Picture this- a time when the calendar turned from 1969 to 1970, starting a whole new stretch of ten years that would shape so much of what came next. This stretch, commonly called the seventies, or just the '70s, ran right up until the very last day of 1979. It was a period, you see, that had its own unique feel, a mix of old ways slowly fading and new ideas just beginning to bubble up. Think about how that might have felt in everyday spots, like a local hair salon, a place where people gathered, shared stories, and got ready for their week.
During these years, the air was thick with change, really. Music was shifting, movies were starting to grab everyone's attention in a big way, and even the way folks got their daily dose of news was a bit different. These changes, they weren't just happening out in the wide world; they filtered down into the smaller, more personal places. A hair salon, for instance, would have been a real hub for all this newness, a spot where the sounds and conversations of the decade were very much alive.
So, what was it truly like to be a person working with hair back then, or even just sitting in the chair? What kind of sounds filled the room? What were folks chatting about as they waited for their curls to set or their layers to be cut? We're going to take a little stroll back to those days, exploring the moments and influences that shaped the daily life of a 70s hairdresser, and the folks who came to see them, too it's almost like stepping into a time machine.
Table of Contents
- What Made the 70s Hairdresser's Salon So Special?
- The Sounds of a 70s Hairdresser's Day
- What Was on the 70s Hairdresser's Mind?
- How Did Movies Influence the 70s Hairdresser's Clients?
- A Day in the Life of a 70s Hairdresser
- Were There Big Moments for the 70s Hairdresser to Talk About?
- The Visuals and Reads for a 70s Hairdresser
- The End of an Era for the 70s Hairdresser's World
What Made the 70s Hairdresser's Salon So Special?
Imagine walking into a hair salon sometime between 1970 and 1979. The air would likely have a certain smell, a mix of hairspray, perhaps a touch of perm solution, and maybe even the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The hum of the dryers, the chatter of voices, and the snip-snip of scissors would create a kind of music all their own. It was a place where people came not just for a new look, but also for a bit of company, a chance to catch up on the happenings of the day. A 70s hairdresser's space was, in many ways, a community hub, a spot where stories were swapped and friendships were made, that is just how it felt.
The decor, too, would have spoken of the times. Maybe some earthy tones on the walls, perhaps a few potted plants, and seating that felt a bit plush. It was a place where trends were born and styled, where the latest looks were tried out, and where everyone could feel a part of something current. The vibe was often relaxed, a bit easygoing, reflecting the broader mood of the decade. People would spend a good chunk of time there, making the most of their visit, which gave a 70s hairdresser plenty of time to chat.
The Sounds of a 70s Hairdresser's Day
The radio was, for many, the heartbeat of the salon. It was the source of all the popular tunes that got everyone tapping their feet or humming along. You could hear the single, big song that topped the charts from someone like Carl Douglas, his catchy tune filling the air, or maybe the smooth sounds of David Essex would drift through the room. Billy Paul's voice, too, might be playing, adding a soulful touch to the afternoon, just making the time pass as folks waited for their turn or sat under the dryer.
It wasn't just background noise, you know, it was the actual soundtrack to the day. People would often talk about the songs, who sang them, and what they meant. Van Morrison's tunes, very much a part of the soundscape of those years, would also pop up, giving the whole place a certain feel, quite relaxed, you could say. The music was a shared experience, a common thread that ran through all 3,652 days of the 1970s, making every visit to a 70s hairdresser a bit of a musical moment.
What Was on the 70s Hairdresser's Mind?
Beyond the latest hair trends, the daily chatter in a 70s hairdresser's salon would cover a wide range of topics. People would discuss the news of the day, what was happening in the world, both near and far. Sports results were always a hot topic, especially after a big game, with folks debating plays and cheering on their teams. The weather, of course, was a constant point of conversation, a way to break the ice or fill a quiet moment.
Then there were the TV listings. What shows were coming on? What was worth watching that night? These were common questions, as television was a big part of home life. The rock music charts, too, would come up in conversation, with clients and the 70s hairdresser themselves discussing their favorite artists and the latest hits. It was a time when information flowed a bit differently, and these conversations were a key way people kept up with the world around them, truly, a very social experience.
How Did Movies Influence the 70s Hairdresser's Clients?
