Some hairstyles from the 1970s were bold and fun—but not all of them have aged well. While a few retro looks still inspire today’s trends, others are best left in old photo albums.
From over-teased bangs to oddly shaped shags, these cuts were once popular but now feel more awkward than stylish. It’s a fun reminder that not every trend is meant to last forever!
Feathered Hair
Feathered hair was once the epitome of cool, with its voluminous layers cascading like a waterfall.
This style requires constant maintenance to keep the layers perfectly in place. Despite its past glory, it often looks dated and over-the-top today.
The feathered look can be challenging to achieve without the right tools and products.
Many women today prefer more natural, less contrived hairstyles.
While it had its moment in the spotlight, feathered hair now serves as a reminder of the disco era’s flamboyant flair.
If you’re considering a throwback look, perhaps try something less dramatic.
Mullet
Ah, the infamous mullet!
Known for its “business in the front, party in the back” style, the mullet was a bold choice in the ’70s. However, its stark contrast of short and long hair hasn’t aged well.
Most people today see it as a fashion faux pas rather than a trendsetter.
While the mullet occasionally resurfaces in ironic fashion circles, it rarely translates into mainstream elegance.
Its quirky appeal lies in nostalgia rather than practicality.
For those seeking a modern twist, consider a more balanced cut that maintains an edge without the extremes of the classic mullet.
Shag Cut
The shag cut, with its uneven layers and carefree vibe, was a trademark of ’70s rebellion.
Its choppy texture aimed to reflect the era’s rock-and-roll spirit. Though it screamed cool back then, it’s rarely seen today without a contemporary update.
This style often requires significant styling to avoid looking messy rather than effortlessly chic.
Many find it doesn’t suit modern aesthetic preferences.
If you’re drawn to the idea of a shag cut, opt for a polished rendition that respects its roots while embracing today’s sleek tendencies.
Afro perm
The afro perm was a definitive symbol of pride and identity in the 1970s, celebrating natural texture in a bold way.
Its spherical shape was both a fashion statement and a cultural expression.
However, maintaining such a look can be quite time-consuming, requiring regular trims and shaping.
The afro perm’s structured nature often clashes with today’s preference for more versatile styles.
While the afro itself remains celebrated, the overly permed version is less common today.
Exploring natural curls can provide a fresher take on this iconic look, celebrating texture without the rigid perm.
Bowl Cut
The bowl cut, notorious for its simplicity, was a staple for many children in the ’70s.
Its even, round shape resembled a bowl placed atop the head. While it was easy for parents to manage, it lacked individuality and style.
This cut often leads to awkward growing-out phases and limited styling options.
Today’s trends favor more personalized and tailored cuts that reflect individuality.
If simplicity is your goal, consider a more modern cut that offers the ease of a bowl cut but with a touch of personality and flair.
Pageboy Cut
The pageboy cut, with its sleek lines and curves, was a sophisticated choice in the ’70s.
It offered a polished look, characterized by its straight hair and blunt edges, often with bangs.
While it exuded an air of elegance, it doesn’t fit the casual and dynamic styles popular today.
The pageboy cut can appear too rigid and formal for everyday wear.
For fans of its clean lines, a modern bob offers a similar aesthetic with more versatility, allowing for both movement and a contemporary edge.
Farrah Fawcett Waves
Farrah Fawcett waves epitomized glamor in the ’70s with their big, bouncy curls cascading around the shoulders.
They required careful styling to achieve the perfect swoop and volume.
While they capture the essence of ’70s beauty, the maintenance involved is daunting for modern women on the go.
Today’s styles often favor more relaxed waves that require less upkeep.
For those who adore this glamorous style, using modern curling techniques can create a nod to Farrah Fawcett’s iconic look without the daily styling commitment.
Beehive
The beehive, towering high and proud, was a hairstyle of grandeur and elegance.
It required backcombing and hairspray to maintain its iconic shape, making it a high-maintenance choice.
Though once a symbol of sophistication, the beehive now feels more theatrical and outdated.
Its cumbersome nature doesn’t align with the effortless and natural styles of today.
For those seeking height and volume, a more understated updo can offer drama without the beehive’s intensity, providing a modern twist on retro elegance.
Dorothy Hamill Wedge
The Dorothy Hamill wedge was a revolutionary cut in the ’70s, inspired by the Olympic skater herself.
It featured a short, angled bob that framed the face elegantly.
