The charm of 70s hairstyles is back, and it’s hitting today’s style scene with a mix of drama, softness, and bold shape. These looks feel easy, fun, and full of personality. Whether you want big curls, fluffy bangs, or textured waves, you’ll find simple, wallet-friendly ways to try everything at home. Below is a lineup of retro ideas that help you create timeless styles without fuss.
1. Feathered Curtain Layers
Feathered curtain layers bring a soft frame to the face while keeping movement light. The classic 70s vibe comes from how the ends flip gently outward. You can get this look without a salon visit. Start with damp hair and apply a small amount of lightweight mousse. Blow-dry using a round brush, turning the brush outward as you reach the ends.
Keep sections medium in size so the layers sit neatly. For a low-cost tool, try a basic round brush with mixed bristles. It helps create smoothness without pulling. If the front pieces fall flat later, a quick touch using Velcro rollers can refresh them. Sit with them for ten minutes, then release. This gives soft shape without heat. Finish with a light mist of spray so the layers stay bouncy. It’s a relaxed style that works for everyday errands or a polished night look.
2. Voluminous Farrah Waves
Voluminous Farrah waves create softness along the length of the hair while keeping the shape wide and airy. Start by drying your hair upside down for natural lift. Use a large curling iron to shape the mid-lengths into gentle bends instead of tight curls. Brush through each section to soften the texture. For extra height around the crown, use a clip to lift the roots while drying.
This gives that classic airy top without teasing. For a home-friendly trick, let the curls cool in pin-curls before brushing. This helps the shape last longer without relying on strong hold products. If your hair struggles with lift, flip the ends outward with a straightener. It’s quick and still captures that familiar 70s curve. Finish with a light spray, keeping the movement natural. This style works nicely for everyday outfits and adds character without heavy effort.
3. Big Curly Disco Volume
Big curly disco volume is all about shape, fullness, and energy. Start by adding moisture to your curls so they stay defined without frizz. A curl-friendly cream works well and doesn’t need to be expensive. After applying it, use a diffuser on low heat. Tilt your head sideways and cup your curls to form height. For extra volume, flip the roots upward with your fingers as you dry. Once fully dry, pick the roots gently with a wide-tooth comb.
Focus on the crown and sides to get a rounded silhouette. Avoid combing the ends so the curl pattern stays clean. If your curls loosen during the day, spritz them with a fine mist of water and scrunch lightly. This reactivates the shape. You can also separate bigger curls into smaller ones for added fullness. It’s a fun way to bring 70s disco energy into modern looks.
4. 70s Shag with Face Framing
A 70s shag adds loose texture and a natural, lived-in shape. The magic comes from soft, choppy layers that move easily. You can style it at home with simple steps. Start with damp hair and scrunch in a light curl cream or a small amount of gel. Air-dry for natural texture, or use a diffuser for extra lift. Keep the face-framing pieces smooth by brushing them forward while drying.
If they flip awkwardly, use a straightener on low heat to guide them. A small amount of dry shampoo at the roots helps add shape without weighing the hair down. For days you want more volume, twist small sections and let them set while you get ready. Release them for quick bends. This hairstyle works well for different lengths and adds a relaxed retro feel.
5. Classic 70s Blowout
A classic 70s blowout gives hair a smooth surface with rounded ends. Begin with a heat protectant to keep the strands healthy. Blow-dry using a large round brush, wrapping each section for lift at the roots. Work in small sections for better control. An affordable ceramic brush works well if you don’t want to spend much. Once everything is dry, use Velcro rollers while the hair is still warm.
Let them set for ten to fifteen minutes. This creates natural lift without effort. Brush out the curls gently to get that soft, airy finish. If your hair tends to fall flat, flip the ends outward using a low-heat straightener. Add a tiny bit of serum on the mid-lengths for shine. It’s bold and glamorous without a full salon routine.
6. Retro Flipped Ends
Flipped ends define the 70s look with their outward sweep. You can create them quickly with a straightener or a round brush. Blow-dry the hair straight first, keeping the top smooth. Then use a straightener to flick the ends outward in small sections. For heat-free styling, sleep with the ends wrapped around large rollers. It’s simple and gives soft flips by morning. Add a bit of smoothing cream to keep frizz away. This style pairs well with shoulder-length cuts and layered looks. If your ends don’t hold shape easily, mist them lightly after flipping. Retro flipped ends offer a fun throwback vibe for daily wear.
7. Curly Shag with Bangs
A curly shag brings bounce, movement, and a casual shape. Start by applying a curl cream to damp hair. Scrunch it in and let the curls clump naturally. Use a diffuser to build lift at the crown. The bangs should stay light and airy, so dry them using your fingers instead of a brush. If they curl too tightly, pinch them into larger clumps to loosen the pattern. Add a small amount of mousse at the roots for height. To refresh everything later, use a spray bottle with water and a touch of conditioner. This keeps the curls defined without extra product. The curly shag works well for medium or long hair and has natural charm.
8. Soft Roller Set Waves
Soft roller set waves bring volume without heavy heat. Start with damp hair and roll medium sections upward using foam rollers. They’re affordable and gentle on your strands. Let them dry fully before removing. Use a warm setting on your dryer if you want faster results. Once the rollers are out, finger-comb the waves to keep them smooth. Avoid brushing too hard or the shape may drop. Apply a light spray to keep everything in place. If you want added curve, re-roll the ends for a few minutes. These waves give a classic 70s feel with little effort.