Movies, in the seventies, became a huge part of everyday talk. Films like "The Godfather" truly captured everyone's attention, becoming something people would discuss for weeks after seeing them. Imagine a client sitting in the chair, recounting a dramatic scene, or a 70s hairdresser listening intently, perhaps planning their own trip to the cinema.
Later in the decade, "Star Wars" burst onto the scene, changing everything, really. It was the last time someone could wake up one morning having no idea who Darth Vader was, and by dinner that very night, their head would be spinning with thoughts of faraway galaxies and laser swords. This kind of cultural impact meant that these films were not just entertainment; they were shared experiences, common ground for conversation. "Jaws" also made movie news, becoming a first of its kind, and the talk of the town, creating waves of discussion that would certainly reach the ears of a 70s hairdresser, influencing even the looks people asked for, perhaps a style that felt a bit adventurous or free.
A Day in the Life of a 70s Hairdresser
A typical day for a 70s hairdresser would start early, getting the salon ready for the first appointments. The tools of the trade were a bit simpler then, perhaps fewer electric gadgets than today, relying more on skill and steady hands. The pace might have felt a little slower, allowing for more personal connection with each client. It was a time when the relationship between the hairdresser and their client was very much a key part of the experience, a bit like a trusted confidant.
Through the day, the salon would fill with the sounds and smells of styling, cutting, and setting hair. Each client brought their own story, their own bit of the outside world into the salon. The 70s was, in a way, the last decade when life felt a little less connected by screens and more by direct human interaction. This made the hairdresser's role even more central, a true listener and a creator of beauty, making each visit something special, something to look forward to.
Were There Big Moments for the 70s Hairdresser to Talk About?
Absolutely. The 1970s were full of big events that would have certainly made their way into salon conversations. Imagine the buzz when news broke about the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley, visiting President Richard Nixon in the White House Oval Office on December 21, 1970. This kind of pop culture and politics mixing would have been a fascinating topic, something everyone had an opinion on, providing endless chat for a 70s hairdresser and their clients.
The decade also saw the official end of The Beatles, a moment that marked a real shift in music history. For many, it was the close of an era, and surely, there would have been discussions about their music, their impact, and what would come next. On the other hand, the start of personal computing, though quiet at first, was a truly significant event, laying the groundwork for things that would change the world completely. These kinds of milestones, big and small, filled the air, making every day a chance to talk about history in the making for a 70s hairdresser.
The Visuals and Reads for a 70s Hairdresser
While clients waited for their turn, or perhaps while their color was setting, there would have been plenty to look at and read. Magazines were a staple, offering the latest gossip, fashion trends, and, of course, new hairstyles to inspire. The debut of the sports network ESPN would have also given sports fans something new to talk about, changing how people followed their favorite teams. This would have certainly made its way into the conversations with a 70s hairdresser, perhaps influencing the topics discussed during a long appointment.
Then there were the more specialized reads. Books about concert posters and other music picture books, like those reviewed by Chuckyg, would have been around. These items offered a visual journey through the music scene, giving a glimpse into the art and excitement of live shows. The salon environment was, in a way, a little window into the broader cultural happenings, a place where the visual and written world met the everyday life of a 70s hairdresser, offering a rich tapestry of experiences.
The End of an Era for the 70s Hairdresser's World
As the decade drew to a close on December 31, 1979, the world of the 70s hairdresser, like everything else, felt a shift. The particular blend of music, movies, news, and social interaction that defined those ten years began to fade, making way for the next period. The reels of film, the records on the turntable, the news headlines, they all contributed to a distinct feeling that was very much of its time. The '70s was the last decade when a person could wake up one day having no idea who Darth Vader was, and by dinner that night, their head would be spinning with thoughts of galactic adventures. That kind of sudden, widespread impact felt unique.
The experience of being a 70s hairdresser, or a client in their chair, was truly shaped by these moments. It was a time when personal computing was just starting, and life moved at a slightly different speed, allowing for more direct, face-to-face connection. The memories of those days, the sounds, the conversations, the styles, they hold a special place, representing a period when the hair salon was more than just a place for a cut or a perm; it was a spot where the decade truly came alive, a little snapshot of a unique time in history.
