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The 1970s brought us iconic hair trends that still inspire hairstyling today. From the effortless long hair hippie looks to bold disco hair and makeup, the 70s aesthetic has a timeless appeal. In this article, we’ll explore 33 of the most retro yet modernized hairstyles 1970s, perfect for today’s women short, women medium, or women long hair preferences.
Feathered Layers with Modern Twist
Feathered layers are synonymous with the 70s. This hairstyle features soft, graduated layers that frame the face and add volume. A modern twist includes sleek finishes and a glossy texture that enhances the layers. Ideal for round face shapes, this look is versatile for both casual and formal occasions. It works best for straight hair or slightly curly textures and suits medium to long hair lengths.
For maintenance, use a lightweight volumizing mousse, like Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse, and a round brush to achieve that feathered effect. A smoothing serum, such as John Frieda Frizz Ease, will keep the layers sleek and frizz-free.
Shaggy Bob with Curtain Bangs
The shaggy bob with curtain bangs is a shorter version of the iconic 70s shag, retaining its textured and tousled charm. This cute haircut features choppy ends and long bangs parted in the center, perfect for round face shapes or those seeking a low-maintenance, edgy style. It suits women short and women medium hair lengths.
To style, apply Ouai Wave Spray to damp hair for natural texture and tousle with fingers. Use a texturizing product like Bumble and Bumble Texture Spray for a lived-in finish.
Voluminous Farrah Fawcett Waves
Inspired by Farrah Fawcett, this disco era hairstyle embodies glamour with its signature voluminous waves that flip outward. Suitable for long hair and women medium lengths, these waves add movement and drama. Best for straight hair or easy to curl textures, this style elongates the face.
Create these waves with a large barrel curling iron and a heat protectant like Tresemmé Thermal Creations Spray. Finish with Oribe Superfine Hair Spray for hold and shine.
Long Layered Hair with Wispy Bangs
Long hair 1970s often showcased soft layers with wispy bangs that framed the face. This hairstyle remains timeless and is perfect for women long hair. The modern version incorporates slight texturization and natural finishes, suiting oval or round face shapes.
Keep the layers healthy with a nourishing shampoo like Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and a lightweight leave-in conditioner such as It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Spray.
Center-Parted Sleek Straight Hair
This straight hair look dominated the early 70s, exuding simplicity and elegance. The updated version includes a glassy, reflective finish perfect for black, brunette, or blonde shades. Ideal for oval or heart-shaped faces, this style suits long hair lengths.
Achieve sleekness with a flat iron and L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Spray. Add a shine spray like Kenra Shine Spray for a polished look.
Textured Shag Cut with Tousled Ends
The shag haircut epitomizes aesthetic 70s vibes with its textured layers and tousled ends. A current update adds softness around the edges, making it perfect for women medium or short hair. It works well for all face shapes and is ideal for curly hair.
Style with a curl cream like Cantu Curl Activator for textured waves, and use a diffuser for added volume.
Disco-Inspired Curls with Glossy Finish
Big, bouncy curls defined the disco era. This look is a statement style for late 70s enthusiasts, modernized with a glossy, hydrated finish. Suitable for curly hair, it works best on medium to long hair.
Use a curl-defining cream like DevaCurl SuperCream and a diffuser to enhance the natural curl pattern. Finish with SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Shine Spray for a glossy look.
Chin-Length Flip-Out Bob
The flip-out bob is a retro short hairstyle with modern flair. This chin-length cut features outward-flipped ends and suits short hair or women medium preferences. Ideal for heart-shaped faces, it adds a playful touch to any look.
Use a round brush and a blow dryer to create the flips, finishing with Chi Silk Infusion Serum for smoothness and shine.
Retro Pixie Cut with Sideburn Detailing
The retro pixie cut is a sharp, stylish nod to short hairstyles 1970s with its clean lines and attention to detail. This modern version includes soft, tapered sideburns that enhance the face’s contours, adding a playful yet polished edge. It’s ideal for oval and heart-shaped faces and works well for fine or straight hair. The pixie cut is not only bold but also cute, making it a versatile choice for those seeking a low-maintenance yet statement-making style.
To style, apply a lightweight texturizing cream like TIGI Bed Head Manipulator for definition. Use a smoothing serum such as Redken Frizz Dismiss to keep it sleek and shiny. Regular trims every four to six weeks will maintain the shape.
Shoulder-Length Hair with Flipped Ends
A shoulder-length cut with flipped ends was a popular choice during the early 70s. This hairstyle features straight locks that curve outward at the tips, creating a playful and structured look. Suitable for women medium or long hair, it flatters most face shapes, especially oval and square.
Style the flipped ends with a round brush and a heat protectant like TRESemmé Thermal Creations Spray. Add a finishing touch with Paul Mitchell Flexible Style Sculpting Foam for a polished yet soft effect.
Soft Mullet with Feminine Layers
The soft mullet brings a feminine spin to this bold 70s aesthetic. Unlike the harsher original, the modern version incorporates blended layers that soften the look. It’s great for curly hair or textured locks and suits both oval and round faces. This style works beautifully for women medium and short hair lengths.
Maintain the style with a curl cream like SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie. For added texture, use Kristin Ess Working Texture Spray.
Headband Styling on Long Straight Hair
Headbands were a staple accessory in the early 70s, often paired with sleek long hair. This look is simple yet effective, with a smooth, center-parted style enhanced by a retro fabric headband. Perfect for long hair hippie vibes, it suits straight or slightly wavy textures.
To achieve the look, straighten your hair with a flat iron and a heat protectant like CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray. Add a lightweight shine spray like Kenra Shine Spray for a glossy finish.
