70s hair accessories make a comeback

• 1970s hair accessories like headbands and scarves make a comeback
• Styles include boho scarves, hippie bands, and disco rhinestone clips
• Users can use these retro items for festivals, weddings, or athleisure

The 1970s was a decade of bold self-expression, and hair was no exception. From the free-spirited hippie movement to the glittering disco era, headbands and hair accessories were essential tools for making a stylish statement.

The Boho-Chic Head Scarf

Perhaps the most versatile accessory of the decade, the hair scarf captured the essence of 70s freedom. Often featuring psychedelic, geometric, or floral patterns, these scarves were worn in numerous ways. A popular style involved folding a long, silky scarf into a wide band and tying it around the forehead, with long, straight hair flowing freely beneath it. This look, synonymous with music festivals and a bohemian lifestyle, has seen a major comeback. Today, you can tie a patterned scarf around a high ponytail, weave it into a braid for a pop of colour, or wrap it around a bun for an effortlessly chic finish.

The Hippie Headband

Flowing directly from the late '60s counter-culture, the hippie headband was a defining accessory of the early 70s. Typically worn low across the forehead, these bands were often made from natural materials like leather, suede, or macrame. Many were adorned with beads, feathers, or intricate woven patterns, reflecting a connection to nature and a rejection of mainstream fashion norms. Paired with centre-parted, long hair, this accessory created an instantly recognizable, free-spirited silhouette. This style is still a favourite for festival-goers looking to add an authentic touch of flower-power to their look.

The Flower Crown

A symbol of peace, love, and the 'flower child' ethos, the flower crown was another beloved accessory that carried over from the late 1960s into the early 70s. Whether crafted from fresh daisies or realistic silk blossoms, these wreaths added a touch of ethereal, natural beauty to any hairstyle. They were worn with long, flowing waves or incorporated into updos, perfectly capturing the romantic and idyllic side of the hippie movement. While they may be less common for everyday wear now, flower crowns remain a popular choice for weddings, parties, and themed events, adding a whimsical and celebratory feel.

The Wide, Stretchy Headband

As the decade moved towards a sportier aesthetic, the wide, stretchy headband became a must-have. Made from soft, absorbent materials like terrycloth, these bands were both functional and fashionable. They were perfect for keeping voluminous, feathered hair out of the face during a game of tennis or a disco dance session. Often seen in bold, bright colours, they added an athletic-chic vibe to casual outfits. Today, these wide bands are back, embraced for their comfort and their ability to add a cool, retro-sporty edge to athleisure looks or to simply manage a bad hair day with style.

Sparkling Disco Barrettes and Clips

When the sun went down, the glitter came out. The disco era demanded glamour, and hair accessories were no exception. Rhinestone-encrusted barrettes, sparkling clips, and metallic hair combs were used to add a touch of dazzle to party looks. These accessories were perfect for pinning back one side of a voluminous, curly hairstyle or adding a focal point to a sleek updo. Simple plastic barrettes in bold colours were also popular for more casual, everyday looks, often used to hold back bangs or secure small sections of hair. These shiny and colourful clips are once again popular for adding a playful and nostalgic accent to modern hairstyles.