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(Image via Midjourney)

'70s Hairstyles That Are Making a Comeback

The 1970s were a decade of bold fashion, iconic music, and hairstyles that stood the test of time. From effortless bohemian braids to feathered hair, the ‘70s were a golden era for self-expression through hair. Fast forward to today, and these retro styles are making a major comeback, proving that what’s old can be new again. Whether it’s the carefree charm of a shag haircut or the sleek sophistication of a middle part, modern hairstylists and trendsetters are putting their twist on these vintage classics.

Why are these styles resurfacing now? Nostalgia plays a big role, as does the cyclical nature of fashion. With a renewed appreciation for individuality and unique looks, people are drawing inspiration from the past to create fresh, updated versions of ‘70s favorites. Advances in hair care and styling tools also make it easier than ever to achieve these iconic looks.

This article explores the most popular ‘70s hairstyles returning to the mainstream, why they were so beloved in their heyday, and how you can recreate them today. With these timeless trends, get ready to channel your inner disco diva or free-spirited bohemian!

The Wedge

The Wedge

The wedge haircut burst onto the scene in the 1970s, thanks to figure skater Dorothy Hamill, who made it her signature look. This short, geometric cut featured stacked layers at the back and tapered edges, creating a chic, angular silhouette that was easy to maintain and perfect for active lifestyles. Stylists achieved the look with precision cutting, and it quickly became a favorite among women.

Modern iterations include softer layers and textured finishes, giving the classic cut a more relaxed feel. Today’s stylists often incorporate razoring techniques and volumizing products to add depth and movement to the style.

(Image via Midjourney)

Flipped Ends

Flipped Ends

Flippy ends were the playful hallmark of 1970s hairstyles that bled over from the '60s, as seen on television stars like Farrah Fawcett and Mary Tyler Moore. This look involved straight hair with ends flipped outward, giving it a youthful bounce. Achieving this style back then meant using round brushes, blow dryers, and hot rollers to create the signature flick at the ends.

Today, flippy ends have reemerged as a red-carpet staple for celebrities and influencers trying to exude "old Hollywood." Modern tools like flat irons with rounded edges and curling wands make it easier to recreate the flick, while heat protectants and finishing sprays ensure a smooth, frizz-free finish. Flippy ends work well with medium-to-long hair lengths, adding a fun, flirty element to an otherwise sleek hairstyle.

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Scarf Updo

Scarf Updo

The scarf updo was a chic and practical hairstyle popularized by icons like Brigitte Bardot and Grace Kelly, this look is often paired with a high or low bun. It was perfect for summer outings, casual errands, or glamorous evening affairs. Achieving the look was as simple as wrapping a scarf over pinned-up hair, with bobby pins ensuring everything stayed in place.

Modern takes on this style pair sleek or textured buns with printed scarves, including securing the hair with elastics and finishing with hairspray for hold before adding the scarf.

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Sleek Middle Part

Sleek Middle Part

Long, sleek hair parted in the middle was a defining look of the 1970s, popularized by actresses like Cher and Ali MacGraw. This minimalist style symbolized the era’s shift toward natural beauty. Achieving this look often involves straightening hair with an iron or blow-dryer and finishing with oil for that glossy sheen.

Whether paired with casual bohemian outfits or sleek modern ensembles, this hairstyle complements virtually any look. Modern tools like ceramic flat irons and smoothing sprays make it easier than ever to achieve a frizz-free, polished result.

(Image via Midjourney)

Bohemian Braids

Bohemian Braids

Braids and bohemian hairstyles were a cornerstone of 1970s counterculture, embodying the free spirit of the hippie movement. Styles like crown braids, fishtails, and loose, natural plaits were popular among women. Paired with floral dresses, peasant blouses, and natural textures, achieving the look involved air-drying hair for a natural texture and using minimal styling products to maintain the organic aesthetic.

In 2024, braids and bohemian styles are back with a modern twist. Influencers and celebrities have redefined these timeless looks with intricate braiding techniques, balayage highlights, and accessories like pearls, beads, and ribbons. It involves texturizing sprays and hot tools to enhance volume and detail while still preserving that relaxed, natural vibe.

(Image via Midjourney)

The Shag

The Shag

Rockstars like Mick Jagger and Joan Jett popularized the shag haircut. Its choppy layers, textured volume, and messy appeal embodied the rebellious, carefree spirit of the era. Designed for both men and women, the shag became a versatile choice that worked across different hair lengths and textures. Stylists focused on creating uneven layers that framed the face while keeping the ends wispy and feathered. Blow-drying with a round brush added movement and texture.

In 2024, the shag is making a triumphant return. The comeback is largely thanks to its adaptability for all hair types, from straight to curly, and its ability to add volume without heavy maintenance. Today’s shag is often paired with curtain bangs for a face-framing effect and styled with texturizing sprays or pomades to enhance the tousled look.

(Image via Midjourney)

Feathered Hair

Feathered Hair

Feathered hair became synonymous with the glamour of the 1970s, largely thanks to Farrah Fawcett’s iconic golden waves in Charlie’s Angels. Characterized by its soft layers flowing away from the face like feathers, this style gave the illusion of volume and movement, making it a go-to choice for both men and women during the disco era. Achieving the look in the ‘70s often required rollers, blow dryers, and a generous application of hairspray to keep the layers perfectly flared.

Modern updates to the style often involve softer, more blended layers, and styling tools like round brushes and volumizing sprays are used to create a more natural, effortless version of the original look.

(Image via Midjourney)

Afros

Afros

The Afro emerged in the 1970s as a powerful cultural statement, symbolizing pride and identity within the Black community. Stars like Angela Davis and The Jackson 5 showcased this bold, voluminous style, which celebrated natural hair textures in a way that had rarely been seen in mainstream media before. Achieving the perfect Afro back then involved combing out curls with a pick and using moisturizers to maintain volume and shine.

Fast forward to today, and the Afro has made a stunning comeback, not just as a hairstyle but as a statement of self-expression and empowerment. Modern variations include smaller, more sculpted Afros or full, dramatic versions that echo the original 1970s aesthetic. Contemporary hair care products like curl creams and hydrating sprays make it easier than ever to maintain healthy, natural hair while rocking this iconic look.

(Image via Midjourney)

Curtain Bangs

Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs are one of the most recognizable features of 1970s hairstyles, made iconic by stars like Brigitte Bardot and Farrah Fawcett. These face-framing fringes parted down the middle or slightly off-center exuded effortless elegance, softening the face while drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones. Back then, the style was achieved with careful trimming, curling irons, and plenty of hairspray to keep the bangs in place without losing their airy charm.

Their versatility and low-maintenance appeal fuels their popularity, because they grow out gracefully and can be styled in multiple ways. In 2024, achieving curtain bangs often involves a stylist carefully tailoring the cut to suit face shapes, followed by styling tools like flat irons or curling wands to create soft waves.

(Image via Midjourney)

Disco Curls

Disco Curls

Disco curls defined the 1970s nightlife, as seen on icons like Donna Summer and Diana Ross. Back then, achieving these curls often involved setting hair with rollers, teasing for extra volume, and applying plenty of hairspray to hold the style throughout the night. Disco curls symbolized the era’s carefree yet bold attitude, perfect for making a statement on the dance floor.

Today, disco curls are enjoying a revival, embraced for their ability to add drama and texture to any outfit. Modern tools like curling wands and diffusers make it easier to achieve the look, while products such as curl creams and styling mousses help define and enhance natural curls. Unlike the stiff styles of the past, today’s disco curls focus on movement and softness.

(Image via Midjourney)