'70s Hairstyles Are Having a Moment—Here Are 20 Looks for Major Inspiration

If I could live in any decade, it would hands down be the '70s—not because I find anything about the way of life particularly endearing, but rather I'm absolutely head over heels for the aesthetic. From flared jeans to supersized sunglasses, when it comes to '70s fashion, I'm all in.

However, as a beauty editor, I feel somewhat inclined to say that the single best thing about the '70s was the hair. I'm so obsessed with '70s hairstyles, in fact, that I have rocked the same '70s-style, longmiddle-parted mop for well over 10 years. 

But it's not just super-long hair that really defined the decade. Everything from shaggy lengths and fringes to blunt bobs and picked-out afros have remained some of the most timeless hairstyles around. And next year, it's looking as though '70s hair is going to be everywhere.

Don't believe me? Keep scrolling for 20 '70s-inspired hairstyles that will have you itching to book in with your hairstylist stat. Oh, and expect some top tips and insights from founder of Percy & Reed Paul Percival along the way too. 

1. Big Blowout

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(Image credit: @MATILDADJERF)

Nothing says '70s hair quite like a supersized blowout, and some of the top hairstylists in the game anticipate it will be the biggest hair trend of 2022. 

Get the Look:

2. Bouncy Curls

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(Image credit: @ZENDAYA)

Zendaya's big, bouncy curls scream '70s disco queen. Note the shorter pieces at the front for that retro shaggy touch.

3. Long and Fringed

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(Image credit: @JULIESFI)

Long hair really reigned supreme throughout the '70s, and fringed styles were all the rage. Keep lengths blunt and the fringe slightly tapered.

Get the Look:

4. Curly Pixie

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(Image credit: @GABIFRESH)

The '70s were all about embracing your natural hair texture, and 2022 is set to be no different. This curly pixie crop oozes laid-back chic.

5. Babushka Scarves

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(Image credit: @THATCURLYTOP)

Sure, a babushka scarf tied around the hair helped keep strands protected from the elements in cool '70s movies, but they're also really quite chic.

6. Voluminous Bob

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(Image credit: @HUNGVANNGO)

The sleek, shiny bobs we're used to seeing in 2021 might not look particularly reminiscent of '70s glamour, but this big, bouncy jaw-skimmer sure does. Whether it's flipped over to the side or worn in a middle part, it's every bit as chic.

7. Picked-Out Afro

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(Image credit: @AYSHA.SOW)

You don't need us to tell you that the natural-textured afro was big news in the '70s. With the premise of really owning your natural hair taking centre stage in 2022, it's safe to say that the long, picked-out afro is back (and here to stay).

8. Tousled Middle Part

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(Image credit: @HUNGVANNGO)

Yes, there was something very glamorous about '70s hair, but there was also room for grungy, bedhead styles, too. Most notably, the middle-parted I woke up like this look. Just wake up, blast some texturising spray and go.

9. Grown-Out Shag

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(Image credit: @COUTUREKULTEN)

The shag has made a real comeback, and it's not going anywhere for 2022. "For a shag, you want long layers cut in and pulled towards the face to create a lovely frame. Depending on your face shape, a grown-out fringe is a great way to create the ultimate shag look," says Percival.

Get the Look:

10. Fringed Puff

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(Image credit: @CIARACHERISE)

Remember when I said that fringes were everywhere in the '70s? Well, they're back with a bang. This high puff teamed with a light fringe is retro perfection.

11. Parted Fringe

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(Image credit: @_JEANETTEMADSEN_)

Who says '70s-inspired hairstyles aren't versatile? The parted or curtain fringe can be styled however you best please. "I like to call this style the shy fringe—if you blow-dry it forwards, you can create the fuller '70s look or you can blow it back to blend it into your locks," says Percival.

Get the Look:

12. Bubble Braids

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(Image credit: @LAURAPOLKO)

Bubble braids haven't had a major revival since they hit the big time in the '70s, but they're definitely on the up. When you are armed with a pack of thin hair elastics, they couldn't be easier to achieve. 

13. Curly Bob

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(Image credit: @LAURAHARRIER)

As mentioned, the best thing about '70s hair was that it embraced every hair type and texture. While bobs have championed a sleek and glass-like effect in recent months, this '70s-style curly bob proves that a blunt bobbed cut is totally universal.

14. Wrap-Around Ponytail

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(Image credit: @ANDREASTEEN)

While high ponytails scream '90s aesthetic and oversized ponytails might give off an '80s vibe, a low ponytail tied at the nape of the neck with a piece of hair wrapped around the band is quintessentially '70s. 

15. Mini Braids

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(Image credit: @THATSALEAF)

Tell me tiny plaits aren't the cutest hair trend out there? "The only relevant plaits right now are tiny ones. Take an inch section either side of the parting, and plait thin braids all the way to the end, and pin back to secure so it sits along the hairline," says Percival.

Get the Look:

16. Sleek and Straight

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(Image credit: @CWOODHAIR)

Poker-straight, middle-parted, feathered lengths? What is there not to love? It's classic, timeless and suits just about everybody. 

17. Cropped Coils

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(Image credit: @LENAFARL)

With natural texture reigning supreme, this short, cropped coiled style is one to add to your inspiration board. 

18. Super-Long Waves

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(Image credit: @STEPHANIEBROEK)

If your hair doesn't have a natural wave to achieve this classic '70s style, fear not. Simply straighten your hair (if it's curly), and tong the mid-lengths to ends with a waver.

Get the Look:

19. Bandana

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(Image credit: @MARIEJEDIG)

I couldn't be more obsessed with this head-to-toe '70s get-up if I tried. I think 2022 is the year I officially bring back the bandana. It's one of the easiest hair accessory looks.

20. Pigtail Braids

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(Image credit: @JUSTINEMARJAN)

Not only do pigtail braids look effortlessly chic, but they're also a great way to keep long stands strong and protected against breakage and friction. 

Next up, Trust Us—These 9 Autumn/Winter 2022 Hair Trends Are Going to Be Everywhere.

Freelance Beauty Editor

Shannon Lawlor is a renowned beauty journalist and has contributed to Who What Wear’s beauty content since 2020. As a leading beauty editor, expert and brand consultant, she has over eight years of experience working for some of the industry’s most esteemed titles, including Who What Wear (of course), Glamour UK, Stylist, Refinery29 and Fabulous.

Having also worked behind the scenes with some of the industry’s biggest brands and retailers, Shannon has a unique insight into what people really want from their beauty routines. Understanding that beauty lovers seek honest, open and responsible advice, she has it made her mission to demystify the intimidating world of beauty, taking a no-frills approach to the most relatable topics.

While Shannon is the first to admit she doesn’t hold the answer to every beauty question out there, she is dedicated to sharing her expert insights in a bid to help. As a self-proclaimed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for easy-to-use, foolproof beauty products and has made it her mission to scope out the best of the best.

When she’s not working, Shannon is likely soaking in the bath or giving no-holds-barred beauty reviews on Instagram from her bathroom floor.