1970s hair is defined by a radical shift from the rigid, structured silhouettes of the 1960s toward a philosophy of "naturalism," individual expression, and movement. This decade popularized iconic looks such as the shaggy layers of rock stars, the voluminous "feathered" blowout, the political and cultural statement of the Afro, and sleek, middle-parted long hair.
The 1970s represented a pivotal era in cosmetology where technical precision met a burgeoning desire for freedom. It was the "Me Decade," and hair became a primary canvas for self-identification. Whether it was the anti-establishment grit of the late-70s punk scene or the polished glamour of the disco era, the hairstyles of this period remain some of the most influential in history. As of 2026, many of these silhouettes have seen a massive resurgence, adapted with modern texturizing techniques and high-performance styling tools.
The Cultural Evolution of 1970s Hair
To understand the hair of the 1970s, one must understand the social climate of the time. The decade began as an extension of the late 1960s hippie movement, which eschewed artificiality. This meant hair was often worn long, un-styled, and parted down the middle. However, as the decade progressed, the influence of Hollywood, the music industry, and the burgeoning fitness craze introduced more deliberate—though still "effortless-looking"—styles.
The introduction of the handheld blow-dryer was perhaps the most significant technological advancement for 1970s hair. Before this, women were often tethered to large hood dryers or used rollers to set rigid curls. The portable blow-dryer allowed for the "blow-dry and go" culture, leading to the feathered and flicked-out styles that defined the mid-70s. This era also saw the professionalization of "the cut" over "the set," thanks to pioneers like Vidal Sassoon, who emphasized geometric shapes that fell back into place naturally without the need for excessive backcombing or lacquer.
The Shag: The Foundation of 1970s Layering
The Shag is arguably the most versatile and enduring haircut to emerge from the 1970s. Created by barber Paul McGregor for Jane Fonda’s character in the film Klute, the shag broke away from the traditional blunt cuts of the past.
Technical Anatomy of a Shag
The Shag is characterized by three main components:
- Short Crown Layers: These provide height and volume at the top of the head.
- Face-Framing Fringe: Usually a curtain or bottleneck bang that blends into the side layers.
- Thinned-Out Ends: The perimeter is kept light and choppy, allowing for natural movement and a "lived-in" texture.
In the 1970s, the shag was gender-neutral. It was adopted by rock icons like Mick Jagger, David Bowie (in his Ziggy Stardust phase), and Joan Jett. The goal was intentional dishevelment. Unlike the smooth finishes of the 2020s, the 70s shag relied on heavy internal layering to create a square or rectangular silhouette, often paired with "shullets" (a precursor to the mullet).
Feathering: The Farrah Fawcett Revolution
If the shag was the rebel’s choice, "feathered hair" was the height of mainstream glamour. This look is inextricably linked to Farrah Fawcett and her role in Charlie's Angels.
Feathering is a technique used to pull the hair back away from the face in soft, wing-like layers. Technically, this requires long layers throughout the hair, which are then curled outward using a large-barrel round brush or hot rollers. The "flick" is the most important part of the style; the hair must appear to be blowing backward even when stationary.
By the mid-1970s, this style was a global phenomenon. It required significant maintenance compared to the shag, often necessitating the use of light-hold hairsprays and voluminous mousses—products that were rapidly evolving during this period. For those with thinner hair, feathering provided much-needed body, while those with thick hair used it to manage weight around the face.
The Afro and the Natural Hair Movement
The 1970s was a landmark decade for Black hair, as the "Black is Beautiful" movement encouraged Black men and women to embrace their natural textures. The Afro became a powerful symbol of pride, heritage, and political resistance against Eurocentric beauty standards.
Unlike the stylized Afros of earlier years, the 1970s Afro was often worn large and perfectly spherical. This required specific tools, most notably the Afro pick, which was often designed with the "Black Power" fist on the handle. Maintenance involved keeping the hair moisturized and using the pick to lift the hair from the roots to create a uniform halo of volume.
Iconic figures like Angela Davis, Pam Grier, and the Jackson 5 brought the Afro into the cultural mainstream. It was a style that demanded space and respect, transitioning from a political statement to a high-fashion look seen on disco dance floors across the globe.
Sleek, Straight, and Centered: The "Cher" Aesthetic
While volume was a major theme, the 1970s also embraced the opposite extreme: ultra-long, pin-straight hair. This look was popularized by Cher and Ali MacGraw.
This style was defined by a crisp center part and hair that often reached the waist or beyond. In an era before ceramic flat irons, achieving this look was labor-intensive. Many women famously used clothes irons to flatten their hair, a dangerous practice that often led to significant heat damage. Others used "wrapping" techniques, where wet hair was brushed flat around the circumference of the head and secured until dry.
The sleek look represented the "boho-chic" side of the 70s, often paired with floral maxi dresses or bell-bottom jeans. It emphasized the health and shine of the hair, leading to an increased market for pH-balanced shampoos and conditioners, such as those popularized by the Smithsonian’s records on 1970s consumer culture.
The Wedge and Geometric Precision
In 1976, Dorothy Hamill won Olympic gold, but she also started a hair revolution with the "Wedge." Created by Trevor Sorbie (working for the Vidal Sassoon salon), the Wedge was a masterpiece of hair geometry.
