Iconic 70s Men's Hairstyles: A Stylish Retro Guide
The Influence of 70s Culture on Men’s Hairstyles
The 70s were a wild ride of style, music, and attitude, and men’s hairstyles captured every bit of that energy.
Whether it was long, natural locks or bold, rebellious cuts, each look was tied to the spirit of the era.
Let’s break down how 70s culture left its mark on men’s hair!
Hippie Vibes: Free Flowing and Natural
The hippie movement was all about peace, love, and letting it flow. Men grew their hair long and loose, embracing a carefree, natural look. The longer, the better!
Hippie Hair Icons:
- George Harrison
- Jim Morrison
- Neil Young
With these rock legends leading the way, 70s men’s hairstyles took on a laid-back, bohemian feel.
Disco Style: Slick and Shiny
Disco wasn’t just about the music—it was about looking polished and cool under the lights. Think shiny, voluminous styles that were as dance-ready as they were stylish.
Disco Style Stars:
- John Travolta (Saturday Night Fever)
- Barry Gibb (Bee Gees)
- Elton John
Disco brought a glam factor to 70s hairstyles for men, introducing products like gel and mousse for that perfect slicked-back look.
Punk Rock: Spiky and Bold
Punk rocked the hair scene with short, spiky cuts and bold colors that shouted rebellion.
It was all about breaking rules and making a statement.
Punk Rock Icons:
- Johnny Rotten (Sex Pistols)
- David Bowie
- Sid Vicious
Punk-inspired 70s men’s hairstyles dared guys to embrace their wild side.
From hippie waves to disco slick and punk spikes, 70s hairstyles for men captured the decade’s most iconic vibes and left a lasting style legacy.
Iconic 70s Men’s Hairstyles
The 70s were all about pushing hair boundaries, and these iconic styles are proof that guys weren’t afraid to get creative with their locks.
From the effortlessly cool shag to the daring mullet, 70s men’s hairstyles had a style for every personality.
Let’s dive into some of the unforgettable hair trends of the decade!
The Shag: Rock ‘n’ Roll Layers
The 70s shag hairstyle was all about layers and volume.
This look featured hair cut in jagged, tousled layers that created a naturally messy, rock-star vibe.
Perfect for the guy who wanted to look like he just got off stage (even if he was just heading to the grocery store).
Who Made It Cool:
- Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones, whose wild layers set the shag standard.
- Rod Stewart, who took the shag to new, untamed heights.
The men’s shag cut was the ultimate in cool and carefree—a true statement of the decade!
The Afro: Bold and Beautiful
The Afro was so much more than just a hairstyle in the 70s—it was a statement of pride, strength, and cultural identity for Black men and women.
As the Civil Rights and Black Power movements gained momentum, the Afro became a way to embrace natural hair textures, push back against Eurocentric beauty standards, and celebrate Black identity.
Wearing an Afro was a proud proclamation: this is who I am, and I’m not changing for anyone.
Icons Who Made the Afro Legendary:
- Jimi Hendrix, whose iconic Afro added to his unforgettable rock-star presence.
- Richard Roundtree in Shaft, who brought the Afro to the big screen with style and swagger.
The 70s Afro hairstyle was about going big and bold, showing off the beauty and versatility of Black hair in its natural state.
The Mullet: Business in the Front, Party in the Back
The 70s mullet style may just be the most infamously cool hairstyle of the decade.
Known for its “business in the front, party in the back” appeal, the mullet combined a shorter cut up front with long layers in the back.
It was the ultimate choice for guys who wanted a little bit of everything.
Mullet Trendsetters:
- David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust rocked a red mullet that inspired countless fans to give it a go.
- Paul McCartney, who gave the mullet a softer, rock-and-roll edge.
The retro mullet haircut had a unique charm that still gets people talking.
Love it or hate it, it’s a true 70s classic.
The Feathered Look: Light, Layered, and Glamorous
The feathered hairstyle in the 70s was all about soft, layered waves that created a light, breezy look.
Popularized by stars like Farrah Fawcett, this style quickly caught on with men who wanted that relaxed, carefree vibe.
Unlike the slicked-back disco styles, feathered hair added volume and movement, giving it a more natural, windswept appeal.
Who Made It Cool:
- Farrah Fawcett, whose iconic feathered style became the inspiration for both men and women.
- John Travolta—not in Saturday Night Fever (where he rocked a slicked-back disco look), but in Welcome Back, Kotter, where he wore a softer, layered style.
With men’s feathered haircuts in the 70s, it was all about framing the face with layers and letting the hair flow naturally.
This style is still admired today for its effortless charm and retro appeal.
The Slicked-Back Look: Smooth and Disco-Ready
The slicked-back hairstyle of the 70s brought a polished, put-together look for guys who were ready to hit the disco dance floor.
With plenty of gel and a touch of shine, men could keep every hair in place as they boogied the night away.
Slicked-Back Style Icons:
- John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever, setting the standard for disco hair.
- Sylvester Stallone, who gave the slicked look a tough, cool edge.
Nothing says disco era quite like a smooth, gelled look.
It was the perfect choice for guys who wanted that sleek, polished vibe.
From shaggy layers to disco shine, these 70s hairstyles for men were as iconic as the music, movies, and legends who wore them.
Each style tells its own story, bringing a touch of retro flair and rockstar attitude to any look.
So, which 70s hairstyle would you try?
Styling Tips to Recreate 70s Hairstyles Today
Ready to bring the cool factor of the 70s into the 21st century?
