The nineteen seventies was an unforgettable era for hair, celebrating natural texture and massive volume. If you love vintage vibes, exploring 25 70s hairstyles for curly hair will give you major inspiration. This decade embraced big, bouncy, and unapologetic curls. From iconic shag haircuts that offered ultimate movement to massive afros that made powerful statements, the seventies had something for every curl type. People proudly wore their natural ringlets, ditching the strict straight styles of previous decades. Whether you have loose waves or tight coils, you can easily channel this retro aesthetic today. We will dive into the most legendary looks that defined the decade. Get ready to discover stunning retro cuts that highlight your beautiful natural texture perfectly.
1. Curly Shag Haircut
Nothing captures the free spirit of the seventies quite like a curly shag haircut. This iconic look features heavy layers cut throughout the hair to remove bulk and create incredible movement. The layers are shorter at the top and gradually get longer toward the bottom. This technique gives your curls a natural bounce. The style frames your face beautifully and works well for both thick and fine curly hair. It requires minimal styling effort. Just scrunch your curls and let them air dry. The choppy ends prevent your hair from looking like a triangle. It is a timeless choice for anyone wanting a retro yet effortless appearance that highlights their natural texture perfectly.
2. Big Curly Afro
Stepping into a room with a big curly afro instantly commands attention. This look was the ultimate symbol of pride and empowerment during the seventies. It allows your natural curls to expand outward into a stunning, rounded shape. To get this shape, you need to hydrate your curls regularly and use a pick to lift the roots. This creates that incredible height and volume. It works best on tight coily and curly hair textures. The afro is a bold statement that never goes out of style. It celebrates your hair in its most natural and glorious state. Keep the edges neat and let your crown shine brightly wherever you go.
3. Feathered Curly Haircut
Have you ever wanted to channel your inner Farrah Fawcett but with curly hair? The feathered curly haircut is the perfect way to achieve that. This style uses strategic layering to sweep your curls back away from your face. The back features lush volume that flips out beautifully. For curly hair, the feathering creates a soft, airy feel instead of a heavy block of hair. You can use a round brush or your fingers to encourage the curls to sweep back. This cut gives you that glamorous seventies bounce. It is playful and incredibly flattering for oval and heart shaped faces. Add some layers for that authentic retro movement.
4. Curly Wedge Haircut
The curly wedge haircut offers a very distinct geometric silhouette that became highly popular in the late seventies. This cut features a tapered back that hugs the nape of your neck while the top and sides remain full of bouncy curls. The stacked layers in the back create a wedge shape that looks incredibly chic. It is a fantastic option for people with looser curl patterns who want a structured yet fun style. The wedge is easy to maintain and looks amazing without much fuss. Just style the back carefully and let the top curls fall naturally. It gives a polished, sporty look that remains beautifully retro and highly practical today.
5. Long Layered Curly Hair
Long layered curly hair was the quintessential bohemian look of the decade. This style relies on long, subtle layers to remove weight from the ends. This allows your curls to form perfect ringlets without being dragged down by excess bulk. The top layers provide lift, while the bottom layers maintain impressive length. It is the ideal look for those who want to keep their long locks but need shape. You can wear it down the middle for that authentic seventies hippie vibe. The layers mean your hair will never look flat or lifeless. It moves beautifully and provides a soft frame for your face, capturing the romantic essence perfectly.
6. Curly Bob Haircut
The curly bob haircut is a timeless classic that easily adapts to a seventies aesthetic. Back then, the bob was all about volume and natural texture. Instead of sleek and straight, the seventies bob was fluffy and full of life. It typically falls right at the jawline or slightly below the chin. This length is perfect for showcasing bouncy curls. The cut should be slightly blunt but with softened ends to encourage curl formation. It frames the face wonderfully and highlights your cheekbones. This style works wonders for anyone wanting a shorter look. It brings an upbeat, cheerful energy that perfectly captures the optimistic mood of the era.
7. Diana Ross Afro
Few styles are as iconic as the Diana Ross afro. This magnificent hairstyle took the standard afro to new heights of glamour. It features a massive, perfectly rounded halo of voluminous curls that exude pure confidence. Achieving this look requires length and serious volume. You must fluff the curls meticulously from the roots to create that larger than life silhouette. It is a celebration of natural beauty and star power. This style works best on thick, naturally coily hair that can hold its shape. Pair it with bold makeup and retro fashion for the full effect. It remains an unforgettable symbol of the era that still inspires awe today.
8. Curly Pageboy Haircut
The curly pageboy haircut puts a fun, textured spin on a normally sleek style. Traditionally, the pageboy features curved ends that turn under. However, with curly hair, those ends become bouncy, flipping out in every direction. The cut is usually one length or with very minimal layering. The bangs are cut straight across the forehead. This gives a structured, helmet like shape that contrasts beautifully with the wild curly texture. It is a quirky yet stylish look that stands out in any crowd. The smooth bangs paired with the curly body create a unique contrast. It is perfect for those who love blending vintage structure with natural texture.