Side-Swept Bangs with Long Wavy Layers
Side-swept bangs paired with long, wavy layers are an enduring look from the late 70s. The soft waves add movement, while the bangs frame the face beautifully. This style is perfect for women long hair, especially for those with oval or round faces.
Use a large barrel curling iron and a heat protectant like HSI Professional Argan Oil Heat Protectant to create soft waves. Finish with a lightweight hairspray such as R+Co Outer Space Flexible Hairspray for hold.
Afro Curls with Retro Flair
Afro curls defined the black hair revolution of the 70s, celebrating natural texture and volume. The modern version highlights hydrated, defined curls with a soft sheen. This style is ideal for those with curly hair and works well for all face shapes.
Enhance natural curls with Cantu Define & Shine Custard and a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer. Keep the curls moisturized with SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque.
Cropped Shag with Textured Layers
The cropped shag is a versatile retro haircut with edgy, textured layers. Perfect for women short hair, this style combines choppy ends with a touch of softness. It’s suitable for all face shapes and complements thick or fine hair textures.
Style with a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to enhance layers and create a tousled effect. Add a light pomade, such as R+Co Dart Pomade Stick, for definition.
Pinned-Up Barrel Curls
Barrel curls are a quintessential disco hairstyle, oozing glamour and sophistication. The pinned-up version takes this retro classic and gives it a modern twist by styling the curls high on the crown, creating volume and texture. This style is ideal for medium to long hair and works best for formal occasions. It complements oval and heart-shaped faces beautifully.
To create these curls, use a medium barrel curling iron with OGX Protecting + Silk Blowout Quick Drying Thermal Spray for heat protection. Secure the curls with bobby pins and set the style with Sebastian Shaper Plus Hairspray for a firm hold.
Half-Up Half-Down Beehive Style
The beehive is one of the most iconic 70s hairstyles, and the half-up, half-down version adds a playful yet elegant twist. The voluminous crown gives the hairstyle its signature retro appeal, while the flowing lower section keeps it soft and modern. This look is perfect for women long or medium hair lengths and is especially flattering on oval and round faces.
Achieve the beehive by teasing the crown with a comb and using Big Sexy Hair Powder Play Volumizing & Texturizing Powder. Secure with bobby pins and finish with Bed Head by TIGI Hard Head Hair Spray for long-lasting hold.
Sleek Ponytail with Volume at the Crown
This sleek ponytail combines clean lines with 70s-inspired volume at the crown, creating a balance of sophistication and drama. It’s a simple yet striking look that suits women medium to long hair and works well for straight or slightly wavy textures. Perfect for both formal and casual settings, this style elongates the face and highlights sharp features.
Prep with Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Heat Styling Spray before straightening the hair. Backcomb the crown for volume, secure the ponytail, and smooth with Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum.
Disco-Style Blowout
The disco-style blowout features big, bouncy waves with a glamorous, high-shine finish. A nod to the late 70s, this look is all about volume and movement, making it perfect for long hair or medium lengths. It’s ideal for heart and oval face shapes and can elevate any evening look.
Use a round brush and blow dryer with Dyson Airwrap Complete Styler for a voluminous blowout. Finish with Kerastase Elixir Ultime L’Huile Originale Oil for a glossy, polished effect.
Wavy Lob with Rounded Ends
The wavy lob is a modern take on women medium haircuts from the 70s. With its rounded ends and soft waves, this look is polished yet casual, ideal for both professional and social settings. It suits oval and round faces and works for thick or fine hair types.
Use a curling wand with Hot Tools Professional Curling Iron for soft waves, and finish with Ouai Wave Spray for texture. Apply a touch of Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioning Spray for added smoothness.
Thick Side-Swept Bangs with Medium Layers
Thick side-swept bangs paired with medium layers are a hallmark of aesthetic 70s fashion. This hairstyle offers a voluminous, face-framing effect and works best for women medium or long hair lengths. It suits oval and heart-shaped faces and adds depth to fine hair.
Style with a volumizing mousse like Moroccanoil Root Boost and a round brush for blow-drying. Add a finishing spray such as L’Oreal Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold to keep the layers in place.
Micro Bangs with Shoulder-Length Hair
Micro bangs are a bold yet versatile addition to shoulder-length hair, giving off an edgy retro vibe. This short hairstyles 1970s look suits straight or slightly wavy textures and works well for oval or heart-shaped faces.
Use a flat iron to keep the bangs sleek, paired with Amika The Shield Anti-Humidity Spray to maintain frizz control. For the rest of the hair, apply Davines OI All In One Milk for added softness and shine.
Full Fringe with Long Flowing Hair
The full fringe paired with long flowing hair is a timeless look straight from the early 70s. This hairstyle emphasizes bold bangs that complement soft, cascading layers, creating a dramatic yet elegant finish. It’s ideal for long hair and suits oval or square face shapes.
Style with CHI Silk Infusion Hair Serum for sleek bangs and a large curling wand for loose waves. Use Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream for a polished look.
Layered Wolf Cut with 70s Vibes
The layered wolf cut is a modern adaptation of the classic 70s aesthetic, combining shaggy layers with a bold, edgy shape. Perfect for medium to long hair, this haircut works well for curly hair or straight textures and flatters oval and heart-shaped faces.
Style with Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray for texture and finish with Verb Ghost Oil for shine and softness. Regular trims keep the layers fresh and defined.
The 70s were a treasure trove of iconic hairstyles that continue to inspire today’s trends. From long hair hippie vibes to disco hair and makeup, these styles offer something for everyone. Which look is your favorite? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts on these timeless styles!
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