70s hairstyles make a major comeback

• Iconic 1970s hairstyles like the shag and Afro are making a comeback
• Styles include curtain bangs, feathered layers and long, sleek hair
• Users can recreate these looks with modern layering and texturising

The 1970s were a decade of freedom and self-expression, and nowhere was this more visible than in its hairstyles. From glam rock to disco floors, hair was bold, textured, and full of personality. Now, these iconic looks are back.

The Shag: Effortless and Edgy

The shag is arguably the defining haircut of the 1970s, a unisex style made famous by rock stars like Joan Jett and David Cassidy. It's characterized by choppy, graduated layers that are shorter on top and longer towards the bottom, creating a relaxed, textured look. Today’s modern shag is softer, often with less severe layers and more blended texture for a lived-in feel. To get the look, ask your stylist for a layered shag with a fringe that suits your face shape. It works well with natural waves, but can also be styled with a texturizing spray to enhance the piece-y, rock 'n' roll vibe. For those with curly hair, a shag can add incredible movement and volume.

The Farrah Fawcett: Feathered and Fabulous

No 70s hair roundup is complete without mentioning Farrah Fawcett. The 'Charlie's Angels' star's iconic feathered hairstyle was a phenomenon, defined by its voluminous, bouncy layers swept back from the face. This look is all about movement and glamour. The modern version, sometimes called the 'butterfly cut', maintains the face-framing layers but with a softer, more subtle finish. To achieve this style, you’ll need a good blow-dryer and a round brush. After washing, use the brush to curl sections of hair away from your face, creating that signature 'flick'. Hot rollers can also help achieve the epic volume and bounce.

The Afro: A Celebration of Natural Texture

The Afro was more than just a hairstyle in the 1970s; it was a powerful symbol of Black pride and identity, central to the 'Black is Beautiful' movement. Icons like Diana Ross and Pam Grier showcased the beauty of natural, voluminous hair. This style celebrated dense, tightly coiled hair, often shaped with a pick to create a rounded silhouette. Today, the Afro remains a celebration of natural texture. The key to a modern Afro is hydration and scalp care to keep coils healthy and defined. Whether worn in a perfectly rounded shape or a more free-form style, it's about embracing and celebrating your hair's natural pattern.

Curtain Bangs: Soft and Face-Framing

First popularized in the ‘70s by figures like Goldie Hawn, curtain bangs are the versatile, low-maintenance fringe that has made a major comeback. As the name suggests, this style involves a longer bang, parted in the middle and swept to the sides like curtains, framing the face and highlighting the cheekbones. Unlike blunt bangs, the curtain style is softer and blends more seamlessly into the rest of the hair. They work with almost any hair length and texture, from straight and sleek to wavy and shaggy. Styling is simple: use a round brush to blow them dry away from the face, creating a gentle, sweeping curve.

Long and Sleek: The Cher Effect

While many '70s styles were about big volume, there was also a chic, minimalist counter-trend: long, pin-straight hair parted down the center. Singer and style icon Cher was the undisputed queen of this look, often wearing her hair incredibly long and glossy. It was a simple but dramatic statement that radiated a cool, bohemian confidence. To get this look today, focus on shine and health. Use a heat-protectant spray before flat-ironing your hair for a super-smooth finish. It’s a timeless style that remains effortlessly elegant and requires minimal styling for those with naturally straight hair.