'70s Hairstyles Are Having a Moment—Here Are 20 Looks for Major Inspiration

If I could live in any decade, it would hands down be the '70s—not because I find anything about the way of life particularly endearing, but because I'm absolutely head over heels for the aesthetic. There are so many iconic '70s makeup looks I can't even count, and the fashion speaks for itself. I'm all in when it comes to flared jeans and supersized sunglasses

However, as a beauty editor, I feel somewhat inclined to say that the single best thing about the '70s was the hair. In fact, I'm so obsessed with '70s hairstyles that I have rocked the same '70s-inspired style (long and with a middle part) for well over a decade. 

But super-long hair isn't the only style to define this decade. The '70s saw everything from shaggy lengths and bangs to blunt bobs and picked-out afros, and many of these styles have remained some of the most timeless hairstyles around. And next year, it's looking like '70s hair will be everywhere.

Don't believe me? Keep scrolling for 20 '70s-inspired hairstyles that will have you itching to book an appointment with your hairstylist asap. Oh, and expect some top tips and insights from Percy Reed founder Paul Percival along the way. 

1. Big Blowout

70s-hairstyles-296939-1639425256040-image

(Image credit: @MATILDADJERF)

Nothing says '70s hair quite like a supersized blowout, and some of the top hairstylists in the game anticipate it will be the dominating hair trend of 2023. 

Get the Look:

2. Bouncy Curls

70s-hairstyles-296939-1639429323728-image

(Image credit: @ZENDAYA)

Zendaya's big, bouncy curls scream '70s disco queen. Note how the shorter pieces at the front add a shaggy retro touch.

3. Long With Bangs

70s-hairstyles-296939-1639426644224-image

(Image credit: @JULIESFI)

Long hair reigned supreme throughout the '70s, and styles with bangs were all the rage. Keep lengths blunt and the bangs slightly tapered.

Get the Look:

4. Curly Pixie

70s-hairstyles-296939-1639429884940-image

(Image credit: @GABIFRESH)

The '70s were all about embracing your natural hair texture, and 2023 is no different. This curly pixie crop oozes laid-back chic.

5. Hair Scarves

70s-hairstyles-296939-1639430631460-image

(Image credit: @THATCURLYTOP)

Sure, a scarf tied around the hair helped keep strands protected from the elements in cool '70s movies, but they're also really quite chic.

6. Voluminous Bob

70s-hairstyles-296939-1639430768058-image

(Image credit: @HUNGVANNGO)

The sleek and shiny bobs we're used to seeing in 2023 might not look particularly reminiscent of '70s glamour, but this big and bouncy jaw-skimmer sure does. Whether it's flipped over to the side or worn in a middle part, it's every bit as chic.

7. Picked-Out Afro

70s-hairstyles-296939-1639431163749-image

(Image credit: @AYSHA.SOW)

You don't need us to tell you that natural-textured afros were big news in the '70s. With the idea of really owning your natural hair taking center stage in 2023, it's safe to say the long, picked-out afro is back and here to stay.

8. Tousled Middle Part

70s-hairstyles-296939-1639430944691-image

(Image credit: @HUNGVANNGO)

While there was something very glamorous about '70s hair, there was also room for grungy bedhead styles. Most notably, the I-just-woke-up-like-this look. Just wake up, blast some texturizing spray, and go.

Get the look:

9. Grown-Out Shag

70s-hairstyles-296939-1639431388672-image

(Image credit: @COUTUREKULTEN)

The shag has made a real comeback, and it's not going anywhere anytime soon. "For a shag, you want long layers cut in and pulled toward the face to create a lovely frame," says Percival. "Depending on your face shape, a grown-out fringe is a great way to create the ultimate shag look."

Get the Look:

10. Puff With Bangs

70s-hairstyles-296939-1639431725830-image

(Image credit: @CIARACHERISE)

Remember when I said that bangs were everywhere in the '70s? Well, they're back. This high puff with a light bang is retro perfection.