9. Half Up Half Down Curly Hair
Looking for a romantic style that keeps hair out of your face? The half up half down curly hair look is pure seventies magic. You simply pull the top section of your curls back and secure it at the crown. This leaves the rest of your beautiful ringlets cascading down your back. It gives you the best of both worlds. You can add a vintage clip or a ribbon to secure the pulled back section. This style highlights your cheekbones while showing off the length and volume of your curls. It is effortlessly elegant and perfect for everyday wear or special occasions. It channels a true retro goddess vibe easily.
10. Curly Flip Haircut
The curly flip haircut is an absolute retro delight. This style features shorter layers on the top and sides. The magic happens at the ends, where the curls are encouraged to flip upward and outward. It creates a bouncy, energetic frame around the face and neck. This look was a staple for women in the seventies who wanted something short but highly textured. The upward flipped curls add instant volume and a cheerful bounce to your step. Styling is simple. Just use a small round brush or your fingers to push the ends up as they dry. It is a playful and charming look that radiates vintage joy.
11. Disco Curls
Ready to hit the dance floor? Disco curls are all about high shine, deep definition, and massive volume. This look ruled the seventies nightlife. Unlike the natural and messy bohemian curls, disco curls were intentionally styled to look glamorous and polished. You achieve this by using a curling iron or setting rollers to create perfectly uniform ringlets. Then, you brush them out slightly and add lots of shine spray. The result is a lush, bouncy mane of hair that catches the light beautifully. It pairs perfectly with halter tops and platform shoes. If you want to make a glamorous retro statement, this is the ultimate hairstyle for you.
12. Curly Bowl Cut
The curly bowl cut might sound intimidating, but it is actually a striking and bold vintage choice. This cut features a rounded shape that follows the curve of the head. The curly texture softens the geometric lines of the traditional bowl cut. It creates a fluffy, cloud like halo around your face. This style often includes a straight across fringe that blends into the sides. It works surprisingly well with tighter curl patterns. They provide the necessary volume to fill out the rounded shape. It is a striking and minimalist look that feels incredibly modern while still being undeniably rooted in the seventies. Try it for a major style moment.
13. Center Parted Curly Hair
There is nothing more effortlessly seventies than center parted curly hair. This styling choice is simple but highly impactful. By parting your curls directly down the middle, you create a symmetrical frame that highlights your facial features perfectly. It works wonderfully on long or medium curly hair. The center part allows the curls to fall evenly on both sides. This maximizes the overall volume and creates a beautiful, curtain like effect. It pairs perfectly with the natural hair movement of the era. Just use a comb to define your part and let your natural curls do the rest. It is a low maintenance style that looks incredibly chic and timeless.
14. Side Parted Curly Afro
Adding a deep side part to your afro gives it a completely different vibe. The side parted curly afro offers an asymmetrical and highly glamorous look. Instead of the traditional round shape, the hair is swept to one side. This creates gorgeous height at the root and a sweeping motion across the forehead. It adds a touch of sophistication to the powerful afro silhouette. This style is perfect for formal events or just when you want to switch up your everyday look. You can secure the less voluminous side with a vintage bobby pin. It remains a stunning way to wear your natural curls with a retro twist.
15. Curly Mullet Haircut
The curly mullet haircut was the rebellious darling of the late seventies. Business in the front, party in the back takes on a whole new life with curls. The short, heavily layered top and sides create a wild, textured crown. The back is left long, showcasing your long bouncy ringlets. The curly texture makes the transition between the short and long sections look softer and more organic. It is a bold, unapologetic style that oozes rock and roll attitude. If you want a cut that breaks the rules and turns heads, this is it. The contrast in lengths makes your curls the ultimate star of the show.
16. Voluminous Curly Ponytail
Need a practical style that still looks amazing? The voluminous curly ponytail was a go to in the seventies. This is not a sleek, tight ponytail. Instead, you pull your curls back loosely and secure them at the crown or the nape. You must leave lots of volume at the top and sides. Pull out a few curls to frame your face softly. The ponytail itself should be a massive, bouncy explosion of ringlets. It is an active style that keeps your hair out of your way while looking effortlessly glamorous. You can tie it with a ribbon or a classic scrunchie for that authentic retro finishing touch.
17. Curly Micro Bangs Haircut
Curly micro bangs offer a quirky and unforgettable look from the seventies. This cut pairs a full head of bouncy curls with extremely short bangs that sit high on the forehead. The micro bangs create a striking contrast against the longer curls. They draw immediate attention to your eyes and eyebrows. This style works beautifully with tight, springy coils that hold their shape. The rest of the hair can be worn long or in a short bob. The curly micro bangs haircut is definitely for the bold trendsetter. It is an artistic and highly expressive way to wear your curls that stands out in any vintage inspired crowd.
