The nineteen seventies was an iconic era for fashion and beauty. It gave us some of the most memorable hair trends in history. If you are looking for vintage inspiration, exploring these 25 70’s hairstyles for women will give you plenty of ideas. From bouncy feathered layers to sleek straight cuts, this decade had it all. The seventies celebrated both natural texture and polished glamour. Women embraced their natural hair patterns while also loving bold, statement-making shapes. Disco nights called for voluminous curls, while casual days favored soft, flowing waves. You can easily adapt these retro looks for modern times. Whether you want a short choppy shag or long bohemian waves, there is a seventies style for you. Let us take a trip back in time.
1. Farrah Fawcett Feathered Hair
Nothing screams the seventies quite like Farrah Fawcett feathered hair. This iconic look revolves around voluminous, sweeping layers that curl beautifully away from the face. To get this style, you need a layered haircut that starts at the cheekbones. Using a round brush while blow-drying is the secret to achieving that bouncy flip. The back of the hair features heavy layers that create incredible lift and movement. This style works best on medium to thick hair. It gives a flattering, face-framing effect that suits almost any face shape. You can easily modernize this classic look by making the feathers a bit softer. Add some volumizing mousse to damp hair before styling. The result is a gorgeous, retro-inspired mane that turns heads wherever you go.
2. The Shag Haircut
Are you looking for a cut that oozes effortless rock and roll vibes? The shag haircut is your ultimate answer. This heavily layered style burst onto the scene in the seventies and never really left. It features choppy layers, thin ends, and a whole lot of texture. The top is usually cut with heavy bangs, while the sides frame the face. It works wonderfully for both short and long hair lengths. The secret to a great shag is the piece-y, separated look. You can use a texturizing spray or a little pomade to define the layers. It is a low-maintenance style that looks even better on the second day. The shag is perfect for anyone wanting a cool, edgy, and relaxed vintage aesthetic.
3. Dorothy Hamill Wedge Haircut
Imagine gliding across the ice with a perfectly sculpted hairstyle bouncing with every move. The Dorothy Hamill wedge haircut became a massive sensation after she won Olympic gold. This short haircut features steeply stacked layers in the back that create a curved, wedge shape. The front is left slightly longer to tuck behind the ears or sweep gently. It gives the illusion of thick, voluminous hair even if your hair is fine. The wedge is fantastic for women who want a short style with built-in structure. Blow-drying with a round brush at the nape of the neck creates that signature lift. It is a clean, sporty, and highly geometric look that remains incredibly chic and easy to manage today.
4. Long Straight Hair With Center Part
The nineteen seventies was not just about big hair. Long straight hair with a center part was the ultimate symbol of the bohemian, free-spirited movement. Think of Ali MacGraw in her most famous film roles. This style is all about simplicity and natural beauty. The hair falls evenly on both sides of the face without any exaggerated volume. To achieve this look, you need a flat iron and a good smoothing serum. It works beautifully on fine to medium hair textures. The center part softens the facial features and creates a symmetrical, calming appearance. You can wear it tucked behind the ears or let it fall naturally. It remains a timeless, effortlessly cool hairstyle that never goes out of fashion.
5. The Pageboy Haircut
Have you ever considered a style that looks both sleek and a little retro? The pageboy haircut was a major trend in the seventies. It is a variation of the bob that features smooth, rounded ends that curve inward. The bangs are usually cut straight across the forehead. This creates a helmet-like, polished finish that looks incredibly sophisticated. The length typically falls somewhere between the chin and the shoulders. To style it, you simply use a round brush to curl the ends under while blow-drying. This cut works very well for thick, straight hair that can hold a smooth shape. It offers a neat, preppy vibe that contrasts nicely with the more messy seventies styles. The pageboy is truly a classic choice.
6. Afro Hair
The seventies celebrated natural texture in a major way, and afro hair became a powerful symbol of beauty and pride. This stunning style allows natural curls to grow out freely, forming a beautiful, rounded shape around the head. The bigger the afro, the better during this decade. Maintaining a gorgeous afro requires proper hydration and picking the hair out to create volume. Using a wide-tooth comb or an afro pick is essential for shaping. This look makes an incredibly bold and confident statement. It highlights the natural beauty of coily hair textures without any chemical alterations. You can wear it perfectly rounded or slightly tapered. The afro is more than just a seventies hairstyle. It is an enduring celebration of natural beauty and heritage.
