How To Do A Retro Blowout With Hair Extensions

You’ve seen it on countless influencers on Instagram and TikTok, and now you’re left wondering: how to do a retro blowout just like the ones in the movies?

Nowadays, many stars are going back to the iconic hairstyle that has defined an era in cinema, music and fashion. Let’s have a look together on how to get a big bouncy blowout with hair extensions.

1. What Is A 70s Blowout? (back to index)

Also known as the retro blowout or retro hairstyle, when people talk about 70s hairstyles usually refer to the flip hair or the shag hairstyle.

Characterised by layered length, volume and curled-up curtain bangs, this hairstyle has literally defined the decade of Woodstock, Flower Power, and colourful patterns. The 70s have been an incredibly important part of history, with both political, social, and industrial changes.

What about hair and fashion? Music and cinema started to evolve, and more and more singers and actors started experimenting with their looks. Super models Gia Carangi, Patti Hansen and Marisa Berenson have all experimented with curls and blowouts with their tresses - then Farrah Fawcett made the hair shag famous with her extreme styling. Nearly half a century later, this hairstyle is still deemed iconic and has been recreated by influencers all over the world.

2. How To Do A 70s Blowout? Step-By-Step Guide (back to index)

There are different approaches that you can take to recreate this look, also depending on what type of hair extensions you are wearing. Ideally, you’d want your hair to be slightly shorter on the front, and potentially include curtain bangs. If you're thinking about getting them done yourself, check out our blog: The Face Framing Bangs Everyone Is Talking About And How To Get Them.

3. Prep Your Hair (back to index)

Washing your hair with the right products and preparing it for an intense session of blow-dry and hairbrush is essential. If you have dry hair, make sure you replenish your strands with a moisturising shampoo and conditioner. Then, make sure you spritz your tresses with a heat protectant spray. Need to stock up? Get your Cliphair heat protectant spray here.

4. Brush And Detangle (back to index)

Now, it’s time to get rid of any knots in your mane! Grab a wide-toothed comb and gently work through your tresses. Start by combing your ends, and then work your way up to your roots. If you are wearing permanent or semi-permanent hair extensions, make sure you don’t comb through the attachments.

5. Time To Dry (back to index)

Rough-dry your hair and then proceed with the blowout. Grab a big, round hair brush and work your curls towards the outside, including your fringe. Don’t be afraid of this step, even if it makes your hair look a little like a mushroom.

6. Shake Your Curls (back to index)

This is the best part! Shake out your curls! For a stronger hold, you can also apply a dry texturising product or hairspray. If you’re wearing hair extensions, make sure you use a product designed for hair that doesn’t receive nutrition from your scalp! 

Some tutorials suggest different methods, and if you’re not too skilled with blow-dryer and hair brush perhaps you may find these options easier and more comfortable to work on your hair. You can either pick a jumbo barrel on your curling iron or resort to the biggest size of Velcro rollers that you can find on the market. If you’d like to know more about how to curl your hair extensions.

Alternatively, check out below how to achieve a softer version of this look, a la Stevie Nicks, with a hair straightener:

7. Retro Blowout Tutorial: Why Is It Going Viral? (back to index)

This year we’ve seen quite a lot of trends resurfacing from the depth of time. The past decades - Y2K, 90s, 70s and 60s are influencing a lot in terms of hairstyles, fashion accessories and makeup. Social media, runways and fast fashion brands are all a huge source of inspiration for people of any age.

Another reason why these looks are back and going strong is the influence of music and cinema. As many musical pearls from the past are now finding new popularity, a lot of shows and films have been riding this wave (or is it the other way around?) and presenting stories set in past decades. Think of Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood by Quentin Tarantino, the Duffer Brothers’ huge Netflix success, Stranger Things, or the latest Baz Lurman’s Elvis.

8. Conclusion: (back to index)

If you’re ready to recreate the iconic flip style that was made famous by stars such as Farrah Fawcett, and even - with some variations - Stevie Nicks, then grab a full head of clip-in hair extensions for volume and length, and get your groove on!

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