Retro Hairstyles from the ’70s That Are Somehow Trendy Again

Hey there, fellow time travelers! Remember when we’d spend hours in front of the mirror, trying to perfect those groovy hairstyles that made the 1970s such a memorable decade for fashion? Well, dust off your round brushes and blow dryers, because what goes around comes around. These blast-from-the-past hairstyles are making a spectacular comeback, proving that true style never really dies – it just takes a disco nap.

1. The Iconic Farrah Fawcett Feathers

The queen of ’70s hair herself, Farrah Fawcett, gave us those signature feathered layers that defined a generation. Today’s version keeps the same face-framing layers and swept-back volume but with a more relaxed, lived-in feel. Gen Z calls it “butterfly layers,” but we know the real deal when we see it – this look took us hours to perfect with a round brush and hairspray back in ’76.

2. The Shag Revival

Jane Fonda made the shag haircut legendary, and now it’s back with a vengeance. This choppy, layered cut has been modernized with softer edges and more versatile styling options. The new shag works on all hair types and lengths, making it the perfect blend of rebellious ’70s spirit and contemporary cool.

3. Curtain Bangs Comeback

Brigitte Bardot might have started them in the ’60s, but curtain bangs reached their peak perfection in the ’70s. These face-framing, center-parted bangs are having a major moment again, offering a softer alternative to blunt bangs. They’re particularly flattering because they can be styled to suit any face shape – just like we discovered during our experimental years.

4. The Long and Straight Look

Cher’s signature look defined an era – poker-straight hair parted right down the middle. We spent hours ironing our hair on the ironing board (don’t tell the kids!), but today’s version is achieved with sophisticated flat irons and smoothing treatments. The modern twist includes more movement and body while maintaining that sleek, glossy finish we all coveted.

5. The Voluminous Afro

The Afro symbolized power and pride in the ’70s, worn by icons like Pam Grier and Diana Ross. Today’s natural hair movement has brought back this stunning style with a modern emphasis on hair health and various size options. It’s a celebration of natural texture that’s both politically meaningful and gorgeously stylish.

6. The Shaggy Mullet

Before it became the infamous ’80s mullet, the ’70s version was more subtle and sophisticated. Today’s interpretation, often called the “wolf cut,” combines elements of the shag and the mullet for a softer, more wearable look. It’s business in the front, party in the back, but with a modern edge that even our kids are embracing.

7. The Pageboy Flip

Remember Mary Tyler Moore’s iconic flip? It’s back, but with a contemporary twist. Today’s version is more relaxed and casual, featuring soft layers that flip out naturally. It’s perfect for those who want a polished look without spending hours with hot rollers like we used to.

8. The Bohemian Waves

The free-spirited waves of the ’70s hippie era are making a major comeback. Instead of sleeping in braids like we did back then, today’s tools make it easier to achieve those perfectly imperfect waves. It’s the same carefree vibe we loved at Woodstock, just with better hair products.

9. The Choppy Bob

The ’70s choppy bob, popularized by rock stars and fashion models, has evolved into today’s “textured bob.” It’s less severe than its predecessor but maintains that effortlessly cool vibe. The modern version incorporates more layers and movement, making it easier to style for all hair types.

10. The Disco Glam

Big, bouncy, and glamorous – disco hair is back, baby! While we used to achieve this look with hot rollers and plenty of Aqua Net, today’s version uses heat protectants and modern styling tools. It’s still all about volume and movement, perfect for those nights when you want to channel your inner Diana Ross.

11. The Swooping Side Part

This sophisticated style, worn by Lauren Hutton and Bianca Jagger, is seeing a resurgence. The modern version keeps the dramatic side sweep but adds texture and movement. It’s the perfect blend of ’70s glamour and contemporary casual, proving that some styles truly are timeless.

12. The Textured Pixie

The ’70s pixie cut, made famous by style icons like Twiggy, has been reinvented for the 2020s. Today’s version features more texture and versatility in styling options. It’s still the same bold statement we loved back then, but with a modern edge that makes it fresh and current.

13. The Bandana Waves

We used to tie our hair up in bandanas while working in the garden or cruising in convertibles. Now, this practical yet stylish look is back with a vengeance. Today’s version incorporates silk scarves and designer bandanas, creating those perfect waves overnight without heat damage. It’s the same carefree spirit of the ’70s but with an Instagram-worthy twist.

14. The Mod Bob with Bangs

This geometric cut, popularized by fashion models of the early ’70s, has made a stunning comeback. The modern interpretation maintains the sharp lines but adds texture and movement for a more wearable look. It’s the perfect blend of retro precision and contemporary ease, proving that sometimes the best looks come full circle.

15. The Layered Wing

Remember those perfectly styled wings that would flip out just so? We spent hours with our hairdryers and round brushes getting them just right. Today’s version is more relaxed but just as striking, featuring soft layers that naturally wing out at the ends. It’s a subtle nod to our favorite decade without looking like you’re heading to a costume party.

16. The Bohemian Braids

Those loose, romantic braids we wore to music festivals and summer picnics are back in style. Today’s version incorporates the same free-spirited vibe but with more intricate weaving techniques and intentional “messiness.” It’s the perfect mix of our laid-back ’70s attitude and modern styling expertise, proving that some things just get better with time.