7. Bo Derek Braids
Bo Derek made cornrows an international sensation in the late seventies. Bo Derek braids became synonymous with beachy, exotic beauty. This style involves braiding the hair very close to the scalp in straight rows or intricate patterns. Often, beads or metal rings are added to the ends of the braids for extra flair. It is a highly practical style that protects the hair while looking incredibly stylish. Getting these braids takes time, but the final result is breathtaking. They can last for weeks with proper care, making them perfect for vacations. The braids lay flat against the head, creating a clean and sculpted aesthetic. It remains a stunning look that works beautifully on various hair types today.
8. Curtain Bangs With Long Hair
Soft and face-framing, curtain bangs with long hair were everywhere in the seventies. This look features bangs that are parted in the middle and swept back on each side, perfectly framing the eyes and cheekbones. They blend seamlessly into the rest of the long hair. This style softens any face shape and adds a touch of romantic, vintage charm. You can achieve this look by asking your stylist for long, sweeping bangs. Blow-drying them with a large round brush gives them that perfect, feathery swoop. The rest of the hair can be worn straight, wavy, or slightly curled under. It is a highly versatile look. You can easily push the bangs back if you want them out of your face.
9. The 70s Bob Cut
Are you wanting a shorter style that still captures the decade’s essence? The seventies bob cut was a staple for women seeking a chic, manageable look. Unlike the severe bobs of previous decades, the seventies version was softer and more relaxed. It often featured subtle layers and a slight wave. The length usually hovered right around the jawline. This made it incredibly flattering and easy to style. You could wear it straight and sleek or add a little bounce with a curling iron. It offered a polished appearance without looking stiff or overdone. The bob was perfect for the working woman who wanted to look stylish with minimal effort. It remains a beautiful, timeless option for anyone wanting a sophisticated retro look.
10. Flipped Out Bob
For a fun and slightly sassy retro look, the flipped out bob is absolutely delightful. This style takes the classic bob and gives it a playful twist by curling the ends upward and outward. It gives the hair incredible movement and a bouncy, energetic feel. To get this flip, you just need a flat iron or a small round brush. You simply flick your wrist outward at the ends while styling. This look pairs wonderfully with a deep side part or a middle part. It works best on hair that has some natural volume and holds a curl well. The flipped ends draw attention to your jawline and neck. It is a lighthearted, cheerful hairstyle that perfectly captures the optimistic mood of the era.
11. Blunt Cut With Bangs
Nothing looks quite as striking as a blunt cut with bangs. This style was a favorite among seventies women who loved a sharp, dramatic aesthetic. The hair is cut to one uniform length, usually at the shoulder or collarbone. The bangs are cut straight across, creating a bold line across the forehead. This look is all about clean lines and high shine. It works exceptionally well for women with naturally straight, thick hair. You will need a flat iron to keep the ends perfectly smooth. The heavy bangs make the eyes pop and give a mysterious, high-fashion vibe. It is a very architectural hairstyle that stands out in a crowd. The blunt cut proves that sometimes simplicity makes the loudest statement.
12. 70s Finger Waves
Step into the disco era with the elegant charm of seventies finger waves. While finger waves originated in the twenties, they made a massive comeback in the seventies with a softer, more glamorous update. This style involves molding the hair into smooth, S-shaped waves that lie flat against the head. It creates a highly polished and undeniably glamorous look. You usually need a strong-hold gel and a fine-tooth comb to sculpt the waves. It was the go-to style for glamorous evenings and Studio 54 nights. Finger waves look stunning on short to medium hair lengths. They add a touch of old Hollywood elegance to any outfit. Mastering this technique takes practice, but the resulting style is pure vintage perfection.
