70's Nail Styles: Embracing Vintage Glamour and Trends

Here is your complete guide to 70’s nail styles.

Introduction to 70’s Nail Styles

The 1970s, a decade of cultural revolution and self-expression, brought forth a wave of captivating fashion trends that continue to influence us today. From the groovy patterns to the disco fever, the 70s were a playground for creativity and individuality. In this article, we delve into the mesmerizing world of 70’s nail styles, exploring the top 10 trends that defined the era and examining how they’ve evolved in modern times.

The Nostalgic Charm of 70’s Nail Styles

The 1970s was an era marked by vibrant self-expression and a desire to break free from traditional norms. Nail styles, often overlooked but an essential component of personal style, took center stage in embracing this newfound freedom. Let’s take a journey back in time to explore the captivating nail trends that encapsulated the spirit of the 70s.

Top 10 70’s Nail Styles: A Comprehensive Look

1. Bohemian Earth Tones and Natural Vibes

Nail art during the 70s saw a shift towards earthy colors and natural elements. The appeal of minimalistic designs with subtle embellishments gained prominence.

2. Groovy Psychedelic Patterns

The psychedelic art movement had a profound impact on nail designs. Nails became canvases for intricate and vibrant patterns, reflecting the era’s free-spirited nature.

3. Disco Fever and Glitter Galore

The disco culture left an indelible mark on nail styles. Glitter, metallic shades, and mirror-like finishes created a dazzling reflection of the disco ball’s splendor.

4. Flower Power and Floral Accents

Nature-inspired elements found their way onto nails. Delicate floral patterns and techniques to achieve them became all the rage, celebrating the essence of “flower power.”

5. Bold and Retro Color Blocking

Embracing boldness and contrast, color blocking gained popularity. Geometric shapes and striking hues created visually striking and dynamic nail art.

6. Vintage Hollywood Elegance

Inspired by Hollywood icons, nails took on an elegant and timeless persona. Classic reds, elegant nudes, and sophisticated designs reflected the glamour of the silver screen.

7. Denim Blues and Stonewashed Textures

Innovative textures, including denim-inspired designs, were embraced. Blue shades and stonewash patterns added a touch of denim’s casual chic to nail art.

8. Abstract Art and Freeform Expression

The abstract art movement inspired nail designs to become an outlet for freeform expression. Asymmetrical and artistic designs captured the essence of abstract creativity.

9. Rainbow Brights and Colorful Expression

The vibrant and joyful use of rainbow colors epitomized the era’s celebration of diversity. Techniques for creating gradient and rainbow-themed nails showcased artistic flair.

10. Minimalistic Monochromes and Simplicity

Amidst the eclectic nail art, minimalistic monochromatic styles also thrived. Utilizing negative space and clean lines, these nails exuded elegance through simplicity.

How to Create 70’s Nail Styles

Bohemian Earth Tones

Apply Base Coat: Begin with an earthy base coat in shades like browns or terracottas.
Nature-Inspired Designs: Use a thin brush to paint delicate leaf or flower designs using soft, natural colors.
Embrace Negative Space: Leave some parts of your nails unpainted to embrace the minimalist bohemian vibe.

Groovy Psychedelic Patterns

White Base Coat: Apply a white base coat to make vibrant colors pop.
Intricate Swirls and Patterns: Use a thin brush to create intricate and colorful swirls and patterns on your nails.
Play with Bold Colors: Experiment with a range of bold colors, like bright reds, yellows, and electric blues.

Disco Fever

Metallic Base: Apply a metallic base coat or use metallic nail polish for a reflective look.
Dazzling Accents: Add glitter or sequins to achieve the dazzling disco aesthetic.
High-Gloss Finish: Apply a high-gloss top coat to achieve a mirror-like finish.

Flower Power

Pastel Base Coat: Start with a pastel base coat in shades like soft pinks or lavender.
Delicate Floral Designs: Use a small brush to paint delicate flowers or petals on your nails.
Add Accents: Enhance the look with tiny rhinestones or studs at the center of the flowers.

Bold Color Blocking

Contrasting Colors: Choose contrasting colors for a bold effect.
Clean Lines and Blocks: Use striping tape to create clean lines and distinct color blocks.
Alternate Colors and Shapes: Alternate the colors and shapes for an eye-catching design.

Vintage Hollywood Elegance

Classic Base: Apply a classic red or nude base coat.
Elegant Accents: Use nail decals or stickers for elegant and classic accents.
Glossy Finish: Achieve a glossy finish with a high-quality top coat for a touch of Hollywood glamour.

Denim Blues

Blue Base Coat: Apply a blue base coat to mimic denim texture.
Stonewash Texture: Use a thin brush to add stonewash texture and distressed effects.
Matte Finish: Finish with a matte top coat to enhance the denim-like appearance.

