70s Men’s Haircuts: 14 Iconic Hairstyles from a Revolutionary Decade

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Shags, afros, and other ‘70s men’s haircuts to master
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The 1970s was an unforgettable decade in a lot of ways—from disco and bell-bottom pants to punk rock and political conflict. But almost nothing compares to the iconic hairstyles worn by men in the 70s. Musicians, pop stars, and hunky actors like Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, and David Cassidy (to name a few) popularized ‘70s cuts like the shag, the afro, and more. Here, we’ve compiled a list of all of the most funky and fresh 1970s men's hairstyles for all types of hair, along with styling tips to bring these classic cuts into the modern age. Let’s boogie!

Most Popular Men’s Hairstyles During the 1970s

  1. Shag: A layered, choppy men’s hairstyle with feathered tops and sides.
  2. Long Hair: Often messy and textured, this cut was emblematic of the free-spirited 70s.
  3. Afro: The afro’s tight coils and round shape became a staple among Black Americans.
  4. Feathering: Involves fine, face-framing layers that are brushed back for an airy look.
  5. Curly Hair: Tousled and unkempt curls reflected the era’s trend toward natural styles.
Section 1 of 6:

14 Men’s Hairstyles from the 70s (+ Modern Styling Tips)

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  1. The ‘70s shag is one of the most iconic men’s haircuts that defined the decade—and it’s definitely come full circle as one of today’s most popular hair trends! In the 1970s, the shag hairstyle was symbolic of a break from conventional men’s grooming styles and a move toward bohemian self-expression. Shag cuts are heavily layered and textured, with the longest layers traditionally hitting at the shoulders—although shorter (mid-neck length) and longer (past shoulder-length) shags have become more popular in the modern era. [1]
    • Styling Tips:
      • For a classic medium-length shag , see a stylist to get the cut done. Then, use a texture or salt spray to keep it sleek, and let it air dry to bring out the natural texture. [2]
      • For a short shag , go for a look similar to the modern mop top . Spritz texturizing spray onto towel-dried hair, then blow dry following the grain of your hair. Apply a matte styling clay or powder to arrange the shaggy pieces to your liking. Short shags require slightly more upkeep, with a trim suggested every 4-5 weeks.
      • For a long shag , you mostly want to let your hair do its thing! However, you might add volumizing or texturizing mousse to give it some movement and prevent it from laying flat. A deep side part can also help to add volume, as does clipping the front pieces back to add dimension and keep them from falling into your face.
    • Get Hair Inspo From: David Cassidy (1970s-era) , Mick Jagger (1970s-era) , Zac Efron c. 2007 (modern short shag) , Harry Styles c. 2015 (modern long shag) .
  2. Feathered hair was everywhere in the 1970s, and it definitely made an appearance among the most popular men’s hairstyles! Emulating the free-spirited era, feathered cuts typically featured layered hair that was brushed back and away from the face to create a ~feathered~ effect. [3]
    • Styling Tips:
      • For a short feathered cut , you can either let your hair dry totally naturally, or work in a little styling cream to hydrate your hair before blow drying. [4]
      • For a medium-to-long feathered cut , add a dime-size amount of styling cream or a few spritzes of detangling spray . Apply the product evenly with your hands, following your natural growth pattern. Finally, blow dry!
    • Get Hair Inspo From: Robert Redford (1970s-era, short feathered hair) , Barry Gibb c. 1976 (1970s-era, medium feathered hair) , Christian Bale c. 2011 (modern) .
    • You can also totally rock ‘70s layered hair without the feathering! You might be interested in a shag, or simply just a medium-length layered cut (à la Dev Patel). Styling for this cut is similar to the medium-length feathered cut: add moisture and definition with a light styling cream, then let your hair air dry naturally.
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  3. Long hair had its heyday in the ‘70s when mainstream culture began to break from the norms of men having exclusively short hair. [5] One of these lengthy styles included super long and super sleek locks—to achieve this look, men of the ‘70s basically just had to let their hair grow, grow, and keep on growing.
