Your Ultimate Guide to Nailing Those 70s-Inspired Hairstyles (Without the Damage)

When I was first starting out in the salon, the influence of classic 70s hair was everywhere. The senior stylists I trained under? They practically built their careers on the shag, the feathered look, and the precision bob. They taught me that these weren’t just haircuts; they were a whole mood. That whole era was a rebellion against the stiff, almost helmet-like styles that came before. All of a sudden, hair had to move. It was about freedom, personality, and a new kind of skill that looked totally effortless (but was anything but).

So many people today think of 70s hair as one of two things: super-straight hippie hair or giant disco curls. But honestly, that view misses all the incredible artistry that went into these looks. It was a time of serious innovation in hairstyling, a period that gave us geometric cuts and rock-and-roll styles that could actually keep up with the music.

This guide isn’t about just copying old photos. It’s about understanding what made these styles work, from the cut to the styling, so you can bring them into today’s world. We’ll get into the nitty-gritty of the cuts, the right way to style them, and most importantly, how to do it without the insane hair damage that was so common back then.

First Things First: Healthy Hair is Everything

Before you even think about trying that feathered look, we need to talk about hair health. To be frank, a lot of the original techniques were brutal on hair. The styling tools were basic, often with no temperature control. I can still recall the faint smell of scorching hair from a curling iron left on just a second too long. It was a constant risk that made us fast and precise out of pure necessity.

Chemicals were a big deal, too. Perms and bleach were popular, but the formulas were harsh. A bad perm could literally turn hair to mush, and we often saw what we called a “chemical haircut,” where over-processed hair would just snap off. Yikes.

Good to know: You do NOT need to use old-school methods to get these looks today. Modern tools are your best friend. A quality ceramic or tourmaline curling iron with adjustable heat lets you style at a much safer temperature—stick to around 350°F (175°C) for most hair types. And a heat protectant spray? Absolutely non-negotiable. Think of it as primer for your hair; it creates a buffer that prevents that direct, damaging heat.

Which Classic Style Is Right for You?

Okay, let’s break down the big ones. Each style has its own personality and works best for different hair types and lifestyles.

• The Shag: This is your go-to for texture, movement, and a rock-and-roll vibe. It’s fantastic for medium to thick hair, as it removes a ton of weight. If you have fine hair, a more modern, less aggressive version (like a “wolf cut”) is a better bet to avoid stringy-looking ends. Maintenance is medium—it grows out pretty well, but you’ll need a pro to cut it. This is definitely not a DIY job.
• The Feathered Look: This one is all about soft, bouncy volume that sweeps away from the face. It’s surprisingly versatile and works on most hair types, from fine to thick. The maintenance is all in the styling, though. The cut itself is simple, but you’ll need to master the blow-dry or hot roller set to get the look.
• The Geometric Bob: Think sharp, precise lines and a sleek, polished finish. This style looks incredible on straight hair and is for anyone who loves a bold, high-fashion statement. But heads up: this is the highest maintenance of the bunch. It requires a stylist with serious precision-cutting skills and needs regular trims (every 4-6 weeks) to keep its shape sharp. Do not attempt this at home!
• The Natural Afro: A celebration of natural texture, the Afro is all about creating a beautiful, balanced shape. It’s a powerful and gorgeous style that’s all about working with your curls, not against them. Maintenance is focused on moisture and health. A great cut from a curl specialist can make daily styling much easier.

The Iconic Cuts: A Pro’s Breakdown

The Shag: Controlled Chaos

The shag is probably the most misunderstood haircut out there. It’s not just messy layers! A true shag is a masterpiece of weight removal, cut to create incredible texture and movement. Traditionally, it was cut with a straight razor, which creates soft, tapered ends instead of the blunt line you get from scissors. The signature look comes from having much shorter layers on top that disconnect from the longer layers at the bottom.

Going to a salon? Don’t just say “give me a shag.” You’ll have better luck if you’re specific. Try saying this to your stylist: “I’m looking for a modern shag with lots of texture and movement, but I want to keep weight at the bottom so my ends don’t look thin. I love the idea of soft curtain bangs that blend into the face-framing layers.” A good shag cut can run anywhere from $100 to over $250, depending on the salon and the stylist’s experience, so it’s an investment in a great shape.

The Feathered Look: It’s All in the Blow-Dry

This look is way more about the styling than the cut. The haircut itself is pretty simple: just long, face-framing layers. The magic is in the blow-dry.

You’ll need a volumizing mousse (a bottle from Kenra or L’Oréal will run you about $15-$25), a good blow dryer with a nozzle, and a round brush. Quick tip: The brush size matters! For shoulder-length hair, use a 2-inch barrel ceramic brush. For longer hair, go up to a 3-inch barrel to get that iconic, sweeping wing instead of a tighter curl.

Working in sections, lift the hair at the root with the brush and aim the dryer there to create volume. Then, as you pull the brush to the ends, twist it backward, away from your face. The most important step? Let the hair cool on the brush for a few seconds before releasing it. Hair sets its shape as it cools, so if you pull the brush out when it’s hot, the style will just fall flat. Finish with a spritz of medium-hold hairspray.

Don’t have time for a full blowout? Here’s a 5-minute cheat: Just focus on the front sections. Apply a little mousse to your damp curtain bangs and face-framing layers. Use your round brush and dryer to blow just those pieces up and back. It gives you that signature winged effect around your face without having to do your whole head.

The Geometric Cut: Leave It to the Pros

While some styles were about flowy freedom, another major trend was all about sharp, architectural precision. The philosophy was “wash and wear”—a cut so perfect it fell into place on its own with almost no styling. This was a game-changer.

