Step back into the groove of the disco era and embrace the beauty of natural texture. If you are looking for retro inspiration, exploring 25 70s hairstyles curly hair will reveal a decade defined by volume, freedom, and iconic movement. From the dance floor to the streets, curls were celebrated in ways never seen before. The seventies was a revolutionary time when people put down the straightening irons and let their natural coils and waves run wild. Whether you love the fierce volume of a disco queen, the laid-back vibe of a bohemian shag, or the sleek bounce of a feathered cut, there is a retro look for every curl pattern. Get ready to discover the best vintage curls that are totally making a comeback today.
1. 70s Afro Curly Hair
Nothing captures the bold spirit of the seventies quite like a massive, beautifully shaped afro. This look is all about embracing your natural coils and letting them take center stage with maximum height and volume. To get this iconic shape, you use a pick comb to lift the hair from the roots, creating a perfect round silhouette that frames the face. It makes a powerful statement without needing any complicated styling tricks. A good moisturizing cream is key to keeping the halo soft and bouncy rather than frizzy. This style works incredibly well for tighter curl types, offering a gorgeous, round shape that turns heads everywhere you go. It remains a timeless symbol of self-acceptance and retro beauty.
2. 70s Shag Haircut For Curly Hair
Have you ever wanted a cut that does all the heavy lifting for you? The curly shag is exactly that, featuring heavily layered ends and curtain bangs that bring out the best in your natural texture. This heavily layered cut removes bulk from the bottom while creating incredible volume at the crown, giving curls a perfectly messy, lived-in feel. It is the ultimate low-maintenance style for anyone who wants to wake up and go. The bangs seamlessly blend into the rest of the hair, effortlessly framing your cheekbones. By enhancing natural movement, the shag makes every single curl look intentional and full of bounce. It perfectly captures that cool, effortless rock-and-roll vibe of the decade.
3. 70s Curly Mullet
Business in the front and a party in the back is the best way to describe this unforgettable look. The curly mullet brings an edgy, rebellious energy that defined the late seventies rock scene. It keeps the sides shorter or neatly tucked, while letting the back flow freely into a cascade of wild curls. This contrast creates a seriously striking profile that highlights the natural bounce of your hair. It is surprisingly versatile and can be tailored to suit both tight coils and looser waves. Adding some choppy layers on top gives it that extra lift and authentic vintage flair. If you want a style that breaks the mold, this retro cut delivers major attitude.
4. 70s Feathered Curly Hair
Channel your inner Charlie’s Angel with a look that swept the nation. Feathered curly hair relies on deep side parts and flipped-back layers that beautifully cascade away from the face. While straight-haired folks used round brushes to get the look, curly girls can simply diffuse their layers away from the cheeks to create that iconic swoop. The secret lies in the layering technique, which ensures the curls fan out perfectly rather than falling flat. This creates a soft, face-framing effect that looks incredibly glamorous and effortlessly chic. Whether your hair falls to your shoulders or down your back, the feathered effect adds stunning movement. It is a truly timeless look that flatters almost every face shape.
5. 70s Wedge Haircut For Curly Hair
Think of this as the sophisticated cousin of the bob, offering a geometric shape that looks amazing with bouncy curls. Popularized by Olympic figure skaters in the decade, the wedge features stacked layers in the back that create a sharp, angled silhouette. When combined with curly hair, the stacked backend forms a gorgeous, rounded bell shape that holds its structure all day long. The front is usually cut slightly longer to tuck behind the ears or sweep softly across the forehead. This is a fantastic option for anyone wanting a shorter style with built-in volume and a polished finish. It requires minimal daily styling, looking sharp and vibrant whether you are at the office or hitting the disco.
6. 70s Disco Curls
Get ready to hit the dance floor under the glittering ball with big, bouncy curls that refuse to be ignored. Disco curls are all about ultimate shine, defined coils, and gravity-defying volume that moves with you. The goal is to make every single curl look perfectly formed yet full of energetic life. You can achieve this by using a small curling iron to touch up random sections or by setting your natural curls overnight with rollers. A strong hold mousse is absolutely essential to lock in the bounce without weighing the hair down. This look is pure glamour and demands attention wherever you go. It perfectly embodies the flashy, extravagant energy of the legendary seventies nightclub scene.
