The nineteen seventies was an iconic era that completely transformed the beauty landscape. Natural textures were celebrated loudly and proudly, making way for incredible creativity. When looking back at 25 70s braided hairstyles, black hair clearly took center stage as a powerful symbol of culture, style, and self-expression. From the streets to the disco dance floors, intricate braided looks became the ultimate fashion statement. These styles were not just about looking good. They represented heritage, community, and the undeniable beauty of Black identity. Whether you want to tap into nostalgic vibes or find fresh inspiration for your next salon visit, exploring these vintage braided looks offers endless ideas. Let us dive into the most unforgettable and iconic braided creations from this groovy decade that still inspire us today.
1. Straight Back Cornrows
Have you ever wanted a style that is both simple and striking? Straight back cornrows remain one of the most recognizable looks from the seventies. This style involves braiding the hair flat against the scalp from the front hairline all the way to the nape of the neck. It is a timeless choice that works for any occasion. During this era, wearing your hair in these neat, uniform rows was a bold declaration of pride and natural beauty. The style is incredibly practical, keeping hair protected and tangle-free while looking effortlessly cool. You can wear the ends loose or secure them into a chic low ponytail. It perfectly captures that vintage seventies vibe while remaining a low-maintenance staple today.
2. Beaded Box Braids
Listen to the gentle clinking of beads swaying with every step you take. Beaded box braids became a massive sensation in the seventies, popularized by iconic actresses and everyday beauties alike. This look features individual plaits that hang freely, adorned with colorful wooden or plastic beads at the ends. The beads were not just decorative. They added weight to help the braids swing beautifully and signaled a vibrant sense of personal style. Wooden beads were especially popular, giving the hair an earthy, authentic feel that matched the decade’s cultural movements. Creating this look requires patience, but the stunning result is absolutely worth the effort. It is a joyful, expressive style that instantly transports you right back to the groovy seventies era.
3. Halo Braid Updo
Imagine a style that makes you look like literal royalty. The halo braid updo is exactly what it sounds like. A single, thick braid is wrapped entirely around the circumference of the head, resting like a crown. This elegant look was a favorite for formal events and everyday wear during the seventies. It keeps all the hair securely tucked away while creating a stunning, sculptural silhouette. The braid is usually created by starting at the nape and working around, or by pinning two separate braids together at the top. It highlights your facial features beautifully and pairs perfectly with bold seventies fashion like large sunglasses and flowing garments. This heavenly style remains a go-to for anyone wanting a graceful, polished braided appearance.
4. Goddess Braids
What makes a hairstyle look truly powerful? Goddess braids answer this with their thick, oversized plaits that sit prominently on the scalp. Unlike smaller cornrows, these braids use large sections of hair to create a bold, dramatic effect. In the seventies, this style was worn as a symbol of strength and cultural pride. The larger size means less tension on the scalp and a faster installation process. You can wear them in straight lines, curved patterns, or swept into an updo. They offer a regal appearance that demands attention without needing complex styling. This protective style is perfect for anyone wanting a striking, statement-making look that honors the bold aesthetic of the nineteen seventies while keeping natural hair completely safe.
5. Disco Braided Ponytail
Can you picture yourself under the glowing lights of a seventies dance floor? The disco braided ponytail was the ultimate party hairstyle. This look features cornrows braided from the front and sides, all gathering into a long, swinging ponytail at the back. The ponytail itself could be made of natural hair or extensions, often featuring curly ends for extra bounce. It was the perfect practical solution for a night of dancing, keeping hair out of the face while looking incredibly glamorous. The sleekness of the cornrows contrasted beautifully with the voluminous ponytail. Adding a scarf or gold cuffs to the base of the ponytail elevates the look even more, giving you that authentic disco queen vibe ready to groove all night.
6. Micro Braids With Curls
Touch the incredibly fine texture of micro braids paired with bouncy curls. This style became a sensation toward the late seventies, offering unmatched versatility. Micro braids are tiny, delicate plaits that take hours to complete but offer weeks of effortless styling. Leaving the ends loose and curly creates a beautiful, full-bodied look that moves naturally. The curls add a soft, romantic touch to the intricate braiding work. Women loved this style because it allowed them to wear their hair down, pulled into a half-up style, or even swirled into an updo. The sheer volume created by the combination of tiny braids and curly ends is simply breathtaking. It remains a stunning tribute to the elaborate styling of the decade.
