1970s Hairstyles: 32 Looks for Every Hair Type and Occasion

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The 1970s were a vibrant decade of bold fashion statements and iconic hairstyles that continue to inspire us today. 

From the glamorous waves of Hollywood starlets to the rebellious punk styles, ’70s hair trends were as diverse as they were unforgettable. 

Whether you’re looking to channel your inner disco queen or embrace a natural, carefree look, there’s a ’70s hairstyle for every personality and hair type. 

In this article, we’ll take a nostalgic journey through the most popular and timeless hairstyles from the 1970s, offering tips and inspiration for recreating these fabulous looks in the modern day.

32 Iconic Hairstyles of the ’70s

1. Feathered Hair

Farrah Fawcett made feathered hair iconic in the 1970s with her voluminous, layered waves that elegantly frame the face. This style is perfect for medium to long hair and works best with naturally wavy or straight textures. 

To achieve this look, use a round brush while blow-drying to create the signature feathered effect.

2. The Shag

The shag haircut, popularized by rock stars like Joan Jett, features choppy layers that create a messy, textured appearance. Ideal for all hair types, this style adds volume and movement, making it perfect for a casual, everyday look. 

To style, use a texturizing spray and tousle your hair with your fingers for that effortless vibe.

3. Afro

The Afro became a symbol of cultural pride during the 1970s, embraced by icons like Angela Davis. This voluminous, rounded style is perfect for natural, kinky hair and makes a bold statement. 

To maintain an Afro, regularly pick out the hair to add volume and use curly girl products to keep it healthy and defined.

4. Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs, often seen on actresses like Goldie Hawn, are long, parted bangs that frame the face beautifully. This style suits various hair types, particularly wavy and straight textures, and adds a touch of softness. 

To style, blow-dry the bangs while using a round brush to gently direct the hair away from the face for that signature curtain effect.

5. Disco Curls

Disco curls, inspired by the dance floor energy of the 1970s, feature tight, bouncy curls that add volume and flair. You can even curl your bangs, if you have any. This style is ideal for naturally curly hair but can be achieved with a curling iron for other textures. 

To maintain the curls, use a lightweight mousse and scrunch the hair to enhance the curl pattern and keep it lively.

6. Long, Straight Hair

Sleek, long straight hair was a hallmark of the 1970s, famously worn by Cher. This style works best with naturally straight or slightly wavy hair and is perfect for a polished, everyday look. 

To achieve this, use a flat iron for a smooth finish and apply a shine serum to enhance the hair’s natural luster.

7. Cornrows

Cornrows, a traditional African hairstyle, gained mainstream popularity in the 1970s. This style involves braiding the hair close to the scalp in neat, straight rows. Ideal for kinky or curly hair, cornrows are both stylish and practical. 

To maintain them, keep the scalp moisturized and cover the braids at night to prevent frizz.

8. The Mullet

The mullet, with its short front and sides and longer back, became a rebellious fashion statement in the 1970s. This edgy style suits various hair types and is perfect for those who want a bold, distinctive look. 

To style, use a texturizing spray to add volume at the front and let the back flow naturally.

9. The 1970s Pageboy

Though ancient, the 1970s take of the pageboy cut, which was characterized by its sleek, straight lines and blunt bangs, was popular among women seeking a modern sophisticated look. This style is ideal for straight hair and suits short to medium lengths. 

To achieve the pageboy effect, use a flat iron to smooth the hair and slightly curl the ends under and toward the face for a polished finish.

10. The Wedge

The wedge haircut, made famous by figure skater Dorothy Hamill, features stacked layers at the back and long angled layers in the front. This style adds volume and is perfect for straight and wavy hair. 

To style, blow-dry with a round brush to create lift at the crown and smooth out the layers.

11. The Flip

The flip hairstyle, with its outward-curled ends, was a playful trend in the 1970s. Ideal for medium to long hair, this style adds a fun twist to straight or wavy textures. Unlike 1960s flip, the 1970s style featured choppy layers for several flips throughout the hair.

To achieve the flip, use a curling iron or round brush to curl the ends outward and upward, and set with a light-hold hairspray to maintain the shape.

12. Front Piece Braids

The 1970s was the era of flower children who, aside from sharing a common advocacy, dressed their hair in braids, flowers, and headbands. 

Among the most popular type of styling braids was wearing a thin braid or two that frame both sides of your face. These could be worn as is or adorned with the usual hippie hair accessories.

13. Pixie Cut

The pixie cut, popularized by actresses like Mia Farrow, is a boyish short cropped style that highlights facial features. This low-maintenance cut is ideal for straight to wavy hair and suits those looking for a chic, modern look. 

To style, use a small amount of styling cream to add texture and keep the hair in place.

14. Long, Loose Waves

Long, loose waves were a glam staple of the 1970s, offering a relaxed and natural look. This style is perfect for wavy or straight hair and works well for both casual and formal settings. 

To achieve this, use a large-barrel curling iron to create soft waves, then gently brush them out for a more natural finish.

15. Braided Pigtails

Braided pigtails were a youthful and playful hairstyle in the 1970s, often adorned with ribbons or beads. This style suits all hair types and is perfect for casual, everyday wear. 

To create braided pigtails, part the hair down the middle, braid each section tightly, and secure the ends with hair ties or decorative accessories.

16. The Bouffant

The bouffant, characterized by its teased and lifted crown, was a glamorous 1970s style often seen on celebrities. This voluminous look is best for medium to long hair and works well for formal occasions. 

