Oh, the 70s! It was a decade that truly understood the assignment when it came to hair. I’ve always been drawn to the era’s fearless approach to volume and glamour. Think of the music, the fashion, the sheer unapologetic fun – it all spilled over into the hairstyles. That’s why I’m so thrilled to dive into the 13+ iconic 70s hairstyles that celebrated big curls, incredible volume, and that undeniable retro glam. These looks aren’t just about nostalgia; they’re about embracing a bold, confident spirit that feels so fresh even today. As someone who adores vintage styles, I’ve spent years studying these looks, and I’m excited to share my expertise to help you recreate them. Get ready to be inspired by hair that truly made a statement!
Why We Love 70s Hairstyles
There’s something so captivating about 70s hair. It was all about embracing your natural texture and amplifying it with serious volume and soft, touchable curls. These styles weren’t afraid to be big, bold, and glamorous. They perfectly captured the era’s spirit of freedom and self-expression. Today, we’re seeing a huge comeback for these looks. Their timeless appeal lies in their ability to make any woman feel like a star. It’s a celebration of femininity and fabulousness.
Getting Started with 70s Volume
Achieving that signature 70s volume is easier than you might think. The key is building a foundation. Start with clean, damp hair. Applying a volumizing mousse or spray at the roots is crucial. For curls, I love using large rollers or a substantial round brush when blow-drying. Don’t be afraid to tease your hair gently at the crown for extra lift. Remember, the goal is soft, bouncy movement, not stiff, crunchy hair. It’s all about creating shape and fullness.
13. The Feathered Flip
This style is pure 70s perfection! The Feathered Flip is all about soft, wispy layers that flick outwards, creating a beautiful, airy shape. Think of it as a more dynamic, layered version of a classic shag. It’s fantastic for adding movement to medium-length hair. Honestly, it suits almost everyone, especially those with heart-shaped or oval faces. To keep that flip going, a quick blast with a round brush and your blow dryer works wonders.
12. The Shag with Bangs
The Shag is a true 70s icon, and adding bangs just takes it to another level. This cut features choppy, layered hair throughout, often with wispy or curtain bangs that frame the face beautifully. It gives off a cool, effortless vibe that’s still super stylish. I love how versatile it is. You can style the bangs swept to the side or center-parted for a softer look. Managing the layers is easy; just tousle them with your fingers. For more on this iconic cut, check out shag haircuts for women over 50.
11. The Farrah Fawcett
Who could forget Farrah Fawcett’s legendary hair? This style is the epitome of 70s glamour. It’s characterized by its abundant, feathered layers that cascade around the face and end in those iconic flipped-out curls. It’s a look that screams confidence and sophistication. To get that incredible bounce, I highly recommend using large velcro rollers or a good round brush while blow-drying. It creates that perfect, gravity-defying volume.
10. The Afro
The Afro is a powerful symbol of natural beauty and pride. In the 70s, it was celebrated in all its glorious volume. This hairstyle embraces and enhances natural curls, creating a stunning, rounded silhouette. It’s a look that commands attention and celebrates individuality. To keep your Afro looking its best, focus on moisture. Using rich conditioners and curl-defining creams will keep your coils soft and beautifully shaped. For more on natural hair, explore natural hair cornrow styles.
9. The Disco Diva Blowout
When you think of disco, you think of big, bouncy hair! The Disco Diva Blowout is all about that voluminous, center-parted style with soft, sweeping curls. It’s the perfect party hairstyle, designed to catch the light and make you feel like the star of the dance floor. Creating these lasting curls often involves setting the hair with rollers after blow-drying. Then, gently brush them out for that glamorous, flowing effect.
8. The Bowl Cut with Volume
The bowl cut got a major upgrade in the 70s. Instead of being flat, it was all about adding serious volume and texture. This bolder, more dramatic version has a playful yet edgy feel. It’s surprisingly modern and can be styled with a retro twist. A texturizing spray at the roots is your best friend here. It gives that lift and fullness without making the hair stiff. It’s a statement look that’s totally cool.
7. The Side-Swept Glamour
A deep side part instantly adds drama and sophistication. In the 70s, this was often paired with voluminous waves or soft curls that swept across the forehead and cascaded down one side. This creates an elegant and alluring silhouette. It’s a fantastic way to add instant glamour to any outfit. To keep that part in place and add a touch of flair, use some stylish bobby pins. They secure the hair and act as an accessory. For more on hair accessories, see bandana hairstyles.