7. Cornrow Mohawk
Have you ever wanted to show off your edgy side? The cornrow mohawk is a striking style that perfectly captures the rebellious spirit of the seventies. The sides of the head are braided flat against the scalp, leading into a thick, voluminous strip of braids or loose hair down the center. This creates the illusion of a mohawk without the commitment of shaving your head. It is a fantastic way to combine bold punk influences with traditional African braiding techniques. The contrast between the sleek sides and the textured center is incredibly eye-catching. You can style the middle section into a thick braid, a curly afro puff, or even wrap it with colorful thread for a truly unforgettable retro appearance.
8. Two Strand Twist Braids
Feel the textured beauty of a classic protective style. Two strand twist braids were a fundamental part of seventies black hair care. Unlike traditional three-strand plaits, this method involves wrapping two sections of hair around each other from root to tip. The result is a rope-like texture that looks effortlessly chic and natural. This style was beloved for its simplicity and the beautiful way it shrinks and forms thick, chunky strands. It is incredibly gentle on the scalp and helps retain moisture. You can wear them down for a carefree look or pin them up into a sophisticated updo. They also unravel into a gorgeous, defined curl pattern known as a twist-out, giving you two fantastic looks in one single styling session.
9. Braided Bob Haircut
Who says braids have to be long? The braided bob haircut became a chic, modern alternative during the seventies. This look features box braids or cornrows styled into a sharp, chin-length bob. It frames the face beautifully and highlights the cheekbones and jawline. The bob shape gives the braids a structured, polished look that works wonderfully for both professional settings and casual outings. It is also much lighter on the neck than longer braids, making it incredibly comfortable to wear. Adding wooden beads or small metallic cuffs to the ends of the braids enhances the vintage appeal. This refreshing take on braided styles proves that you do not need length to make a massive fashion statement with your hair.
10. Zig Zag Cornrows
Step away from straight lines and explore something truly artistic. Zig zag cornrows burst onto the scene in the seventies, turning hair into a canvas for geometric art. Instead of following the traditional straight-back path, the braids are parted and woven in sharp, alternating angles. This creates a striking visual effect that instantly draws the eye. It requires a skilled braider to execute the precise angles, but the result is a masterpiece of hair design. This style was a favorite for those who wanted to push boundaries and stand out from the crowd. It shows off the incredible versatility of black hair and the limitless creativity of the stylists who shaped the cultural aesthetic of the vibrant seventies era.
11. Side Swept Braids
Imagine brushing all your hair over one shoulder for a dramatically romantic effect. Side swept braids were a hugely popular way to wear hair in the seventies. This look involves creating large cornrows or chunky individuals that are all directed to one side of the head. The excess length falls gracefully over the shoulder, creating an asymmetrical and highly flattering silhouette. It is a wonderful style for showing off the length of your braids while keeping them manageable. The asymmetry adds a touch of softness around the face, making it perfect for any occasion. Adding a decorative hair clip or a silk scarf at the base gives it an extra touch of vintage glamour that is hard to resist.
12. Fulani Braids With Beads
Hear the rhythmic sound of beads clicking together as you move. Fulani braids with beads are a deeply traditional and visually stunning style that gained widespread appreciation in the seventies. This look is characterized by a central parting with braids curving toward the ears, often featuring one or two hanging braids at the temples. The rest of the hair is braided into straight-back cornrows or individuals. Adorning the braids with colorful beads is essential to this style, adding movement and cultural significance. The beads were often made of wood, shells, or plastic, each carrying its own meaning. This style beautifully celebrates heritage while offering a striking, eye-catching look that remains endlessly inspiring for modern hair fashion enthusiasts everywhere.
