1970s women's hair included curtain and feathered fringes, shags, bobs, natural Afros, long straight styles, braids and high-volume curls. For a modern version, adapt the shape to your natural texture and maintenance preferences, use heat tools with appropriate care and leave major cutting or chemical texture changes to trained professionals.
There was no single 1970s hairstyle. The decade combined natural texture, glamorous volume, long minimalist shapes and increasingly layered cuts. Many of those ideas return regularly because they can be adapted without copying every period styling method exactly.
1. Curtain bangs
Curtain bangs are shorter near the centre and blend into longer face-framing sections. They can work with different lengths and textures, but the exact starting point should suit how the hair naturally parts and falls.
2. Crimped hair
Crimped texture creates repeated small waves and visible volume. If you use a heated crimping tool, follow its temperature guidance and use a heat-protection product only where the product is specifically labelled for that use.
3. Boho braids
Loose braids and braided details fit the softer, less rigid styling associated with the decade. Keep tension comfortable, especially around the hairline, and adapt the braid type to your own texture.
4. Feathered bangs
Feathered fringes are directed away from the face to create movement. A round brush, rollers or suitable heat tool can help create the shape, but the layers in the haircut determine how easily it holds.
5. Afros
The natural Afro is strongly associated with Black style, identity and cultural expression in the late 1960s and 1970s. Modern versions should celebrate naturally coily or tightly curled texture rather than treating the style as something that requires a perm.
6. The bob
Bobs existed long before the 1970s but remained an important short-hair option. Modern versions can be blunt, layered, rounded or textured depending on density and natural movement.
7. The mullet
The mullet developed through the 1970s and became even more visible later. Modern versions range from subtle layered shapes to high-contrast cuts, so agree the front, side and back lengths clearly before cutting.
8. Long centre-parted hair
Long, smooth, centre-parted hair is one of the decade's most recognisable looks. The modern approach is simple: prioritise a clean shape, manageable ends and the finish your own texture can achieve without unnecessary heat.
9. Disco curls
High-volume curls suit a more glamorous 1970s-inspired look. Rollers, curling tools or natural curl styling can create different versions; choose a method appropriate to your hair and avoid repeated high heat.
10. Full fringe
A fuller fringe gives a stronger frame around the eyes and can be worn soft, heavy or textured. Because fringe length changes quickly as it dries and settles, a professional trim gives more predictable results than cutting a large section at home.
11. Shaggy waves
The shag combines layers with loose texture and movement. It can be adapted to straight, wavy or curly hair by changing the layer length and styling method rather than forcing every hair type into the same finish.
How to modernise a 1970s hairstyle
| Factor | What to consider |
|---|---|
| Natural texture | Choose a cut that supports your curl, wave or straight pattern rather than requiring constant correction. |
| Daily styling | Decide whether you want wash-and-wear texture or a look that needs rollers, blow-drying or heat tools. |
| Fringe/layers | Discuss how they will grow out and how often you are willing to trim them. |
| Chemical services | Leave perms, relaxers and other texture-changing services to trained professionals who can assess hair condition. |
Avoid outdated styling shortcuts
Do not rely on claims that a product can “reverse” styling damage or that a particular ingredient list guarantees healthy growth. Use normal cleansing and conditioning, reduce unnecessary heat and handle the hair gently. For dramatic cutting or chemical texture changes, use a qualified professional.