13. Disco Curls
Get ready to hit the dance floor with voluminous disco curls. The seventies disco scene demanded big, bouncy, and unapologetically glamorous hair. This look is all about tight, defined curls that are packed with volume from the roots to the ends. You can achieve this with a small-barrel curling iron or flexible rollers. The key is to tease the roots slightly and use a strong-hold hairspray to keep the bounce alive all night. Disco curls work wonderfully on medium to long hair. The tight curls create a halo of beautiful texture around the face. It is a joyful, energetic style that instantly lifts your mood and your outfit. If you love big hair, this is the ultimate seventies look for you.
14. Braided Crown
Embrace your inner flower child with a beautiful braided crown. This romantic hairstyle was a favorite at seventies music festivals and outdoor gatherings. It involves taking sections of hair from each side of the head and braiding them. You then wrap the braids across the top of the head, pinning them securely to form a crown. It is a wonderful way to keep your hair out of your face while looking ethereal. Leaving a few loose tendrils around the face softens the look. This style works best on medium to long hair with some natural texture. You can even weave small flowers or ribbons into the braids for an authentic bohemian touch. The braided crown is simply timeless and dreamy.
15. Feathered Bob
Combine the elegance of a bob with the playfulness of feathers. The feathered bob gives you the best of both worlds. This style incorporates the sweeping, face-framing layers of Farrah hair but keeps the length at the chin or shoulders. The ends flick out beautifully, giving the cut a light, airy feel. You need a blow dryer and a round brush to perfect the feathered flicks. This cut is highly versatile and very easy to manage. It adds instant volume to fine hair and removes bulk from thick hair. The feathered layers also beautifully highlight your cheekbones and eyes. It is a fantastic option for anyone wanting a shorter, low-maintenance style that still has plenty of vintage personality and bounce.
16. Shaggy Mullet
Business in the front, party in the back. The shaggy mullet was undeniably one of the most daring seventies haircuts. This style features shorter hair on the top and sides, with dramatically longer hair in the back. The shaggy layers throughout give it that relaxed, rockstar vibe. It is a highly rebellious look that breaks all the traditional grooming rules. To style it, you simply enhance the natural texture with some sea salt spray or mousse. The mullet works surprisingly well on various hair types, especially wavy hair. It gives a cool, effortless edge to your everyday look. While it is a bold choice, the modern shaggy mullet is incredibly trendy and a true conversation starter.
17. Vidal Sassoon Precision Cut
The Vidal Sassoon precision cut revolutionized the way women wore their hair in the seventies. This style is famous for its architectural shapes and flawless geometric lines. Instead of setting hair with rollers, Sassoon cut hair to fall perfectly into place naturally. The most famous version is the five-point cut, which features sharp angles that frame the face. This cut requires a highly skilled stylist to execute the precise lines. It is a wash-and-wear style that looks incredibly modern and chic. The sharp angles can highlight your jawline and cheekbones beautifully. It is perfect for women who want a sleek, low-fuss style with high impact. The precision cut remains a masterpiece of hairdressing that still looks incredibly fresh today.
18. Natural Curls With Headband
Channel your inner Stevie Nicks with natural curls and a headband. This effortlessly cool style was a major staple for seventies bohemian women. It involves letting your natural curls or waves flow freely. You then push a simple leather band, fabric ribbon, or thin headband right at the hairline. This pulls the hair back from the face while letting the curls cascade down the back. It is incredibly easy to achieve and requires minimal styling. The headband adds a touch of rustic, folk-inspired charm. It is perfect for second or third-day hair when you want to look stylish with zero effort. This look celebrates natural texture while keeping things practical and undeniably romantic.
19. Twisted Updo
For a softer alternative to the formal French twist, the twisted updo was a seventies favorite. This style looks complicated but is actually quite simple to create. You basically twist sections of hair loosely and pin them at the back of the head. It gives a romantic, slightly messy look that is perfect for special occasions. Leaving a few face-framing pieces out adds to the relaxed, seventies vibe. This updo works beautifully on medium to long hair. It is a great way to get your hair off your neck on a warm day. You can accessorize it with vintage clips or a silk scarf. The twisted updo offers an effortlessly elegant look that never feels too stiff or overdone.
