8 Legendary ’70s Hairstyles And Their Modern Makeovers
The 1970s gave us some of the most iconic hairstyles in history, and guess what? Many are making a serious comeback today!
Stylists everywhere are taking those groovy looks and giving them fresh, modern twists that work perfectly in our current era.
Fans of vintage vibes and bold new styles alike agree: great hair never truly goes out of fashion.
1. The Farrah Fawcett Flip
Picture perfect waves cascading away from your face like you just stepped out of a photoshoot. Back in the day, everyone wanted those signature flipped-back feathers that made Farrah a household name.
Today’s version keeps that bouncy volume but adds softer texture. Stylists use round brushes and texturizing spray instead of heavy hairspray for a more relaxed finish.
2. Feathered Layers
Soft, wispy pieces that frame your face create instant dimension and movement. Salons were packed with people requesting these airy layers that seemed to float around the head effortlessly.
Stylists now lean toward softer movement and texture instead of rigid, polished finishes. Balayage highlights amplify the layered effect, giving each feathered section subtle depth and luminous shine.
3. The Shag
Choppy, rebellious layers gave off major rock-and-roll energy that screamed individuality. Musicians and free spirits everywhere embraced this carefree cut that looked amazing without much effort.
Contemporary shags embrace that messy-on-purpose vibe even more boldly. Stylists add razored ends and curtain bangs to amp up the edgy factor while keeping maintenance surprisingly low-key and simple.
4. The Afro
This style became a symbol of pride and cultural identity, bold, beautiful, and unapologetically powerful. Celebrating natural texture meant embracing volume and shape in ways mainstream fashion had long ignored.
Modern versions celebrate texture with specialized products designed for curl health. Tapered afros and shaped styles offer versatility while honoring the original spirit of natural beauty and self-expression.
5. The Bowl Cut
Straight across bangs and a rounded silhouette created one of the decade’s most recognizable looks. Kids and adults alike sported this geometric style that was easy to maintain at home.
Fashion-forward crowds have reclaimed it with asymmetrical twists and undercut details. Adding texture or color blocking transforms what was once simple into something genuinely fashion-forward and unexpectedly cool.
6. Long Straight Hair with Center Part
Long strands flowing past the shoulders embodied effortless hippie chic. The look stayed simple yet striking, requiring minimal styling but plenty of shine and healthy hair.
Today’s approach incorporates keratin treatments and heat protectants for that glass-like finish. Adding subtle face-framing layers prevents the style from looking too heavy while maintaining that signature straight-down-the-middle part everyone loved.
7. The Mullet
Business in front, party in back became the unofficial motto of this controversial cut. What started as a practical style for athletes somehow became a cultural phenomenon that divided opinions everywhere.
Believe it or not, fashion runways have brought it roaring back with refined proportions. Modern mullets feature softer transitions and styled texture that make the contrast less jarring and surprisingly wearable.
8. Wavy Bob
Chin-length waves with just enough movement created a polished yet playful vibe. Perfect for anyone wanting sophistication without sacrificing personality, bobs dominated professional and casual settings alike.
Current versions play with asymmetry and lived-in waves for an undone elegance. Beach wave sprays and curling wands help achieve that perfectly imperfect texture that looks effortlessly chic throughout your entire day.
