15 Hairstyles That Defined the '70s

The 1970s in the United States unfolded through hair as much as fashion or music. From layered shags and feathered flips to Afros, cornrows, and pompadours, hairstyles mirrored social change, cultural pride, and entertainment influence. Television, sports, activism, and rock music shaped what Americans wore on their heads. Some styles favored natural texture, while others embraced chemicals and structure. Salons became spaces of experimentation and identity. Each haircut told a story about freedom, confidence, or precision. Together, these 15 styles reveal how a decade defined itself not only through clothing and sound, but through the bold silhouettes and textures that framed everyday American life.

1. The Shag Haircut

The shag haircut swept across the United States in the early 1970s and quickly became a symbol of effortless cool. Popularized by celebrities like Jane Fonda and rock musicians who embraced its layered freedom, the style featured choppy layers that framed the face and created movement with every step. Hair was cut in graduated lengths, often with feathered bangs that brushed the eyebrows. It looked relaxed yet intentional, never stiff. Teenagers admired it because it felt rebellious but wearable. Adults adopted it because it softened strong features and added volume without complex styling tools. The shag fit the mood of a decade that valued authenticity and self-expression over rigid perfection.

2. The Farrah Fawcett Feathered Flip

The feathered flip became legendary after Farrah Fawcett appeared on the television series Charlie’s Angels. Her bright smile and cascading wings of hair captured the imagination of millions. The style featured long layers brushed away from the face, creating soft outward curves that resembled feathers. Blow dryers and round brushes became household tools as women tried to recreate that bounce. The look projected confidence and warmth. It felt glamorous but approachable. Posters of Fawcett hung in dorm rooms and barbershops, turning her hair into a cultural moment rather than just a trend. The feathered flip demanded volume and shine. Hair was often parted in the center and shaped to frame the cheeks and jawline.

3. The Afro

The Afro stood as both a hairstyle and a powerful statement during the 1970s. Inspired by the Civil Rights Movement and Black pride, it celebrated natural texture rather than hiding it. Cultural figures like Angela Davis made the rounded silhouette instantly recognizable. The Afro featured hair picked outward into a full halo shape. It required patience, moisture, and careful shaping. The look rejected chemical straightening and embraced authenticity. In cities such as Detroit, Chicago, and New York, the Afro became a badge of identity and empowerment. Barbershops and community salons became places of pride and conversation. The Afro worked on various lengths and densities, though the larger shapes drew the most attention.

4. The Mullet

The mullet carved its place in American style during the late 1970s, blending practicality with bold personality. The cut stayed short on the top and sides while flowing long in the back. Musicians such as David Bowie experimented with early versions, helping push the look into the spotlight. The contrast between the tidy front and the dramatic rear made it unforgettable. It felt rebellious yet oddly functional. Hair in front stayed clear of the eyes, while the back carried swagger. The mullet matched the energy of rock concerts and small-town car shows alike. Barbers across the country learned to balance the proportions carefully. Too short in the back looked flat. Too long on the top lost the shape. The cut thrived in Southern states and Midwest communities where individuality mixed with blue-collar pride.

5. The Wedge Cut

The wedge cut rose to fame after Olympic figure skater Dorothy Hamill glided across television screens during the 1976 Winter Olympics. Her precise haircut mirrored her clean skating lines. The wedge featured stacked layers in the back that tapered smoothly toward the nape. The front framed the face softly, creating structure without harsh edges. It looked polished but youthful. Parents admired its neat appearance, while teens loved its sporty vibe. The cut required careful shaping and regular trims to keep its crisp form intact. American salons quickly adopted the wedge as a modern alternative to long flowing hair. It suited straight textures best, allowing the angles to remain sharp. Blow-drying inward enhanced the curved shape around the cheeks.

6. The Long and Straight Hippie Hair

Long and straight hair carried over from the late 1960s into the 1970s with quiet confidence. Inspired by the counterculture movement, it symbolized freedom and simplicity. Artists like Joni Mitchell wore it naturally, allowing hair to fall past the shoulders without heavy styling. The look required minimal cutting. Hair parted down the center and flowed evenly on both sides. It rejected elaborate sprays and stiff curls. Instead, it favored natural shine and movement. College campuses across America embraced the style as a visual sign of independence. The appeal of long straight hair lay in its honesty. It moved freely in the wind at outdoor festivals and roadside gatherings. It paired with fringe jackets, peasant blouses, and worn jeans.

7. The Pageboy

The pageboy haircut offered smooth precision in a decade known for wild volume. This style featured hair cut to one even length, usually around the chin or shoulders, with the ends curled under to create a rounded silhouette. It often included straight bangs that skimmed the eyebrows. Actresses like Ali MacGraw wore variations of the look, helping it gain mainstream popularity. The pageboy looked sleek and controlled. It framed the face neatly and highlighted the jawline. In a time filled with layers and waves, this haircut felt deliberate and refined. Salons relied on careful trimming and strong blow-drying techniques to keep the curve smooth. A round brush and steady heat shaped the inward roll at the ends. The style suited straight hair best, though light waves could be managed with patience.

