8 Hairstyles from the 70s You Might Remember That Rocked the Decade
The 1970s were an amazing time for fashion and self-expression, especially when it came to hairstyles.
The decade was all about embracing individuality, creativity, and freedom in your look.
From shaggy cuts to big loose curls, the ’70s had some of the most memorable hairstyles that have stood the test of time.
You might remember some of these classic styles from seeing celebrities on TV, in movies, or on the cover of magazines.
Whether you lived through the ’70s or just love the retro vibe, there’s a good chance you’ll recognize these iconic hairdos.
Get ready to take a trip down memory lane and maybe even feel inspired to try one of these looks yourself.
1) The Farrah Fawcett
If you think of iconic ’70s hairstyles, Farrah Fawcett’s feathered look tops the list.
Her hair was full of volume with layers that flipped back perfectly.
Everyone wanted those bouncy curls and stylish flicks.
To get this style, you need a great layered haircut.
Start with a good shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair clean and bouncy.
Dry it until it’s about 75% dry.
Next, blow-dry your hair using a round brush.
Focus on creating those signature outward curls.
Use medium-sized rollers or a curling iron for the final touch.
The key is to make sure the curls hold but still look soft and natural.
The Farrah Fawcett hairstyle is great for different hair lengths.
Though it looks amazing with long hair, you can still rock it with shorter styles.
The layers add movement and volume, making it a timeless choice.
Using hair spray can help keep the style in place all day.
Just don’t overdo it! You want to keep your hair looking natural and effortless.
2) The Shag
The Shag haircut became super popular in the 1970s.
It is characterized by its layered look with lots of volume and movement.
You might remember rock stars and models from the ’70s flaunting this style.
The Shag was all about expressing individuality and a laid-back vibe.
With its messy, yet stylish appearance, it quickly became a favorite among many.
This haircut worked well with different hair textures, whether straight, wavy, or curly.
Both men and women loved the Shag haircut.
It was versatile and could be worn in various lengths.
The shorter version gave a neat, edgy look, while the longer version provided a more relaxed feel.
The Shag is easy to maintain, which adds to its charm.
You don’t need to spend hours styling it.
Just a little bit of styling product, and you’re good to go.
The haircut’s layers and texture help hide any imperfections, making it an ideal choice for many.
3) The Feathered Flip
The Feathered Flip was a major hit in the 1970s.
You probably remember seeing it everywhere, from TV shows to high school yearbooks.
Farrah Fawcett, with her flowing, wavy layers, was one of the biggest icons of this style.
Getting that perfect feathered look took some skill.
First, blow-dry your hair using a large round brush.
This helps to create volume and direct the layers back and away from your face.
Next, use a wide-barrel curling iron.
Wrap sections of your hair around the barrel and curl them back.
This gives your hair that signature flip.
Use a lightweight hairspray to keep the style in place.
The idea is to achieve a natural, bouncy look without making your hair stiff.
The key to a flawless Feathered Flip is to create soft, flowing layers that frame your face gently.
Adding bangs can enhance the look.
Feathered bangs, curled outwards, bring more focus to your face and complete the retro vibe.
It was a style that worked well for many face shapes and hair types, making it a versatile choice back then.
4) The Afro
The Afro was a major hairstyle in the 1970s.
It became a symbol of pride and empowerment for Black people.
You’d see it on everyone from celebrities to civil rights leaders.
This style is all about embracing your natural curls.
It’s big, bold, and full of volume.
People often picked out their Afros to make them as round and fluffy as possible.
Icons like Diana Ross and Angela Davis rocked this look.
It wasn’t just a fashion statement but a political one, too.
Wearing an Afro was a way to reject straightening and celebrate natural beauty.
5) The Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs became a big hit in the 70s.
You might remember them from old photos or movies.
These bangs have a middle parting and sweep to the sides, just like curtains do.
In the 70s, popular style icons and fashionistas loved this look.
It framed the face nicely and worked well with different hair lengths.
The great thing about curtain bangs is that they suit many face shapes.
Whether you have a round, oval, or heart-shaped face, you can rock this style.
Another reason to love curtain bangs is their low maintenance.
They’re easy to style and manage.
You can wear them with straight, wavy, or even curly hair.
Today, curtain bangs are making a comeback.
Many celebrities and fashion lovers are bringing this 70s trend back into the spotlight.
So, if you’re looking for a retro hairstyle, curtain bangs might just be what you need.
