1970s men's hair ranged from natural Afros and shoulder-length layers to shags, feathered shapes, longer curls, early punk influence and the developing mullet. For a modern version, use the decade as inspiration rather than copying unsafe or damaging styling methods: choose the cut for your natural texture, use appropriate styling products and leave chemical services or major cutting changes to trained professionals.
The decade did not have one universal men's haircut. Music, Black style and political expression, glam rock, disco, surf culture and emerging punk aesthetics all influenced how hair was worn. A modern interpretation works best when it respects the history of the style and adapts the shape to the wearer's own hair texture and maintenance preferences.
1. Afro
The natural Afro became one of the most recognisable styles associated with Black identity and style in the late 1960s and 1970s. Modern versions should work with naturally coily or tightly curled hair rather than trying to manufacture the texture with damaging methods.
2. Medium shoulder-length hair
Longer men's hair became increasingly mainstream. Straight, wavy and curly hair can all work at shoulder length, with the exact layering chosen around density and natural movement.
3. Rock-inspired layers
Long, layered and deliberately loose hair became closely associated with rock performers. For a modern version, ask for movement rather than relying on heavy backcombing or excessive product.
4. Disco volume
Disco-inspired styling often emphasises shine, volume and a polished shape. Use blow-drying, rollers or styling products within their instructions and use heat protection when the exact product is labelled for it.
5. Shag
The shag uses multiple layers to create movement around the crown and ends. It can be adapted for straight, wavy or curly hair, but the layer pattern should be tailored by a stylist rather than cut from a universal diagram.
6. Slicked-back styling
Slicked and glossy styles pre-date the 1970s but remained visible through revival looks. Pomade, cream or gel can create different levels of shine and hold without needing an excessively rigid finish.
7. Classic mullet
The developing mullet shape uses shorter front and side sections with more length at the back. Modern versions range from subtle to high-contrast, so agree the length difference with the barber before cutting.
8. Feathered hair
Feathered styling uses layered sections directed away from the face or head to create movement. A round brush or suitable styling tool can help, but the haircut itself does most of the work.
9. Locs
Locs have a much longer cultural history than the 1970s and should not be reduced to a decade trend. If you are starting or maintaining locs, use methods appropriate to your hair and seek an experienced loctician where needed.
10. Long natural hair
Simply wearing hair longer was itself part of 1970s men's style. Healthy-looking length depends on normal cleansing, conditioning, detangling and breakage management rather than avoiding arbitrary ingredient lists.
11. Pompadour influence
Earlier pompadour and rockabilly shapes continued to influence revival styling. Modern versions can use a blow-dryer and styling product for lift while keeping the sides natural, tapered or faded.
12. Surfer texture
Loose, sun-and-sea-inspired texture became part of casual men's style. A texture spray can imitate some of that movement, but salt products can feel drying on some hair, so use them according to the formula and condition afterwards if needed.
13. Natural curls
Natural curls can be worn with longer layers, rounded shapes or shorter sides. Work with curl pattern and density rather than trying to force every curl type into the same silhouette.
14. Short textured cuts
Not every 1970s style was long. Shorter cuts with texture, side parts and tapered edges remained common and are an easy way to reference the decade without a dramatic change.
15. Jheri curl influence
The Jheri curl became especially prominent around the transition into the 1980s. It is a chemical service, so modern recreations should be handled by a trained professional who can assess hair condition and product compatibility.
16. Bowl cut
Rounded, fringe-led bowl shapes can be adapted with softer texture or tapered sides. A professional cut gives more control than trying to follow a literal bowl line at home.
17. Punk influence
Late-1970s punk introduced sharper, more deliberately disruptive shapes. Use cosmetic hair products made for styling; do not use household glue, gelatin or soap to construct spikes.
18. Braids and protective styles
Braids and other protective styles have histories far beyond the 1970s. If they are part of your look, choose a style appropriate to your hair and avoid excessive tension around the hairline.
How to choose a modern 1970s-inspired style
| Factor | What to discuss |
|---|---|
| Texture | Choose a shape that works with straight, wavy, curly or coily hair rather than against it. |
| Length | Decide how much daily styling and salon maintenance you will accept. |
| Finish | Choose natural, glossy, textured or high-volume styling according to the look. |
| Cutting/chemical work | Use a trained barber, stylist or specialist for major shape changes and chemical services. |
