The 1970s were a decisive shift toward softness and movement. Where 1960s hair often relied on height, outline, and visible styling, 1970s hair loosened its grip: longer lengths, lighter shapes, and an emphasis on hair that could swing and fall naturally. The decade’s signature isn’t one dramatic silhouette, but a shared feeling—touchable, wearable hair that looks lived-in rather than “set.”
Influences came from music, film, and everyday street style as much as from fashion. The result is a decade of ease and individuality: long layers that move, feathered shaping around the face, natural texture worn proudly, and fringes that blend into the cut instead of sitting like a hard line. 1970s hair is instantly recognisable for its relaxed confidence and effortless flow.
The Defining 1970s Looks
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Long, Natural & Layered
Long and layered hairstyle, 1971 — Long hair became the dominant 1970s silhouette. Worn loose and often centre-parted, it relies on soft layering to create movement rather than a rigid shape. The layers lighten the length and let the hair flow naturally, giving an effortless look that feels relaxed but intentional.
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Feathered & Softly Styled
Farrah Fawcett, ~1976 — Feathered styles are a more polished take on long hair, without losing the decade’s softness. Carefully layered and blow-dried to sweep away from the face, this look frames the features while keeping the overall shape light and flexible. It reads styled, but never stiff.
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Fringes & Face-Framing Details
Olivia Newton-John, 1978 — Fringes in the 1970s are softer and more integrated than earlier decades. Curtain bangs, side-swept fringes, and long face-framing layers blend into the cut rather than forming a sharp line. The effect is flattering and expressive, while still keeping that relaxed, flowing finish.
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The Shag (Short, Layered & Undone)
Debbie Harry, 1978 — The shag is the 1970s’ most deliberately “unstyled” haircut: short-to-medium length, heavily layered, and designed to look lived-in rather than smooth and set. It can be worn with a soft fringe or swept front.
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Afros & Natural Texture
Pam Grier, 1972— The 1970s marked a powerful embrace of natural hair texture. Afros were worn in a range of sizes and shapes, celebrating fullness and curl rather than disguising them. These styles became both fashion-forward and culturally significant, placing natural texture at the centre of style.
Shop the Era
1970s hair is defined by movement and ease: long layers that flow, feathered shaping that frames the face, natural texture worn proudly, and fringes that soften the outline. The decade’s look isn’t about rigid construction—it’s about wearable, touchable hair with relaxed confidence.