Sometimes modern hair feels a little too polished. You want something with movement, personality, and vintage charm. That is where 1970s fashion hairstyles come in. The 1970s gave us feathered layers, curtain bangs, soft waves, big volume, and playful texture. Many of those details still feel fresh today. You do not need a full vintage costume to wear these hairstyles. A few simple styling choices can bring the decade into your everyday look. These ten ideas cover different lengths, textures, and styling needs. You will find relaxed waves, dramatic layers, curly shapes, and easy retro details. Grab your round brush and favorite styling cream. Your retro hair moment starts here.
What Actually Makes 1970s Hairstyles Work
The best 1970s fashion hairstyles focus on movement rather than perfect symmetry. Layers create natural bounce, while curtain bangs frame the face. Texture also matters. Soft waves, feathered ends, curls, and lifted roots create that unmistakable retro feeling. You can keep the finish modern by using lighter products. Avoid making every strand stiff or overly teased. For an authentic look, focus on volume, movement, and soft texture. Then choose one strong 70s detail instead of copying everything at once.
1. Feathered Layers With Flipped Ends
Want that classic 70s movement without going fully vintage? Start with feathered layers.
The Formula:
- Long or medium-length layered haircut
- Face-framing feathered pieces
- Rounded ends
- Lightweight volumizing mousse
- Medium round brush
- Soft-hold hairspray
Why It Works:
Feathered layers create movement around the face. The flipped ends give the hairstyle its recognizable retro shape. The style also works beautifully with a modern blowout. Keep the finish soft instead of heavily teased.
Stylist/Pro Tip:
Direct the front layers away from your face while blow-drying. Let them cool before brushing them out.
Best For / Wear It To:
Medium to long hair, retro parties, everyday styling, and photos.
Swap It / Make It Last:
Use a large curling brush instead of a round brush for a softer finish.
2. Farrah-Inspired Feathered Blowout
Need bigger volume and serious retro energy? Try a feathered blowout.
The Formula:
- Long layered haircut
- Curtain-style front layers
- Root-lifting mousse
- Large round brush
- Velcro rollers
- Flexible hairspray
Why It Works:
This look builds volume from the roots through the ends. The layers sweep away from the face for a dramatic finish. Velcro rollers help the shape last longer. They also create volume without requiring a tight curl.
Stylist/Pro Tip:
Place rollers vertically around the face. This creates more outward movement.
Best For / Wear It To:
Long hair, special events, parties, and statement photos.
Swap It / Make It Last:
Use fewer rollers for a softer everyday version.
3. Curtain Bangs With Long Layers
Want a softer way to bring 70s style into your everyday hair? Try curtain bangs.
The Formula:
- Long layered haircut
- Center-parted curtain bangs
- Face-framing layers
- Lightweight smoothing cream
- Medium round brush
- Flexible finishing spray
Why It Works:
Curtain bangs create an easy retro reference without looking like a costume. Long layers connect the bangs to the rest of the haircut. The center part also gives the hairstyle a relaxed 70s feeling.
Stylist/Pro Tip:
Blow-dry each bang section away from your face. Let it cool before shaping the ends.
Best For / Wear It To:
Straight, wavy, or lightly textured hair and everyday styling.
Swap It / Make It Last:
Pin the bangs back with small clips when you want a different look.
💡 Quick Pro Tip: The easiest retro update comes from your front layers. Keep the rest of your hair simple and let those pieces create the movement.
4. Soft 70s Shag
Want texture instead of a polished blowout? A soft shag brings the decade back naturally.
The Formula:
- Medium-length shag haircut
- Choppy crown layers
- Wispy face-framing pieces
- Texturizing spray
- Lightweight styling cream
- Air-dried finish
Why It Works:
The shag creates volume through layers and texture. Wispy pieces keep the style relaxed. You can wear it with natural waves or add subtle bends with a curling iron.
Stylist/Pro Tip:
Scrunch styling cream into the ends rather than brushing them flat.
Best For / Wear It To:
Wavy, textured, and naturally voluminous hair.
Swap It / Make It Last:
Use a diffuser when you want more definition and lift.
5. Big Curly 70s Volume
Have naturally curly hair? Let your texture become the star.
The Formula:
- Rounded layered curly haircut
- Defined natural curls
- Curl cream
- Lightweight gel
- Diffuser attachment
- Wide-tooth pick
Why It Works:
The 70s celebrated volume and natural texture. A rounded curly shape creates that bold vintage silhouette. A diffuser helps build lift without flattening your curls.
Stylist/Pro Tip:
Lift your roots with a pick after your curls fully dry. Avoid brushing through the curl pattern.
Best For / Wear It To:
Curly and coily hair, parties, concerts, and everyday statement looks.
Swap It / Make It Last:
Refresh the roots with a little water and curl cream the next morning.
6. Sleek Middle-Parted 70s Hair
Prefer smooth hair? You can still capture the decade with a clean center part.
The Formula:
- Long straight hair
- Precise middle part
- Smoothing serum
- Paddle brush
- Flat iron
- Lightweight shine spray
Why It Works:
The center part creates a strong 70s reference. Sleek lengths keep the look simple and modern. A glossy finish adds polish without needing extra volume.
