26 Stunning 1970s Hairstyles for Long, Short & Medium Hair

Step back in time to the vibrant era of the 1970s, where fashion and culture were a colorful tapestry of self-expression and bold statements.

This was a decade that celebrated individuality, with hairstyles playing a pivotal role in defining personal style and identity.

From the free-spirited hippie locks that embodied the essence of peace and love to the striking dreadlocks that echoed the reggae movement’s powerful presence, the ’70s were a time of transformation and experimentation.

In this article, we unveil 26 stunning hairstyles from this iconic decade, each with its own unique flair and story.

1970s Hairstyles

1. Sleek Glamor Waves

Embrace a touch of 1970s glam rock with long, glossy waves and a deep side part. This look is great for those with straight or slightly wavy hair.

Start by applying a heat protectant to protect your hair. Use a large-barrel curling iron to create soft waves, and then gently brush them out for a natural wave effect.

To keep the waves shiny and in place, finish with a light-hold hairspray. This style exudes elegance and movement, perfect for any glam occasion.

2. Blunt Bob with Micro Bangs

Step into boldness with a sharp blunt bob paired with striking micro bangs. This edgy hairstyle is ideal for straight hair, offering a clean and precise look.

Visit a professional stylist to achieve this precise cut.

Use a straightening iron to maintain the sleekness, and apply a matte finish product to enhance the texture and definition of the bangs.

3. Vintage Hollywood Curls

Channel the sophistication of vintage Hollywood with voluminous, sculpted curls draped elegantly to one side.

Perfect for medium to long hair, start by using hot rollers or a medium-barrel curling iron. After curling, pin the curls to cool and set them.

Once cooled, gently brush and shape the curls into place. Secure your look with a flexible-hold hairspray and add a touch of shine serum.

4. Natural Curly Fro

Celebrate the beauty of natural curls with a voluminous curly fro that’s carefree and full of life.

Perfect for naturally curly hair, keep your curls in top shape with regular conditioning and curl-enhancing products.

Use your fingers to gently tease out the curls, adding volume and life. Finish with a curl-defining cream or gel to keep frizz at bay and maximize curl definition.

5. Tousled Shag Cut

Capture the spirit of the 1970s with the Tousled Shag Cut. This hairstyle is all about layers that add volume and movement to fine hair, giving it a carefree and stylish vibe.

To achieve this look, use a blow dryer and a round brush to enhance the layers. A light texturizing spray will accentuate the feathery ends, creating a lived-in feel.

This hairstyle looks best with a natural, tousled finish, making it perfect for those who love effortless style with a touch of retro flair.

6. Classic Pageboy Bob

Embrace minimalist chic with the Classic Pageboy Bob. This modern twist on a traditional style features blunt ends and a precise contour around your face, offering a sleek and polished look.

To get this style, use a straightening iron to smooth your hair and apply a light pomade to define the edges, adding a polished shine.

Ideal for straight hair, this hairstyle suits various face shapes by providing a flattering frame, making it a timeless choice for a sharp, sophisticated appearance.

7. Retro Volume Waves

Dive into the glamour of the 1970s with Retro Volume Waves. This hairstyle is perfect for long hair, showcasing luxurious, bouncy curls with deep, flowing waves.

Start with a volumizing mousse before curling large sections with hot rollers or a wide-barrel curling iron.

Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray to maintain the full-bodied texture while keeping the waves soft and touchable.

8. Bohemian Long Flow

Embrace your inner free spirit with the Bohemian Long Flow. This style features long, flowing hair with natural waves and subtle layers for a relaxed, boho vibe.

Use a curl-enhancing cream on damp hair and dry with a diffuser to bring out the natural wave pattern.

Add a few random curls with a curling iron, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends. Finish with a light spritz of sea salt spray for added texture.

9. Modern Mod Bob

Rediscover the classic mod bob with a modern twist! This sleek style features a smooth, rounded cut with perfect bangs to frame your face.

To get this chic look, straighten your hair with a flat iron, making sure every strand is perfectly aligned.

Ideal for those who want a stylish yet low-maintenance hairstyle, this bob captures the bold spirit of the ’70s with ease and elegance.

10. Voluminous Silver Curls

Step into the ’70s with voluminous silver curls that exude glamour and energy! This hairstyle is all about big, bouncy curls that are full of life.

If you have naturally curly or permed hair, enhance your curls with a curl-enhancing mousse. Use a diffuser to dry your hair, lifting the roots to add body and texture.

Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep your curls intact all day. This bold look is perfect for dancing the night away, capturing the disco era’s vibrant essence.

11. Pastel Mermaid Waves

Embrace the playful spirit of the ’70s with pastel mermaid waves that are truly enchanting!

Start by lightening your hair, then choose a semi-permanent pastel color for a whimsical touch.

Use a large-barrel curling iron to create those soft, loose waves, gently brushing them out for an ethereal finish. Enhance the shine and health of your waves with a nourishing oil or serum.

12. Shaggy Rocker Layers

Channel your inner rock star with shaggy rocker layers that scream ’70s cool! This hairstyle boasts messy layers and a rough texture that embody a carefree, rock-and-roll vibe.

Ask your stylist for a layered cut, then add grit and volume with a texturizing or salt spray.

Roughly blow-dry your hair while scrunching it to bring out its natural waves and kinks.

