Hairstyles Were Just as Important
Clothing wasn’t the only thing that gave the 1970s its unmistakable appearance.
Hair played an equally important role.
Longer, fuller, and more natural-looking hairstyles became popular among many young people. Some styles emphasized volume, while others featured longer hair that framed the face.
Men’s hairstyles also changed considerably during this period. Longer hair became increasingly common, while traditional short cuts remained popular in many communities.
The result was a wide range of hairstyles that now immediately evoke the decade.
When combined with the clothing, facial expressions, and photographic style of the time, these details create a visual signature that is difficult to mistake for another era.
A World Without Smartphones
Perhaps the most striking difference between the 1970s and today is something that isn’t visible in these photographs at all.
There are no smartphones.
There are no tablets.
No wireless earbuds.
No people holding glowing screens while sitting together.
No one is checking notifications every few minutes.
No one is taking dozens of selfies before choosing the perfect one.
For people growing up today, this may sound almost impossible to imagine.
But in the 1970s, spending time with other people generally meant being physically present with them.
If friends met at someone’s home, they talked.
If a family gathered around a table, they ate and talked.
If people went outside, they participated in whatever activity was happening around them.
There was no expectation that everyone should document the moment for an online audience.
