The 1970s were a decade of self-expression. Hair became bigger, shaggier, softer, and more personalized than ever before. Unlike the polished looks of the 1960s, the ’70s embraced movement, texture, and individuality. Whether inspired by rock stars, disco icons, Hollywood celebrities, or everyday fashion, there was a haircut for nearly everyone.
From feathered layers and shag cuts to afros, long waves, and pixie styles, many of the era’s most recognizable haircuts continue to inspire modern trends. Today’s stylists frequently borrow elements from the decade, proving that great hair never really goes out of style.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most iconic 1970s haircuts, why they became so popular, and how they’ve evolved into modern versions.
Why 1970s Haircuts Became So Influential
Several cultural movements shaped hairstyles during the decade.
Some of the biggest influences included:
- Rock and roll culture
- Disco fashion
- The hippie movement
- Natural beauty trends
- Hollywood celebrities
- Television personalities
- Expanding salon techniques
Unlike previous decades that favored structured styling, the 1970s celebrated natural texture and effortless movement.
Common characteristics included:
- Soft layers
- Feathered ends
- Volume around the crown
- Face-framing shapes
- Natural waves
- Longer lengths
- Minimal stiffness
Many hairstyles looked glamorous without appearing overly formal.
35 Iconic 1970s Haircuts
1. The Feathered Cut
Perhaps no hairstyle represents the 1970s more than feathered hair.
Long layers were blown away from the face using a round brush, creating soft wings around the cheeks and jawline.
Best for:
- Straight hair
- Slightly wavy hair
- Medium to thick density
Modern update:
Today’s feathered cuts use softer layers and less teasing while maintaining the same flowing silhouette.
2. The Shag Haircut
The shag defined effortless cool.
Featuring choppy layers throughout the head, this haircut added texture and movement without requiring perfect styling.
Key features:
- Heavy layering
- Wispy fringe
- Textured ends
- Natural volume
It’s one of the few classic styles that’s currently more popular than ever.
3. Long Center-Part Hair
The relaxed center part became synonymous with bohemian fashion.
Hair was usually:
- Long
- Slightly wavy
- Air-dried
- Naturally textured
This style remains timeless because of its simplicity.
4. The Afro
The afro became one of the most culturally significant hairstyles of the decade.
Beyond fashion, it represented pride, identity, and embracing natural texture.
Classic characteristics included:
- Rounded silhouette
- Even shaping
- Full volume
- Healthy curls
Modern afros continue to celebrate natural hair in countless beautiful variations.
5. The Wedge Cut
Shorter than most popular styles of the decade, the wedge featured stacked layers that created fullness in the back.
It offered:
- Easy maintenance
- Soft volume
- Clean neckline
- Rounded shape
It became especially popular after Olympic figure skater Dorothy Hamill introduced the look.
6. Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs flourished during the 1970s.
Unlike blunt bangs, they parted naturally down the center and blended into longer layers.
They complemented:
- Feathered cuts
- Long hair
- Shags
- Shoulder-length styles
Today, they’re once again one of the most requested fringe styles.
7. Disco Layers
Disco-inspired hair emphasized glamorous movement.
These cuts featured:
- Long flowing layers
- Plenty of bounce
- High shine
- Blowout styling
The look appeared effortlessly glamorous under dance floor lights.
8. Long Layered Hair
Layering became increasingly sophisticated throughout the decade.
Instead of one-length hair, stylists added subtle internal layers for movement.
Benefits included:
- Less bulk
- Better shape
- More styling versatility
- Natural flow
9. The Pixie Cut
Short hair remained fashionable thanks to soft, feminine pixie variations.
Compared to the bold 1960s pixie, 1970s versions looked:
- Softer
- Longer
- More textured
- Less geometric
10. The Curly Shag
Naturally curly hair paired beautifully with shag layering.
Instead of reducing curls, stylists enhanced their natural bounce.
The result was:
- Maximum texture
- Lightweight volume
- Dynamic movement
11. Shoulder-Length Layers
Many people preferred hair that wasn’t extremely long or very short.
Shoulder-length layered cuts became an everyday favorite because they balanced practicality and style.
12. The Bowl Cut
Although often associated with children today, softer bowl cuts gained popularity among fashion-forward adults during the 1970s.
These versions featured:
- Rounded shape
- Longer sides
- Softer edges
- More texture
13. Long Beach Waves
Natural waves perfectly matched the relaxed lifestyle of the decade.
Often achieved with minimal styling, they looked carefree rather than polished.
14. The Flip
Hair flipped outward at the ends became another recognizable trend.
Typically worn:
- Shoulder length
- With side parts
- Soft volume
- Rounded ends
15. The Layered Bob
Unlike the sleek bob of earlier decades, 1970s versions added movement through light layering.
This produced:
- Fuller shape
- Softer lines
- More styling flexibility
16. The Pageboy
The pageboy featured curved ends tucked neatly under.
While structured, it softened during the 1970s with looser styling and natural texture.
17. The Wolf-Like Layered Cut
Many modern wolf cuts borrow heavily from 1970s shag haircuts.
The original versions included:
- Short crown layers
- Longer lengths
- Textured ends
- Lots of movement
18. The Mop Top Evolution
Inspired by earlier Beatles hairstyles, the mop top evolved into a longer, shaggier version during the ’70s.
19. The Glam Rock Cut
Rock musicians introduced dramatic layered hairstyles featuring:
- Razor-cut ends
- Volume
- Texture
- Long bangs
These styles influenced fashion throughout the decade.
20. The Soft Mullet
Before the bold mullets of the 1980s, early versions appeared softer and more blended.
The transition between short and long hair remained subtle.