9. Wispy Bangs with Body
Wispy bangs add softness and a retro charm. Blow-dry the bangs forward, brushing gently from side to side. This helps them fall naturally. Use a small round brush to smooth them. Curl the rest of your hair into loose bends and brush through so the look stays unified. Add dry texture spray for lift around the roots. If your bangs get oily through the day, pat a bit of dry shampoo onto them. This keeps them light and airy. Wispy bangs pair beautifully with both short and long hair.
10. Long Layered Retro Flow
Long layered retro flow creates graceful shape from top to bottom. Brush the hair smooth, then apply styling cream on the mid-lengths. Blow-dry with a paddle brush for a sleek base. Add soft bends using a curling iron in random sections. Brush through to blend. For stronger lift near the front, use Velcro rollers for ten minutes. The layers will flip softly when released. This style works for daily wear and is easy to refresh with a brush and a little serum.
11. Fluffy Middle Part
A fluffy middle part carries a true 70s spirit. Start with freshly washed hair and flip your head while drying to build height. Once nearly dry, switch to a round brush and lift the roots along the part. Add a tiny bit of mousse for shape. Smooth the top with your hands to avoid flattening the volume. Use a straightener on the ends to add outward bends. This keeps the look soft but full. It’s a simple daily style that doesn’t take long.
12. Textured Retro Layers
Textured retro layers look great on medium hair. Apply a little styling cream and scrunch upward. Blow-dry on low heat or air-dry if you like a natural look. Once dry, use a straightener to create loose S-shaped bends. Twist the tool slightly as you glide downward. Add dry shampoo at the crown for lift. If the layers look too chunky, run your fingers through to break them up. This keeps the style casual and 70s-inspired.
13. Flipped Bob
A flipped bob brings 70s flair to a short cut. Blow-dry the hair straight using a flat brush to keep the top smooth. Once dry, flip the ends outward with a straightener. Work in small sections for an even shape. Add mousse to the roots before drying if you want more volume. Finish with a touch of shine spray. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for short-hair styling.
14. Brushed-Out Curls
Brushed-out curls create a soft halo of volume. Curl medium sections with a curling iron and let them cool. Brush through with a paddle brush to soften the pattern. Add a little oil on the ends to keep them smooth. Flip your hair over and brush lightly near the roots if you want extra height. A small amount of spray helps the shape stay put. This look works well for dinner dates, parties, and photos.
15. Messy Retro Waves
Messy retro waves are relaxed and quick to achieve. Curl only the mid-lengths and leave the ends straight. Brush through so the waves loosen. Add dry texture spray for grip. If your hair feels too smooth, braid it while warm and release after ten minutes. This adds natural bends. Messy retro waves suit shoulder-length and long hair and match casual outfits.
16. Voluminous Side Part
A voluminous side part gives instant drama. Flip the hair to one side while drying to create lift. Use a round brush to raise the roots along the parted side. Curl the front sections outward for a sculpted touch. Add a small amount of mousse at the crown. This style frames the face nicely and works across many lengths.
17. Half-Up 70s Puff
A half-up 70s puff adds height without feeling formal. Tease the crown lightly using a small comb. Smooth the top with your hands so the texture stays soft. Pull the top section back and secure with a clip or small elastic. Leave the rest of the hair wavy for balance. For more curve, flip the ends outward. It’s an easy pick for everyday styling.
18. Retro Curly Ponytail
A retro curly ponytail adds bounce and playfulness. Curl your hair first, then gather it into a mid-height ponytail. Wrap a small strand around the elastic for a clean finish. Brush the curls lightly to soften them. For height, clip a small section underneath before tightening the ponytail. This pushes the curls upward. A light mist of spray holds everything without stiffness.
19. Long Soft Curls
Long soft curls carry gentle retro charm. Curl large sections with a wide-barrel iron. Let them cool fully before touching. Brush through for a smooth flow. Add a bit of serum on the mid-lengths. If curls fall quickly, pin them while cooling to help them last longer. This look works well for both casual and dressed-up moments.
20. Retro Braided Crown
A braided crown adds a romantic 70s twist. Create two loose braids on each side of the head. Pull them back and cross them at the back. Secure with pins. Tug a few strands loose around the face for softness. Add waves to the remaining hair for balance. It’s affordable, simple, and perfect for events or photos.
21. Sleek Center Part
A sleek center part gives clean retro structure. Straighten lightly and smooth with a soft cream. Create a sharp part with a fine-tooth comb. Curl the ends outward for a subtle 70s detail. This style suits both short and long hair and pairs well with simple outfits.
22. Blowout with Soft Bends
A blowout with soft bends adds movement without heavy curls. Blow-dry using a round brush and roll the ends inward and outward randomly. Brush gently once dry to keep the shape loose. Add a light spray for hold. The look feels airy and works for everyday wear.
23. Chunky Front Pieces
Chunky front pieces frame the face with a retro vibe. Blow-dry the pieces forward, then curl them outward. Let them cool before brushing softly. Add waves to the rest of the hair for balance. If you want volume, flip the styled hair backward once finished. It’s a quick style that adds personality.
24. Wavy Layered Mid-Length Cut
A wavy layered mid-length cut works beautifully with 70s inspiration. Add soft bends using a flat iron or curling wand. Brush through to keep the shape loose. Scrunch a small amount of mousse at the roots for lift. Smooth the ends with a dab of serum. This cut gives movement without heaviness and is simple to maintain.
Conclusion
Retro 70s hairstyles bring shape, movement, and personality without complicated steps. With simple tools, small tweaks, and budget-friendly products, you can recreate these looks at home and enjoy that bold charm any day. Try a few styles, mix them into your routine, and enjoy the easy, expressive spirit they add to your look.
Leave a Reply