The 1970s, you know, it was a pretty special time for hair. It felt like a true explosion of creativity and daring looks. From big, bold statements to styles that were just simple and sweet, this period gave us some of the most memorable hair moments ever.
This decade, in a way, was all about big changes. There was a counterculture movement, and folks pushed for political shifts. But, really, it was also a super expressive period for how people dressed, how they did their makeup, and, of course, their hair. It’s almost like hair became a way to show off your own unique flair.
So, if you are looking to bring a little bit of that retro magic into your current style, you are in the right spot. We are going to explore some truly iconic seventies women's hairstyles. We will look at styles that, honestly, just never seem to go out of fashion, and how you can make them work for today, too.
Table of Contents
- The Spirit of 70s Hair
- Feathered Hair: The Signature Look
- The Shag Cut: A Rebellious Edge
- Disco Curls and Voluminous Afros
- Curtain Bangs and Face-Framing Layers
- Other Notable 70s Hair Flourishes
- Bringing 70s Hair into Today
- Frequently Asked Questions About 70s Hairstyles
The 1970s was, in some respects, a time of revolution. It saw new ways of thinking about culture and politics, all of which really spoke of freedom. Folks looked for ways to show this freedom, and hair, you know, became a big part of that expression. It was a time when hair was truly larger than life, from disco queens to rock legends.
This era was super cool and very trendy, often seen through the women who led the way. They gave us some of the most famous hairstyles of all time. We really do have these women to thank for showing us what was possible with hair. The styles were not just about how they looked; they were, like, a whole statement.
You might think it was five decades ago, but the 1970s is still considered one of the absolute coolest times for hair. Both older styles and newer ones are always battling it out for the best haircuts, and 70s hairstyles are, actually, giving modern looks a real run for their money. They still hold up, which is pretty amazing.
When you think about seventies women's hairstyles, feathered hair probably comes to mind right away. This look, with its soft, sweeping layers that kind of curve away from the face, was everywhere. It gave off a very free and flowing feeling, you know, a bit like wings.
It was a style that many famous actresses and athletes wore, making it incredibly popular. The way the hair was cut and styled made it look light and airy. It was a look that, really, just screamed elegance and a certain casualness all at once. People still recognize it today, and it is celebrated.
To get this look now, you need some good layering around your face. Hairstylists, for instance, often suggest using a round brush and a blow dryer to get those signature flicks. You want to make sure the ends have that nice, outward curve. It is a classic for a reason, honestly.
The shag haircut was another huge hit among seventies women's hairstyles. This style was, like, all about layers, but messy ones. It had a lot of texture and volume, especially around the crown, and it often tapered down to thinner ends. It felt a bit rebellious, in a way.
It was a cut that worked for so many different hair types and lengths. Whether your hair was short or longer, the shag could give it a very cool, lived-in vibe. It was a style that really showed off the creative and bold spirit of the decade. People loved how easy it was to care for, too.
Styling a shag today means embracing natural texture. You might use some texturizing spray to give it that effortless, slightly undone look. It is a look that still feels fresh and modern, which is pretty neat. You see it on celebrities, you know, proving its staying power.
The 1970s also brought us the incredible disco curls and the powerful, voluminous afros. These were hairstyles that truly made a statement. The disco era, you see, is making a comeback in terms of hair trends, and these styles are right at the forefront.
Disco curls were all about big, bouncy, shiny spirals. They were meant to move when you danced, giving off a very energetic feel. Afros, on the other hand, were a symbol of pride and freedom. They were big, bold, and beautiful, showing off natural hair texture in a powerful way. Both were very much about expressing yourself.
Achieving disco curls now might involve hot rollers or a curling iron with a larger barrel. For afros, it is about celebrating and caring for your natural texture, using products that give it volume and definition. These styles, you know, really embody the vibrant and colorful nature of the 70s.
Curtain bangs are another one of those iconic seventies women's hairstyles that have made a huge return. These bangs are longer, usually parted down the middle, and they frame the face softly, like curtains. They blend into longer layers, which is pretty nice.
This style offers a gentler look compared to some of the bolder cuts. It is very versatile, too. You can wear them with straight hair, wavy hair, or even with a bit of curl. They give a very relaxed and approachable feel, you know, a bit like the elegant casualness seen in photos from that period.
Many people are getting curtain bangs today because they are so easy to manage and they really do flatter a lot of face shapes. You can just sweep them to the sides, and they add a touch of retro charm without being too over the top. It is a simple cut that, actually, makes a big difference.
Beyond the big hitters, the 70s had other cool hair details. Flicks and wings, for example, were very much in style. These were often seen at the ends of hair, where sections would flip up or out, giving a playful movement. It was a subtle way to add some flair.
We also saw groovy waves, which were softer, more natural-looking waves that felt very relaxed. These were not super structured; they just had a nice, easy flow. It was all about hair that looked like it could move freely, which, you know, fit the vibe of the time perfectly.
Even shorter styles had their moment. There were 70s short hairstyles that still had that signature volume or a bit of a feathered look. Some women, teen, and girl’s 1970s hairstyles came in a few popular looks, inspired by famous figures. It shows just how varied the decade was for hair, truly.
The '70s hairstyle trend is, honestly, back in a big way. Hairstylists David Cotteblanche and Castillo, for instance, walk us through how to style '70s hairstyles in a fresh, modern way. It is not about copying them exactly, but taking the spirit of the look and making it work for you now.
You see celebs like Kim Kardashian and Selena Gomez rocking these styles, which just proves how current they feel. They are taking those classic feathered layers, or a modern shag, and giving them a contemporary twist. It shows that these looks truly never go out of style, which is pretty cool.
Whether you are going for a voluminous look that makes a real statement, or a simple and cute cut, there are so many great 70s hairstyles for women to try. They offer a bold way to express your own unique style. You can discover 25 iconic 1970s hairstyles to complete your retro look, or just find one that speaks to you. Learn more about hair trends on our site, and link to this page for more inspiration.
The 1970s was a decade of bold styles, colors, and shapes, where hairstyles really became a defining part of culture. It was an era that saw new cultural and political practices that truly embodied freedom. In search of expressions for freedoms, this decade saw so much creativity in hair. It is a period that, more or less, continues to inspire us even now, in 2024 and 2025.
What were the popular hairstyles in the 70s?
In the 70s, you know, some really popular hairstyles for women included the shag haircut, feathered hair, curtain bangs, and the afro. These styles, honestly, were everywhere and they really represented the fashion and beauty trends of that time. They are still recognized and celebrated today, too.
How do you get 70s hair?
To get 70s hair, you often start with specific cuts like layers for feathered looks or a shag. Then, you might use styling tools like a round brush for flicks, or hot rollers for disco curls. It is about creating volume and movement, you know, giving that signature bouncy feel. You can find many tutorials for these looks.
Is 70s hair in style?
Yes, 70s hair is definitely in style right now. The '70s hairstyle trend is back in a big way, with many iconic looks making a comeback. Hairstylists are showing how to adapt these styles for a fresh, modern feel, and you see celebrities wearing them, which, really, confirms their popularity.