6) The Blunt Cut
The blunt cut was a defining hairstyle of the 70s.
Straight and sharp, it features hair cut to the same length all around.
This gives a clean and polished look.
It became popular because it’s low-maintenance and works well with many face shapes.
You might remember celebrities rocking this style.
Think of stars like Jane Fonda, who wore it with style.
The blunt cut’s simplicity made it easy to wear for both casual and formal occasions.
The blunt cut was versatile.
Whether styled as a bob or worn longer, it looked great.
Many people loved it for its ability to make hair look thicker.
If you had fine hair, this was your go-to cut.
You could leave it straight for a sleek look or add some waves for texture.
Either way, the blunt cut remained fashionable through the decades.
7) The Pageboy
The pageboy haircut is one you might remember from the 1970s.
It is named after the medieval page boys with their simple “pudding-basin” haircuts.
This style has straight hair that falls just below the ears and curls under at the ends.
A fringe or bangs often accompany this cut, giving it a unique look.
The pageboy became quite popular among women and has seen various revivals over the decades.
In the mid-20th century, the pageboy evolved and became a symbol of youth and rebellion.
Its resurgence in the 70s brought it back into the limelight as a trendy and easy-to-manage style.
Celebrities and everyday people alike embraced the pageboy for its sleek and modern appeal.
Today, it’s still an iconic look that many continue to revisit for its timeless charm.
8) The Pixie Cut
You probably remember the pixie cut making waves in the 1960s and continuing its popularity into the 1970s.
This short, chic hairstyle was a favorite among icons like Audrey Hepburn and Mia Farrow.
The pixie cut is all about simplicity and ease.
It typically features short hair on the sides and back, with slightly longer hair on top.
This style is great because it’s easy to maintain.
It also shows off your facial features and adds a youthful, modern vibe.
Back in the day, women loved the pixie cut for its bold and carefree look.
It’s one of those timeless hairstyles that never really goes out of style.
Cultural Impact of 70s Hairstyles
The hairstyles of the 1970s left a lasting mark on fashion and culture.
They were not just about trends but symbols of individualism and freedom.
Influence on Fashion
70s hairstyles influenced fashion significantly.
The Farrah Fawcett flicks, with their voluminous and feathered style, became synonymous with the decade’s fashion.
The reclaimed Afro hairstyle also became a powerful symbol of Black pride and cultural identity.
Layered cuts like the shag became popular for their versatility.
You saw them paired with bell-bottom jeans and flowy, bohemian dresses.
These hairstyles often featured in fashion magazines and on runways, setting the standard for beauty in that era and beyond.
Icons Who Made Them Popular
Many celebrities made 70s hairstyles iconic.
Farrah Fawcett’s signature wavy hair was emulated by countless fans.
Her look was a defining style of the era and became ingrained in popular culture.
Diana Ross popularized the Afro, turning it into a statement of heritage and empowerment.
Meanwhile, David Bowie’s ever-changing hairstyles, from the mullet to bright red Ziggy Stardust looks, pushed boundaries and inspired individuality.
These icons didn’t just wear these styles; they embodied the spirit of the times, leading millions to adopt similar looks.
Styling Techniques and Tools
When creating those classic 70s hairstyles, you need the right products and techniques.
From popular hair sprays to curling irons, each tool played its part in achieving the perfect look.
Popular Hair Products of the 70s
During the 70s, some hair products became iconic. Aqua Net was a must-have hair spray that kept every strand in place.
For a gentler hold, VO5 Hot Oil Treatment helped achieve smooth and shiny locks.
Mousses like Dep Styling Mousse gave bounce and volume to hair.
Gels and pomades were used to get the ideal texture. Dippity Do was a popular styling gel that lasted for hours.
These products not only held hair in place but also helped in creating distinct styles like feathered bangs and curled ends.
DIY Tips for 70s Hairstyles
Recreating 70s looks at home is a fun way to bring retro styles back.
Start by working with slightly damp hair, using a blow dryer to add volume.
For curls, use a 1-inch ceramic curling iron or hot rollers.
Remember to curl outward to get those signature flipped ends.
A wide-tooth comb can help create a sharp middle part.
To add texture, consider using Velcro rollers.
These were popular in the 70s and are great for achieving volume.
If you’re aiming for waves, braid your hair while it’s damp and sleep on it.
In the morning, you’ll have natural-looking waves.
