The 1970s, you know, that decade was something else entirely. It wasn't just a time when pop culture and politics came together, like when Elvis Presley, the King of Rock 'n' Roll, met President Richard Nixon. It was a period, quite frankly, where everything felt big, bold, and free. From the fall of Saigon to the start of personal computing, the seventies didn't do things by halves, and that spirit really showed up in men's hairstyles. It was a time when the reels were turning, and people were ready for a fresh look, more or less.
This era, often called the '70s, ran from January 1, 1970, to December 31, 1979. It was a period of significant shifts, with activists organizing protests and fighting for equal rights. News, sports, weather, and rock music charts filled the 3,652 days of this decade. People wore all sorts of expressive and fun clothing, like jumpsuits and hot pants, so it's not surprising that hair followed suit. Men's hair, in particular, took on a life of its own, mirroring the era's push for individuality and, well, a bit of rebellion.
So, if you're thinking about channeling some of that classic 70s cool, or just curious about what made these looks so memorable, you've come to the right place. We're going to explore some of the most famous and, honestly, pretty awesome 70s hairstyles male styles that truly defined the decade. It was a time when men's hair broke free from the neat, tidy cuts of previous years, offering a chance for guys to really express themselves through their locks, you know?
Table of Contents
- The Spirit of 70s Male Hair
- Iconic 70s Hairstyles for Men
- Getting the 70s Look Today
- FAQ: Your Questions About 70s Male Hair
The Spirit of 70s Male Hair
The 1970s, as a matter of fact, really pushed boundaries in many ways, and men's hair was no exception. After the somewhat shorter, more structured styles of the 60s, the 70s brought a wave of longer, looser, and more natural looks. It was a response to the counter-culture movement, a way to show a bit of freedom and break away from tradition. You see, the music charts were full of artists like Carl Douglas and Van Morrison, and their styles often reflected this new, relaxed vibe.
Hair became a statement, a way to show you were part of the new wave, or maybe just someone who liked to let their hair grow out a bit. There was a real move away from strict barbershop cuts towards styles that had more movement and, honestly, a bit more personality. From rock stars to everyday guys, everyone seemed to be experimenting. This was a decade where, well, things just weren't done by halves, and that applied to hair, too it's almost.
The overall feel was less about rigid rules and more about embracing natural texture and length. Whether it was a carefully layered cut or just letting your hair do its own thing, the 70s offered a wide range of options for men. It was a time when, basically, you could really express yourself through your hair, and that was a pretty cool thing for a lot of guys, you know?
Iconic 70s Hairstyles for Men
When you think about 70s hairstyles male, several distinct looks immediately come to mind. Each one, in its own way, tells a story about the decade and the guys who wore them. These styles weren't just about cutting hair; they were about a whole attitude, a way of being. They truly helped define the look of the era, and many of them, surprisingly, still hold a certain appeal today.
The Shag
The shag haircut, you know, that was a truly defining look of the 70s. It was all about layers – lots of them – creating a very choppy, feathered look that had plenty of movement. This style was pretty versatile, working for various hair lengths, but it often had shorter layers on top and around the face, gradually getting longer towards the back and sides. Think of it as controlled chaos, in a way, giving off a relaxed, rock-and-roll vibe.
Many musicians and actors sported the shag, making it incredibly popular. It wasn't overly neat; in fact, its charm came from its slightly messy, effortless appearance. For styling, guys often used a bit of mousse or gel to enhance the layers and give it some texture. It was a look that said, "I'm cool, but I didn't try too hard," which, honestly, was a pretty appealing message back then.
To get a shag today, you'd ask your stylist for a heavily layered cut with shorter pieces around the crown and face. It works best with naturally wavy or slightly textured hair, but straight hair can also get that choppy effect with the right layering. A little bit of texturizing spray or light hold product can help bring out those distinct layers, giving you that authentic 70s bounce, basically.