8. Cornrows

Cornrows stood as both a tradition and a modern expression throughout the 1970s. This braided style traced its roots back to African heritage, yet it gained renewed visibility in urban American communities during the decade. The hair was braided close to the scalp in neat rows, forming patterns that could be simple or intricate. Public figures like Muhammad Ali helped bring broader attention to natural Black hairstyles during this era of pride and cultural affirmation. Cornrows required patience and skill, often created by family members or trusted stylists in neighborhood salons. The style kept hair secure and manageable for daily life. It worked well in warm climates and active settings.

9. The Bowl Cut

The bowl cut found steady popularity among children and young men during the 1970s. The style featured hair cut evenly around the head, creating a rounded shape as if trimmed along the edge of a bowl. Television personalities and child actors often wore similar cuts, making it familiar across suburban America. The haircut felt simple and practical. It required minimal styling and trimmed maintenance. Parents appreciated its affordability, while kids enjoyed its tidy appearance. The shape framed the forehead and ears evenly, producing a balanced silhouette. Barbers could create the bowl cut quickly with steady hands and clippers. The length usually hovered just above the eyebrows and ears. Straight hair showcased the rounded effect best, though slight waves added softness. +

10. The Perm

The perm transformed straight hair into waves and curls that lasted for months. Chemical treatments reshaped the hair structure, allowing it to hold tight spirals or soft waves with little daily effort. By the mid to late 1970s, salons across America promoted permanent waves as a way to add volume and drama. Actresses and television personalities embraced the look, and it soon reached suburban neighborhoods nationwide. The perm felt glamorous and bold. It filled out fine hair and created a halo of texture. Women often left salons with teased roots and glossy curls that bounced with every step. The process required rods, solution, and careful timing to prevent damage. The smell lingered in the salon air, marking the experience as memorable.

11. The Caesar Cut

The Caesar cut offered sharp simplicity during a decade filled with longer styles. Inspired by classical imagery and modern masculinity, the haircut featured short hair trimmed evenly all around with a straight fringe across the forehead. Entertainers like Robert De Niro occasionally wore similar short crops in film roles, reinforcing its clean appeal. The cut looked structured and controlled. It framed the face without distraction. Many men preferred it for its low-maintenance routine and practical shape. Barbers relied on clippers and steady lines to achieve the blunt front edge. The length stayed short enough to avoid styling products. It suited busy schedules and warm weather. The Caesar cut paired naturally with leather jackets, work boots, and simple button-down shirts.

12. The Jheri Curl

The Jheri curl emerged in the late 1970s and gained strong momentum in urban communities. Developed by hairstylist Jheri Redding, the technique softened tightly coiled hair into defined, glossy curls. The result was a loose curl pattern that reflected light and moved freely. The style required chemical processing and regular moisturizing. It delivered shine and flexibility that felt modern and expressive. In cities like Los Angeles and Chicago, the Jheri curl quickly became recognizable. Maintenance demanded commitment. Special activator sprays kept curls hydrated and bouncy. Without care, dryness could weaken the pattern. The style paired well with tailored suits and casual street fashion alike.

13. The Bee Hive

The beehive carried over from the 1960s but still appeared in parts of America during the early 1970s, especially for formal events. This towering style stacked hair high on the crown, creating a rounded silhouette that resembled a hive. Singers like Aretha Franklin wore elevated styles that echoed this dramatic height. The look demanded teasing, pins, and generous hairspray. It projected elegance and authority. Women chose it for weddings, galas, and church gatherings. The beehive felt grand and unapologetic. It stood tall in a decade that often favored looseness. Creating the style required patience and structure. Hair was backcombed to build volume, then smoothed over to conceal the teased layers beneath.

14. The Flip

The flip gained attention through television and red carpet appearances. The hairstyle featured straight hair that curled outward at the ends, creating a lively bounce around the shoulders. Actresses like Mary Tyler Moore wore variations of the flip that radiated charm. The look felt bright and animated. It framed the neck and collarbone with soft movement. Many women embraced it because it looked playful without losing polish. The flip suited both casual afternoons and formal evenings. Blow dryers and curling irons shaped the outward curve. The ends needed careful heat control to avoid stiffness. The style worked best on medium-length hair that allowed the flip to form clearly. It paired easily with A-line dresses and fitted blouses popular during the decade.

15. The Pompadour Revival

The pompadour revival brought vintage flair back into the spotlight during the 1970s. Inspired by earlier rock influences, the style featured hair swept upward and back from the forehead. Performers like Elvis Presley had popularized the look in earlier decades, and the 1970s embraced updated versions with softer volume. The pompadour required lift at the front and shorter sides for contrast. It projected charisma and stage presence. Many musicians and style-conscious men adopted it to stand out in crowded venues. Achieving the look demanded combing, lifting, and strategic styling products. The front section rose in a controlled wave before settling backward. The shape highlighted facial features and added height. It paired well with leather jackets and bold prints.

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