For Short Hair: The Shag and The Pageboy
If you're working with shorter hair, the '70s offer some incredibly chic, low-maintenance options. The most famous is undoubtedly the Shag. Popularized by rock-and-roll icons like Joan Jett and actress Jane Fonda, the shag is all about choppy, feathered
layers that create texture and volume. It's an effortlessly cool look that works on straight or wavy hair and gives off a rebellious, lived-in vibe. Another classic short style from the era is the Pageboy. This look features hair that is chin-length or shorter, with the ends rolled under toward the neck. It’s a sleeker, more polished alternative to the shag, often paired with a straight, full fringe for a look that is both sweet and sophisticated.
For Medium Hair: Feathered Layers and Curtain Bangs
Medium-length hair is perhaps the most versatile for channeling '70s style. This is the length for the quintessential feathered look, made famous by Farrah Fawcett in 'Charlie's Angels'. This style involves layers that are swept back and away from the face, creating the look of a bird's wing. It requires a good blow-dry with a round brush to get that signature 'flip'. This cut is often paired with curtain bangs, another hallmark of the decade. Curtain bangs are long, parted in the middle, and sweep to either side, framing the face beautifully. They add a soft, romantic feel to any style and are a great way to dip your toe into the '70s trend without committing to a full shag.
For Long Hair: Cher's Sleek Look and Bohemian Waves
Long hair in the '70s was a canvas for two very different but equally iconic aesthetics. On one end of the spectrum was the 'Cher' look: exceptionally long, poker-straight hair parted dead in the center. This style was sleek, glossy, and glamorous, embodying the high-fashion disco era. It’s a simple but dramatic statement that relies on healthy, shiny hair. On the other end was the free-spirited, bohemian style. Think long, natural waves, sometimes adorned with tiny accent braids or a headband. This look was less about styling and more about embracing natural texture, capturing the carefree, hippie side of the decade's culture.
Making the '70s Vibe Modern
Bringing a '70s hairstyle into the present day is all about softening the edges. While the original shag was very choppy, modern versions often feature more blended, subtle layers for a less radical look. Today's Farrah Fawcett-inspired styles might have the same feathered shape but with a bit less volume and a smoother finish to feel more contemporary. The key is to take the spirit of the original—the movement, the texture, the face-framing layers—and adapt it to your personal style. Using modern texturizing sprays can create a lived-in feel that doesn't look stiff or overly styled, while a good shine serum can give even the straightest 'Cher' hair a healthy, modern gloss.