The Mop Top
While the Beatles made the mop top famous in the 60s, it actually carried over into the early 70s, especially for younger guys or those still holding onto that classic rock band look. This style, quite simply, is characterized by its rounded, bowl-like shape, with hair falling over the forehead and around the ears. It's a bit more uniform than the shag, with less distinct layering, creating a fuller, more substantial head of hair.
The mop top was, in some respects, a symbol of youth and rebellion against more traditional short back and sides cuts. It was simple, yet effective in its statement. It didn't require a lot of fancy styling, often just needing to be brushed into place. This look was pretty popular among pop music fans and those who liked a slightly neater, but still long, appearance.
If you're aiming for a mop top today, you'd want to grow your hair out to a medium length, ensuring it's fairly even all around. Your stylist would then cut it to create that distinctive rounded shape, often with bangs that sweep across the forehead. It’s a good choice for those with straight or slightly wavy hair who want a classic, slightly retro look that's still pretty easy to manage, you know?
The Disco 'Do
As the 70s progressed, especially with the rise of disco music, men's hairstyles took on a new level of flair and volume. The disco 'do was all about making a statement on the dance floor. Think big, think bouncy, think a lot of hairspray. This style often featured hair that was longer on top and sides, styled with a lot of volume and sometimes a slight curl or wave. It was, quite frankly, designed to move with you.
Guys often parted their hair down the middle or slightly off-center, letting it sweep back and out from their face. The key was that full, almost puffy look, which was achieved with blow-drying, brushes, and, yes, a good amount of product to keep it all in place while busting out those dance moves. This look was seen on the charts with artists like David Essex, who brought a certain charm to the style, more or less.
To get a disco 'do today, you'll need some length, especially on the top and sides. The trick is to blow-dry your hair upwards and outwards, using a round brush to create volume. A lightweight mousse or volumizing spray applied to damp hair before drying can really help. Finish with a flexible hold hairspray to keep that bounce without making it stiff. It’s a bold look, but it definitely captures that fun, energetic spirit of the disco era, you know?
The Afro
The Afro was, without a doubt, one of the most powerful and culturally significant hairstyles of the 1970s. It was a symbol of Black pride, identity, and empowerment, growing out of the civil rights movement and the "Black is Beautiful" philosophy. This natural hairstyle, characterized by its rounded, voluminous shape, celebrated the natural texture of African hair. It was a statement, a declaration, and a truly iconic look of the decade.
The size and shape of an Afro could vary, from a more modest halo to a truly grand, spherical display. It was meticulously cared for, often with picks and special combs designed to maintain its shape and volume without flattening the curls. This style wasn't just a trend; it was a movement, representing a deeper cultural shift and a celebration of heritage. It was seen everywhere, from everyday people to prominent figures, and it really made an impact.
For those with appropriate hair texture, achieving an Afro today means embracing and enhancing your natural curls. Regular moisturizing, gentle detangling, and using a wide-tooth comb or Afro pick are key to maintaining its shape and health. It’s a timeless style that continues to be a powerful expression of identity and beauty, and it was, you know, a very important part of the 70s hair landscape.
Long and Flowing
Beyond specific cuts, simply having long, flowing hair was a very popular choice for men in the 70s. This wasn't always about a particular style as much as it was about embracing natural length. For many, it was a continuation of the hippie aesthetic from the late 60s, representing freedom, peace, and a rejection of corporate norms. This look was pretty simple: just let your hair grow, and let it do its thing.
Often, this meant hair that reached the shoulders or even longer, parted down the middle or to the side, and allowed to fall naturally. It could be straight, wavy, or curly, depending on the individual's hair type. The appeal was in its effortlessness and natural appearance. It was a look that said, "I'm chill, I'm relaxed," and it was pretty common among musicians and artists, you know, like Van Morrison, who often sported a more natural, longer look.
If you want to go for long and flowing hair today, the first step is, obviously, patience. Growing out your hair takes time. Once you have the length, focus on keeping your hair healthy with good conditioning and minimal heat styling. A simple center part often works well to capture that 70s vibe. It’s a style that relies on your natural hair texture and, frankly, a bit of an easygoing attitude, more or less.
