The ‘70s Hairstyles Are Back, And These Celeb-Approved Styles Will Get You In The Mood For A Throwback
While some hair trends are better left in the past (hello, crispy '80s bangs), others are ripe for a serious comeback—case in point: '70s inspired hairstyles that feel fresh all over again. These retro styles are back in a big way, from the shag haircut and feathered bangs to disco curls and crimped textures. As we have learned time and again with fashion, what goes around almost always comes back around.
1. Feathered Bangs
Made famous in the '70s by Charlie's Angels star Farrah Fawcett, the layered cut and feathered bangs pairing is still going strong. Kehlani opted for the retro hairstyle when stepping out at the 2021 Met Gala, and rocked it with a two-piece silver jumpsuit that had disco queen written all over it.
2. Diva Volume
Big hair was the name of the game in the '70s and this look Keke Palmer wore to the 2021 Met Gala screams Diana Ross. The texture, the volume, the deep side part, the layers that fall a few inches below Palmer's shoulders—it's retro perfection.
3. Boho Braids
A favorite among the flower-child bunch of the '70s, micro braids dispersed throughout loose hair boasts a certain air. Skip the hair tie altogether for a carefree vibe synonymous with the throwback times. Instead, spray the ends with some dry shampoo for grit and hold.
4. Afros
From the era of Studio 54 to the present day, afros—of all shapes, sizes, and textures—are set to take center stage yet again. Whether it's natural or enhanced with extensions, we love all the afro variations sure to make for major inspo this season.
5. Pin-Straight Ends
Did you know high-school girls and housewives alike often turned to a clothing iron to achieve pin-straight hair? Laura Harrier wore a '70s inspired gold lamé dress to the 2021 Met Gala, so it was only right she paid homage to the throwback style—with the help of a modern flat iron, of course.
6. The Mullet
Although it had been seen as a fashion faux pas for a quick period in pop culture, the mullet is back and better than ever. Busting at the seams with rock-and-roll vibes, Miley Cyrus loves it, Instagram loves it, and dare we say, we love it too. If you're thinking of trying it for yourself, just remember, the shaggier, the better.
7. Shaggy Waves
The '70s shag cut is making its rounds this year. By definition, the hairstyle is known for choppy layers and wavy texture. Think: Stevie Nicks and Mick Jagger styles. These days, Billie Eilish, Miley Cyrus, and models like Mica Argañaraz have all recently been spotted sporting the shag. If your hair is lacking a wave, try utilizing a diffuser to enhance your natural texture.
8. Curtain Bangs
The famed middle-part voluminous bang had its moment in the '70s, again in the '90s, and is back and better than ever. Beautifully framing the face, the style is a perennial favorite and is becoming increasingly popular thanks to the celebrity likes of Dakota Johnson, Jennifer Lopez, and Selena Gomez. To style, use a large round brush to blow out your fringe.
9. The Bob
The bob may be having a present-day moment, but it was first a big-hitting hairstyle in the '70s. Debbie Harry wore a blunt-cut style, Donna Summer wore one paired with a choppy fringe, and Bianca Jagger wore hers with a deep side part, similar to this one on Emily Ratajkowski. The beauty of the bob is that there's an iteration to suit everyone.
10. Cher Hair
Cher made it her signature on and off The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour set, but the waist-length waves are quickly becoming a staple for Kim Kardashian as well. Just make sure you have some detangling tricks in your back pocket for this one.
11. French-Girl Fringe
A Jane Birkin-esque fringe remains as chic now as it was in the '70s. The French favorite has been tried by everyone from Margot Robbie to Alexa Chung and boasts a certain je ne sais quoi. Old photographs of Birkin and Joni Mitchell are the perfect sources of bang inspiration to take to your hairdresser.
12. Flower Power Styles
Flowers in the hair were synonymous with flowy dresses, Woodstock, and dreams of world peace. These days, flower crowns are a Coachella staple, but there are plenty of ways to incorporate blooms into your day-to-day styles.
13. Crimped Hair
Zig-zag pressed hair took root in the '70s and is flourishing in 2021. As for how to get the look, of course, you can use a hair crimper, but you can also sleep in a head full of microbraids and wake up to a disco-inspired crimped texture.
14. The Seventies Scarf
When it came to hair accessories, hair scarves reigned supreme in the '70s. They were typically worn as a headband and tied at the nape of the neck for some seriously trendy daytime disco hair.
15. Disco Curls
It wasn't uncommon for women in the '70s to go to bed in oversized rollers with intentions of awaking with a big, bouncy curl in their hair by morning. Lily Collins' shiny curls are a throwback done right.
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