18. Bohemian Curly Hair
Bohemian curly hair captures the soft, romantic essence of the seventies flower child. This look is all about loose, free flowing curls that look entirely natural. You can achieve this by letting your curls air dry with a bit of leave in conditioner. The focus is on healthy, hydrated hair that moves gently in the breeze. It avoids strict structure or heavy styling products. You can add a tiny braid or a flower crown to enhance the bohemian feel. This style works wonderfully for looser curl types or wavy hair. It is a peaceful, grounded look that reflects the natural beauty movement of the era perfectly and simply.
19. Finger Coils Hairstyle
The finger coils hairstyle is a beautiful way to define individual curls. It was a popular method in the seventies to achieve perfect, uniform ringlets. You simply take small sections of wet hair and twist them around your finger until they form a tight coil. Once dry, the coils spring into gorgeous, defined curls. This technique works incredibly well for tighter curl patterns. It gives your hair a very polished and intentional look while still celebrating your natural texture. The resulting curls are shiny and bouncy. It is a wonderful styling option when you want your curls to look flawless and perfectly framed around your face.
20. Curly French Twist
The curly French twist offers an elegant updo with a distinctly seventies flair. Traditional French twists are sleek and smooth. However, using curly hair transforms it into a romantic, textured masterpiece. You gather your curls to one side and pin them vertically, allowing stray ringlets to escape. This softens the updo and creates a stunning, effortless look. The curly texture adds incredible volume and visual interest to the twist. It is the perfect hairstyle for a formal event or a stylish evening out. Leaving a few tendrils loose around your face enhances the vintage appeal. It is a sophisticated way to elevate your natural curls beautifully.
21. Stacked Curly Haircut
The stacked curly haircut brings incredible architecture to natural curls. This style features short, stacked layers at the back of the head. This creates a rounded, voluminous shape that gradually gets longer toward the front. The stacking technique removes heavy bulk from the underneath while maximizing the curl lift at the crown. It results in a beautifully shaped silhouette that looks fantastic from every angle. The front sections can be styled to sweep forward or tuck behind the ear. It is a fantastic option for those wanting a shorter style that still packs a lot of volume and retro charm. This cut is truly a timeless classic.
22. Face Framing Curly Layers
Nothing brightens your features like face framing curly layers. This seventies staple focuses on cutting shorter layers around the front of your face. These layers curl beautifully and highlight your cheekbones, jawline, and eyes. The rest of your hair can remain longer and more uniform in length. This creates a beautiful contrast between the bouncy front and the weighted back. It is a highly flattering style for all face shapes. The face framing pieces can be styled to flip out or under, depending on your mood. It is a simple modification that makes a massive difference in how your hair interacts with your overall look.
23. Curly Pigtails
Curly pigtails are a playful and youthful look that definitely had a moment in the seventies. This style moves far beyond the playground when executed with mature, voluminous curls. You part your hair down the middle and secure it into two high or low ponytails. The curly texture makes the pigtails look thick, bouncy, and full of life. You can leave them loose or tie them with ribbons for a more authentic retro feel. This is a fun way to manage long curly hair while keeping it out of your face. It radiates joy and a carefree spirit, perfectly capturing the fun fashion sense of the decade.
24. Natural Wash And Go Curls
The natural wash and go curls represent the core philosophy of the seventies hair movement. This style embraces your hair exactly as it dries naturally. There is no manipulation with curling irons or heavy brushing. You simply apply your favorite curl cream to wet hair and let it air dry. The result is a beautifully authentic, unpretentious look. It showcases your unique curl pattern in its purest form. This method works flawlessly for every curl type, from loose waves to tight coils. It is a celebration of self acceptance and natural beauty. The simplicity and honesty of this look make it a forever favorite for a retro vibe.
25. Tight Voluminous Curls
Tight voluminous curls are a breathtaking statement style that dominated the decade. This look focuses on maximizing the height and width of your naturally tight coils. The curls are picked out and fluffed to create an impressive, expansive shape. It requires hydration and patience to ensure every curl is defined but still massive. The volume becomes the star of the show. This look pairs wonderfully with bold fashion choices and exudes pure confidence. It is a deeply empowering way to wear your hair. The sheer size and beauty of tight voluminous curls ensure you will stand out in any crowd, honoring the extravagant spirit of the seventies perfectly.
Conclusion:
The nineteen seventies offered an incredible array of styles for natural texture. Exploring these retro looks proves that big hair never really goes out of fashion. Whether you choose a playful shag, a powerful afro, or a romantic half up style, there is a vintage option for every curl type. These looks celebrate volume, bounce, and individuality. By incorporating these classic cuts and styling methods, you can easily bring a touch of disco era glamour into your modern routine. Remember to keep your curls hydrated and let them expand naturally. Embrace the glorious volume and enjoy the timeless beauty of these unforgettable vintage looks.
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