21. Long Straight Hair
Ultra-long straight hair symbolized the free-spirited culture of the era.
Many people wore it with:
- Center parts
- Minimal layers
- Natural shine
22. The Side-Part Blowout
A side part combined with soft blow-dried volume created an elegant everyday look.
23. Chin-Length Bob
This shorter bob emphasized healthy shine and rounded movement rather than sharp precision.
24. Soft Layered Lob
The long bob gained popularity thanks to its versatility.
Its shoulder-grazing length worked well across many face shapes.
25. The Curly Bob
Natural curls looked playful in chin-length and shoulder-length bobs.
Layers prevented excessive bulk while maintaining volume.
26. Long Curls
Loose curls became especially popular during the disco years.
They often featured:
- Feathered front pieces
- Layered ends
- Soft volume
27. The Wispy Fringe
Lightweight bangs replaced heavy blunt fringe for many hairstyles.
Wispy bangs blended naturally into surrounding layers.
28. Razor-Cut Layers
Razor cutting became increasingly common.
It created:
- Soft edges
- Airy texture
- Lightweight movement
Many modern textured cuts still use similar techniques.
29. The Natural Texture Cut
Rather than forcing hair into a specific shape, many stylists worked with each person’s natural pattern.
This philosophy remains popular today.
30. Voluminous Blowout
Large round-brush blowouts emphasized healthy movement rather than stiff volume.
The look felt glamorous yet approachable.
31. Short Layered Crop
This cropped haircut featured:
- Soft layering
- Tapered neckline
- Lightweight texture
It was practical while remaining stylish.
32. Bohemian Layers
Inspired by the hippie movement, bohemian cuts embraced natural texture and long flowing layers.
Accessories often included:
- Headbands
- Scarves
- Flowers
- Braids
33. Face-Framing Layers
Layers around the cheeks and jaw softened facial features while adding movement.
This remains one of today’s most requested haircut techniques.
34. The Rounded Curly Cut
Instead of elongating curls, rounded shaping emphasized fullness and balance.
This worked especially well for tighter curl patterns.
35. The Classic Salon Blowout
Many salon visits ended with a signature 1970s blowout featuring:
- Feathered ends
- Soft bounce
- Volume
- Smooth shine
It perfectly captured the glamorous spirit of the decade.
Defining Features of 1970s Haircuts
Although styles varied widely, most shared several common elements.
These included:
- Layering throughout the hair
- Soft movement
- Face-framing pieces
- Natural texture
- Volume without stiffness
- Longer silhouettes
- Feathered styling
- Personalized shapes
The decade focused on enhancing natural beauty rather than hiding it.
Which Hair Types Work Best for 1970s Haircuts?
One reason these styles remain popular is their versatility.
Straight Hair
Works especially well with:
- Feathered cuts
- Long layers
- Curtain bangs
- Blowouts
Wavy Hair
Perfect for:
- Shags
- Bohemian layers
- Disco-inspired styles
- Long textured cuts
Curly Hair
Ideal choices include:
- Curly shags
- Rounded cuts
- Layered curls
- Natural volume styles
Coily Hair
Excellent options include:
- Afros
- Rounded layered cuts
- Natural textured styles
How to Modernize a 1970s Haircut
Today’s versions typically feel softer and easier to maintain.
Modern stylists often:
- Reduce excessive layering
- Add subtle texture
- Create softer feathering
- Avoid over-teasing
- Customize the shape for each face
- Work with natural texture
The result feels contemporary while preserving the unmistakable 1970s character.
Styling Tips for Authentic 1970s Hair
To recreate the decade’s signature look:
- Use a volumizing mousse before blow-drying.
- Blow-dry with a large round brush.
- Roll hair away from the face.
- Add lightweight texture spray.
- Finish with flexible-hold hairspray.
- Avoid overly stiff products.
- Let natural movement remain visible.
The goal is soft volume—not helmet hair.
Why 1970s Haircuts Are Trending Again
Fashion always revisits its favorite decades.
Today’s popularity comes from several factors:
- Retro fashion revival
- Social media inspiration
- Celebrity influence
- Low-maintenance layering
- Natural texture trends
- Versatility across ages
Modern cuts like the butterfly haircut, wolf cut, curtain bangs, and layered blowouts all trace some of their DNA back to the 1970s.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the most popular haircut of the 1970s?
The feathered haircut was arguably the decade’s signature style, closely followed by the shag haircut and long layered hair with curtain bangs.
Were 1970s haircuts suitable for curly hair?
Absolutely. The decade embraced natural texture, making curly shags, afros, rounded cuts, and layered curls some of its most iconic looks.
Are 1970s hairstyles still fashionable?
Yes. Many current trends—including butterfly cuts, wolf cuts, curtain bangs, feathered layers, and textured shags—draw direct inspiration from 1970s hairstyles.
How were feathered hairstyles created?
Stylists used layered cutting techniques along with a round brush and blow dryer, directing hair away from the face to create soft, wing-like movement.
Can short hair have a 1970s look?
Definitely. Wedge cuts, pixies, layered bobs, pageboys, and short crops all capture the spirit of the decade while remaining modern and wearable.
Final Thoughts
The 1970s transformed hairstyling by celebrating individuality over rigid fashion rules. From feathered layers and carefree shags to glamorous disco blowouts and powerful natural afros, the decade offered something for every hair type, texture, and personality.
What makes these styles so enduring is their focus on movement, softness, and effortless confidence. Even decades later, modern hairstylists continue to reinterpret these classic cuts, proving that the best ideas never truly go out of style.
Whether you’re looking for a dramatic retro transformation or simply want to borrow a few vintage-inspired details, a 1970s haircut offers timeless appeal with plenty of room for personal expression.
