12 Hair Trends from the ’70s That Defined The Fashion Of The Decade
The ’70s were a decade of bold experimentation, from flared jeans to funky prints, and the hair was no exception. Hair was everything in the ’70s. Whether it was long and shaggy, perfectly feathered, or a defiant afro, each trend spoke volumes about freedom, rebellion, and a touch of disco magic.
As the decade progressed, hairstyles reflected the changing attitudes toward fashion and identity. Let’s take a closer look at the 12 hair trends that defined the ’70s—and why they’re still influencing fashion today!
1. Feathered Hair
The feathered hair trend was the epitome of cool in the ’70s. Think Farrah Fawcett, the golden girl of the decade. This hairstyle was all about layers, volume, and the signature swooping action that framed the face like a soft, delicate bird’s wings.
Feathery and fresh, it was the ideal balance between glamorous and effortless, making you look like you’d just stepped off a sun-soaked beach. Not just a hair trend, it was a whole vibe. Farrah’s famous look remains one of the most recognizable icons of the ’70s, forever imprinted in pop culture.
2. The Afro
The Afro wasn’t just a hairstyle; it was a cultural revolution. For many, it was a proud statement of self-expression and defiance against traditional beauty standards. Full, round, and unashamedly bold, the Afro became a symbol of the Black Power movement.
Stars like Angela Davis and Pam Grier rocked it with power and grace. It was more than just hair—it was an identity. The beauty of the Afro was its unapologetic embrace of natural hair textures, something that has continued to resonate today.
3. The Mullet
Business in the front, party in the back—what else could sum up the mullet better? This split hairstyle was divisive but undeniably memorable. The mullet, with its short, neat front and long, untamed back, was the perfect visual metaphor for the ’70s: a mix of discipline and chaos.
Worn by both rock stars and ordinary folks, the mullet became a sort of cultural rite of passage, even though it still stirs up debates on whether it was cool. No matter how you feel about it, the mullet’s impact on ’70s fashion can’t be denied.
4. Shag Haircut
The shag was a quintessential ’70s look, combining a laid-back rock ‘n’ roll vibe with effortless chic. With its uneven layers and tousled look, the shag was perfect for those who didn’t want to be too polished but still wanted to stand out.
Everyone from Jane Fonda to David Bowie sported this wild, free-flowing hairstyle. It was the perfect match for the disheveled, carefree spirit of the era—and anyone who wore it immediately exuded a certain rebellious charm.
5. Long and Straight
The ’70s saw the rise of the natural, long and straight hair movement. Straightened, sleek, and flowing, this look embodied the free spirit of the decade. Stars like Cher and Goldie Hawn made this look iconic, embracing simplicity and the idea of going back to basics.
Whether it was in the form of loose waves or sleek straight locks, long hair dominated the scene, symbolizing the counterculture’s desire to break free from societal norms.
6. The Shimmering Flip
The shimmering flip was a playful and glamorous hairstyle that involved a voluminous lift at the ends of the hair. It was a classic ’70s flip—think of a well-dressed lady in her silk scarf and high heels.
The flip wasn’t just about the shape; it was about the energy it conveyed. There was a bounce to every step, as if the person wearing it could hardly keep from smiling. From TV shows to movie screens, the shimmering flip became an iconic look, epitomized by the likes of Mary Tyler Moore and Jaclyn Smith.
7. Perms
From curls to waves, the perm was a crucial part of ’70s hair culture. This was the ultimate way to add volume and texture to your hair, whether you were going for tight ringlets or loose, beachy waves.
Women everywhere (and even some men!) flocked to salons to get their hair permed, which involved chemicals, rollers, and a whole lot of time. Though some perm styles are now a distant memory, the trend was undeniably one of the defining hair moments of the ’70s.
8. The Bowl Cut
The bowl cut was arguably one of the most polarizing trends of the ’70s. Shaped like, well, a bowl, this haircut was often seen in schools and playgrounds, especially for boys. Simple, straightforward, and low-maintenance, it was like the ‘straight-A student’ of the hair world—disciplined, neat, and maybe just a little bit boring.
But, surprisingly, the bowl cut also made waves in the pop culture scene, with musicians like The Beatles popularizing it and adding a bit of youthful charm to the otherwise static look.
9. The Center Part
The center part was the go-to style for anyone looking to add symmetry and balance to their hair in the ’70s. Whether paired with long hair or a bob, the center part exuded a quiet, natural beauty.
It became synonymous with models and celebrities who embodied that effortless, just-rolled-out-of-bed chic. This simple yet striking look was all about elegance with minimal effort, which was totally in line with the laid-back spirit of the decade.
10. The Pageboy Cut
The pageboy cut was all about sleek, structured, and symmetrical hair that flared just a little at the ends. This haircut was seen as elegant and polished—think of it as the ‘refined cousin’ of the shag.
Celebrities like Mary Quant and Mia Farrow helped popularize this chic style, making it a classic choice for those who wanted sophistication without the need for a whole lot of effort. This look is still a timeless option for those aiming for a clean, polished finish.
11. Crimped Hair
Crimped hair was the ultimate ’70s texture trend, perfect for anyone who wanted to add some playful volume to their locks. Using a crimping iron (a tool that could only be described as a fashion innovation), this look was about creating tiny zig-zag waves.
Crimped hair added tons of texture and fun to the hair. This style was a choice for those who embraced the glam side of the ’70s, as it added extra drama and a touch of eccentricity to the everyday.
12. The Beehive
The iconic beehive hairstyle of the 1970s was all about height and elegance. Women would tease their hair to great heights, using plenty of hairspray to maintain the towering structure. This style was a statement of sophistication, often seen on glamorous occasions.
The beehive required a fair amount of maintenance, with regular touch-ups needed to keep up the volume. Despite its demands, the beehive exuded a certain charm that captured the bold spirit of the ’70s.