If I could live in any decade, it would hands down be the '70s—not because I find anything about the way of life particularly endearing, but because I'm absolutely head over heels for the aesthetic. There are so many iconic '70s hairstyles, makeup looks, and memorable fashion moments—and the experts would have to agree.
“There’s an effortless glamour to ‘70s hairstyles that I think will never go out of style,” says celebrity hairstylist Rena Calhoun. “When I think of 70s hair, it's soft volume, curtain bangs, and brushed-out curls—everything had movement and a lived-in feel.”
But feathered hair isn't the only style to define this decade. The '70s saw everything from shaggy lengths and bangs to blunt bobs and picked-out afros, and many of these styles have remained some of the most timeless hairstyles around.
Don't believe me? Keep scrolling for 20 '70s-inspired hairstyles that will have you itching to book an appointment with your hairstylist asap.
Best ‘70s-Inspired Hairstyles
1. Feathered Blowout
Nothing says '70s hair quite like a supersized blowout, and some of the top hairstylists in the game see it keeping its place as a dominating hair trend in 2025.
2. Bouncy Curls
Zendaya's big, bouncy curls scream '70s disco queen. Note how the shorter pieces at the front add a shaggy retro touch.
3. Long With Bangs
Long hair reigned supreme throughout the '70s, and styles with bangs were all the rage. Keep lengths blunt and the bangs slightly tapered.
4. Curly Pixie
The '70s were all about embracing your natural hair texture, and 2025 is no different. This curly pixie crop oozes laid-back chic.
5. Texture and Fringe
“Personally, I love a textured cut with a curtain fringe,” Calhoun muses. “It's versatile, and forever a cool girl’s go to.”
6. Hair Scarves
Sure, a scarf tied around the hair helped keep strands protected from the elements in cool '70s movies, but they're also really quite chic.
7. Voluminous Bob
The jaw-skimming French bobs we're used to seeing in 2025 might not look particularly reminiscent of '70s glamour, but this big and bouncy jaw-skimmer sure does. Whether it's flipped over to the side or worn in a middle part, it's every bit as chic.
7. Picked-Out Afro
You don't need us to tell you that natural-textured afros were big news in the '70s. With the movement of beauty-lovers owning their natural hair over the past few years, it's safe to say the long, picked-out afro is back and here to stay.
9. Tousled Middle Part
While there was something very glamorous about '70s hair, there was also room for grungy bedhead styles. Most notably, the I-woke-up-like-this look. Just wake up, blast some texturizing spray, and go.
10. Grown-Out Shag
The shag has made a real comeback, and it's not going anywhere anytime soon. "For a shag, you want long layers cut in and pulled toward the face to create a lovely frame," says Percy & Reed founder Paul Percival. "Depending on your face shape, a grown-out fringe is a great way to create the ultimate shag look."
11. Puff With Bangs
Remember when I said that bangs were everywhere in the '70s? Well, they're back. This high puff with a light bang is retro perfection.
12. Parted Bangs
Who says '70s-inspired hairstyles aren't versatile? Curtain bangs can be styled however you like. "I like to call this style the shy fringe," Percival says. "If you blow-dry it forward, you can create the fuller '70s look, or you can blow it back to blend it into your locks."
13. Piece-y Braids
Whether they were face-framing or loose pigtails, hippie-inspired braids ran rampant in the ‘70s. Try weaving a few plaits through long hair to add a bit of texture to straight or wavy hair to get a look that feels oh-so retro.
14. Curly Bob
As mentioned, the best thing about '70s hair was that it embraced every hair type and texture. While sleek and glass-like bobs have been championed in recent months, this curly '70s-style bob proves a blunt bob is totally universal.
15. Thick Headbands
Headbands became a staple in the ‘60s thanks to stars like Brigitte Bardot and Romy Schneider styling voluminous hair with these accessories, and it’s maintained its staying power to the modern day. For a look that feels ultra-’70s, try a thick, fabric headband over the ears with effortless waves or curls.
16. Wrap-Around Ponytail
While high ponytails scream '90s aesthetic and oversize ponytails might give off an '80s vibe, a low ponytail tied at the nape of the neck with a piece of hair wrapped around the band is quintessentially '70s.
17. Mini Braids
Tell me tiny braids aren't the cutest hair trend out there. "The only relevant plaits right now are tiny ones," Percival says. "Take an inch-wide section from either side of the parting and plait thin braids all the way to the end. Then pin back to secure so it sits along the hairline."
18. Sleek and Straight
Straight strands with a middle part and feathered lengths? What's not to love? This Cher-inspired style is classic, timeless, and suits just about everybody.
19. Cropped Coils
With natural texture reigning supreme, this short coiled style is one to add to your inspiration board.
20. Super-Long Waves
You can achieve this classic '70s style even if your hair doesn't have a natural wave. Simply straighten your hair if it's curly, and run a curling iron or wand from mid-length to the ends.
Shop the Styles
"To achieve the look, apply a blow-dry spray to towel-dried hair to give a boost of volume," says Percival. "Then use a large round brush to create the blown-out look. Spin the brush at the end of each hair section to get the flicks."
Use a powerful hair dryer with a nozzle to set your style after washing. We picked this Remington tool as the best budget-friendly hair dryer money can buy.
The perfect spray to provide volume and texture for a tousled middle-part look.
To ensure long strands stay strong, healthy, and glossy, apply this fortifying oil from mid-length to ends after washing.
"Use a styling or finishing cream to smooth flyaways and give the hair the hold it needs with flexibility," says Percival.
"To create long and wavy looks that last, you'll want to use a lightweight hair spray and an open curling iron," says Percival. "Lightly mist sections of the hair with the hair spray and take large segments and wrap around the tong, making sure to leave each section to cool, and give your hair a shake."
FAQ
How do I do my hair like the ‘70s?
There are several '70s-inspired styles that you can try at home or the salon (think feathered blowouts and shag cuts) in 2025 that don't look too dated for the modern day. “What’s really stood the test of time are those shapes that frame the face, it’s so flattering," says Calhoun. "In 2025, we’re seeing a revival of modern blowouts, shags, and even polished, sculptural updos that nod to that era.”
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.
Who's Who
- Rena Calhoun is a celebrity hairstylist known for her sleek red carpet hairstyles and editorial work with clients such as Hunter Schafer, Mikey Madison, Joey King, and more.
- Paul Percival is a professional hairstylist, the founder of London-based haircare brand Percy & Reed, and a global ambassador for Babyliss and Babyliss Pro.
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.
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