There is something about the 1970s that is constantly bringing us back to that time. Could be the tunes, could be the whole “stick it to the man” thing, or could it be the hair. Enormous, nicely feathered, shaggy, natural, and even mullets- the 70s hair was totally outrageous. And what do we have here, several years later, and at least half of the styles that we see on TikTok, Instagram, or just people walking down the street look like they were there all the time.
The Appeal of 70s Hair Today
The hair of every decade is not quite hair of that time, but the 1970s? It was a hit. It was messy, but you could still see the style. It was effortless, but it had its own characteristic. The hair of men only was a turning point of his character for him.
While some people hairstyling might be longer and more relaxed as that of a surfer, others would still have their hair with a little bit of neatness and a lot of confidence. And this range is one of the reasons that these styles are still going round, including the iconic Hitler haircut that continues to be referenced in conversations about bold and historical hairstyles.
Classic 70s Hairstyles Men Are Copying Again
It is not just disco curls and glam. The 70s had a great variety of hairstyles, and that diversity is gradually appearing in barbershops and salons.
The Shag Cut
It’s the haircut that is charmingly untidy but still not unkempt. Layers all over the place. It is basically for hair of medium-length, but there are also some shaggy haircuts of shorter length. As in the 70s, the shag was made famous by the musicians and it is still there because it does not look very flashy.
Feathered Hair
This one gets the most attention. In a way, think Farrah Fawcett for women, but with men’s twist. So, it was brushed back, with flowing layers that framed the face. People enjoy seeing it today when guys do it still it exudes confidence but it doesn’t feel like a costume.
Natural Curls and Afros
The 70s was also about not changing your style but embracing what you already had. Afros weren’t just a hairdo, they were a political, a cultural, and a personal statement. Now, the textured styles like these are again very important.
to be used as an expression of identity and pride. They are not done to perfection, but are rather full, free, and expressive.
The Mullet (Yes, Really)
Say what you will, but mullets are back in fashion, although they have made a quietly return. In the 70s they were daring, in the 80s they were taken to extremes, and now we are witnessing them again, but with a different vibe; they are more
Styling Trends That Make 70s Cuts Work Now
Fashion comes in cycles, but it doesn’t repeat itself identically. The way people style these old-school cuts nowadays is a blend of then and now.
For example, a popular choice today is the line up haircut, which takes inspiration from classic sharp edges but is styled with modern precision. You can explore more about this style here: line up haircut.
- Texture is key. Instead of the traditional heavily sprayed styles, people prefer to have a natural looking hair with the use of products that will highlight the natural texture of the hair.
- Mane goes with the style. The trend of medium to long hair for men has regained popularity once more, thus shags and feathers are
- Facial hair pairing. Sideburns, mustaches, even full beards were big in the 70s. Contemporary versions are less pronounced but still carry that essence.
How to Ask Your Barber for a 70s Inspired Cut
It would be insufficient to step in and say “Give me a 70s hairstyle”. Instead, provide a photo as a point of reference.
Barbers are witnessing these kinds of requests more and more, but you will still want to be precise. Do you want layers? Feathering? A softer mullet? The more information you provide, the better will be the outcome.
A Quick Look at Popular 70s Haircuts
| Style | Key Features | Modern Twist |
|---|---|---|
| Shag Cut | Layered, messy, medium length | Works with textured waves or straight hair |
| Feathered Hair | Brushed back layers framing face | Modern products for soft hold |
| Afro | Full, natural, rounded | Defined curls or shaped edges |
| Mullet | Short front, long back | Cleaner lines, more subtle |
Why These Hairstyles Still Work
In the end, the 70s was about the concept of the “I”. Hair was not meant to be too perfect. That is exactly what people are demanding nowadays, a style that is not too slick or controlled.
There is an element of nostalgia to it, yes, but also of usefulness—styles that can be easily transitioned without cutting, and that do not have to be maintained with an hour of mirror time.
Final Thoughts
Definitely, these old styles still have a lot to offer. The 70s was always there but it was just overshadowed by the succession of other trends.
Now it is back, and it is perfectly compatible with the current love for vintage and laid-back style. Whether you are moving toward a shag, a mullet, or just your natural texture, the 70s has something that you will like.
FAQs
1. What were the most popular 70s hairstyles for men?
Shags, feathered cuts, afros, and mullets were some of the most popular looks, with each of them having different versions depending on the length and texture of the hair.
2. Are 70s hairstyles easy to maintain?
Most of 70s haircuts were quite easy to maintain. For example, shags and feathered cuts could be regrown without the need for regular touch-ups.
3. How do I feather my hair like in the 70s?
First if you want to feather your hair like in the 70s. You have to blow-dry your hair with a round brush. While blow-drying, pull the layers back and away from your face. Use a light-hold cream to get the effect you want and do not use heavy sprays.
4. Are mullets from the 70s the same as today’s mullets?
They are actually quite different. The variations of the modern mullet are more subtle and less daring, also there is more blending between the short front and long back.
5. Did facial hair play a role in 70s hairstyles?
Of course, yes. The 70s trend was that the facial hair (mustaches, sideburns, and beards) was combined with the longer hair to emit the whole 70s vibe.
Root Allen is passionate about hair trends and modern grooming. He shares expert tips on the latest hairstyles and how to keep your look fresh year-round. With years of experience in hair blogging, Root breaks down complex styling trends into easy guides. His goal is to help readers confidently express themselves through their hair.
