As you stroll through streets or scroll through social media feeds, you might be struck by the familiar sight of flared jeans, platform shoes, and oversized hats – a fashion trifecta that screams ’70s. Fear not, for this retro revival is nothing to panic about. Fashion eras have a way of coming full circle, and right now, the groovy vibes of the 1970s are back in vogue.
It’s no surprise then that 1970s hairstyles are also making a comeback, inspiring fresh looks in modern hairstyle magazines.
If you’re ready to get your hair did with a dash of disco-era flair, here are some retro-chic styles worth revisiting – and reimagining for the modern era!
Pixie cut
The iconic pixie cut made its debut in the mid-1960s courtesy of British model Twiggy, whose trend-setting style captivated the world. Her signature look not only catapulted her to fame but also paved the way for a generation of women who donned the same hairstyle throughout the 1970s. Interestingly, the pixie cut has managed to maintain its popularity even decades later, with many still opting for this timeless and effortlessly chic style today.
Hair with a braid headband
Embracing the free-spirited essence of the Bohemian style, many opt for hairstyles that pay homage to the 1970s era. One innovative approach to achieving this aesthetic is through the artful creation of braided headbands, utilizing a portion of one’s own locks as the foundation.
Full Afro
The 1970s were a decade of cultural and musical upheaval, with the rise of disco music and iconic TV shows like Good Times dominating the airwaves. Among the many defining features of this era was the Afro hairstyle, which became synonymous with the decade’s style and flair.
Long with a full bang
In the past, hairstyles often featured bold and dramatic flourishes, such as long hair paired with a full bang. The combination of flowing locks and a fringe was particularly striking, evoking an air of glamour and sophistication.
Crimped hair
The quintessential disco-era hairstyle, crimped locks, evokes memories of Studio 54 and Saturday night fever. To achieve this iconic look, having a crimping iron is a must-have accessory.
Long flip
The iconic hairstyles of Charlie’s Angels are still etched in our memories today. One distinctive feature of Farrah Fawcett, Cheryl Ladd, and Jaclyn Smith is their signature long hair flip, which has been emulated by many. Achieving this look is surprisingly simple with the help of a curling iron.
Hair with a headband
One iconic fashion staple from the 1970s and Bohemian era is the headband, which wraps elegantly around the forehead. To achieve this timeless look, it’s essential to opt for a headband specifically designed for this purpose, as opposed to those meant for securing long hair.
Dreadlocks
In the 1970s, dreadlocks gained widespread popularity, earning a reputation as a symbol of rebellion. This countercultural hairstyle has continued to evolve over time, and its enduring appeal can be attributed in part to the ongoing desire for self-expression and individuality that defines many modern-day revolutions.
Afro puffs
The humble Afro puff has become a hairstyle staple across various age groups. Whether you’re a little girl, teenager or adult woman, sporting a few Afro puffs on your crown can instantly add a touch of sass and charm to your overall look.
Hippie braids
For individuals with long locks, consider a clever hack to tame the mane: divide your hair into two sections from the crown to the ends, creating a foundation for a bohemian-inspired braid. To elevate this look further, adorn your braids with an eclectic touch – think feather accents, delicate butterfly clips or even a dainty flower charm.
Long and full
The 1970s were a time when having long, luscious locks was truly the epitome of beauty. The key to achieving this look was not only growing out your hair but also incorporating styling techniques that added volume and texture. One popular method was using rollers at night to create an unbeatable blowout for the next day.
Short Afro
While big Afros may have been the trendsetters, it’s clear that short Afros also had a significant following. In fact, both styles coexisted and thrived in the cultural landscape.
Bone straight tresses
Cher’s iconic style in the 1970s often overshadowed her impressive vocals and acting chops. Her hair, however, remains an integral part of her enduring legacy. Remember those signature locks that seemed to defy gravity with their sleek, bone-straight texture? Yeah, Cher was all about flaunting that effortlessly chic tress during her heyday in the 1970s.
Curly with a middle part
In the 1970s, frizzy hair wasn’t perceived as a significant issue compared to today’s standards. However, when paired with a styling element such as a central part, the perception of frizziness was somewhat mitigated, rendering it less problematic.
‘Poofy’ low bun
When it comes to updos in the 1970s, the more dramatic the better. The era was all about embracing big hair and bold styles, with a focus on adding extra volume wherever possible. Whether it was a towering bouffant or a loose, flowing chignon, the key was to create a hairstyle that commanded attention.
Updated bowl cut
Hair with a scarf
The nostalgic appeal of pairing hair with scarves is undeniable, as it remains a popular styling trend to this day. And for good reason – on particularly hot and humid days, a scarf can be a lifesaver, effortlessly adding a touch of elegance to one’s look while keeping stray locks at bay.
Platinum blonde hair
The 1970s were defined by a distinctive signature style that still resonates today: the iconic platinum blonde hairdo. While attempting to achieve this look sans expertise may lead to damaging consequences, it’s well worth having a professional stylist on hand to ensure a flawless and damage-free result.
Bob with bangs
The allure of a bob hairstyle lies in its effortless elegance and low-maintenance charm. When paired with bangs, this classic style is elevated to new heights, as the fringe frames the face with precision and sophistication, making it a timeless and iconic look.
Big natural hair
In the realm of natural hairstyles, there’s something truly special about a majestic Afro that commands attention. The idea that a hairstyle can be so bold and unapologetic is what makes it truly magnificent. In the 1970s, the bigger the hair was, the more it seemed to empower the woman who wore it, as if the volume itself held a certain level of confidence and poise.
Braided crown
The braided crown has been a treasured staple at proms and weddings for decades, with its simplicity and elegance making it a timeless choice. Looking back to the 1970s, adding just a touch of baby’s breath was all that was needed to complete this classic look, and remarkably, this same formula still holds true today.
Choppy shag
The nostalgic charm of shags is undeniable, evoking memories of the disco era’s iconic hairstyles. While some might liken them to mullets, the right color can elevate this style into a truly fierce look.
‘Pixie bob’
The ‘Pixie Bob’ haircut is more than just a cute combination – it’s a game-changer for women looking to revamp their style. The fusion of the pixie cut and bob creates a look that’s both edgy and sophisticated, making it a must-try for anyone seeking a fresh new ‘do.
