The ‘70s were a time of pivotal social change. Progressive values surged the nation among young people in postwar America. A time of such proud individualism, it was often called the “me decade.” Gender roles broadened, and this new sense of freedom began to translate across all dimensions of life, especially fashion.

As the number of women in the workforce increased, women’s fashion trends took on less constricting elements. The skirts and modest looks that were once closet staples were left behind for frayed jeans, crop tops, and bell-bottoms.

Women’s hairstyles also took a turn from polished to easy-going. Hairstyle shifts from the ‘60s to ‘70s took a more modern, sometimes androgynous approach: the pageboy bowl cut, effortless shag, and feathered ends each highlight this shift in feminist expression.

Icon Brigitte Bardot popularized the soft bang look to the point of it being dubbed the “Bardot fringe.” Rather than the blunt, straight-across cut, a drapey middle part frames the face, hence the name curtain bangs. The style adds layers and volume to every look, creating an effortlessly styled hairdo. Celebrities such as Jane Fonda and Farrah Fawcett followed in rocking the feathered shag of the ‘70s. Ironically, Bardot considers herself a “masculinist,” despite being seen as a “locomotive of women’s history,” and considering her liberated and indulgent persona.

The early 2000s brought in heavy sidebangs, piecey baby bangs, and Aaliyah bangs. This spring, shaggy curtain bangs are appearing everywhere, and it seems to be here to stay. An homage to the cultural shift in the ‘70s, 2021 has adopted this low-maintenance mop as we enter our own cultural shift. Curtain bangs are characterized by the many phases of side-swept bangs ranging from light, baby, parted bangs but more notably to long, loose shag. They're taking the stage on style stars such as Billie Eilish, Alexa Chung, and Selena Gomez.

Curtain bangs are overtaking DIY trends on TikTok as well, which began during quarantine. By the time lockdown was over, a full-blown return to ‘70s hair was underway. TikTok has been instrumental in pushing fashion trends on a widespread level this past year, where many people were feeling stir-crazy and turned to the internet for something new. It was the perfect time to try and explore a new look because if you didn’t like it, not many people would see it anyway. “For You” pages were full of DIY hair dying, hair shaving, and hair cutting, and eventually, #CurtainBangs took over TikTok in the fall of 2020. Feeds were full of girls grabbing their shears and attempting various shared techniques to achieve subtle, face-framing wisps. #CurtainBangs currently sits at 482 million views on TikTok and continues to grow into the spring.

YouTuber Brad Mondo, who is famous for his “Hairdresser Reacts” videos, and is often critical of these DIY-hairdos, says that curtain bangs are definitely “one of the easier things to do to your own hair.” A girl featured in his video who cut her hair using kitchen scissors was able to achieve what he proudly called, “‘70s rockstar vibes.”

People love the effortless nature of the curtain bang. After speaking with young adults who took part in the trend, it was clear people view curtain bangs as “a fun way to spice up your hair without dramatically changing the length and look,” one student says. However, the flipped-out style that makes curtain bangs so iconic requires a bit of manipulation to get the blown-out look. Whether it's a round brush and blowdryer, or you’re going all-out ‘70s with hot curlers, a bit of time or effort is needed to achieve the signature “Bardot fringe.” Another student also explains the multifaceted interest in the trend, saying, “curtain bangs look effortless, but still styled.” Quarantine taught these individuals the value of balancing comfort and expression, and it shows in the way they present themselves through their hair.

Post-lockdown and post-election have created a sense of instability, and, similar to the ‘70s, young people are using this time of uncertainty to assert themselves and claim their space. And this cultural shift is translating through hair trends. Pre-pandemic hair was all about sleek, parted low buns or greased high ponytails—neatly and pristinely tucking your hair into the little space you claim. Just like in the ‘70s, attitudes towards action and breaking free of oppression are ever-present. The resurgence of the ‘70s is loud and proud, distinctly reflective of how younger generations are demanding their voices be heard and their expression to be seen.

Curtain Call