With a few styling tricks and the right products, you can rock any of these 70s men’s hairstyles that look as fresh today as they did back then.
The Essentials: Must-Have Styling Products
To nail these iconic styles, you’ll want some classic products with a modern twist.
Here’s your shopping list to get started:
- Mousse: Perfect for adding volume and lift, especially for shags and feathered styles.
- Pomade or Gel: Ideal for the slicked-back look, giving a shiny, polished finish.
- Leave-in Conditioner: A must for Afros and shags, keeping hair soft, hydrated, and frizz-free.
- Texture Spray or Sea Salt Spray: Adds that just-right grit for volume and a lived-in feel, great for shaggy and feathered looks.
How to Get That Iconic 70s Shag
For a classic 70s shag hairstyle with messy layers and texture, here’s what you need to do:
- Start with damp hair and apply a light mousse from roots to ends to create volume.
- Use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment, scrunching your hair as you dry for a tousled effect.
- Finish with a texture spray for extra grit and a slightly messy, rock-and-roll vibe.
Pro tip: For even more volume, flip your head upside down while drying.
Embracing the Afro: Bold and Natural
The Afro is all about embracing natural texture, letting your hair’s natural beauty and volume shine through. Here’s how to get that perfect lift and definition:
- Hydrate with a light leave-in conditioner or curl cream to keep your curls soft and manageable.
- Use an afro comb or pick to gently fluff from the roots, lifting the hair to create volume without flattening it.
- Finish with a touch of natural oil (like jojoba or argan) to add shine and moisture without weighing down the hair.
Pro tip: Keep it light with products. The key to a great Afro is volume and freedom, allowing your natural texture to do its thing!
Slicked-Back Disco Style: Smooth and Sleek
To recreate that shiny, slicked-back hairstyle of the 70s, follow these steps:
- Start with damp hair, then apply a generous amount of hair styling gel or pomade, focusing on the top and sides.
- Use a fine-tooth comb to slick the hair back, smoothing it for a polished look.
- For that disco-ready shine, finish with a light mist of hairspray to lock everything in place.
Pro tip: Keep a comb in your pocket for quick touch-ups—this style is all about staying smooth and suave all night long!
Feathered Layers: Light and Voluminous
Want that breezy, feathered 70s hairstyle for men? Here’s how to get it:
- Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair, focusing on the roots.
- Use a round brush while blow-drying, lifting the hair away from your face to create that feathered effect.
- Finish with a spritz of light-hold hairspray to keep the volume without weighing down the layers.
Pro tip: The feathered look is all about movement. Don’t make it too stiff—let it have a natural flow!
Quick Styling Tips for Authentic 70s Vibes
- Go big or go home: The 70s were all about volume, so don’t be afraid to pump it up!
- Embrace imperfection: 70s hairstyles for men often had a slightly messy, lived-in look. Don’t stress about every hair being in place.
- Use the right tools: A round brush, a diffuser, and a wide-tooth comb are your best friends.
With these tips and products, you’re all set to channel your inner 70s rockstar, disco king, or laid-back heartthrob.
Why 70s Men's Hairstyles Are Making a Comeback
It’s official: 70s hairstyles are back, and they’re here to make a statement!
Let’s explore why these 70s men’s hairstyles are turning heads again.
Nostalgia Factor: Vintage Vibes
With everything moving so fast, 70s styles bring a taste of the good old days—when life was slower and fashion was a bit bolder. These hairstyles tap into our craving for classic looks that feel unique and authentic.
Why We Love It:
- Connects us to a simpler time
- Makes modern styles more unique
- Adds a timeless touch to today’s fashion
Unique, Standout Styles
Bored of the same cuts? 70s hairstyles for men like the Afro, shag, and slicked-back styles offer instant personality. These looks are anything but ordinary, perfect for guys who want to stand out!
Iconic Styles:
- The Afro: Bold and proud
- The Shag: Messy, textured layers
- Slicked-Back: Polished disco vibes
Celebs and Influencers Leading the Charge
Stars like Timothée Chalamet and Harry Styles are rocking 70s-inspired looks, blending retro charm with modern flair. When influencers revive these styles, it reminds us how cool these vintage looks really are.
Why We’re Hooked
These styles are about more than just looking good—they’re about self-expression. With 70s hairstyles, guys can break from the norm, embrace bold looks, and make every day a little more interesting.
So go on, bring out the mousse, rock those layers, and let your hair channel a bit of retro magic!
Conclusion: Embrace the Groove!
So, there you have it—a delightful journey through the iconic 70s men's hairstyles that are making a fabulous comeback today.
From the effortlessly cool shag to the bold and proud Afro, these styles are more than just hairdos; they're statements of individuality and flair.
Why Rock a 70s Hairstyle?
- Timeless Appeal: These styles have stood the test of time, proving that good hair never goes out of fashion.
- Self-Expression: Whether you're channeling your inner rock star or disco king, there's a 70s look that lets your personality shine.
- Versatility: With a range of styles from sleek to voluminous, there's something for every hair type and preference.
Ready to Dive In?
- Consult Your Stylist: Discuss which 70s hairstyle suits your face shape and hair texture.
- Gather Your Tools: Stock up on mousse, pomade, and a good comb to achieve that authentic look.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with your hair!
Remember, fashion is cyclical, and the resurgence of 70s men's hairstyles is a testament to their enduring charm.
So why not take a step back in time and let your hair do the talking?
After all, as they said in the 70s, keep on truckin'—and keep those locks looking fabulous!
