Logo

Explore

The HairCodes

Articles

Shop

By product

By hair type

About us

Contact

Header

Insta

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

Find your HairCode

Find your Hair Code

Take the quiz

Iconic ‘70s Hairstyles That Celebrate Natural Hair Texture 

Discover iconic '70s hairstyles that celebrate natural hair textures. Learn about afro, shag, and feathered styles with tips to recreate these looks at home.

Article 1

The 1970s marked a turning point in beauty, fashion and cultural expression, especially when it came to hair. Moving away from the polished, heavily styled looks of previous decades, people began embracing their natural textures and unique hair patterns. From voluminous afros to layered shags, the most iconic looks of the decade celebrated the beauty of all hair types, including coils, curls, waves and straight strands.

Today, as more people return to their roots and embrace their natural hair, these retro styles are making a comeback. In this article, we’ll explore standout men’s and women’s hairstyles from the ‘70s, look into the fashion trends that influenced them and share styling tips to help you recreate these iconic looks at home. 


Embrace Your Natural Hair Texture With These Iconic ‘70s Hairstyles 

Women’s hairstyles in the 1970s reflected the era’s essence of self-expression and individuality. Many women moved away from stiff, sprayed styles and leaned into more natural, effortless looks. Here a some of the iconic styles women wore in the ‘70s:

<div class='hair-care-steps'> 
 <ul>
  <li>
<strong>Afros</strong> Characterized by a rounded, voluminous shape, the afro was worn in its full natural texture. This style was typically shaped using a wide-tooth comb or pick to create an even, balanced silhouette that framed the face and head. The look celebrated dense curls and coils and did not rely on heat or chemical straightening. 
 </li>
 <li>
<strong>The Shag Haircut </strong>This layered style featured choppy, uneven lengths throughout the hair, with shorter pieces near the crown and longer strands at the sides and back. The cut worked well with wavy, curly or even straight hair, depending on the level of layering.
 </li>
 <li>
<strong>Feathered Hair</strong> This style emphasized smooth layers that flipped outward from the face. The hair was usually parted in the center, with soft, rounded section that were curled out to create a wing-like effect.
</li>
<li>
<strong>	Braids and Cornrows</strong> Braids were won in both intricate and simple styles from small cornrows arranged in even patterns to single or double plaits. These styles were protective, low-maintenance and versatile, often incorporating beads or warped with colorful threads for added flair. 
</li>
</ul>
</div>


Women’s Hairstyles in the ‘70s

In the 1970s, men’s hairstyles became longer, fuller and more expressive. Many men rejected strict grooming standards and embraced their natural textures. Some of the standout styles included:
<div class='hair-care-steps'> 
  <ul>
    <li>
<strong>Afros</strong> Like the women’s version, the afro for men was rounded, large and styled to show off natural curl patterns. 
   </li>
   <li>
<strong>The Shag Haircut</strong> With a similar structure to the women’s shag, the men’s version often included longer layers at the back and side with added volume at the top. 
   </li>
   <li>
<strong>	The Jheri Curl</strong> This style had soft, glossy, loose curls created with chemical treatments and specialized curl-enhancing products. The result was a defined, springy ringlets with a wet, gloss appearance, adding a polished texture while still emphasizing curls. 
   </li>
   <li>
<strong>	Locs </strong> Formerly referred to as “dreadlocks,” this style consists of strands formed by matting and twisting the hair. While the process can take several months, the result a bold, textured look that ranges from neatly groomed to freeform, depending on  personal preference. 
   </li>
  </ul> 
</div>


Men’s Hairstyles in the ‘70s

Hairstyles in the 1970s often mirrored the fashion trends and cultural movements of the time. Whether inspired by disco glam or bohemian ease, hair and fashion worked together to make a bold statement. Here are the top fashion trends that had a major impact on hair and styling:

