The 1970s were an iconic decade for fashion and hair, with trends that pushed boundaries, embraced individuality, and embodied the free-spirited ethos of the time. From disco-inspired glam to bohemian vibes, the hairstyles of the ’70s were nothing short of unforgettable. But while these styles turned heads back then, they might get a few chuckles today for their boldness, volume, and unapologetic flair. Let’s take a look at 12 popular ’70s hairstyles that, while revolutionary in their time, would probably raise some eyebrows—or inspire a giggle—in today’s world.
1. The Pageboy
The pageboy, with its straight, sleek strands and inward-curving ends, was a polished look favored by stars like Mary Tyler Moore. It had an air of sophistication, requiring careful styling and plenty of shine.
Today, the pageboy might seem more suited to a retro costume party than an everyday style. Its overly neat appearance can come across as stiff or dated compared to today’s relaxed hair trends. However, it’s hard not to appreciate the timeless elegance it represented during its heyday.
2. The Feathered Flip
The feathered look, popularized by Farrah Fawcett, was the hairstyle of the decade. With its cascading layers and perfectly flipped ends, it required dedication to achieve and maintain. Women—and men—spent hours with curling irons and cans of hairspray trying to get that effortless, windblown look.
Today, the feathered flip feels over-the-top, especially in a world that favors more natural textures. The effort it took to create those symmetrical waves seems excessive by modern standards. Still, it’s hard not to admire the commitment it took to achieve this quintessential ’70s style, even if it might draw laughs for its theatrical flair today.
3. The Afro
The Afro wasn’t just a hairstyle; it was a statement. Embraced by the Black Power movement, it symbolized pride, individuality, and cultural identity. The bigger, the better was the mantra, and people used picks and special products to achieve those perfectly rounded shapes.
While the Afro remains a powerful cultural symbol, the ’70s version—gigantic and geometrically perfect—might seem a bit exaggerated to contemporary sensibilities. Modern interpretations often embrace more natural, varied textures, but the boldness of the original Afro still commands respect, even if it might seem a little larger than life today.
4. The Shag
Think Joan Jett or Mick Jagger—this unisex hairstyle combined messy layers and rock ‘n’ roll attitude. The shag was a go-to for anyone who wanted to look effortlessly cool, with its choppy texture and intentionally unkempt vibe.
Today, the shag might feel more like a parody of rebellion than a genuine fashion choice. Its uneven layers can look haphazard compared to the polished styles of today. Still, the carefree attitude it represented is something many of us could use more of, even if the look itself feels a bit outdated.
5. The Dorothy Hamill Wedge
When figure skater Dorothy Hamill won Olympic gold in 1976, her haircut became an instant phenomenon. The wedge was a sleek, bowl-like cut with sharp, geometric angles that looked chic on the ice—and everywhere else. Women flocked to salons to get this precise style.
Nowadays, the wedge might feel more like a throwback to a Lego figurine’s hairpiece than a chic choice. Its overly structured shape doesn’t align with today’s preference for softer, more organic looks. But there’s no denying its influence, and it remains a testament to the power of a pop culture moment.
6. The Mop Top
Popularized by the Beatles in the late ’60s and carrying into the ’70s, the mop top was a unisex phenomenon. With its straight, chin-length strands and thick bangs, it was the epitome of youthful rebellion.
In today’s world, the mop top might feel more like a quirky relic of another time. Its blunt, helmet-like shape doesn’t exactly scream modern style, but it’s a fun reminder of how fashion-forward the Beatles were in their time—and how much hairstyles have evolved since.
7. The Beehive Revival
While the original beehive dates back to the 1960s, it had a resurgence in the ’70s, often paired with more colorful and daring styles. Women teased their hair to towering heights and secured it with enough hairspray to withstand a hurricane.
These days, the beehive’s dramatic volume would likely inspire more laughter than admiration, especially given the modern preference for low-maintenance hair. Still, its over-the-top glamour holds a certain charm, and it’s impossible to ignore its impact on pop culture.
8. The Bouffant
Think disco divas and glamorous movie stars—the bouffant was all about height and drama. Women piled their hair high, often with cascading curls framing their faces. It was a style that screamed luxury and excess.
Today, the bouffant might feel a little too much. Its extravagant volume can seem cartoonish compared to the sleek, minimalist trends of today. But for anyone who lived through the ’70s, the bouffant remains an unforgettable symbol of the era’s love for bold statements.
9. The Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs, parted in the middle and cascading like drapes, were the go-to style for women seeking a soft, romantic look. Stars like Goldie Hawn made them wildly popular, pairing them with long, flowing locks.
While curtain bangs have made a comeback in recent years, the ’70s version was often paired with exaggerated volume and overly teased ends. Today, they’d probably look a bit theatrical, but their return to modern style proves they were onto something timeless—just with a little less hairspray this time around.
10. The Flip
Whether worn long or short, the flip was all about turning the ends of your hair outward for a playful, youthful vibe. Women used rollers and irons to get those perfect, upward swoops.
In today’s world, the flip might seem a little too gimmicky, especially since sleek, straight styles are more in vogue. But for anyone who rocked this look in the ’70s, it was a fun, carefree style that captured the spirit of the time.
11. The Center Part
Simple yet iconic, the center part was a staple of the bohemian look. Long, straight hair parted perfectly down the middle was worn by everyone from Cher to high school girls across the country.
While center parts have returned to popularity, the ultra-straight, flowing version from the ’70s often required more effort than it appeared. Today’s versions are a bit less fussy, but the ’70s center part remains a quintessential look that defined the era.
12. The Perm
Big, bouncy curls were everywhere in the ’70s, thanks to the perm. Women and men alike sat through hours of chemical treatments to achieve those tight, voluminous spirals.
Today, the perm might draw laughs for its overly processed look and the smell of the chemicals involved. But back then, it was a status symbol, a way to stand out in a crowd and embrace the decade’s love of bold, dramatic hair.
The hairstyles of the 1970s reflected the decade’s fearless attitude and willingness to experiment, and while they may look a little silly by today’s standards, they’re also a reminder of a time when individuality and self-expression reigned supreme. These looks might get a laugh now, but they’ll always hold a special place in the hearts of those who wore them proudly.
