70s hairstyles remain popular because they combine vintage charm, natural texture, volume, and effortless beauty. The 1970s introduced many unforgettable hairstyles that continue to inspire modern fashion and beauty trends. From feathered layers and shag haircuts to long waves and curtain bangs, this decade offered something for every hair type and personal style.
Whether you prefer long, flowing hair or a short, textured haircut, 70s hairstyles can help you achieve a stylish retro look. Many of these classic styles are easy to adapt for everyday wear, parties, and special occasions.
What Made 70s Hairstyles So Popular?
The 1970s were known for self-expression, individuality, and relaxed fashion. Hairstyles became more natural, with soft layers, volume, curls, and movement taking center stage. Many people moved away from highly structured looks and embraced styles that reflected their personalities.
Celebrities, musicians, and fashion icons helped popularize feathered hair, shag cuts, long straight hair, and voluminous curls. Today, these looks are still fashionable because they can be updated with modern cutting techniques and styling products.
15 Best 70s Hairstyles to Try
1. Feathered Hair
Feathered hair was one of the most recognizable hairstyles of the 1970s. This look features soft, layered sections that sweep away from the face, creating movement and volume. It works especially well on medium-length and long hair.
2. Farrah Fawcett-Inspired Waves
This iconic style features voluminous layers, flipped ends, and face-framing waves. It creates a glamorous appearance and is a great option for people who love bouncy, salon-style hair.
3. The Classic Shag Haircut
The shag haircut became popular for its choppy layers, textured finish, and relaxed shape. It adds movement and can work with straight, wavy, or curly hair. Modern shag cuts often include curtain bangs for an updated retro appearance.
4. Long, Straight Hair
Long, straight hair was another signature look of the decade. A center part and smooth, flowing lengths create a simple yet timeless style. This look is particularly suitable for people who prefer minimal styling.
5. Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs frame the face on both sides and blend naturally into longer layers. They complement many face shapes and pair beautifully with long waves, shag haircuts, and feathered styles.
6. Natural Curly Hair
The 1970s celebrated natural texture and individuality. Defined curls and voluminous natural hair create a beautiful retro-inspired look. Use a suitable moisturizing product to help maintain softness and reduce frizz.
7. The Afro Hairstyle
The afro became a powerful symbol of Black pride, identity, and self-expression during the 1970s. Its rounded shape celebrates natural curls and creates a bold, distinctive appearance.
8. The Wedge Haircut
The wedge haircut features a shorter, shaped back with carefully layered sides. It offers a structured silhouette while maintaining the playful character of 1970s hair fashion.
9. The Long Shag
The long shag combines extended lengths with choppy layers around the crown and face. It is ideal for anyone who wants movement without losing too much hair length.
10. Voluminous Blowout
A voluminous blowout adds lift at the roots and soft movement through the lengths. Use a round brush and a heat protectant to create a fuller, retro-inspired finish.
11. Center-Parted Waves
Center-parted waves offer an effortless 1970s appearance. The middle part balances the face, while loose waves add softness and texture. This style works for casual outfits and formal occasions.
12. The Pageboy Cut
The pageboy is a rounded haircut with smooth lengths and ends that curve inward. It provides a neat vintage appearance for people who prefer shorter or medium-length hair.
13. Flipped Ends
Flipped ends add a playful retro touch to shoulder-length or long hair. The ends are styled outward to create movement and a light, bouncy finish.
14. Braided Boho Hair
Bohemian-inspired hairstyles were popular throughout the decade. Small braids, loose waves, and natural-looking texture create a relaxed style that works beautifully for festivals, vacations, and everyday wear.
15. The Mullet
The 1970s helped popularize the mullet, which features shorter hair at the front and sides with longer hair at the back. Modern versions use softer transitions and textured layers for a contemporary finish.
How to Style 70s Hairstyles at Home
You can recreate many 70s hairstyles without visiting a salon. Start by choosing a look that suits your hair length and natural texture.
- For feathered hair: Use a round brush to direct the front layers away from your face.
- For voluminous waves: Apply a heat protectant before using a curling iron or blow dryer.
- For a shag haircut: Ask your stylist for textured layers and face-framing pieces.
- For curtain bangs: Blow-dry the bangs away from the center to create a soft, open shape.
- For natural curls: Use a lightweight curl cream and avoid excessive brushing.
Choose styling products that suit your hair type, and limit excessive heat to help protect your hair from damage.
Which 70s Hairstyle Is Best for Your Hair Type?
The best choice depends on your hair texture, length, and styling preferences. Feathered layers and blowouts work well for people who enjoy volume. Shag haircuts are suitable for a textured appearance, while long straight hair offers a simpler option. Natural curls and afros celebrate natural texture without requiring the hair to be straightened.
If you want a low-maintenance style, ask your hairstylist to adapt a classic 1970s haircut to your natural hair pattern and daily routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the most popular hairstyle in the 70s?
Feathered hair, shag haircuts, long straight hair, and voluminous waves were among the best-known hairstyles of the 1970s.
Are 70s hairstyles still in fashion?
Yes. Modern versions of feathered layers, curtain bangs, shag cuts, and voluminous blowouts remain popular because they can be adapted to different hair lengths and textures.
What is the Farrah Fawcett hairstyle?
It is a voluminous, feathered hairstyle featuring face-framing layers and outward-swept ends.
Can I wear 70s hairstyles with short hair?
Yes. Short shags, wedge cuts, pageboy styles, and textured mullets can all create a vintage-inspired look.
How do I get 70s volume in my hair?
Use a round brush while blow-drying, lift the roots gently, and finish with a lightweight volumizing product. Always use heat protection when styling with hot tools.
Conclusion
70s hairstyles continue to inspire modern beauty because they celebrate volume, texture, individuality, and timeless style. From feathered hair and Farrah Fawcett-inspired waves to natural curls, shag cuts, and curtain bangs, there are many retro looks to explore.
Choose a hairstyle that complements your hair type and personal style, then adapt it with modern techniques for a fresh finish. Whether you want a glamorous blowout or a relaxed bohemian look, the hairstyles of the 1970s offer plenty of inspiration.
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