While it was the epitome of chic at the time, it can appear too structured for today’s laid-back hair trends.
The wedge doesn’t offer much in terms of styling flexibility.
For those nostalgic for this style, a contemporary pixie cut can provide a similar vibe with more versatility, allowing for a personalized touch while respecting its legacy.
Pompadour
The pompadour, with its slicked-back top and shaved sides, was a bold statement in the ’70s.
It required significant effort to maintain, with gel and styling tools playing key roles.
While it embodied rebellion and edge, today’s trends often favor more relaxed and natural styles.
The pompadour can appear overly styled in a world that appreciates authenticity.
For a modern twist, consider a textured quiff that incorporates the essence of a pompadour without the rigidity, blending classic influence with contemporary flair.
Flicked Bob
The flicked bob, with its outward flip at the ends, was the go-to style for many women seeking a youthful look.
This cut added a playful touch to the classic bob, making it a favorite in the ’70s.
However, its structured flicks can read as outdated in today’s world of more natural hair movements.
It often requires precise styling to keep the flicks in their intended position.
For those who appreciate its charm, a relaxed bob with soft waves can capture its spirit while offering a more modern adaptability.
Poodle Perm
The poodle perm, with its tight curls and voluminous bounce, was all the rage in the ’70s.
It promised maximum volume and a fun, dynamic look that stood out in any crowd.
Unfortunately, its tight curls can be overwhelming and difficult to manage.
Many prefer the more natural curls of today, which require less maintenance and offer more flexibility.
If you’re drawn to the perm’s lively nature, looser waves can provide the same energy with less upkeep, embracing the fun without the frizz.
Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs, with their soft parting and face-framing layers, were a chic choice in the ’70s.
They offered a gentle touch to any hairstyle, emphasizing the eyes and cheekbones.
While still occasionally trendy, curtain bangs can be cumbersome to style and maintain.
They often require daily attention to keep them in check, which can be a hassle.
For a modern-day equivalent, consider side-swept bangs that offer a similar, flattering look but with more ease, adapting to various hair types and styles effortlessly.
Disco Curls
Disco curls were synonymous with the vibrant nightlife of the ’70s, full of bounce and flair.
They required substantial styling to maintain their lush appearance through hours of dancing.
Today’s hair trends often lean towards more effortless looks, making the disco curl’s upkeep seem excessive.
While they bring nostalgia, their practicality has waned.
For those who want to channel disco vibes, looser curls with natural volume offer a contemporary take, providing movement and style without the high maintenance of their predecessors.
Bouffant
The bouffant, with its towering volume and elegance, was a staple for formal occasions in the ’70s.
It was a style of grandeur, requiring significant teasing and hairspray.
While it commanded attention, the bouffant’s structured nature contrasts with today’s preference for more relaxed elegance.
It feels more like a costume than a practical choice.
For those seeking height, a modern updo can offer elegance with less effort, blending the bouffant’s spirit with contemporary sensibility, perfect for today’s fashion-forward events.
Flip Hairstyle
The flip hairstyle, with its outward curves at the ends, was a playful and dynamic look during the ’70s.
It added a touch of fun to everyday hairdos, making it popular among young women.
However, the precise flips can seem outdated in the context of today’s trends, which lean towards more organic and less styled appearances.
Maintaining the flip requires daily attention.
For a nod to this lively style, consider a layered cut with natural waves, capturing the flip’s charm while embracing a more relaxed approach to hairstyling.
Super Straight Hair
Super straight hair was a sleek and sophisticated choice in the ’70s.
Achieving this look often involved rigorous styling with irons and products to ensure every strand lay perfectly flat.
While it was admired for its polished appearance, the rigidity of super straight hair can be limiting.
Today, many prefer styles with more movement and texture.
For those who love straight styles, a natural straight look with slight texture can offer a similar sleekness with added versatility, adapting to modern hairstyling trends effortlessly.
The Zig-Zag Part
Remember the zig-zag part? This eccentric style had us all scratching our heads—quite literally!
With its daring zig-zag pattern cutting through straight, sleek hair, it was a visual spectacle. Ideal for those who wanted to stand out, it added a touch of whimsy to everyday looks.
This style often graced the heads of those unafraid of making bold statements.
It offered a playful twist on the conventional straight part, demanding attention and sparking conversations.
The zig-zag part is a true relic of the ’70s, reminding us of a time when hair was all about expressing individuality.