    • Styling Tips: Get trims every 8-12 weeks to remove split ends while also moving toward your hair growth goals. [6] To keep your hair as sleek as can be, tame flyaways with a light leave-in conditioner after washing and spritz with hairspray to add texture and hold.
    • Get Hair Inspo From: John Lennon c. 1969 (1970s-era) , Jared Leto c. 2019 (modern) .
  4. Depending on your hair texture, a wavy or curly long-hair look may be more up your alley—and the 1970s definitely loved a wave! Long, textured hair was a definitive style of the ‘70s, with men’s messy waves and curls marking a shift from the short, tamed haircuts of decades past. Whether your hair is more wavy or curly, you can definitely channel the free-spirited vibes of this long-locked and laidback ‘70s style. [7]
    • Styling Tips: This cut is inherently low-maintenance—hence its association with ‘70s rock-n-roll. But if you’d like to add some polish, spritz on a salt spray from root to mid-length for volume, then let your hair air dry naturally.
    • Get Hair Inspo From: Robert Plant (1970s-era — long curly hair) , Jim Morrison (1970s-era — long wavy hair) , Adrian Grenier c. 2013 (modern) , Russel Brand (modern) .
  5. Surfer hair first became popular amongst beachgoers and surfers during the 50s, but it reached a whole new level in the 1970s. During the ‘70s, so-called “California surfer” hairstyles for men were long, tousled, laidback, and sun-kissed—as if the wearer had spent the whole day lounging on the sand or surfing the waves. [8] Just like most things in the ‘70s, the goal here was to look as effortless and counterculture as possible—even though mainstream teen icons like Leif Garrett were seen sporting the surfer style. [9]
    • Styling Tips: Dunk your hair in ocean water! Or , if that’s not super convenient for you, simply spritz a bit of sea salt spray over your hair and scrunch it through to your ends. Then, let your hair dry into a naturally tousled texture.
    • Get Hair Inspo From: Leif Garrett (1970s-era) , Jason Moma (modern) .
  6. The wet look wasn’t invented on TikTok! In fact, men in the 1970s were already rocking the wet look in the form of a wet curl. This ‘70s hairstyle featured a long mane of tightly spiraled curls that had the look (and feel) of being perpetually wet and sleek. Often, the wet curl cut was paired with a set of curly bangs and facial hair (ideally a handlebar mustache). [10]
    • Styling Tips: This look works best for people with naturally curly hair—if that’s you, follow the curl routine for your hair type. However, focus on hydrating products and add them to your wet hair: try hydrating curling cream or a mixture of curl gel and pomade. Then, blow dry your hair with a diffuser and finish with a hydrating hair oil to add some extra sheen!
    • Get Hair Inspo From: Rick James (1970s-era) , Kit Harington c. 2015 (modern) .
  7. We already know that curls were all the rage in the ‘70s, so we wouldn’t dare forget about the iconic perm! The perm (or permanent wave) is a chemical treatment that allows even men with stick-straight hair to achieve a defined curl. However, since perms result from chemical processes, they can damage the hair if not maintained properly, so it’s crucial to hydrate a perm and use products geared toward this trend-setting haircut. [11]
    • Styling Tips: Avoid wetting your hair for two days after a perm. Then, use only shampoos and conditioners that are specifically designed for permed hair. Apply leave-in conditioner between washes and deep condition your perm once a week.
    • Get Hair Inspo From: Robert Reed (1970s-era) , Chris Martin c. 2013 (modern) .
  8. The Jheri curl hairstyle was first developed in the ‘70s by a hairstylist named Jheri Redding (who went on to found and co-found haircare brands Nexxus and Redken!). [12] Redding ended up inventing the Jheri curl after experimenting with chemicals to use on hair, and this look was later adapted and popularized by Black entrepreneur Comer Cottrell, whose influence led to Jheri curls becoming one of the most iconic hair looks for men in the Black community. [13]
    • Jheri curls are considered by some to be a type of perm, but they’re mainly used to transform tighter curls into a glossier, more loosely-curled look—versus perms, which are aimed at naturally straight hair. Jheri curls also have a “wet” look and feel to them, and the chemicals they use are more nourishing than perming chemicals. [14]
    • While getting Jheri curls may traditionally require chemical treatments, newer methods exist that don’t use chemicals to achieve the look.