6. The Voluminous Bob
The bob never really goes out of style, but the 70s gave it a major dose of volume. Think of a classic bob shape amplified with soft, bouncy curls or waves throughout. This version feels incredibly chic and versatile. It’s a look that can go from day to night effortlessly. For extra height at the crown, a little backcombing before styling works wonders. It gives that perfect lift and fullness.
5. The Wedge Cut
The Wedge Cut is a shorter, often layered style that focuses on creating upward volume. It has an edgy, almost punk-rock vibe, but with a playful and energetic feel. This cut is all about shape and movement. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want something a bit different. A strong-hold hairspray is essential to keep that sculpted shape in place all day long. It’s a look that truly stands out.
4. The Pageboy with a Twist
The classic pageboy, with its rounded ends and neat shape, got a 70s makeover. This version adds more volume and softer, rounded curls, giving it a polished yet retro charm. It’s a sweet and stylish look that feels very authentic to the era. To achieve that smooth finish after curling, a quick pass with a flat iron on the ends can help round them out perfectly. It adds a touch of modern polish.
3. The Layered Lob (Long Bob)
The long bob, or lob, was also huge in the 70s, but with an emphasis on layers to create movement and volume. These strategic layers give the hair a beautiful flow and fullness. It’s a style that feels both modern and wonderfully retro. I find that adding texture with a sea salt spray really brings out the natural waves and enhances the layered look. It gives that effortless, beachy vibe. For more on layered cuts, see layered medium haircuts for women over 50.
2. The Feathered Layers
Building on the Feathered Flip, the concept of feathered layers was everywhere. These layers are cut to create softness and movement, often styled with a subtle outward curl. It’s a universally flattering technique that adds life to any hair length. The beauty of feathered layers is their airy, light feel. You can achieve this subtle feathering with careful razor cutting or strategic point cutting by your stylist.
1. The Ultimate Big Hair
When I think of the ultimate 70s statement, it’s this: Big Hair. I mean, truly sky-high curls and abundant waves that seem to defy gravity. This is the epitome of the era’s love for volume and glamour. It’s a look that says, “I’m here, and I’m fabulous!” To achieve this level of height and hold, teasing your hair at the roots and using a good quality hairspray are absolute musts. It’s all about that dramatic impact. For more on achieving volume, check out haircuts that give thin fine hair lasting body bounce.
Frequently Asked Questions about 70s Hairstyles
How can I achieve 70s volume without damaging my hair?
Achieving that amazing 70s hair volume is totally doable without harsh heat! Try using large flexi-rods or velcro rollers on damp hair, then let it air dry. You can also braid damp hair for soft waves. If you do use heat, always apply a good heat protectant spray first. My personal favorite is using a diffuser on my blow dryer on a cool setting. It gives me lift without too much heat exposure.
Are these 70s hairstyles suitable for all hair types?
Most of these retro hairstyles for modern women can be adapted! For finer hair, focus on volumizing products at the roots and gentle teasing. Thicker hair might need more layering to avoid looking too heavy. Curly hair naturally has the volume, so it’s about enhancing your curl pattern. Straight hair might need more setting or curling to get the desired shape and hold.
What products were popular in the 70s for achieving big hair?
Back in the day, mousses and hairsprays were key for that big hair look. They helped create and hold the volume. Think of products that offered serious hold without making hair too stiff. Today, you can find modern versions. Look for volumizing mousses, root-lifting sprays, and flexible-hold hairsprays. Texturizing sprays are also fantastic for adding that lived-in, voluminous feel to your 70s curls.
Embrace Your Inner 70s Icon
Now that you’ve explored these incredible 70s hairstyles, it’s time to have some fun! Don’t be afraid to experiment with big curls, volume, and that undeniable retro glam. These looks are all about confidence and celebrating your unique beauty. Whether you choose a subtle feathered layer or go all out with the ultimate big hair, embrace the spirit of the 70s. Let your hair be your crown and shine with that fabulous, free-spirited energy. Go ahead, channel your inner icon and rock these timeless styles!