13. Blonde Feathered Bob

Discover the retro charm of a feathered bob with a modern twist! This hairstyle features light blonde tones and soft, airy layers that frame your face perfectly.

To create this look, use a round brush and a blow dryer to lift the roots and feather the ends outward for that iconic flair.

A light mist of hairspray will help keep the shape and maintain the delicate feathered effect.

14. Glamorous Blonde Curls

Unleash your inner diva with these luxurious blonde curls that scream glamour! This voluminous look is all about creating tight curls that soften into voluptuous waves.

Use hot rollers or a large barrel curling iron to achieve this effect, and finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep those curls defined and full of life.

Ideal for making a bold, eye-catching statement at any event, these curls are perfect for anyone wanting to embrace the extravagant spirit of the 1970s.

15. Vintage Veiled Beauty

Step back in time with this elegant, vintage-inspired hairstyle that pairs perfectly with a classic bridal veil.

Style your hair into a soft updo or low chignon, securing it with decorative pins or a comb. Add a birdcage veil for that touch of 1970s bridal elegance.

A smoothing serum or hairspray will ensure every strand stays in place, giving you a polished and refined appearance.

16. Boho Chic Waves

Embrace the carefree spirit of the 1970s with boho chic waves that are effortlessly stylish.

Perfect for medium to long hair, this look is easy to achieve with a salt spray for texture and a wide-barrel curling iron to add loose waves.

Gently tousle your hair with your fingers for a natural, laid-back feel, and finish with a light hairspray to keep the waves soft and touchable all day.

17. Classic Afro

The Afro is a powerful symbol of freedom and self-expression from the 1970s. To achieve this classic look, ensure your curls are always hydrated by regularly conditioning your hair.

Use a hair pick to fluff your hair out to its full volume and shape it according to your personal style.

The Afro is highly adaptable, allowing you to choose the size and shape that best suits you, making it both versatile and bold.

18. Disco Diva Curls

Step back to the 1970s disco era with large, voluminous curls that were a staple on dance floors.

To create this glamorous look, use hot rollers or a curling wand to form big, bouncy curls.

Finish with a flexible hold spray to ensure your curls retain their body and shine while still allowing plenty of movement.

19. Mullet

Embrace the retro charm of the mullet, a hairstyle that became popular in the late ’70s.

Characterized by short hair at the front and sides with longer locks at the back, the mullet offers a unique look.

Style it by applying mousse or gel to enhance its texture and volume, keeping the front sleek while letting the back flow freely.

20. Cornrows

Cornrows are a protective and stylish hairstyle featuring neat, tight braids that sit close to the scalp.

From the 1970s, this practical style is perfect for maintaining healthy hair while offering a clean and fashionable appearance.

You can experiment with various patterns to personalize the look. Cornrows are not only trendy but also a testament to cultural heritage, making them an enduring favorite.

21. Shag with Bangs

Transform your look with a shag haircut, a timeless ’70s classic celebrated for its layered flair. By adding bangs, you soften your face and introduce a youthful, edgy vibe.

To style, employ a round brush and blow dryer to infuse volume and movement into the layers, ensuring your hair remains lively and dynamic.

Perfect for those who love a bit of retro with a modern twist, this look balances sophistication with a playful edge.

22. Farrah Fawcett’s Feathers

Embrace the iconic feathered layers inspired by the legendary Farrah Fawcett. This style frames your face with gentle, flowing layers that radiate elegance.

Use a blow dryer and round brush to curl the ends outward, away from your face. Finish with a light hairspray to maintain the style’s volume and bounce throughout the day.

This look is ideal for those who want to channel classic Hollywood glamour with effortless charm.

23. Pageboy Cut

The Pageboy is a retro bob cut that falls neatly at ear-level, with ends curled into a soft round under the chin.

Achieve a sleek and shiny appearance using styling cream and a meticulous drying technique.

This polished hairstyle is perfect for anyone seeking a classic yet modern look that exudes sophistication and simplicity, making it a timeless choice for all occasions.

24. Beehive

Achieve a stunning high-volume look with the Beehive hairstyle, where hair is stacked in a sophisticated conical shape atop your head.

Utilize teasing and hairspray to reach the desired height and achieve a smooth finish.

This elegant and bold style is perfect for those looking to make a striking statement, combining vintage charm with modern elegance to keep your look intact and refined.

25. Layered Hippie Locks

Embrace the free-spirited essence of the hippie era with long, layered locks that flow naturally.

This hairstyle is all about creating a carefree vibe with layers that add depth and movement. To achieve this look, focus on enhancing the layers by adding subtle waves.

You can use a curling iron for gentle bends or simply let your hair air dry for a more natural texture.

26. Dreadlocks

Step into the bold world of the reggae movement with dreadlocks, a style that speaks volumes.

This look is born from letting your hair naturally mat over time, or for a more defined appearance, using intentional methods like backcombing and twisting.

Dreadlocks carry a rich history and represent a lifestyle choice. They require patience and commitment, as their formation is a gradual process.

Conclusion

As we wrap up this exploration of 26 stunning 1970s hairstyles for long, short, and medium hair, it’s clear that the decade’s influence on fashion is both diverse and enduring.

From the carefree waves of hippie locks to the structured elegance of feathered cuts, each style captures a unique essence of the era.

These hairstyles not only tell stories of the past but also offer endless inspiration for modern-day interpretations.