Abstract Art

Neutral Base: Choose a neutral base coat as a canvas for your creativity.
Freeform Designs: Let your imagination run wild with asymmetrical and artistic designs.
Play with Colors and Shapes: Use various colors and shapes to achieve a truly abstract and unique look.

Rainbow Brights

White Base Coat: Apply a white base coat to make rainbow colors pop.
Gradient Technique: Use a sponge to create smooth gradients with a spectrum of rainbow shades.
Glossy Enhancement: Finish with a glossy top coat to emphasize the vibrant rainbow effect.

Minimalistic Monochromes

Neutral Base: Apply a black or white base coat for a minimalist canvas.
Clean Lines and Negative Space: Use nail tape to create clean lines and embrace negative space.
Modern Finish: Achieve a modern and minimalistic look with a top coat for added shine.

Creating these iconic 70’s nail styles is a fun and creative way to embrace the retro spirit while adding your personal touch.

FAQs about 70’s Nail Styles

What Were the Most Popular Nail Colors in the 70s?

During the 70s, nail colors ranged from earthy tones like browns and greens to vibrant shades like oranges and pinks. Metallics and glitter were also popular for creating disco-inspired nails.

Were Nail Extensions Popular in the 70s?

Yes, nail extensions gained popularity during the 70s, especially with the rise of disco culture. Long, glamorous nails were a symbol of confidence and self-expression.

How Can I Achieve the Bohemian Nail Look?

Achieving the bohemian nail look involves using earthy tones, simple designs, and natural elements like flowers or leaves. Utilize light pastels and embrace negative space for a chic and laid-back vibe.

What kind of nails were popular in the 70s?

During the 70s, a variety of nail styles gained popularity, reflecting the eclectic nature of the era. Some of the most popular nail styles included:

Earth Tones and Natural Vibes: Bohemian-inspired nail art with earthy colors and natural elements.
Psychedelic Patterns: Vibrant and intricate patterns influenced by the psychedelic art movement.
Disco Glam: Glitter, metallic shades, and mirror-like finishes embraced the disco culture.
Floral Accents: Delicate floral patterns and nature-inspired designs celebrated “flower power.”
Bold Color Blocking: Contrasting colors and geometric shapes for dynamic nail art.

Elegant Hollywood: Classic reds, nudes, and sophisticated designs inspired by Hollywood icons.
Denim Textures: Nails with blue shades and stonewash patterns mimicked denim textures.
Abstract Expression: Asymmetrical and artistic designs captured the abstract art movement’s essence.
Rainbow Brights: Vibrant rainbow colors showcased the celebration of diversity.
Minimalistic Monochromes: Clean lines and negative space brought elegance through simplicity.

Were acrylic nails a thing in the 70s?

Acrylic nails began to gain popularity in the 70s. As a revolutionary development in nail art, acrylic nails allowed individuals to achieve longer and more elaborate nail styles. Acrylics provided a durable canvas for various designs, from classic to avant-garde, making them an integral part of the 70s nail scene. The disco culture, in particular, embraced the use of acrylics to achieve bold and glamorous looks.

Did men paint their nails in the 70s?

Yes, the 70s saw a notable emergence of men embracing nail polish and painted nails as a form of self-expression. Inspired by rock stars and cultural icons of the era, some men adopted nail polish as a way to challenge traditional gender norms and celebrate their individuality. This trend contributed to the overall spirit of nonconformity and experimentation that characterized the 70s.

What’s the most popular nail style?

Determining the single most popular nail style of the 70s is challenging due to the diverse range of trends that flourished during the era. However, several styles garnered widespread attention and are often associated with the 70s:

Disco Glam: The disco culture’s influence brought glitter, metallic shades, and high-shine finishes to the forefront, capturing the essence of the glamorous era.
Psychedelic Patterns: The psychedelic art movement inspired intricate and colorful patterns that reflected the era’s vibrant and free-spirited atmosphere.
Flower Power: Nail designs featuring delicate flowers and nature-inspired elements resonated with the era’s embrace of peace and love.

Bold Color Blocking: The use of contrasting colors and geometric shapes epitomized the boldness and dynamism of the 70s.

These styles, along with others like bohemian earth tones and abstract expression, collectively define the diverse and creative nail scene of the 70s.

What Modern Variations of 70’s Nail Styles Exist Today?

Modern nail artists reinterpret and incorporate 70s styles by adding contemporary twists. For example, a modern twist on the disco glitter trend could involve holographic or iridescent glitter for a futuristic touch.

Conclusion

The 70s left an indelible mark on the world of fashion and beauty, and nail styles were no exception. From bohemian simplicity to disco glamour, the nail trends of that era continue to inspire us to embrace creativity and self-expression in our personal style. As we look back on these captivating trends, we find that the spirit of the 70s lives on in the diverse and artistic nail designs of today.

70’s Nail Styles: Embracing Vintage Glamour and Trends