8 Best 1970s Hairstyles That Will Give A Cool Vintage Look

The ‘70s hairstyles reflected the flamboyant vibes and innovative charm that continue to inspire modern trends. This decade was known for its laid-back, effortless style, emphasizing natural textures and carefree vibes. It was a decade of experimentation with fashion choices and self-expression, and the hairstyles reflected that. From voluminous curls and shaggy hair to sleek, straight locks, the most iconic hairstyles of that era have remained relevant even today. If you are looking to embrace the charm of the ‘70s hairstyle, we have got your back. This article explores some of the coolest hairstyles of the ‘70s that still reign supreme. Keep scrolling.

Overview Of 1970s Hairstyles

The 1970s brought a diverse range of hairstyles that reflected the decade’s cultural shifts. Natural textures and free-flowing hair were at the forefront. These included Afro, long, sleek straight hair, and bohemian-inspired waves that enhanced the natural texture of the hair without changing it much.

During the ‘70s, feminism gained momentum and the political and cultural movements influenced how people styled their hair. For instance, the Afro hair became a symbol of pride and empowerment, an iconic look for many in the Black community. The waves and braides were a signature for those inspired by the hippie movement. So, it’s clear that the ‘70s hairstyles were about individuality and expression, and breaking free from the barriers and social standards. Scroll down to the next section to take a look at the most popular styles of the 1970s.

Top 8 1970s Hairstyles

The ‘70s were a vibrant time for fashion and hairstyles. It brought a wide range of looks inspired by cultural trends and music. Let us take a look at some of the most famous ones that still rule the fashion world.

1. ‘70s Hairstyle For Long Hair

The sleek, straight long hair was one of the most iconic hairstyles that ruled the ‘70s. It was also called “Cher hair” as Cher wore this style frequently during that decade and now, the Kardashians are often seen flaunting this style. You can easily achieve this style by blow-drying or ironing your hair to achieve a smooth, glossy finish.

2. ‘70s Shaggy Layered Hairstyle

Nobody sported a shaggy layered hairstyle better in the ‘70s than Jane Fonda. She was and is the queen of layered hairstyles. The textured, uneven, grungy layers created a carefree and tousled look. When paired with bright blonde highlights, this style became even more striking. It easily highlights the layers’ movement and dimensions.

3. ‘70s Short Hairstyle

Here’s something bold for those with kinky, curly hair. It was undeniably iconic during the ‘70s and was popularized by Grace Jones during her early modeling days. This look became instantly iconic for its edgy and minimalist appeal. The hairstyle features a close shave, with hair shaved very close to the scalp for a clean, smooth finish.

4. ‘70s Black Hairstyle

The Afro was a prominent and empowering hairstyle for Black women in the 1970s. This style helped them embrace the natural texture and volume of their hair. Celebs like Angela Davis, Pam Grier, and Diana Ross championed the seventies ‘fro look as a symbol of self-acceptance and social change.

5. ‘70s Hippie Hairstyle

A hippie or a boho-chic hairstyle, like the one in the image above, is perfect for festivals like Coachella. This is a style inspired by the amazing folk musician Joni Mitchell who embraced the bohemian style with a passion. She is still considered one of the most trendy fashionistas of the hippie movement. You can give it your twist by adding accessories like colorful beads, clips, or flowers to the accent braids.

6. ‘70s Updo Hairstyle

This is a style that many people can appreciate! A hair scarf can be worn in different ways for an attractive look. Take for example this updo hairstyle in the image above. It features a bun sitting high on the crown with a red polka dot scarf tied around the head, forming a bow in the middle. Bianca Jagger was known for sporting variations of this look.

7. ‘70s Ponytail Hairstyle

The ‘70s were obsessed with high ponytails with a bouffant. This style is all about adding volume to the crown by backcombing and teasing the hair and making a poof. It was often paired with bangs, which increased the glam quotient of this style. Although it was popularized in the ‘60s by Brigitte Bardot, this hairstyle gained widespread popularity during the ‘70s. Celebrities like Cher and Raquel Welch were known for rocking this playful style.

8. ‘70s Bob Hairstyle

Bobs were quite popular in the ‘70s and featured different lengths, styles, and variations. However, the most popular style was a short bob with blunt, straight edges that frame the face, reaching just below the jaw. The bangs or fringes are layered to add more dimension and bounce. Debbie Harry wore a similar style in the ‘70s that became a worldwide sensation and has recently seen a resurgence.

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Shreya MukherjeeBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Shreya is a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience. After graduating from Christ University, Bengaluru, she started as a writer for a non-profit organization, Bhumi, as an intern. She then wrote for a progressive content website.

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Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Pahul NanraBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Pahul Nanra is a content writer with a penchant for all things fashion and beauty. She has two years of experience in writing across beauty and lifestyle genres. She is an English Honors graduate from Delhi University with a diploma in Fashion Designing from YMCA.

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