The 1970s were an extraordinary era for hairstyles that broke the mold and celebrated individuality, freedom, and bold self-expression. From the dance floors of disco clubs to the carefree streets of bohemian neighborhoods, hair was a powerful fashion statement that reflected personality and mood. Today, these iconic ’70s hairstyles are making an exciting resurgence, blending nostalgia with modern styling techniques to create looks that feel both vintage and fresh. Whether you want voluminous curls, edgy cuts, or effortlessly natural waves, there’s a retro style ready to transform your look and inject some timeless flair into your everyday hair routine. Here are 11 fabulous ’70s hairstyles making a comeback and how you can rock them today with style and confidence.
1. Feathered Hair
Feathered hair is the quintessential 70s style that remains one of the most beloved retro looks returning to modern salons. Its signature “flipped out” layers frame the face beautifully while creating soft movement and dynamic volume. The style involves layering hair so it flows backward and outward, giving a breezy, wind-tousled effect that feels light and airy. Today’s feathered haircuts embrace a natural finish with minimal product use to avoid heaviness. Whether parted in the middle or slightly off-center, feathered layers bring a sense of liveliness and elegance to any hairstyle. This look suits a variety of hair lengths and textures, especially medium to thick hair. Feathered hair balances sophistication with casual coolness, making it perfect for both workdays and weekend outings. Bringing feathered hair back invites vintage glamour into your everyday look without feeling outdated or overly styled.
2. The Shag
The shag cut is one of the most iconic ’70s hairstyles, embodying rebellion, texture, and effortless cool. It’s defined by choppy layers that add volume and create an undone, lived-in texture. Modern shags take cues from ’70s rock stars but soften edges and add face-framing elements to update the style. Curtain bangs or wispy fringes often accompany the shag, enhancing its relaxed yet edgy vibe. This cut is incredibly versatile and works well with straight to wavy hair. The shag’s appeal lies in its low-maintenance nature—air-drying for natural waves or adding styling cream for definition. It projects confidence and carefree spirit without appearing messy or unfinished. For those craving an edgy retro look with personality, the shag is a go-to style. Its resurgence proves that the coolest looks come from embracing natural texture and playful layering.
3. Disco Curls
Big, voluminous curls defined the disco era and remain one of the most glamorous ’70s hairstyles making a comeback. Disco curls focus on fullness, bounce, and shine—capturing the energy of dance floors and nightlife. To get disco curls today, aim for well-defined, uniform curls with volume at the roots. Curl-enhancing mousses and frizz-fighting serums keep curls bouncy and healthy. Using a diffuser lifts curls at the scalp, while large barrel curling irons create the signature spiral texture seen on disco divas like Diana Ross. These curls work best on medium to long hair and make a bold statement for parties or special occasions. Disco curls feel fun, confident, and radiant, embodying the joy of movement and self-expression. Embracing disco curls channels the fearless, vibrant spirit of the ’70s with a modern polish.
4. Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs were a defining feature of ’70s hairstyles and have gained huge popularity for their flattering face-framing effect. These bangs are parted down the middle or slightly off-center, sweeping gently to each side like curtains opening. Curtain bangs complement everything from long layers to short bobs and soften facial features without overwhelming the face. Unlike blunt bangs, curtain bangs grow out gracefully, making maintenance easier. Styling typically involves blow-drying with a round brush to achieve the swooping effect, but they also look effortlessly chic air-dried with texturizing spray. Their renewed popularity reflects a trend toward soft, natural looks that feel stylish yet relaxed. They suit most hair types and lengths, making curtain bangs a subtle way to update your look with a nod to 70s glamour while retaining modern elegance.
5. The Afro
The Afro was more than a hairstyle in the ’70s; it symbolized empowerment, pride, and cultural identity. Today, it remains a powerful statement of natural beauty and authenticity. Modern Afros benefit from advanced haircare products designed to hydrate, define, and protect natural curls, enabling healthy and vibrant hair. Whether shaped into a perfectly round silhouette or tapered, the Afro is bold and versatile. Its resurgence is tied to embracing heritage and reclaiming narratives around Black hair, making it both a fashion and cultural movement. The beauty of the Afro lies in its texture and volume, requiring regular moisturizing and gentle styling. This style radiates confidence and pride, perfect for those wanting to showcase their natural curl pattern unapologetically. Wearing an Afro today honors the past while making a strong statement about present identity and beauty standards. It’s timeless, powerful, and endlessly stylish.