It was a short, layered bob that utilized "stacking" at the back to create a triangular shape. The genius of the Wedge was its movement; as Hamill skated and spun, her hair would fly out and then fall perfectly back into its structured shape. This cut appealed to the modern woman of 1976 who wanted a low-maintenance, athletic look that still felt feminine and stylish. It paved the way for the more aggressive short cuts seen in the 1980s.
Comparison of Iconic 1970s Hairstyles
| Hairstyle | Primary Feature | Key Icon | Cultural Vibe | Maintenance Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Shag | Choppy, uneven layers | Joan Jett / Mick Jagger | Rock & Roll / Rebellious | Low - Medium |
| Feathered | Outward-flicked layers | Farrah Fawcett | Glamour / All-American | High |
| The Afro | Natural, spherical volume | Angela Davis / Pam Grier | Pride / Empowerment | Medium |
| The Wedge | Back-stacked geometric bob | Dorothy Hamill | Athletic / Precise | Low |
| Cher Hair | Long, pin-straight, center part | Cher | Boho-Chic / Elegant | Medium - High |
| Punk Spikes | Short, jagged, often dyed | Siouxsie Sioux | Anti-establishment | High |
Men's Hair in the 1970s: Length and Facial Hair
The 1970s saw a total rejection of the "crew cut" for men. Following the lead of the Beatles and later rock bands, men’s hair became significantly longer.
- The Mop-Top Evolution: The neat cuts of the 60s grew into shoulder-length manes.
- The Mullet’s Infancy: By the late 70s, the "short on top, long in the back" look began to emerge, particularly in the glam rock scene.
- Sideburns and Mustaches: Facial hair was almost mandatory for the 70s male aesthetic. Sideburns were worn wide ("mutton chops"), and the "horseshoe" mustache became a staple of the decade’s masculinity.
Men also began using hair dryers and light-hold creams to achieve the "dry look," moving away from the greasy pomades of the 1950s and early 60s.
Professional Tools and Techniques of the Era
The 70s was the era when the beauty industry became a technological powerhouse. For the first time, salons were not just about "cutting and setting," but about "sculpting and drying."
- Round Brushes: Metal and nylon round brushes became the primary tool for creating the feathered look.
- Electric Rollers: Brands like Clairol dominated the market with "Instant Hair Setter" kits that allowed women to get 70s volume in 20 minutes.
- Thinning Shears: To achieve the internal texture of the shag, stylists began using thinning shears and razors more aggressively than in previous decades.
- The Perm: While often associated with the 80s, the "alkaline perm" gained massive traction in the late 70s as people sought to add "natural-looking" curls to otherwise limp hair.
1970s Hair in the Modern Era (2026)
As of 2026, 1970s hair has moved beyond "retro" and into the category of "modern classic." The "Wolf Cut" and the "Butterfly Cut," which have dominated social media trends in recent years, are direct descendants of the 70s shag and feathered styles.
Modern technology has made these looks more accessible and less damaging. We now use ionic blow-dryers and ceramic rotating brushes that provide the same Farrah-style flick without scorching the cuticle. Furthermore, the 2026 approach to 70s hair focuses on "effortless" maintenance, using salt sprays and dry shampoos to mimic the "second-day" grit that was so prized in the 1970s rock scene.
The natural hair movement has also reached new heights of technical sophistication, with specialized "curly cuts" that allow Afros and natural textures to be shaped with the same geometric precision once reserved for straight hair, a trend well-documented by the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which 1970s hairstyle is best for a round face?
The Shag is generally considered the best 70s style for round faces. The choppy, vertical layers and face-framing fringe help to elongate the face and break up the roundness. Avoid the Wedge or the heavy "Cher" straight hair, as these can sometimes emphasize width.
How do I get 1970s volume without damaging my hair?
In 2026, the best way to achieve 70s volume is by using heatless rollers or a large-barrel air-styler. Applying a volumizing mousse to damp hair and then using a cold-shot setting on your dryer helps lock in the "flick" of feathered hair without the extreme heat that was common in the 1970s.
What is the difference between a Shag and a Mullet?
The main difference lies in the transition between the front and the back. A Shag has a continuous flow of layers from the fringe to the ends, creating a cohesive, messy look. A Mullet has a distinct "disconnection," where the hair on the top and sides is significantly shorter than the hair in the back, with little to no blending between the two lengths.
Did they use hairspray in the 70s?
Yes, but the usage shifted. In the early 70s, hairspray usage declined as people wanted "touchable" hair. However, with the rise of disco and the feathered look in the mid-to-late 70s, hairspray became popular again. Aerosol cans were the standard until environmental concerns regarding CFCs led to the rise of non-aerosol pump sprays.
Can I get a 70s look with short hair?
Absolutely. The Wedge and the Punk Pixie are perfect 70s-inspired options for shorter lengths. The Wedge provides a sophisticated, voluminous look, while a choppy, layered pixie with a longer nape can give off a late-70s rock vibe.
Final Recommendation
If you are looking to adopt a 1970s-inspired look in 2026, start with the Modern Shag. It is the most adaptable style for various hair types and requires the least amount of daily styling. For those with natural curls or coils, embracing a shaped Afro provides a timeless, high-impact silhouette that honors the era’s heritage. Always consult with a stylist who specializes in "dry cutting" or "razor cutting" to ensure the layers have the authentic movement and lightness that defined the decade.
