3 hairstyles from the ’70s making a comeback
From bell sleeves to flares, the 1970s will forever remain an iconic fashion era. Embrace the ’70s revival by recreating these resurgent hairstyles.
The 1970s were an experimental period for hair, with everything from poker-straight locks to full-blown perms gaining popularity.
Why are ‘70s hairstyles making a comeback?
These hairstyles have a timeless influence on today’s fashion industry, especially in recent years with celebrities like Zendaya rocking the disco hair on at the 2017 Met Gala.
In 2021, stars such as Billie Eilish, Miley Cyrus and Rihanna followed suit to cement the return of the ‘70s hairstyles with a wolf cut on social media platforms.
“The ‘70s were all about individuality that allows for self expression and there is a resurgence of that today,” AHIA Australian Hairdresser of the Year 2023 Justin Pace says.
“Hairstyles were loose, messy and textured but they also had a really defined shape and a polished finish.
“Right now, embracing natural hair is a key trend so adding more of this exaggerated texture is the perfect mix.”
Can anyone pull off a ‘70s hairstyle?
The ‘70s hairstyles aren’t just feminine, sexy and fun, but they’re also perfect for the summer season, owner of AHIA NSW/ACT Salon of the Year 2023 Scott Sloan says.
“It really is a trend that works across most hair types,” Scott, who runs Sloan Salons, explains.
“You can run with what you have and just focus on an amazing cut to help you get that shape and motion as you style.
“All you need is a little length and then you can play around with volume and unexpected shapes.
Key ’70s hairstyles on trend this year
Straight and sleek
Popularised again by Kim Kardashian and recently worn by sister Khloe Kardashian on Instagram, Scott says the key to this look is simply the image of perfectly straight locks without a single hair out of place.
Step 1: Keep it shiny
“One of the most important aspects of this look is a really amazing rich colour with plenty of shine,” Scott says.
“Ask your colourist for a gloss to amplify the shine in your hair and leave it looking healthy.”
He also recommends using a moisturising shampoo and conditioner for an extra nourishing shine.
Step 2: Make sure your hair is adequately dry
Gently towel dry your hair to prevent creating any frizz before applying a heat protectant or straightening product and dry the hair completely, Scott says.
“When you use a blow dryer, make sure the nozzle is facing downwards the entire time to promote that sleekness.
“Before using a straightener, your hair needs to be bone dry to ensure you don’t cause any damage.”
Step 3: Section and finish
Scott says to create sections by splitting the hair in the middle at the back and then bring it forward, giving you two sections to work with.
“If your hair is thick, you may consider clipping it into four parts but work with what feels best.”
Next, he says to pull the hair tight downwards starting at the root and allow it to cool before adding a light hold hairspray to finish and tame any flyaway hair.
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Fawcett flick
Popularised by actress Farah Fawcett; her signature feathered hairstyle was achieved using hot rollers in an outwards direction to get the flicked-out curls.
Step 1: Dry and prep
A look that works best on mid to long hair with some layers, Scott says to start by roughly drying the hair (but not completely dry) and apply a volumising product to help create volume and waves.
Step 2: Section and blow
“Always start with the front section of the hair, whether you have a fringe or not,” Scott explains.
“Section off the top of your crown to separate the front from the back, and starting with that area, use a medium-sized round brush and start blowing the bangs towards the face.
When they’re almost dry, place the brush behind the hair, and blow them up away from the face.”
Once done, spritz some hairspray and use clips or rollers to hold the shape of the front as you work on the back.
When you’re finished with a section, re-roll the hair straight into a similar shape with your hands, place it in a clip and let it cool.
Step 3: Set and roll
After the front is set, dry the back with a round brush by blowing the hair towards the face and adding volume from the back forwards, Scott says.
“Gently tease out the curls and turn your head over, shake it all out, then flip back and position the final look.
“The finishing touch is another spritz of a light hold hairspray to set.”
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Wolf cut
Considered one of the more experimental styles of the ’70s, some of the biggest names of the time – including Joan Jett, Goldie Hawn and Stevie Nicks – sported the wolf cut.
Much of the style is in the haircut itself, which involves shaggy layers that verge on mullet territory.
Step 1: Prep the hair
A good solid foundational base would be to have a wolf cut or face-framing layers to begin with.
Next, Justin recommends starting with a professional shampoo or conditioner to tame the hair and create the right texture.
Then, apply heat protectant to prevent damage with extensive styling as hair tools can heat to 230°C.
Step 2: Texturise
Apply a texturizing spray or mousse and work through from roots to ends on a towel dry hair, Justin says.
“Dry hair with a blow-dryer on low wind and high heat to create great texture without hair looking too frizzy.
“You want to focus on building volume at the roots as much as possible so pull up and away from the head.”
Step 3: Finish
“Add a personal touch with hot tools like a straightener or curling wand,” Justin says.
“Work at the bottom half of the hair, leaving all that volume in the top, and create tousled waves.
You can work in different sized sections for a choppy effect.”
Finally, blow through the finished hair for a few seconds on low wind and no heat to ensure all textures are blended together.
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For more on recreating timeless beauty classics:
- How to rock ’90s bombshell hair
- The ’90s-inspired hair trends you need to get on board with in 2023
- Disco glam is back – ‘70s hair and make-up looks you’ll love today
- Big and bouncy: How to achieve Jade Kisnorbo’s ‘90s-style bombshell hair
Written by Charlotte Brundrett. Updated by Melissa Hong, November 2023.
