never before, even if they weren’t naturally acquired. In the 1970s, tattooing freckles became a quirky beauty choice. People opted for a sun-kissed look to maintain that eternal summer glow.

This trend was all about enhancing natural beauty or creating it from scratch. It was subtle yet striking, adding character to faces in a playful way.

Whether permanent or temporary, these faux freckles brought a touch of whimsical charm.

7. Blue Eyeshadow Extravaganza

Blue eyeshadow wasn’t just a makeup choice; it was a lifestyle. Sweeping across the eyelids and beyond, it was bold, bright, and unapologetically dramatic.

This trend saw hues of blue being used as a statement, often paired with equally daring outfits. It wasn’t just about looking good but feeling groovy.

The blue eyeshadow craze was a testament to the decade’s love for experimentation and color, a pop of blue that could light up any room.

8. The Unibrow Revival

While the unibrow might not seem like the obvious choice for beauty, it had its moment in the ’70s. Celebrated for its natural and bold appearance, the unibrow was a proud feature worn by those who dared to be different.

This trend was about challenging conventional beauty standards and embracing individuality. It was a statement of defiance against the plucked and pruned look.

For some, the unibrow was more than just hair; it was an emblem of confidence and rebellion.

9. Neon Blush Flush

Blush in the 1970s wasn’t just about a subtle hint of color. Neon blush took center stage, painting cheeks with vibrant hues that could be spotted a mile away.

This trend was all about standing out and adding a pop of color to the face. It departed from the natural look and embraced an electric, lively aura.

Neon blush wasn’t just makeup; it was a celebration of life and color, energizing the spirit with every stroke.

10. Bold Brow Bonanza

Brows in the 1970s were thick, bold, and beautiful. This trend embraced the natural bushiness of eyebrows, enhancing them to become a statement feature.

The bold brow was about celebrating natural beauty and stepping away from over-plucked trends of previous decades. They framed the face with strength and character.

These brows were about being unapologetically oneself, adding definition and depth to a person’s look with every arch and angle.

11. Floral Body Art

Body art bloomed into the mainstream in the 1970s with floral designs. Flowers painted on the skin weren’t just pretty; they were expressions of peace, love, and harmony.

This trend celebrated the connection between humans and nature, embodying the era’s earth-loving ethos. The designs were intricate and often covered large areas of the body.

Floral body art was more than decoration; it was a living testament to the beauty of the world around us, worn proudly like a garden of thoughts.

12. Scented Hair Sprays

Hair wasn’t just styled in the ’70s; it was perfumed. Scented hairsprays were all the rage, adding a fragrant touch to fabulous hairstyles.

The scents ranged from floral to fruity, making each spritz a sensory experience. It was about more than holding hair in place; it was about leaving a lasting impression.

This trend was a delight for the senses, allowing individuals to express personality not just through sight, but through scent as well.

13. The Perm Pursuit

Curls took over with the pursuit of the perfect perm. This trend was all about volume and texture, creating a head full of bouncy curls that defied gravity.

Perms added drama and flair, turning every day into a fabulous hair day. It was a commitment to the curl, embracing a carefree and adventurous spirit.

The perm was more than a hairstyle; it was a playful departure from straight lines, a whirl of whimsy in a world of waves.

14. The Glitter Lip Gloss

Lips sparkled and shone with the advent of glitter lip gloss. This beauty trend added shimmer and shine to every smile, capturing light and attention alike.

The glossy finish was both glamorous and fun, perfect for a night out at the disco. It was a playful touch that added a little magic to the mundane.

Glitter lip gloss wasn’t just about color; it was about creating a dazzling effect, making lips the star of any party.