The Perm
Towards the later half of the 70s, and really gaining traction into the early 80s, the perm made a surprising appearance in men's fashion. This chemical treatment, which permanently altered the hair's structure to create curls or waves, allowed guys with naturally straight hair to achieve the voluminous, often bouncy looks that were so popular. It was, in a way, the ultimate commitment to big hair.
Men's perms in the 70s often resulted in tight, springy curls, giving a very full and textured appearance. It was a way to get that disco volume or even a more defined, curly shag. This was a pretty bold choice, showing a willingness to experiment with hair in a major way. Think of Billy Paul, whose music was charting, and who, like many others, might have sported a look with plenty of curl and body.
While perms are less common for men today, they do exist and can be done to create softer waves rather than super tight curls. If you're considering a perm for a 70s-inspired look, talk to a stylist who specializes in modern perming techniques. They can help you achieve a natural-looking wave or curl that gives you that 70s volume without the overly "permed" look of the past. It’s a pretty specific choice, but it can certainly deliver that iconic bounce, you know?
Getting the 70s Look Today
Bringing 70s hairstyles male looks into today's world is, honestly, pretty fun. The key is to take inspiration from the era rather than trying to perfectly recreate every single detail. Modern versions of these styles often have a slightly softer edge, or perhaps a bit less volume, making them more wearable for everyday life. It's about capturing the spirit, you know, that feeling of freedom and expression that defined the decade.
First off, communication with your stylist is very important. Bring pictures of the specific 70s look you like. Explain that you want a modern interpretation, something that nods to the past but still looks current. They can help you figure out what works best with your hair type and face shape. You might want to learn more about hair care on our site, as healthy hair is always the foundation.
For styling, you'll want to invest in some good products. Think about volumizing mousses or sprays for that disco lift, or texturizing sprays for a shag. A good blow dryer is also your friend, especially if you're aiming for volume. Brushes, particularly round brushes, can help shape your hair as you dry it. And, honestly, don't be afraid to experiment a little bit. That's what the 70s were all about, after all, isn't that right?
Embracing the 70s vibe means being open to longer hair and a bit more movement. These styles tend to look best when they're not overly stiff or perfectly coiffed. A little bit of natural messiness often adds to the charm. You could also explore different ways to style your hair for more ideas. Remember, the 70s were a time of unrest and upheaval, but also of great personal expression, and your hair can be a part of that, too it's almost.
Maintaining these looks often means regular trims to keep the shape, but allowing for growth in between. Depending on the style, you might need to visit your barber every 4-6 weeks to keep it looking sharp, or maybe just let it grow out for a truly relaxed vibe. It's all about what feels right for you and your personal style. The 70s, as a matter of fact, really celebrated individuality, and that's a pretty timeless concept.
FAQ: Your Questions About 70s Male Hair
What was the most popular men's hairstyle in the 70s?
While many styles gained traction, the shag haircut was, arguably, one of the most widespread and iconic men's hairstyles of the 1970s. It was everywhere, from rock stars to everyday guys, offering a versatile and expressive look. The long, layered, and often feathered appearance truly defined a generation's hair. It was a very common sight, you know?
How do I get a 70s haircut?
To get a 70s haircut today, the best approach is to find reference photos of the specific style you like – whether it's a shag, a disco 'do, or long and flowing hair. Then, take these pictures to a skilled stylist and explain that you're looking for a modern interpretation of that 70s vibe. They can help you achieve the right layers, length, and shape that suits your hair type and face, basically.
Did men have long hair in the 70s?
Yes, absolutely! Men having long hair was a very prominent trend throughout the 1970s. It was a significant departure from earlier decades and symbolized freedom, individuality, and a more relaxed attitude. Many popular styles, like the shag and the mop top, relied on longer lengths, and simply letting hair grow out was a common choice for many guys. It was, honestly, a time when longer hair for men was pretty much the norm for a lot of people.