7. 70s Curly Bob
Sometimes simplicity makes the biggest impact. The curly bob from this era is a chin-length wonder that offers a timeless, sleek appearance for wavy and curly textures. Unlike the heavily layered shag, this cut keeps things more uniform, allowing the natural curl pattern to form a gorgeous, rounded shape on its own. It tucks neatly right at the jawline, highlighting the neck and drawing attention to bold seventies earrings. To keep it looking authentic, a light gel scrunched into wet hair will define the curls without making them stiff. This allows the bob to maintain its soft, swinging movement. It is a highly versatile choice that looks just as professional as it does playful and relaxed.
8. 70s Half Up Half Down Curly Hair
Why choose between wearing your hair up or down when you can enjoy the best of both worlds? This romantic style takes the volume of loose curls and pairs it with the practicality of pulling the top section away from your face. You simply gather the hair from your temples up to the crown, securing it with a decorative clip or a simple band. Leaving a few curled tendrils falling around the face softens the overall look beautifully. It was a staple for women attending outdoor concerts or just enjoying a sunny afternoon. This half-and-half approach gives you incredible height at the roots while letting the rest of your curls flow freely down your back.
9. 70s Bixie Cut For Curly Hair
Combining the best elements of a pixie and a bob, the bixie is a fantastic retro option for curly textures. This bi-level cut keeps the back and sides relatively short and tapered, while leaving more length on the top and around the front. For curly hair, this creates a stunning natural halo effect that is full of bounce and easy to manage. The extra length on top allows you to play with partings, sweeping your curls to one side for a dramatic, asymmetrical look. It frames the eyes and cheekbones flawlessly while keeping the neck cool and free. This quirky yet chic cut perfectly captures the playful, experimental mood of the seventies beauty scene.
10. 70s Long Curly Hair With Bangs
Nothing beats the classic beauty of cascading curls paired with a statement fringe. Long curly hair with bangs was a major trend, offering a beautiful contrast between the flowing length and the tight, face-framing curls at the forehead. The key to making this look work is ensuring the bangs are cut dry, as curly hair springs up significantly once it dries. Curtain bangs that part in the middle are the most authentic to the era, blending flawlessly into the rest of the long layers. This style gives you the option to wear your hair down or pulled back, while the bangs always keep the look styled and intentional. It is iconic, flattering, and highly feminine.
11. 70s Flipped Out Curly Bob
Give your standard curly bob a playful twist by flipping the ends outward. This small styling detail completely changes the vibe of the cut, giving it a distinctly retro, cheerful appearance. Using a small barrel curling iron or a round brush, you simply direct the ends of your curly bob up and away from your face. This creates a subtle flare that beautifully highlights your jawline and adds unexpected movement to the style. It is a fantastic way to add a touch of seventies nostalgia to a simpler cut without committing to heavy layers. The outward flip brings an air of fun and whimsy to everyday styling. It works wonderfully for both loose waves and tighter ringlets.
12. 70s Curly Ponytail
Need a style that keeps your hair out of the way but still looks totally fabulous? The curly ponytail is a go-to for active days and disco nights alike. You pull the hair up high on the crown, letting the curls spill over the tie in a glorious, voluminous burst. Leaving a few curly tendrils loose around the temples and ears softens the look and keeps it firmly rooted in the seventies aesthetic. Scrunching a bit of lightweight mousse into the ponytail itself ensures the curls stay bouncy and defined all day long. It is practical, comfortable, and absolutely bursting with retro charm. This high-slung style also gives an instant face-lift by pulling the hair upward.
13. 70s Diana Ross Curls
Take your inspiration from the ultimate queen of the decade with massive, voluminous curls that command every room. This look is characterized by a glorious center part and cascading, larger-than-life waves that frame the face like a majestic halo. To achieve this level of majestic volume, you need to stretch out your natural curls slightly using a large-barrel curling iron or a blowout with a diffuser. The result is a softer, wider wave that still holds plenty of body and movement. It exudes pure glamour, confidence, and undeniable star power. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to feel like a superstar, this larger-than-life style remains one of the most awe-inspiring looks of the era.