Stylist/Pro Tip:
Apply a tiny amount of serum to your palms before smoothing the ends.
Best For / Wear It To:
Straight or stretched hair, dinners, events, and polished everyday looks.
Swap It / Make It Last:
Add subtle waves to the lower half for a softer retro version.
7. Boho Waves With a Center Part
Want relaxed retro hair with a little festival energy? Try loose boho waves.
The Formula:
- Long or medium-length hair
- Center part
- Loose S-shaped waves
- Texturizing spray
- Wide-barrel curling iron
- Lightweight hair oil
Why It Works:
Loose waves create the free-spirited side of 70s hair. The center part keeps the style connected to the decade. The waves should look relaxed rather than perfectly identical.
Stylist/Pro Tip:
Alternate the curling direction on each section. This creates more natural movement.
Best For / Wear It To:
Concerts, festivals, casual weekends, and vacation styling.
Swap It / Make It Last:
Braid slightly damp hair before bed for heat-free waves.
Retro hair feels best when you make it your own. Keep the vintage detail, then adjust the finish for your everyday style.
8. Short Feathered Bob
Want a shorter retro hairstyle with plenty of movement? Try a feathered bob.
The Formula:
- Chin-length or jaw-length bob
- Soft feathered layers
- Side-swept front pieces
- Volumizing mousse
- Small round brush
- Flexible hairspray
Why It Works:
A feathered bob combines the shape of a classic bob with 70s movement. The layers stop the cut from feeling too stiff. Side-swept pieces add softness around the face.
Stylist/Pro Tip:
Dry the front pieces forward first. Then sweep them sideways while they cool.
Best For / Wear It To:
Short hair, office looks, dinners, and retro-inspired events.
Swap It / Make It Last:Add a velvet headband for a simple vintage accessory.
9. Long Hair With Feathered Bangs
Want dramatic movement without cutting lots of length? Add feathered bangs.
The Formula:
- Long layered hair
- Feathered fringe
- Face-framing layers
- Round brush
- Volumizing mousse
- Light shine spray
Why It Works:
Feathered bangs create a strong retro focal point. Long lengths keep the overall style versatile. The soft outward movement gives the hair a classic 70s finish.
Stylist/Pro Tip:
Use a smaller round brush near the bangs. This gives you better control over the curve.
Best For / Wear It To:
Long hair, dinner events, photoshoots, and everyday retro styling.
Swap It / Make It Last:
Sweep the bangs sideways when you want a softer look.
🧴 Shortcut: You do not need many products. A round brush, volumizing mousse, and flexible hairspray can create several retro looks.
10. Disco-Inspired Glam Waves
Want the most playful option? Bring out the shine and movement.
The Formula:
- Medium or long layered hair
- Large soft waves
- Center or slightly off-center part
- Heat protectant
- Large-barrel curling iron
- Gloss spray
Why It Works:
Large waves create movement without looking overly structured. Gloss gives the hairstyle a glamorous disco-era finish. Keep the curls loose after styling. This makes the look feel wearable today.
Stylist/Pro Tip:
Let every curl cool completely before separating the waves with your fingers.
Best For / Wear It To:
Parties, weddings, dinners, concerts, and evening events.
Swap It / Make It Last:
Use a silk or satin pillowcase to help preserve the waves overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hairstyles were popular in the 1970s?
Popular 1970s hairstyles included feathered layers, shag cuts, curtain bangs, long waves, curly volume, and sleek center parts. Hair often focused on movement and natural texture. Many modern versions keep those classic details while using lighter styling products and softer finishes.
How do you make hair look 1970s?
Start with a center part or strong face-framing layers. Add volume around the roots and movement through the ends. Feathered layers, curtain bangs, loose waves, and rounded curls can all create a 70s-inspired effect.
What hair products work for 70s hairstyles?
Volumizing mousse, heat protectant, texturizing spray, lightweight hair oil, flexible hairspray, and smoothing serum all work well. Choose products based on your hair texture. Avoid using too much product because modern 70s styles look better with movement.
Can you wear 1970s hairstyles with short hair?
Absolutely. A feathered bob, short shag, or rounded layered cut can capture the decade. Focus on soft movement around the face and crown. A small round brush can also create beautiful flipped ends.
Are 1970s hairstyles still popular?
Many 70s details continue to influence modern hair trends. Curtain bangs, layered cuts, shag styles, center parts, and big blowouts remain popular choices. The easiest approach involves borrowing one retro detail and pairing it with a modern finish.
Conclusion
1970s fashion hairstyles prove that movement never goes out of style.
You can choose soft feathered layers, curtain bangs, big curls, boho waves, or sleek center-parted hair. You also do not need a complicated routine. A round brush, volumizing product, and flexible finish can create several retro looks. Start with the hairstyle that matches your natural texture and daily routine. Then add one vintage detail that feels like you. Save this guide before your next haircut or styling session. It makes a handy reference when you want a little retro inspiration.
Which 1970s hairstyle would you try first?