The 1970s were a wild ride for hair—some styles so outrageous, they’d get you canceled today!
Picture towering beehives that laughed in the face of gravity, mullets shouting “business in the front, party in the back,” and afros so colossal they could’ve starred in their own movie. These weren’t just hairstyles—they were a full-on rebellion, a loud, proud slap to the tame and timid. But flash forward to 2025? They’d be outlawed before the hairspray even dried.
Disco divas rocked glittering curls that dazzled under the mirror ball, while punk rebels spiked mohawks like battle cries. Every strand screamed freedom, every curl oozed attitude. These 17 looks didn’t play by the rules—they wrote their own.
So buckle up! We’re diving headfirst into a time when hair was untamed and unapologetic. Get ready to cringe, laugh, and secretly admire the sheer guts of it all!
The Mullet
Once a symbol of rebelliousness, the mullet featured short hair in the front and long, flowing locks in the back.
This unusual asymmetry made it a standout style of the ’70s. Though some argue it was practical, allowing for both business and party looks, its divisiveness can’t be overstated.
The mullet was more than a fashion statement; it was a cultural marker. However, in today’s world, where neatness often takes precedence, such an eccentric style might be frowned upon.
Nevertheless, nostalgia sometimes brings it back in niche circles.
The Farrah Flip
Made famous by Farrah Fawcett, this hairstyle boasted voluminous waves that framed the face perfectly.
The flips and curls were meticulously styled, requiring significant effort and hairspray. While undeniably glamorous, the extensive upkeep may not appeal to modern lifestyles.
Additionally, environmental concerns about aerosol products have made such styles less common. Despite its allure, the Farrah Flip’s environmental impact and maintenance demands would likely lead to its banishment today.
Still, its influence on hair trends is undeniable, and it occasionally resurfaces in fashion retrospectives.
The Shag
With layers of varying lengths, the shag was a favorite among rock stars and fashion-forward individuals.
Its tousled appearance exuded a carefree, rebellious vibe. Achieving the right look often required professional styling, making it less accessible for everyday wear.
As style norms have evolved, the shag’s deliberately unkempt look might not align with contemporary aesthetics.
Despite this, its rock ‘n’ roll legacy keeps it in the hearts of many. Occasionally, the shag is revived, but it’s unlikely to reclaim its former pervasive presence.
The Beehive
The beehive was all about height and drama, with hair piled high and secured with countless pins and hairspray.
This elaborate style was both time-consuming and demanding, not to mention heavy on the scalp. In an era emphasizing natural looks and practicality, the beehive’s theatrics seem excessive.
Additionally, its reliance on products that weigh down hair opposes today’s hair health trends.
Though it sometimes appears on runways, the beehive’s cumbersome nature ensures it remains a relic of the past, admired from a distance.
Feathered Bangs
Feathered bangs offered a soft, wispy framing to the face, often paired with layered cuts.
Popular among young women, this style required constant grooming to maintain its airy look. The rise of low-maintenance hairstyles has rendered feathered bangs somewhat obsolete.
Additionally, the precision needed for styling contradicts today’s preference for more relaxed approaches.
Its appeal was in the gentle sophistication it provided, yet in a fast-paced world, few have the luxury to commit to such upkeep. Still, its nostalgic charm occasionally sparks revival attempts.
The Afro
Symbolizing pride and cultural identity, the Afro was a powerful statement in the 1970s.
Its natural texture and voluminous shape were both beautiful and bold. Despite its significance, maintaining an Afro required dedication to keep it healthy and shaped.
In a society leaning towards minimalist grooming, such a high-maintenance style might be seen as impractical.
Nonetheless, the Afro remains a symbol of empowerment and continues to inspire. Its presence in historical contexts is celebrated, though modern adaptations often seek easier maintenance.
Pageboy Cut
Characterized by its straight, sleek lines and blunt edges, the pageboy cut was a go-to for those seeking simplicity with a twist.
Despite its elegant appearance, maintaining the pageboy’s precision was challenging. Regular trims were essential to keep its shape, making it less appealing for those seeking versatility.
As contemporary styles favor adaptability, the pageboy’s rigid structure seems out-of-place. Yet, its iconic status in fashion history is irrefutable.
Occasionally, modern reinterpretations surface, but the pageboy remains more nostalgic than practical.
The Jheri Curl
The Jheri Curl offered glossy, defined curls, a stark contrast to the natural Afro.
Popularized in the late ’70s, it required chemical processes and specific products to maintain. Despite its glamorous appearance, the constant upkeep and potential for damage made it less sustainable.
