Get Funky with 70's Disco Hairstyles For Short Hair: A Blast from the Past

The 1970s were a time of great musical and cultural upheaval, and one of the most iconic and enduring developments of the era was the rise of disco. Disco, short for "discotheque," was a style of music characterized by its upbeat tempo, flashy lights, and flamboyant fashion. And at the forefront of the disco aesthetic was the hairstyle, particularly for those with short hair. In this article, we'll take a journey through the fabulous world of 70's disco hairstyles for short hair, highlighting the key looks, must-have hair products, and timeless tips that still inspire today.

The 1970s disco era was marked by a sense of freedom and self-expression, and nowhere was this more evident than in the hairstyles of the time. For those with short hair, the options were endless, from slicked-back pompadours to feathered fringes and, of course, the iconic "disco duck" look. But short hair didn't necessarily mean simple styling; with the right techniques and products, anyone could achieve a glamorous, show-stopping look that rivalled the likes of David Bowie and Elton John.

At the heart of the disco hairstyle revolution was the product line of the era. From hairspray to gel, pomade to hair clips, the shelves of the average beauty counter were stocked with an array of waxes, mousses, and sprays that promised to hold, tame, and style even the most unruly of coiffures. For the owner of short hair, the product lineup was dizzying, with so many options to choose from that the task of creating the perfect look often seemed daunting.

When it came to creating a disco-inspired hairstyle for short hair, one of the key elements to remember is texture. Disco was all about movement and bounce, and achieving that with short hair required the right combination of hair product and styling technique. One of the go-to products of the era was hairspray, which came in a variety of strengths and finishes, from shiny and wet-look to dry and matte.

"The key to achieving that classic disco look was all about layering," explains renowned hairstylist and historian, Ken Worrick. "You'd start with a root lift or a pomade to add volume and definition, followed by a liberal application of hairspray to keep everything in place. And don't forget a spritz or two of that signature disco 'fog'—otherwise known as hairspray fumes—to set the whole look off."

Another signature element of the disco hairstyle was, of course, the hair clip or 'barrette'. Nowhere was this more obvious than with the iconic "ponytail", which involved sweeping the hair back into a high ponytail and securing it with a gleaming gold or silver clip. For those with short hair, finding the right hair clip could be a challenge, but some of the most stylish and versatile options of the era came courtesy of legendary designer Pierre Cardin. His innovative hair clips were designed specifically for short hair and featured a sleek, curved design that added a pop of color to the overall hairstyle.

Some of the Most Iconic 70's Disco Hairstyles for Short Hair

So what did the 70's disco hairstyles for short hair look like in reality? Here are some of the most iconic and enduring looks of the era, and a few timeless tips from designers and hairstylists who worked with the styles:

• The Pompadour: A classic look that involved taming the hair with a liberal application of hairspray and teasing out the roots to create volume and lift.
• The Feathered Fringe: A bold, chopped fringe that framed the face and added a carefree, effortless vibe to the overall look.
• The Afropuff: A style that involved sectioning off the hair for each side and teasing the roots to create a majestic, domed look that echoed the Afro-centric styles of the era.
• The Asymmetrical 'Bob': A take on the classic bob that involved cutting the hair at an angle, often with a choppy, layered finish that added movement and texture to the look.

Dressing for the Disco Era

But, of course, a good hairstyle was only half the battle when it came to creating a truly iconic disco look. Clothing, jewelry, and of course, makeup were all crucial elements of the overall aesthetic, and some of the most striking and stylish costumes were reserved for those who attended the legendary Studio 54 nightclub.

"At Studio 54, the fashion was just as wild and daring as the music," recalls designer and costume historian, Jeffrey Hyman. "We saw everything from flowing evening gowns to polyester suits and platform shoes. And of course, the hairstyles were just as elaborate and statement-making—often incorporating elements like sequins, feathers, and iridescent fabrics."

Timeless Tips for Creating 70's Disco Hairstyles for Short Hair

While the styles of the 70's disco era may seem daunting or even impossible to replicate, there are some timeless tips and tricks that can help you achieve a similar look. Here are a few to consider:

1. Emphasize texture: Whether through the use of hairspray or gel, texture is key to creating a glamorous, disco-inspired hairstyle. Don't be afraid to experiment with different products and techniques to achieve the perfect look.
2. Play with volume: The disco hairstyle was all about volume and lift, achieved through techniques like teasing the roots and using hair spray to keep everything in place.
3. Experiment with layering: Layering was a key element of the disco hairstyle, adding movement and flow to the overall look. Try playing with different layering techniques to achieve a similar effect.
4. Emphasize the hairline: The hairline was often the focus of the disco hairstyle, with styles like the pompadour and afropuff making a bold, attention-grabbing statement.

While the days of Studio 54 may be behind us, the spirit and the style of the 70's disco era live on. Whether you're looking to create a nostalgic throwback look or simply to add some excitement and glamour to your everyday hairstyle, there's never been a better time to get funky with 70's disco hairstyles for short hair.