14. 70s Curly Pageboy Cut
The pageboy traditionally features smooth, curved lines, but adapting it for curly hair creates a wonderfully soft, rounded shape with a vintage edge. This cut sits right at the shoulders and features blunt ends with slightly longer pieces in the front that curve inward or outward. With curly hair, the natural coil of the strands forms a beautiful, thick rolled edge at the bottom. It creates a sculpted, helmet-like appearance that is surprisingly chic and very seventies. You can enhance the smoothness at the roots with a boar bristle brush while letting the ends do their own thing. It offers a neat, polished alternative to the more wild and free looks of the decade.
15. 70s Layered Curly Hair
Layers are the absolute best friend of curly hair, and the seventies knew exactly how to use them to create maximum impact. This look involves cutting varying lengths throughout the hair to distribute volume evenly and prevent the dreaded triangle effect. Shorter layers around the crown provide lift, while the longer layers at the bottom allow the curls to form properly without being weighed down. It gives the hair incredible movement and makes styling a total breeze. Whether you have a short or long mane, incorporating these graduated layers completely transforms how your curls fall. The result is a bouncy, dynamic, and effortlessly cool style that celebrates natural texture in the most flattering way possible.
16. 70s Curly Hair With Headband
Push back your curls and embrace a sporty, fresh-faced aesthetic with a simple accessory. The headband was a massive staple, frequently worn across the forehead rather than pushed back into the hairline. Using a thick, rounded headband pushes the volume of your curls back and upward, creating an incredible display of height and texture. It also keeps those wayward curls out of your eyes while exercising or just running errands around town. You can pair it with loose, flowing curls or a high ponytail for a complete retro vibe. This simple addition takes a basic curly style and instantly gives it that authentic, fun-loving seventies charm. It is practical, stylish, and wonderfully nostalgic.
17. 70s Bohemian Curls
For a softer, more relaxed approach to retro styling, look no further than these free-spirited, wandering waves. Bohemian curls are all about embracing a slightly messier, undone texture that looks like you just walked through a sunny meadow. This style typically features a center part with loose, cascading waves that are not overly defined or separated. Using a sea salt spray or a light texturizing cream helps achieve that perfectly imperfect, lived-in look. It is the exact opposite of the structured disco curls, favoring a natural, earthy vibe instead. This easygoing look pairs beautifully with flowy dresses and a totally carefree attitude. It celebrates the raw, unfiltered beauty of natural curls in their most relaxed state.
18. 70s Short Curly Crop
Make a bold statement by taking your curls exceptionally short. The short curly crop is a daring, face-framing cut that keeps the sides and back tight while leaving just enough length on top for your curls to pop. This offers a striking silhouette that highlights your facial features and bone structure beautifully. It requires minimal maintenance, needing only a bit of styling cream to define the coils in the morning. This tiny but mighty style radiates confidence and gives off a distinctly modern yet retro vibe all at once. It is perfect for anyone wanting to shed excess weight and embrace their natural texture in a fearless way. This cut is all about pure, unadulterated style.
19. 70s Curly Hair With Scarf
Wrap your curls in vibrant colors and patterns for a look that is both protective and incredibly stylish. Tying a silk or cotton scarf around your head was a massive trend, serving as both a fashion statement and a practical way to manage curly hair. You can fold the scarf into a wide band and tie it at the nape of your neck, letting your curls flow freely over the top. Alternatively, you can wrap it completely to protect your curls from the elements. This accessory adds an instant pop of retro flair to any outfit. It effortlessly elevates a simple curly style into something special, channeling the ultimate seventies wanderlust and creative self-expression with ease.
