The 1970s was a bold time for hair, giving us styles that defined a generation. From Farrah Fawcett’s feathered waves to Donna Summer’s disco curls, these looks made statements about freedom and self-expression. Today’s styles often draw inspiration from these classics but with fresh, modern twists that work for our busy lives.
1. Farrah Fawcett Feathers
Those iconic feathered layers framed Farrah’s face perfectly, creating bounce and movement that captured America’s heart. The layered cut with swooping sides became the most requested salon style of the decade.
Modern versions feature softer, more natural feathering with less product dependency. Today’s stylists focus on creating the look with fewer layers and more emphasis on healthy shine.
2. Shag Haircut Revolution
The shag haircut defined 70s rock-and-roll attitude with its choppy layers and effortless vibe. Jane Fonda’s version in ‘Klute’ popularized this rebellious yet feminine cut that worked on various hair textures.
Today’s modern shag incorporates curtain bangs and face-framing pieces while maintaining the signature layered silhouette. The key difference? Less mullet-like and more customized to individual face shapes.
3. Afro Glory Days
The 70s afro celebrated natural Black beauty and became a powerful symbol of pride and identity. Stars like Pam Grier showcased magnificent, perfectly rounded shapes that required specialized picks and careful shaping.
Modern afros embrace varied textures and asymmetrical shapes rather than perfectly rounded silhouettes. Today’s approach focuses on moisture-rich products and protective styling techniques to maintain hair health.
4. Dorothy Hamill’s Wedge
Olympic gold medalist Dorothy Hamill sparked a sensation with her practical yet chic wedge cut. The geometric precision featured graduated layers that were shorter at the nape and longer toward the face.
Contemporary versions maintain the graduated angle but with softer texturizing and less severe lines. Many stylists now incorporate undercuts or asymmetry to give this classic a fresh, edgy update.
5. Disco Diva Curls
Donna Summer epitomized disco glamour with her voluminous, shoulder-length curls that moved freely on the dance floor. This high-maintenance look required hot rollers, setting lotions, and serious backcombing for maximum impact.
Modern disco curls embrace natural texture rather than fighting it. Today’s approach uses diffusers and curl-enhancing products to create defined spirals without the crunchy, product-heavy finish.
6. Cher’s Sleek Center Part
Cher’s signature straight, waist-length hair with a precise center part became an iconic 70s symbol of bohemian glamour. The glass-like shine and unwavering straightness required hours of ironing with clothing irons before flat irons existed.
Today’s sleek center parts incorporate subtle layers and face-framing pieces for movement. Modern heat protectants and ceramic tools make achieving this look far less damaging.
7. Pageboy Perfection
The 70s pageboy featured a curved under bob with rounded edges and often incorporated bangs. This sophisticated yet simple style worked beautifully with the era’s wide-collared fashion and statement earrings.
Contemporary versions maintain the classic shape but add texture through subtle layers. Modern stylists often recommend slight asymmetry or curtain bangs to update this timeless look.
8. Bianca Jagger’s Shaggy Bob
Studio 54 regular Bianca Jagger made waves with her shoulder-grazing shaggy bob that perfectly balanced sophistication with rock-and-roll edge. The cut featured face-framing layers with volume at the crown.
Today’s version incorporates more texture and movement through strategic layering techniques. Modern stylists focus on customizing the cut to enhance natural hair patterns rather than fighting against them.
9. Stevie Nicks’ Mystical Waves
Fleetwood Mac’s enchanting frontwoman made wispy, free-flowing waves her signature. Her untamed, layered locks perfectly complemented her bohemian wardrobe and mystical stage presence.
Contemporary versions maintain the ethereal quality but with more defined waves and less frizz. Modern heat styling tools and smoothing products help achieve this controlled-yet-carefree aesthetic.
10. Debbie Harry’s Platinum Shag
Blondie’s frontwoman rocked a platinum blonde shag with dark roots that epitomized punk-rock chic. Her deliberately messy, choppy layers created an effortless cool-girl aesthetic that influenced generations.
Today’s platinum shags incorporate more deliberate color techniques like shadow roots or balayage. Modern versions focus on hair health with bond-building treatments to maintain integrity during bleaching.
11. Jheri Curl Era
The Jheri curl emerged in the late 70s, featuring glossy, loosely curled hair achieved through chemical processing. This high-maintenance style required special activator spray to maintain its signature wet look.
Modern versions focus on enhancing natural curl patterns rather than chemical restructuring. Today’s approach emphasizes curl-defining products and protective styling methods that celebrate natural texture.
12. Jane Birkin’s Fringe
French-English icon Jane Birkin made wispy, eye-grazing bangs her signature throughout the 70s. Her effortlessly cool fringe paired perfectly with her long, straight locks and gap-toothed smile.
Contemporary versions of Birkin bangs are often more textured and intentionally piece-y. Modern stylists recommend customizing fringe length based on face shape rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
13. Charlie’s Angels Flip
The Charlie’s Angels flip featured shoulder-length cuts with ends curled outward, creating a flirty, feminine silhouette. This bouncy style required hot rollers and significant teasing to maintain its signature shape.
Modern flips incorporate more subtle movement rather than dramatic curled ends. Today’s approach focuses on creating volume through layering techniques and strategic blow-drying rather than excessive teasing.
14. David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust
Bowie’s flame-red mullet as Ziggy Stardust revolutionized how we viewed gender and hair. The dramatic color and spiky texture became an iconic symbol of 70s glam rock rebellion.
Contemporary interpretations incorporate vibrant colors while softening the dramatic shape. Modern stylists often recommend semi-permanent vivids and texturizing products to create wearable versions of this legendary look.
15. Dolly Parton’s Country Volume
Dolly’s signature sky-high blonde wigs with dramatic volume became her trademark. Her unapologetically big hair perfectly complemented her larger-than-life personality and pioneering country music career.
Modern versions maintain height but with more movement and dimension. Today’s approach incorporates balayage techniques and strategic teasing rather than uniform, helmet-like structures.
16. Toni Tennille’s Pixie Cut
The Captain & Tennille’s female half sported a perfectly coiffed pixie that balanced femininity with practicality. Her short crop featured soft layers around the face and neatly tapered nape.
Today’s pixies incorporate more texture and asymmetry for a contemporary edge. Modern versions often feature longer tops with undercut sections, allowing for versatile styling options beyond the uniform 70s shape.