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The ‘70s Hairstyles Are Back, And These Celeb-Approved Styles Will Get You In The Mood For A Throwback

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Handout / Handout/Getty Images

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

Kehlani rocking the red carpet in a black and white colored hairstyle and futuristic silver outfit
Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris / Staff/Getty Images

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

Keke Palmer rocking an afro and black and gold sequined dress
Photo by Theo Wargo / Staff/Getty Images

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

Margot Robbie rocking a boho-inpsired hairstyle at the beach
Photo by Gareth Cattermole / Staff/Getty Images

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

Solange Knowles rocking an afro hairstyle and groovy blue outfit
Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris / Staff/Getty Images

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

Laura Harrier looking elegant in a long and sleek hairstyle and textured gold dress
Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris / Staff/Getty Images

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

Miley Cyrus with a blonde mullet, glittery eyeshadow makeup look singing
Photo by Jamie Squire / Staff/Getty Images

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

Billie Eilish rocking a shaggy waves hairstyle
Photo by Gareth Cattermole / Staff/Getty Images

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

Smiling Selena Gomez rocking a messy top bun hairstyle with fringes
Photo by Tibrina Hobson / Stringer/Getty Images

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

Emily Ratajkowski rocking a smoky eyeshadow makeup look and bob hairstyle against yellow, green, and blue roses
Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris / Staff/Getty Images

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

Kim Kardashian looking sexy in a faux snake skin dress and long, black wavy hairstyle
Photo by Frazer Harrison / Staff/Getty Images

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

Margot Robbie rocking a loose ponytail hairstyle with French girl fringes
Pool / Pool/Getty Images

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

Back view of Emma Stone's hair embellished with flowers
Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris / Staff/Getty Images

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

Ariana Grande rocking ombré, crimped ponytail hairstyle
Photo by Jamie McCarthy / Staff/Getty Images

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

Eva Mendes rocking a matching floral headpiece and dress at the red carpet
Photo by Phillip Faraone / Stringer/Getty Images

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

Lily Collins looking elegant in a neutral makeup look and red lips, golden satin dress, and wavy hair
Photo by Frederick M. Brown / Stringer/Getty Images

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.

Want more throwback hair inspo? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.

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About the author
Stephanie Montes
Stephanie Montes
Stephanie is a freelance contributor covering all things beauty. She writes about her adventures testing the latest trends in skincare, hair, and makeup. Stephanie's bylines have also appeared on Who What Wear, Elle, Byrdie, Bustle, and more.
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Article Last Updated December 3, 2021 12:00 AM