11. Parted Bangs

70s-hairstyles-296939-1639431875834-image

(Image credit: @_JEANETTEMADSEN_)

Who says '70s-inspired hairstyles aren't versatile? Curtain bangs can be styled however you like. "I like to call this style the shy fringe," Percival says. "If you blow-dry it forward, you can create the fuller '70s look, or you can blow it back to blend it into your locks."

Get the Look:

12. Bubble Braids

70s-hairstyles-296939-1639757986545-image

(Image credit: @LAURAPOLKO)

Bubble braids haven't had a major revival since they hit the big time in the '70s, but they're definitely on the up. When you are armed with a pack of thin hair elastics, they couldn't be easier to achieve. 

13. Curly Bob

70s-hairstyles-296939-1639759130560-image

(Image credit: @LAURAHARRIER)

As mentioned, the best thing about '70s hair was that it embraced every hair type and texture. While sleek and glass-like bobs have been championed in recent months, this curly '70s-style bob proves a blunt bob is totally universal.

14. Wrap-Around Ponytail

70s-hairstyles-296939-1639759870599-image

(Image credit: @ANDREASTEEN)

While high ponytails scream '90s aesthetic and oversize ponytails might give off an '80s vibe, a low ponytail tied at the nape of the neck with a piece of hair wrapped around the band is quintessentially '70s. 

15. Mini Braids

70s-hairstyles-296939-1639762286388-image

(Image credit: @THATSALEAF)

Tell me tiny braids aren't the cutest hair trend out there. "The only relevant plaits right now are tiny ones," Percival says. "Take an inch-wide section from either side of the parting and plait thin braids all the way to the end. Then pin back to secure so it sits along the hairline."

Get the Look:

16. Sleek and Straight

70s-hairstyles-296939-1639762714958-image

(Image credit: @CWOODHAIR)

Straight strands with a middle part and feathered lengths? What's not to love? It's classic, timeless, and suits just about everybody. 

17. Cropped Coils

70s-hairstyles-296939-1639760093318-image

(Image credit: @LENAFARL)

With natural texture reigning supreme, this short coiled style is one to add to your inspiration board. 

18. Super-Long Waves

70s-hairstyles-296939-1639762810309-image

(Image credit: @STEPHANIEBROEK)

You can achieve this classic '70s style even if your hair doesn't have a natural wave. Simply straighten your hair if it's curly, and run a curling iron or wand from mid-length to the ends.

Get the Look:

19. Bandana

70s-hairstyles-296939-1639763147871-image

(Image credit: @MARIEJEDIG)

I couldn't be more in love with this head-to-toe '70s get-up if I tried. I think 2023 is the year I officially bring back the bandana. It's one of the easiest hair accessories.

20. Pigtail Braids

70s-hairstyles-296939-1639763299028-image

(Image credit: @JUSTINEMARJAN)

Not only do pigtail braids look effortlessly chic, but they're also a great way to keep long stands strong and protected against breakage and friction. 

This post originally appeared onBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK. Up Next: Stylists Say This Is the One Product You Always Need, No Matter Your Hair Type

Freelance Beauty Editor

Shannon Lawlor is a renowned beauty journalist and has contributed toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing ’s beauty content since 2020. As a leading beauty editor, expert and brand consultant, she has over eight years of experience working for some of the industry’s most esteemed titles, includingBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing (of course), Glamour UK, Stylist, Refinery29 and Fabulous. Having also worked behind the scenes with some of the industry’s biggest brands and retailers, Shannon has a unique insight into what people really want from their beauty routines. Understanding that beauty lovers seek honest, open and responsible advice, she has it made her mission to demystify the intimidating world of beauty, taking a no-frills approach to the most relatable topics. While Shannon is the first to admit she doesn’t hold the answer to every beauty question out there, she is dedicated to sharing her expert insights in a bid to help. As a self-proclaimed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for easy-to-use, foolproof beauty products and has made it her mission to scope out the best of the best. When she’s not working, Shannon is likely soaking in the bath or giving no-holds-barred beauty reviews on Instagram from her bathroom floor.