To achieve a bouffant, tease the hair at the crown, smooth the top layer, and secure with hairspray for lasting volume.

17. Crimped Hair

Crimped hair, with its distinctive zigzag texture, was a fun and trendy look in the 1970s. This style suits all hair types and adds a unique, textured appearance. To create crimped hair, use a crimping iron on small sections of hair, then lightly brush out for a softer effect if desired.

18. Braided Headband

This was a popular 1970s hairstyle for women that combined the sleekness of straight hair with the hippie flair of a braided accessory.

To create this look, begin by parting your straight hair down the middle, taking a small section of hair from behind your ear, braiding it, bringing it across your forehead, and securing it behind the opposite ear or on the back of the ear you took it from with a small bobby pin.

19. The Pompadour

The pompadour, featuring hair swept upward and back from the forehead, was a bold and stylish look in the 1970s. This style suits all hair types and adds height and volume. It was more popular among men of this time, but who’s to say you can’t rock it today?

To achieve a pompadour, use a comb and styling gel to lift the hair at the front, then smooth it back and secure with bobby pins or a hair tie.

20. The Bowl Cut

Created by legendary hairdresser, Vidal Sassoon, the bowl cut, with its even, rounded shape, was a distinctive and bold hairstyle in the 1970s. This short cut is ideal for straight hair and offers a clean, geometric look. 

To maintain a bowl cut, trim regularly to keep the shape precise, and use a flat iron and serum to ensure the style is smooth and even.

21. The Shaggy Bob

The 1970s shaggy bob was a trendy and edgy hairstyle characterized by its choppy, uneven layers that added volume and texture. 

Typically cut to chin-length or just above the shoulders, this style featured a deliberately messy and relaxed look. The layers were often feathered, blow-dried, and brushed outward to create a soft, tousled effect.

23. Permed Hair

A popular 1970s hairstyle featuring a perm was characterized by voluminous, tight curls that created a full and bouncy look. Achieved through a chemical treatment and small perm rods, the hair was transformed into dense, lasting waves that embodied the era’s bold and carefree style. 

Typically styled with a center or side part, the curls were fluffed or separated for maximum volume and a natural appearance.

24. The Mohawk

The mohawk, with its shaved sides and strip of longer hair running down the center, was a bold and rebellious choice in the decade that gave birth to the punk subculture. This edgy style suits various hair types and makes a strong statement. 

To style, use a strong-hold gel to spike up the center strip, creating height and definition.

25. The Fawcett Flip

The Fawcett Flip, similar to feathered hair but with more pronounced outward curls, was a signature look of Farrah Fawcett. This style is ideal for medium to long hair with wavy or straight textures. 

To achieve the flip, use a large-barrel curling iron to curl the ends outward, or blow-dry your layered hair while brushing outward. Set with a light-hold hairspray.

26. The Ape

The ape haircut, featuring short, rounded layers with some volume at the crown and tapered sides, was a unique 1970s style. This cut suits straight to wavy hair and adds a touch of retro flair. 

To style, blow-dry the hair with a round brush to create volume at the crown, and smooth the sides for a sleek finish.

27. The Diana Ross

The Diana Ross hairstyle is an Afro characterized by big, voluminous curls that celebrated natural texture and created a dramatic look. This style is perfect for naturally curly or permed hair. 

To maintain the curls, use a moisturizing curl cream and a wide-tooth comb to define and enhance the volume, ensuring the hair stays soft and bouncy.

28. The Deep Side Part

The deep side part, with its dramatic sweep, was a stylish choice among starlets in the 1970s. This look suits all hair types and adds a touch of glamour to any style. 

To achieve a deep side part, use a comb to create a part far to one side, and style the hair with soft outward waves or sleek straightness, securing with a light-hold spray.

29. The Punky Spikes

Punky spikes, a rebellious and edgy hairstyle, gained popularity in the late 1970s when the punk subculture emerged. This short style suits various hair types and makes a bold statement. 

To create spiky hair, use a strong-hold gel or wax to lift sections of hair upwards, shaping them into sharp points for a dramatic effect.

30. Front Piece Braids

In the 1970s, ponytails were styled sleeker and sometimes featured soft, loose curls or waves for a dynamic appearance. 

Decorative accessories like ribbons, scarves, or flowers were commonly added at the base for a touch of personality. 

31. The Twisted Updo

The twisted updo, an intricate and elegant hairstyle, was a favorite for formal events in the 1970s. This style suits medium to long hair and adds a touch of sophistication. 

To create a twisted updo, twist sections of hair and pin them into place, forming a cohesive updo. Secure with pins.

32. The Voluminous Curls

Voluminous curls, characterized by their big, bouncy appearance, were a glamorous choice in the 1970s. This style is ideal for naturally curly or permed hair and adds a dramatic flair. 

To maintain voluminous curls, use a curl-enhancing mousse and a diffuser when blow-drying, ensuring the curls remain defined and full of life.

Get a Full-On Retro Makeover With These 1970s Hairstyles!

It’s clear that the 1970s was a treasure trove of bold and beautiful hair trends. 

Whether you’re inspired by the voluminous curls, sleek straight looks, or edgy cuts, there’s a ’70s style that can add a touch of retro flair to your modern look. 

Embrace the spirit of experimentation and have fun recreating these timeless styles. Remember, the beauty of ’70s hair is its versatility and individuality, so let your hair express your unique personality and flair.