13. Crown Braid Updo
Visualize an elegant swirl of braids resting majestically on top of the head. The crown braid updo was the epitome of seventies sophistication. This style involves creating thick braids and wrapping them around the top of the head to form a circular, crown-like shape. It is incredibly regal and perfect for special occasions or when you simply want to feel glamorous. The updo keeps the neck cool and the hair completely protected. It highlights the face and draws attention to your features, much like a beautiful piece of jewelry. You can accessorize it with golden hair cuffs or fresh flowers to elevate the look further. It is a timeless masterpiece that showcases the incredible artistry of black braiding traditions.
14. Jumbo Box Braids
Feel the lightweight freedom of chunky, oversized plaits. Jumbo box braids became a beloved staple in the seventies for their bold appearance and quick installation. Unlike micro braids, jumbo braids use large sections of hair, resulting in thick, heavy-looking plaits that actually put very little tension on the scalp. They offer a striking, voluminous look without taking hours to complete. This style was perfect for women who wanted a dramatic change without sitting in the salon chair all day. The thickness of the braids makes them easy to style into high ponytails, buns, or simply wear hanging loose. They are a fantastic, low-maintenance option that delivers maximum impact and a truly authentic vintage aesthetic for any modern wearer.
15. Feed In Cornrows
Experience the seamless, natural look of flawlessly blended braids. Feed in cornrows rose to prominence in the seventies as a way to create braids that looked completely natural. Instead of starting with a bulky knot of extension hair, the stylist gradually feeds in small pieces of hair as they braid down the scalp. This technique creates a braid that starts thin at the hairline and gradually gets thicker, mimicking the natural growth pattern of the hair. It is incredibly comfortable and causes much less tension on the edges. The result is a sleek, polished style that looks incredibly neat and lasts for weeks. This technique revolutionized braiding, offering a flawless, scalp-hugging look that remains the gold standard for cornrows today.
16. Braided Space Buns
Double the fun with a playful, youthful style. Braided space buns were a quirky and adorable way to wear hair in the late seventies. This look involves parting the hair down the middle and braiding each side into cornrows or individuals. The ends are then wrapped into two symmetrical buns on top of the head. The buns can be sleek and neat or slightly undone for a more relaxed, bohemian feel. This style is incredibly practical, keeping hair out of the face while dancing or hanging out. It perfectly captures the fun, experimental spirit of the decade. Adding wooden beads or colorful thread to the buns makes them even more expressive and unique for any festive occasion or casual day.
17. Stitch Braids High Ponytail
Pull your hair up high for a look that commands attention. Stitch braids high ponytail combines intricate scalp work with the fierce energy of a vertical updo. Stitch braiding uses an exact finger technique to create clean, distinct lines between each plait, making the scalp look like it is stitched. All these precise braids are then gathered into a towering ponytail at the crown of the head. The height of the ponytail adds instant drama and elongates the neck beautifully. This style was a showstopper in the seventies, blending artistic precision with bold, unapologetic volume. Wrapping a braided section of hair around the base of the ponytail finishes the look perfectly, creating a seamless and incredibly polished final appearance.
18. Yarn Braids
Wrap your hair in vibrant, colorful threads for an unforgettable look. Yarn braids emerged in the seventies as a unique and highly creative protective style. Instead of synthetic braiding hair, actual yarn is used to extend the braids. This creates a distinctly matte, textured look that differs from the sheen of regular hair. Yarn is incredibly lightweight, allowing for very long braids without straining the neck. It also comes in endless colors, allowing for bold, customized looks. You could match your hair to your outfit or rock a rainbow of hues for a striking statement. This style is a fantastic example of the resourcefulness and creativity of the era, offering a fun, personalized way to express individual style effortlessly.
19. Lemonade Braids
Sip on the refreshing look of deeply side-parted plaits. Lemonade braids are essentially long, side-swept cornrows that became massively popular in the seventies. The hair is braided flat against the scalp, moving from one side to the other, allowing the length to fall gracefully over one shoulder. This style is incredibly flattering for all face shapes, as the deep side part adds volume and softness to the overall look. It is a sleek, low-maintenance style that protects the hair while looking absolutely stunning. The fluid, continuous lines of the braids create a beautiful visual flow. Adding gold wire or small cuffs to the ends elevates the look, giving it that classic vintage glamour that never goes out of style.