<div class='hair-care-steps'> 
 <ul>
   <li>
<strong>	Disco </strong>Hair was styled big, voluminous and with lots of shine. Big curls, blowouts and layered cuts matched the energy of metallic outfits, sequins and platform shoes. 
  </li>
  <li>
<strong>	Bohemian and Hippie Style</strong> Natural, free-flowing hair was the norm for the bohemian and hippie aesthetic. Long hair with middle parts and minimal styling was common. Natural texture, whether wavy or curly, was embraced and often accessorized with scarves, headbands or flowers to enhance the look.
 </li>
 <li>
<strong>	Punk and Glam Rock</strong> Rebellion fuelled this trend with dramatic, spiked cute, bright colors and bold styling choices. These looks were paired with leather jackets, distressed clothing and eye-catching makeup or accessories.
</li>
</ul>
</div>

‘70s Hair, Fashion and Trends

Keeping your hair healthy is essential to pulling off classic ‘70s styles. Here are essential tips on how to achieve these iconic looks at home, along with product recommendations tailored to each hairstyle.

<div class='hair-care-steps'> 
 <ul>
 <li>
 <strong>	Afros  </strong> Hydration is essential for keeping curls soft and defined. Try <a href='https://mielleorganics.com/products/pomegranate-honey-leave-in-conditioner' target='_blank'>Mielle Pomogranate & Honey Leave-In Conditioner</a> to deeply nourish hair with natural ingredients.
  </li>
  <li>
 <strong>	The Shag Haircut </strong> Enhance volume and layers by using <a href='https://hairbiology.us/en-us/hair-products/shampoo/volumizing-shampoo' target='_blank'>Hair Biology Fully & Vibrant Volumizing Shampoo</a>. Make sure to avoid heavy products that weigh down the hair.
  </li>
  <li>
 <strong>	Feathered Hair: </strong> Smooth, flipped layers need shine and control. Try using <a href='https://aussie.com/en-us/total-miracle-7n1-shampoo' target='_blank'>Aussie Total Miracle Shampoo</a> for sleek, manageable styling. 
  </li>
  <li>
 <strong>	Braids and Cornrows  </strong>Scalp care is key for protective styles. Try <a href='https://headandshoulders.com/en-us/shop-products/dandruff-treatment/royal-oils-daily-moisture-scalp-cream' target='_blank'>Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Daily Moisture Scalp Cream</a> to smooth and hydrate the scalp under braids.
  </li>
  <li>
 <strong>	The Jheri Curl  </strong> Moisture and curl control will make all the difference for this style. Try <a href='https://herbalessences.com/en-us/our-products/avocado-oil-repair-conditioner/' target='_blank'>Herbal Essences Avocado Oil Sulfate-Free Repair Conditioner</a> to hydrate and define curls without weighing them down.
  </li>
  <li>
 <strong>	‘Locs” </strong> It’s important to maintain scalp health without disrupting the style. Try <a href='https://headandshoulders.com/en-us/shop-products/scalp-treatment/royal-oils-instant-soothe-scalp-elixir' target='_blank'>Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Instant Soothe Scalp Elixir</a> which uses a no-rinse formula to relieve dryness and itching.
 </li>

 </ul>
 </div>


How-To: ‘70s Hairstyles at Home

When you unlock your hair’s secrets, you unlock its full potential. Take the HairCode quiz to learn more about 1b hair, and all hair types.

Take Our Hair Quiz

A woman with blonde hair tied up in an 80’s hairstyle smiles with her mouth open facing forward.

Discover five iconic '80s hairstyles making a comeback in 2025. Learn how to recreate these styles at home with modern techniques and products.

5 Iconic ‘80s Hairstyles That Are Trending in 2025

A woman with long blonde and pink hair wearing sunglasses faces forward with her hand behind her head.

Explore the evolution of '90s hairstyles from grunge to glam. Discover how these iconic styles are influencing today's beauty trends and learn how to recreate them.

The Evolution of ‘90s Haircut Styles From Grunge to Glam

A woman with fair skin and a 1920’s hairstyle faces away and looks to the right wearing a green sparkling dress in front of a turquoise background.

Discover timeless 1920s hairstyles like the bob, finger waves, and faux bob. Learn how to recreate these vintage looks for modern-day elegance.

Hidden h1 tag for SEO