The 1970s marked a move towards something softer and far more natural. After the high-volume styles of the ’60s, hair was worn longer, lighter, and with plenty of movement -designed to fall and flow rather than hold a perfect shape. Instead of one defining silhouette, the decade was all about a feeling... hair that looked touchable, easy, and effortlessly styled.
Inspired as much by music and film as by everyday style, 1970s hair embraced individuality. Think long, layered cuts that move freely, feathered pieces that frame the face, and natural texture worn with confidence. Fringes became softer too, blending seamlessly into the rest of the hair rather than standing out. The overall look is relaxed but still considered to be easy, flattering, and full of glamour.
The Defining 1970s Looks ✨
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Long, Natural & Layered
Long and layered hairstyle, 1971— Long hair really came into its own in the 1970s. Worn loose, often with a centre parting, it was all about soft layers that added movement without feeling overly styled. Instead of holding a fixed shape, the cut worked with the hair’s natural flow.
The result is an effortless, undone look the decade is known for: relaxed, easy to wear, but still thoughtfully styled. It’s the kind of hair that moves beautifully and feels as good as it looks - simple, feminine, and endlessly versatile.
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Feathered & Softly Styled
Farrah Fawcett, ~1976 — Feathered styles took long hair to the next level - polished, yet still soft and full of movement. Layers are carefully cut and styled to sweep away from the face, highlighting features while keeping the overall shape light.
It’s a look that feels deliberately styled without ever appearing stiff - effortless glamour with that signature 1970s flow.
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Fringes & Face-Framing Details
Olivia Newton-John, 1978 —1970s fringes are all about softness... Curtain bangs, side-swept styles, and long face-framing layers flow naturally into the rest of the hair, avoiding any harsh lines or rigid shapes. It's effortlessly flattering, expressive without trying too hard and perfectly in tune with the decade’s relaxed, free-flowing vibe.
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The Shag (Short, Layered & Undone)
Debbie Harry, 1978 — The shag is the ultimate ’70s “I woke up like this” haircut. Short-to-medium in length and packed with layers, it’s designed to look effortlessly lived-in rather than polished or rigid.
It works beautifully with a soft fringe or pieces swept to the front, giving movement, texture, and that perfectly undone, cool-girl vibe the decade embraced.❤️
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Afros & Natural Texture
Pam Grier, 1972— The 1970s fully celebrated natural hair texture like never before. Afros, in all shapes and sizes, showcased curls and volume instead of hiding them, turning natural texture into a bold style statement.
These looks weren’t just fashionable - they were iconic, empowering, and deeply cultural, putting individuality and authenticity front and centre in 1970s hair.
Shop the Era💕
1970s hair is all about effortless movement and easy style. Think long, flowing layers, feathered cuts that gently frame the face, natural texture embraced and celebrated, and soft fringes that blend seamlessly into the shape.
The decade wasn’t about stiffness or structure - it was about hair that feels wearable, touchable, and full of relaxed confidence, capturing the free-spirited glamour of the era.