20. Braided Beehive
Reach new heights with an architectural marvel of hair. The braided beehive adapted the popular sixties updo into a stunning seventies braided creation. This style involves gathering the hair and wrapping braids around a base to create a tall, rounded shape at the back of the crown. It requires careful pinning and styling to achieve the perfect dome silhouette. The braids add incredible texture and visual interest to the classic beehive shape, making it look much more intricate and cultural. It was the ultimate fancy hairstyle for church, weddings, or high-profile events. This towering style proves that braided hair can be just as formal and structured as any other updo, offering a majestic and unforgettable finishing touch.
21. Tree Braids
Discover the secret to beautifully blended hair. Tree braids became a clever innovation in the seventies for those who wanted the look of loose, flowing hair with the protection of braids. The stylist begins a cornrow but intentionally leaves small pieces of extension hair out as they braid down. These loose pieces fall over the cornrow, completely hiding the braid underneath. The result looks exactly like a full, voluminous head of hair. It is an amazing illusion that offers the best of both worlds. You get the low-maintenance benefits of braids with the styling versatility of loose hair. This technique was a game-changer, allowing women to switch up their look effortlessly while maintaining the health and integrity of their natural hair.
22. French Braid Updo
Twist your way into a timeless and elegant appearance. The French braid updo was a sophisticated choice that many black women embraced in the seventies. Unlike cornrows that sit on top of the scalp, French braids are woven underneath, creating a raised, dimensional plait. For this updo, the hair is French braided from the front or sides and secured into a beautiful bun or tuck at the back. The raised braids add incredible texture and a touch of romantic charm to the style. It is perfect for keeping hair neat and secure while looking perfectly polished. This classic look translates beautifully from the office to an evening out, offering a refined and graceful aesthetic that honors vintage braiding traditions.
23. Cornrow Bun
Gather your braids into a sleek, powerful statement. The cornrow bun is a quintessential seventies look that remains endlessly popular. The hair is braided into various cornrow patterns, which are then all pulled up and twisted into a neat bun at the crown or nape of the neck. The bun can be large and voluminous or small and precise, depending on your preference. This style is the ultimate combination of practical and chic. It keeps all your hair protected and out of your way while looking incredibly put-together. The intricate patterns of the cornrows leading up to the bun create a beautiful visual effect. It is a bold, confident style that works perfectly for active days and elegant nights alike.
24. Bohemian Box Braids
Embrace the carefree, artistic spirit of the decade. Bohemian box braids offer a softer, more relaxed take on the traditional style. These braids are installed loosely, often featuring wavy or curly ends that are left completely unbound. In the seventies, this look was favored by free spirits who wanted a style that moved naturally and felt less rigid. The undone quality of the wavy ends gives the hair a beautiful, romantic bounce. You can wear them cascading down your back or pull them into a messy, effortless updo. This style perfectly captures the essence of the era, blending protective styling with an easy, breezy aesthetic that looks effortlessly beautiful and timeless on anyone who wears it today.
25. Intricate Geometric Cornrows
Marvel at the sheer artistry of hair transformed into complex maps. Intricate geometric cornrows represent the absolute pinnacle of seventies braiding skill. This style moves far beyond simple straight lines, incorporating triangles, diamonds, and swirling curves into the parting and braiding design. Each braid connects seamlessly to the next, creating a visually stunning tapestry on the scalp. It requires a braider with an exceptional eye for detail and a deep understanding of mathematical precision. This style was often worn as a way to showcase personal identity and cultural pride. The result is a breathtaking, walking piece of art. It remains a powerful testament to the unmatched creativity and technical mastery of black hairstylists during the vibrant seventies era.
Conclusion:
The nineteen seventies truly gave us some of the most beautiful and culturally significant hair creations in history. Exploring these vintage looks reminds us of the deep artistry and pride woven into every single plait. From bold, thick goddess braids to intricate geometric cornrows, the variety is simply stunning. These styles were much more than just fashion. They were powerful declarations of identity and community that changed the beauty world forever. Today, these retro inspirations continue to influence modern salons and street style. Whether you prefer a sleek disco ponytail or a romantic halo updo, there is a seventies braided look for everyone. Embrace the heritage, enjoy the versatility, and wear your braids with the exact same confidence and pride.
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