The Modern Shag
The shag was the quintessential cool-girl haircut of the '70s, worn by rock stars and actresses like Jane Fonda. It was defined by its choppy, heavy layers, creating a style that was equal parts rebellious and effortlessly chic. Today’s shag is just as versatile.
Ask your stylist for blended, graduated layers that are shorter around the crown and longer toward the ends, complete with a face-framing fringe. For styling, the goal is 'controlled chaos'. Work a texturizing mousse through damp hair and either air-dry or use a diffuser to enhance your natural wave. If your hair is straight, use a wide-barrel curling iron on a few sections to create a loose, undone wave. The modern shag is less about a perfect set and more about movement and texture.
Farrah Fawcett's Feathered Flip
No discussion of '70s hair is complete without mentioning Farrah Fawcett. Her iconic feathered hairstyle, made famous on 'Charlie's Angels,' became arguably the most requested look of the decade. The style is defined by its soft, bouncy layers that sweep back and away from the face. To get a modern version, start with a volumizing mousse on damp hair before blow-drying. Use a large round brush, pulling sections of hair up and away from the face as you dry to create lift at the root. Then, use a large-barrel curling iron to curl the ends of your layers outward. The key is to curl everything away from the face. Let the curls cool, then brush them out gently and finish with a light-hold hairspray for a soft, bouncy finish that moves.
Effortless Curtain Bangs
First popularized by actresses like Goldie Hawn, curtain bangs were the go-to fringe of the '70s and they are once again one of the most popular styles. These are typically longer bangs, parted in the middle and swept to the sides to frame the face. They are incredibly versatile and can be tailored to suit almost any face shape and hair texture. Styling them is key to getting that signature swept-back shape. Using a round brush and a blow dryer, dry the bangs by pulling them away from your face. You can also use velcro rollers for a heat-free method; simply roll the bangs backward away from your face and let them set. A spritz of dry texturizing spray will help hold their shape while keeping them soft and flowy.
Cher's Sleek, Straight Hair
While many '70s styles were about volume, Cher championed a different look: ultra-long, pin-straight hair parted dead in the center. This simple, dramatic style made a statement with its glossy finish and minimalist appeal. Achieving this look today requires a focus on hair health and smoothness. Start with a shine-enhancing shampoo and always use a heat protectant before styling. Use a flat iron to straighten your hair in small sections, passing the iron over each section just once to avoid damage. A flat paddle brush is great for keeping hair smooth while blow-drying. Finish with a lightweight hair oil or shine serum to tame any flyaways and achieve that signature glossy, glass-like finish.
The Natural Afro
The 1970s was a pivotal decade for celebrating natural hair, with the Afro becoming a powerful symbol of pride and identity. Worn by icons like Diana Ross and activist Angela Davis, the style celebrated the beauty of natural curls and coils. The modern approach to the Afro is all about health and hydration. To get a defined, voluminous shape, work with your hair’s natural texture. Use moisturizing products designed for curly and coily hair. To create that classic rounded silhouette, use a hair pick or wide-tooth comb at the roots to gently lift and shape the hair. The beauty of this style today is its versatility—it can be tightly coiled and sculpted or soft and free-flowing, celebrating your unique curl pattern.