20. French Twist
The French twist is a timeless classic that reached new heights of popularity in the seventies. This elegant updo involves gathering the hair and twisting it upward against the back of the head. The ends are then tucked inside the roll and secured with pins. It creates a sleek, sophisticated silhouette that works beautifully for evening events. The seventies version was often slightly looser, with a few wispies pulled out to soften the look. It is a fantastic style for making your neck look long and graceful. You can easily add volume by teasing the hair at the crown before twisting. The French twist remains the gold standard for vintage elegance and glamour.
21. Long Wavy Surfer Hair
Capture the laid-back, sunny vibe of California with long wavy surfer hair. This look was incredibly popular among the beach-going crowds of the seventies. It features loose, beachy waves that look naturally sun-kissed and wind-blown. The hair is usually parted in the middle and falls casually over the shoulders. To get this style, you can braid damp hair and let it air dry. Alternatively, use a large-barrel curling iron to create loose bends. It works best on hair with some natural wave or texture. You do not need it to look perfect. The messy, relaxed quality is what makes it so appealing. It is the ultimate summer hairstyle that brings a breath of fresh ocean air to your look.
22. Asymmetric Bob
Break away from symmetry with an asymmetric bob. This edgy seventies cut features one side longer than the other, creating a dramatic, angled line. It gives a standard bob a fierce, modern twist. The asymmetry draws the eye and highlights the jawline beautifully. To maintain this look, you need regular trims to keep the lines sharp. Styling is simple. You just blow-dry it smooth with a flat brush to emphasize the geometric shape. This cut is perfect for women who want to stand out from the crowd. It pairs well with bold makeup and confident attitudes. The asymmetric bob proves that playing with proportions can completely transform a classic hairstyle into something truly extraordinary and eye-catching.
23. Pixie Cut With Volume
Short hair got a major upgrade in the seventies with the pixie cut with volume. This look takes the classic short pixie and adds serious height and texture on top. The sides and back are kept short, while the top is left longer and heavily layered. You can use a blow dryer and a little mousse to lift the roots. The added volume gives the face a slight, beautiful elongation. This cut is incredibly freeing and wash-and-go friendly. It highlights your facial features like no other style. The voluminous pixie is a brilliant choice for women with fine hair who want to create the illusion of thickness. It remains a bold, chic, and empowering look.
24. Loose Bohemian Waves
Soft, romantic, and endlessly dreamy, loose bohemian waves were the hallmark of the seventies flower power movement. This style is all about relaxed, undone texture. The waves are much looser than tight disco curls and look completely natural. You can achieve this by wrapping sections of hair around a curling iron without clamping it. Leaving the ends out gives a modern, lived-in feel. A middle part completes the bohemian aesthetic perfectly. This hairstyle works wonderfully on almost any hair length past the shoulders. A light spritz of sea salt spray will enhance the texture and give it that carefree bounce. It is the ultimate romantic style for anyone who loves a gentle, whimsical vibe.
25. The Bowl Cut
The bowl cut was a surprisingly popular choice in the seventies for women seeking a striking, geometric look. This cut features a uniform length all around the head, often cut to sit perfectly on the forehead and just above the ears. It creates a bowl-like shape that is undeniably bold. While it might sound intense, the seventies version often had a soft, rounded edge. It works best on thick, straight hair that lies flat. You can modernize it by adding a little texture or wearing it slightly messy. The bowl cut is a high-fashion statement that shows off your confidence. It is a true vintage look that turns heads and celebrates bold, unconventional beauty.
Conclusion:
The nineteen seventies offered an incredibly diverse range of beautiful hairstyles. From sleek and geometric cuts to big, bouncy curls, there was a look for every personality. Exploring these retro styles proves that true beauty and great hair design never go out of fashion. Whether you want the effortless cool of a shag or the elegant polish of a French twist, you can easily make these looks your own today. Modern styling tools and products make achieving these vintage vibes simpler than ever. Do not be afraid to experiment with different textures and shapes. Adding a touch of seventies flair to your daily routine can completely refresh your look. Embrace the volume, enjoy the texture, and wear your retro inspiration proudly.
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