20. 70s Voluminous Curls
Bigger was always better in the seventies, and this look proves that theory right. Voluminous curls rely on maximizing every single ounce of natural body your hair possesses. You achieve this by diffusing the roots until they are completely dry, lifting them upward to create a massive, airy foundation. The curls themselves should be large, soft, and full of static-free bounce. Using a volumizing mousse at the roots is crucial for holding that incredible height throughout the day. This unapologetic style is not for the faint of heart, demanding attention and respect wherever you go. It captures the extravagant, larger-than-life spirit of the era perfectly. Let your hair be the main event with this showstopping retro look.
21. 70s Curly Hair With Face Framing Layers
Draw all the attention to your best features with strategically placed layers that curve beautifully around your face. Unlike the heavy all-over layers of a shag, this style focuses the shaping primarily around the front. The shorter layers at the cheekbones and jawline naturally curl inward and outward, creating a gorgeous, soft halo effect. It highlights your eyes and smile while allowing the rest of your hair to fall into a longer, more uniform shape. This technique works wonders for breaking up bulk around the face without sacrificing length in the back. It is an incredibly flattering approach that makes your features pop. The framing effect adds a touch of seventies glamour to any curl pattern.
22. 70s Spiral Curls
Define every single coil for a mesmerizing, bouncy look that catches the light perfectly. Spiral curls are highly defined, corkscrew-shaped ringlets that offer a completely polished and intentional finish to naturally curly hair. To get this authentic seventies look, you can use small rollers or twist small sections of hair while it is damp, letting them air dry. Once unrolled, the spirals cascade down beautifully, creating a stunning sense of movement and shine. It is a very elegant take on the curly trend that works beautifully for both formal events and everyday wear. Keeping the frizz at bay with a lightweight oil makes those spirals truly stand out. This look is pure, structured retro perfection.
23. 70s Curly Hair With Middle Part
Embrace the hippie movement with a simple, symmetrical part that lets your curls fall naturally on both sides. The middle part was the default setting for much of the decade, offering a relaxed, balanced look that requires zero effort. It works exceptionally well with longer curly hair, allowing the volume to distribute evenly on the left and right. This simple parting choice instantly transforms the vibe of your hair, giving it a distinctively retro, bohemian feel. You can tuck a small section behind your ears to show off your cheekbones or let the curls frame your face completely. It is an easy way to channel the era without changing your actual haircut. The look is timeless and easy.
24. 70s Asymmetric Curly Bob
Break away from symmetry with an edgy, uneven bob that brings a fierce attitude to your curls. This cut features one side cut significantly shorter than the other, creating an angular, eye-catching silhouette. When paired with curly hair, the uneven lengths offer a playful contrast, with one side brushing the shoulder and the other sitting high above the jaw. It gives the classic bob a much-needed twist, injecting a dose of punk-rock energy into the seventies aesthetic. Styling is a breeze since the cut does all the talking. The longer side can be tucked behind the ear for a casual vibe. This bold look is perfect for trendsetters wanting a unique, conversation-starting style.
25. 70s Natural Curly Hair
Sometimes the best style is the one you were born with. The natural curly hair movement gained serious momentum in the seventies, encouraging people to ditch the harsh chemicals and let their authentic texture shine. This look is all about health, hydration, and letting your curls form their natural pattern without manipulation. It can be worn short, medium, or long, focusing primarily on achieving maximum shine and definition. Regular deep conditioning treatments are the secret to keeping these natural curls looking vibrant and frizz-free. It is a beautiful celebration of self-acceptance that defined the cultural shift of the decade. Embracing your natural texture is the most authentic way to honor the iconic styling of the era.
Conclusion:
Bringing the magic of the seventies into your modern routine is a fantastic way to celebrate your natural texture. Exploring these iconic looks proves that the decade was truly a golden era for curls, offering everything from wild shags to polished bobs. Whether you prefer the fierce volume of a disco afro or the laid-back ease of bohemian waves, there is a vintage style waiting for you. The best part about these retro cuts is how well they work with natural curl patterns, reducing the need for heat styling and heavy products. By choosing one of these timeless looks, you are embracing a piece of history while looking effortlessly chic today. Step out with confidence and let your curls shine.
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