If I could live in any decade, it would hands down be the ’70s—not because I find anything about the way of life particularly endearing, but rather I’m absolutely head over heels for the aesthetic. There are so many iconic ’70s makeup looks I can’t even count, and the fashion speaks for itself. I’m all in when it comes to flared jeans and supersized sunglasses.
However, as a beauty editor, I feel somewhat inclined to say that the single best thing about the ’70s was the hair. I’m so obsessed with ’70s hairstyles, in fact, that I have rocked the same ’70s-style, long, middle-parted mop for well over 10 years.
But it’s not just super-long hair that really defined the decade. Everything from shaggy lengths and fringes to blunt bobs and picked-out afros have remained some of the most timeless hairstyles around. And next year, it’s looking as though ’70s hair is going to be everywhere.
Don’t believe me? Keep scrolling for 20 ’70s-inspired hairstyles that will have you itching to book in with your hairstylist stat. Oh, and expect some top tips and insights from founder of Percy & Reed Paul Percival along the way too.
Nothing says ’70s hair quite like a supersized blowout, and some of the top hairstylists in the game anticipate it will be the biggest hair trend of 2022.
“To achieve the look, apply a blow-dry spray to towel-dried hair to give a boost of volume. Then use a large round brush to create the blown-out look. Spin the brush at the end of each hair section to get the flicks,” says Percival.
Zendaya’s big, bouncy curls scream ’70s disco queen. Note the shorter pieces at the front for that retro shaggy touch.
Long hair really reigned supreme throughout the ’70s, and fringed styles were all the rage. Keep lengths blunt and the fringe slightly tapered.
To ensure long strands stay long, strong, healthy and glossy, apply this fortifying oil to mid-lengths and ends after washing.
The ’70s were all about embracing your natural hair texture, and 2023 is no different. This curly pixie crop oozes laid-back chic.
Sure, a babushka scarf tied around the hair helped keep strands protected from the elements in cool ’70s movies, but they’re also really quite chic.
The sleek, shiny bobs we’re used to seeing in 2023 might not look particularly reminiscent of ’70s glamour, but this big, bouncy jaw-skimmer sure does. Whether it’s flipped over to the side or worn in a middle part, it’s every bit as chic.
You don’t need us to tell you that the natural-textured afro was big news in the ’70s. With the premise of really owning your natural hair taking center stage in 2023, it’s safe to say that the long, picked-out afro is back (and here to stay).
Yes, there was something very glamorous about ’70s hair, but there was also room for grungy, bedhead styles, too. Most notably, the middle-parted I woke up like this look. Just wake up, blast some texturizing spray and go.
The perfect spray to provide volume and texture for a tousled middle part look.
The shag has made a real comeback, and it’s not going anywhere any time soon. “For a shag, you want long layers cut in and pulled towards the face to create a lovely frame. Depending on your face shape, a grown-out fringe is a great way to create the ultimate shag look,” says Percival.
Blast a little of this texturizing spray into roots and ends for a lived-in finish.
Remember when I said that fringes were everywhere in the ’70s? Well, they’re back with a bang. This high puff teamed with a light fringe is retro perfection.
Who says ’70s-inspired hairstyles aren’t versatile? The parted or curtain fringe can be styled however you best please. “I like to call this style the shy fringe—if you blow-dry it forwards, you can create the fuller ’70s look or you can blow it back to blend it into your locks,” says Percival.
Use a powerful hair dryer with a nozzle to set your parted fringe in place after washing.
Bubble braids haven’t had a major revival since they hit the big time in the ’70s, but they’re definitely on the up. When you are armed with a pack of thin hair elastics, they couldn’t be easier to achieve.
As mentioned, the best thing about ’70s hair was that it embraced every hair type and texture. While bobs have championed a sleek and glass-like effect in recent months, this ’70s-style curly bob proves that a blunt bobbed cut is totally universal.
While high ponytails scream ’90s aesthetic and oversized ponytails might give off an ’80s vibe, a low ponytail tied at the nape of the neck with a piece of hair wrapped around the band is quintessentially ’70s.
Tell me tiny plaits aren’t the cutest hair trend out there? “The only relevant plaits right now are tiny ones. Take an inch section either side of the parting, and plait thin braids all the way to the end, and pin back to secure so it sits along the hairline,” says Percival.
Percival recommends, “Use a styling or finishing cream to smooth flyaways and give the hair the hold it needs with flexibility.”
Poker-straight, middle-parted, feathered lengths? What is there not to love? It’s classic, timeless, and suits just about everybody.
With natural texture reigning supreme, this short, cropped coiled style is one to add to your inspiration board.
If your hair doesn’t have a natural wave to achieve this classic ’70s style, fear not. Simply straighten your hair (if it’s curly), and tong the mid-lengths to ends with a waver.
“To create long and wavy looks that last, you’ll want to use a lightweight hair spray and an open tong,” says Percival. “Lightly mist sections of the hair with the hair spray and take large segments and wrap around the tong, making sure to leave each section to cool, and give your hair a shake.”
I couldn’t be more obsessed with this head-to-toe ’70s get-up if I tried. I think 2023 is the year I officially bring back the bandana. It’s one of the easiest hair accessory looks.
Not only do pigtail braids look effortlessly chic, but they’re also a great way to keep long stands strong and protected against breakage and friction.