6. Boho Waves
Soft, loose waves with an undone texture were staples of the 70s bohemian aesthetic and continue to captivate today. Boho waves evoke a free-spirited, effortless vibe that works for casual or romantic looks. Achieving this involves gentle layering combined with styling tools to create natural bends without tight curls. Texturizing sprays, sea salt sprays, and light mousses add movement and body while keeping hair light and touchable. Boho waves suit medium to long hair lengths and often pair well with middle parts or subtle face-framing layers to enhance the relaxed feel. Unlike polished curls, boho waves embrace imperfection, as if touched by wind and sun. This makes the style perfect for everyday wear or music festivals, where carefree yet put-together appearances shine. Boho waves celebrate natural beauty and individuality, making them a perfect retro revival for those who want a sense of freedom in their look.
7. Voluminous Blowouts
Voluminous blowouts scream 70s glam, exuding confidence and elegance through body, bounce, and shine. The blowout was a staple of disco queens and Hollywood stars, now revived with modern techniques for fullness and smoothness. A professional blowout uses a round brush and blow dryer to lift roots and curl ends under, creating a polished yet lively look. Volumizing mousse, heat protectants, and shine serums keep hair healthy and resilient all day. Voluminous blowouts suit medium to long hair with naturally straight or slightly wavy textures. This versatile style works for workdays, special events, or casual nights, adding sophistication to any outfit. The key is balancing volume with smoothness—movement without frizz or puffiness. The comeback of voluminous blowouts celebrates the 70s’ love of drama and glamour with modern refinement. It empowers you to make an entrance and leave a lasting impression.
8. Sleek Middle Part
The sleek middle part was a simple yet iconic 70s look emphasizing symmetry and understated elegance. It pairs beautifully with straight or slightly wavy hair, providing a clean, polished frame for the face. Today’s sleek middle part involves smoothing serums and straightening irons for a glossy finish with no flyaways. The middle part elongates the face and highlights eyes and cheekbones, favored by those who prefer minimalist yet impactful styles. This look suits all hair lengths but is especially striking on longer, straight hair. It can be dressed up or down, ideal for professional settings or casual days. The sleek middle part reflects the 70s trend toward natural beauty and simplicity with a modern edge. Its timelessness comes from how effortlessly chic it makes the wearer appear. For retro-inspired style that’s elegant and easy to maintain, the sleek middle part is ideal.
9. Long Straight Hair
Long, straight hair epitomized simplicity and natural beauty in the 70s and is back in fashion emphasizing healthy, glossy strands that flow smoothly. Achieving this requires good haircare, including conditioning, avoiding heat damage, and smoothing products. Modern long straight hair often includes subtle layers or a middle part to add dimension and avoid flatness. This style suits naturally straight or slightly wavy hair and can be styled up or down. It’s flattering for all face shapes and offers a classic, timeless look. Its resurgence reflects a preference for simplicity balanced with polish. Whether casual or elegant, long straight hair carries nostalgic 70s vibes while maintaining fresh, contemporary appeal.
10. Crimped Hair
Crimped hair with its zig-zag texture emerged at the late 70s and exploded in the 80s, returning now as a playful retro trend. Crimping adds volume and texture to flat or fine hair and can be subtle or pronounced depending on the iron used. It’s perfect for adding a unique twist to party styles or everyday looks when paired with sleek sides or pulled-back sections. Crimped hair suits medium lengths and pairs well with layers or bangs to soften its overall effect. Heat protectants and texturizers are essential to maintain hair health and definition. The comeback of crimped hair celebrates 70s experimentation and individuality, inviting wearers to play with texture boldly. It’s a youthful, fun statement full of personality.
11. Pageboy Cut
The pageboy cut is known for smooth, rounded edges and blunt ends—a refined yet trendy 70s hairstyle. It frames the face with a structured silhouette. Today’s pageboy includes modern twists like asymmetry, soft layering, or bold color contrasts to keep it fresh. It works best on straight to slightly wavy hair and suits anyone wanting a chic, polished style blending vintage charm with contemporary edge. Regular trims maintain its shape. The pageboy offers a sleek, high-fashion look that makes a statement with little styling effort. It’s perfect for embracing retro aesthetics with bold, confident flair. Its return proves classic cuts still communicate elegance and individuality, reminding us simple shapes can have great impact.
These 11 hairstyles highlight the enduring appeal of 70s hair fashion, showing how vintage styles refresh with modern techniques for today’s beauty needs. Whether drawn to voluminous curls, textured layers, or sleek simplicity, the retro wave celebrates self-expression and timeless charm. Embracing these styles connects you with a vibrant past while confidently stepping forward into your own unique present. The revival of these fabulous ’70s looks proves great hair never goes out of style—it only evolves.