Modern trends prioritize hair health and eco-friendly practices, leaving the Jheri Curl out of favor. Its influence on curl styling is undeniable, but its intensive maintenance has led to its decline.
Occasionally seen in retro-inspired looks, it remains a symbol of an era.
Bowl Cut
Often associated with children, the bowl cut featured an even trim all around the head, resembling an upturned bowl.
This straightforward style was low-maintenance but lacked versatility and flair. As personal expression through hair has grown, such uniformity seems uninspired today.
The bowl cut’s simplicity once provided ease, but now it contrasts sharply with the desire for individualized looks.
Despite its practical roots, the bowl cut’s lack of dimension means it’s rarely seen outside of nostalgic references or comedic settings. Its return seems unlikely.
Cornrows
Cornrows, with their intricate braiding, were both a practical and cultural expression in the ’70s.
While protective and beautiful, they required time and skill to create. In today’s fast-paced world, such commitment might be seen as excessive. Yet, cornrows remain deeply rooted in cultural traditions and identity.
They continue to be celebrated, though often adapted for easier maintenance.
Their historical significance is unquestionable, and while they evolve, the essence of cornrows endures. As styles change, the appreciation for such detailed work remains strong.
Feathered Layers
Feathered layers were all about softness and movement, with hair gently cascading from a center part.
Popular among men and women, this style required regular styling to maintain its effortless look. As low-maintenance trends dominate, such precise layering has become less common.
The timeless appeal of feathered layers, however, ensures occasional resurgences. Its association with carefree glamour keeps it in fashion history.
While its labor-intensive upkeep might deter everyday wear, the feathered layers’ beauty continues to inspire those drawn to vintage aesthetics, ensuring its legacy endures.
Permed Curls
Permed curls provided voluminous, tightly coiled hair that was both eye-catching and high-maintenance.
The chemical process involved could be damaging, leading to a decline in its popularity.
With a modern emphasis on hair health, such chemically intensive treatments are often avoided. Perms require ongoing care and styling, clashing with the low-fuss styles favored today.
Despite this, their playful nature occasionally finds favor in themed events or costumes. While perms have evolved, the original ’70s version remains a curiosity rather than a practical choice for everyday wear.
Crimped Hair
Crimped hair introduced a zigzag wave pattern that added texture and volume.
This playful style was created with special crimping irons, often resulting in heat damage. As hair care standards have shifted towards health, such practices are less common today.
Crimping’s quirky appearance and potential for damage make it a relic of the past. However, its unique look occasionally inspires modern styles.
Despite its decline, crimped hair remains a nostalgic reminder of fashion experimentation. While it may not suit daily wear, crimped hair’s influence endures in themed occasions.
The Flicked Fringe
The Flicked Fringe was a popular women’s hairstyle that added a touch of flair and femininity.
It involved styling the hair so that the ends flicked outward, creating a soft and playful appearance.
This hairstyle was elegant yet casual, perfect for women who wanted to look stylish without too much effort.
The flicked ends added movement and life to otherwise simple cuts.
Today, this dramatic flick might be seen as outdated, as modern hair trends lean toward more natural looks, leaving the Flicked Fringe as a nostalgic memory of the past.
Pompadour
The pompadour, with its dramatic height above the forehead, was an iconic hairstyle of the era.
This bold look required strong styling products and time-consuming grooming. In contrast to today’s trend of natural and effortless styles, the pompadour’s complexity seems excessive.
Despite its challenges, the pompadour remains a symbol of rockabilly culture and rebellion. Though less common, its influence is undeniable, often appearing in retro fashion circles.
While it may not align with everyday practicality, the pompadour’s striking presence ensures it remains a celebrated classic.
Sleek Bob
The sleek bob, with its chin-length precision and straight lines, was a staple for those seeking a polished look.
Despite its elegance, maintaining such sharp lines required frequent trims.
As flexibility and ease dominate modern styling preferences, the rigid bob seems less adaptable. However, its inherent sophistication keeps it relevant in certain contexts.
While not as prevalent today, the sleek bob’s influence persists, particularly in professional environments.
Its timeless appeal ensures it remains a classic choice, albeit more for special occasions than daily wear.
Poodle Perm
The poodle perm created tightly curled, bouncy hair, mimicking the texture of a poodle’s coat.
Achieving this look involved intensive chemical treatments, often leading to frizz and damage.
As hair care priorities have shifted, such aggressive methods are now avoided.
While the poodle perm was once a playful style choice, its challenging upkeep makes it less appealing today.
It occasionally appears in retro-themed events, celebrating its quirky history. Though its era has passed, the poodle perm remains a unique artifact of 1970s hairstyling.