I cannot state this more clearly: this is NOT a DIY haircut. It’s based on perfect tension, graduation, and deliberate angles. A tiny mistake can throw off the entire look. If you want one of these bobs, find a stylist who explicitly lists “precision cutting” as a specialty on their website or social media. Ask to see photos of their work on short hair before you book.

The Natural Afro: Celebrating Texture

The 70s was a huge moment for celebrating Black hair, and the Afro was a powerful, beautiful statement. A great Afro isn’t just about letting hair grow out; it’s about creating a stunning, balanced shape. The cut is often done dry, curl by curl, so the stylist can see the final shape as they work.

Back in the day, people often used heavy, petroleum-based greases that could weigh hair down and clog the scalp. Today, we know better. Moisture is the key. Water-based leave-in conditioners, natural oils like jojoba or argan, and weekly deep conditioning treatments are what keep afro-textured hair healthy, shiny, and elastic.

The Art of the Set: Your Secret Weapon for Volume

Hot Rollers: The Real MVP

For that incredible disco volume or a soft feathered look, hot rollers were the go-to tool. They give you a bouncier, longer-lasting curl than an iron because they cool down slowly on the hair. You can find a great set of Conair or Remington rollers for around $30-$50 at places like Target or on Amazon.

For a classic 70s set, roll the jumbo rollers on the top mohawk section back and away from your face for maximum lift. Then, roll the side sections backward as well. And here’s the secret: you have to wait for them to be 100% cool to the touch before taking them out. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Then, gently brush out the curls with a paddle brush until they form a soft, cohesive wave.

A couple of common mistakes I see:

• Rolling the wrong way. For that classic feathered sweep, you must roll the hair away from your face. Rolling it forward will give you a completely different, more poodle-like vibe.
• Being too impatient. I get it, you’re busy! But if you take those rollers out when they’re even a little bit warm, your gorgeous volume will fall flat in less than an hour. Give them the full 20 minutes to cool.

Backcombing (Teasing) Without Tears

Teasing was the secret to sky-high lift, but done wrong, it’s a recipe for a tangled nightmare. The right way: hold a small section of hair taut and straight up from your head. With a fine-tooth comb, gently push down toward the scalp in a couple of smooth motions to create a cushion at the base. The wrong way is frantically sawing the comb up and down, which just creates knots. To get teasing out, apply a bit of conditioner and gently comb from the very ends, working your way up to the root.

A Final Word: Have Fun With It!

Honestly, the best thing about these hairstyles is how timeless they are. A great shag or soft, feathered layers look just as cool today as they ever did. The trick is simply to adapt. Respect the original shapes, but embrace modern tools and products to keep your hair healthy and happy.

Bring photos to your stylist, have a real conversation about what will work for your hair, and don’t be afraid to play. That’s how you capture the free-spirited vibe of these styles and truly make them your own.

Inspirational Gallery

Hot Rollers: For that bouncy, full-bodied Farrah Fawcett blowout, modern ceramic hot rollers are your gentle giant. Sets like the Conair InfinitiPRO are great because they heat up fast and use ionic technology to fight frizz. The volume is softer, more voluminous from the root.

Large-Barrel Curling Iron: For more defined, flicked-out layers or disco waves, a 1.5-inch or 2-inch curling wand (like one from ghd or T3) gives you more control. It’s better for targeting specific sections and creating that signature

When Farrah Fawcett debuted her feathered hairstyle on Charlie’s Angels, an estimated 12 million posters of her were sold, and salons across America were inundated with requests for

That iconic 70s hair had a healthy, glossy sheen, not a greasy slick. Here’s how to get it right:

• Start with a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove product buildup that dulls hair.
• Use a lightweight hair oil, like Kérastase Elixir Ultime, on your mid-lengths and ends ONLY, never the roots.
• Finish with a light-reflecting shine spray. Kenra Professional’s Shine Spray is a salon favorite for a reason—it gives a glass-like finish without weighing hair down.

Dreaming of Diana Ross-level volume but terrified of that stiff, hairspray-helmet feeling?

Forget the sticky aerosols of the past. The modern approach is all about layering smart products. Start with a volumizing mousse (we love the classic L’Oréal Paris BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse) on damp hair, focusing on the roots. After blow-drying, skip the heavy hairspray and instead use a texturizing powder or spray, like Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray, at the crown. It provides airy, touchable lift and grip that lasts all night, no crunch required.

The single most important detail for many 70s looks? The outward flick. Whether it’s the gentle wings of curtain bangs or the full-on feathered layers of a shag, the ends should

• It frames the face perfectly, highlighting cheekbones.
• It adds incredible texture and movement, even to fine hair.
• It grows out beautifully, looking intentional at every stage.

The secret to all these benefits is the modern shag. Ask your stylist for soft, blended layers and wispy ends, not the choppy, disconnected layers of the original. It’s the ultimate cool-girl cut, reborn.

The curtain bang is the chameleon of the 70s revival. It’s the perfect entry point if you’re not ready for a full shag. Inspired by icons like Brigitte Bardot and Goldie Hawn, these longer, center-parted bangs sweep to the side, beautifully framing the eyes and cheekbones. They work on almost any hair length and texture, from Cher’s pin-straight locks to Stevie Nicks’ bohemian waves. The best part? They are surprisingly low-maintenance, blending seamlessly into your hair as they grow out.

The silk scarf was to 70s hair what the scrunchie was to the 80s.

Elevate your look in seconds. Fold a long, narrow silk scarf and tie it as a headband over your finished style, letting the ends trail down your back. Or, wrap it around the base of a low ponytail for an instant touch of sophisticated bohemia.