    • Styling Tips: In the mornings, flip your head over and separate the curls to prevent them from sticking together. Apply a daily curl activator and moisturizer onto wet hair, using a scrunching method to work the products into your hair. If you want more hold in your curls, rake a curl-defining hair gel through your locks. Then, air dry your hair or use a diffuser on a low heat setting.
    • Get Hair Inspo From: Michael Jackson in Thriller (1970s-era) , Drake (modern) .
  9. The afro became a hugely popular look among the Black community in the 1970s—symbolizing racial pride, cultural identity, and self-acceptance. The cut served as a visual connection to African heritage, a celebration of natural hair, and a rejection of cultural norms—making it a cornerstone in the ‘70s era’s continual move toward unity, cultural awakening, and dismissal of Westernized beauty standards. [15]
    • Styling Tips: Consult with a trusted barber for the best afro shape and style for your hair texture and desired look. Once shaped and grown out , use a few pumps of light hair oil or scrunches of softening cream to create texture and seal in moisture. Then, use a hair pick or hair sponge to style into your preferred shape. [16]
    • Get Hair Inspo From: Jimi Hendrix (1970s-era) , Colin Kaepernick (modern) , Donald Glover (modern variation— afro twists ) .
  10. Locs or locks (sometimes referred to as “dreadlocks”) became internationally popular during the 1970s alongside the rise of reggae music and the Rastafarian religious movement. Bob Marley, who converted to the Rastafari faith at 21-years-old, helped to popularize locks as the reggae artist became one of the most coveted musical icons of the ‘70s. [17] Throughout the decade, locs continued to grow as a symbol of cultural pride for Black people that allowed them to embrace their African heritage and features. [18]
    • Styling Tips: Locks are formed by matting hair strands together through twisting, braiding, backcombing, or palm rolling. Once starter locs are formed, avoid using conditioners and detanglers, and shampoo infrequently at the beginning. After about 1-2 months, you can begin to regularly condition and wash the locs before styling them however you’d like—in twists, braids, wraps, and more. [19]
    • Get Hair Inspo From: Bob Marley (1970s-era) , Snoop Dogg (modern) , Miguel ( modern, layered locs) .
  11. Box braids are yet another look for Black hair that became popularized in the ‘70s. Like many of the era’s iconic men’s hairstyles, this cut celebrated a push against societal norms and standards—including Western beauty standards and the so-called “clean-cut” look of decades past. [20] Instead, wearing braids with beads allowed people to celebrate their tradition, culture, and individuality in a customizable and creative way. [21]
    • Styling Tips: Keep your braids moisturized with a hydrating braid spray , or by applying a warmed-up oil like olive, almond, or coconut oil onto your hair. You can also apply conditioner to your braids by forming a “praying hands” gesture conditioner between your palms. [22]
    • Get Hair Inspo From: Stevie Wonder (1970s-era) , ASAP Rocky (modern) .
  12. The bouffant is all about volume (which we’d see much more of in the upcoming ‘80s ). Bouffants are a type of puffy, round hairstyle where hair is brought into a tall pile onto the crown of the head with hanging pieces covering the sides of the head. This style was made into a popular and timeless ‘70s hairstyle by Little Richard, a trailblazing musician and style icon of the 1970s and beyond. [23]
    • Styling Tips: Apply texturizing cream to damp hair and blow-dry the hair, focusing on the front pieces to add volume. Sculpt the look into your desired shape with a hair paste . [24]
    • Get Hair Inspo From: Little Richard (1970s-era) , Bruno Mars c. 2012 (modern) .
  13. The 1970s may have borrowed the greaser look from the 1950s, but they definitely made it their own. The ‘70s men’s greaser haircut combined a clean-cut style on the sides with a voluminous, shiny, and tousled mop of hair on top. It’s easy to see why this 1970s look is so popular: pair the versatile cut with a blazer and you’re ready for an important investor meeting, pair it with a leather jacket, and you’re a mysterious bad boy straight out of American Graffiti or Happy Days . [25]
    • Styling Tips: Apply a natural or high-shine clay to damp hair before blow drying to your desired style and shape. Keep volume high in the front as you dry, then finish off the look with a shine-enhancing pomade . Visit your barber every 3-4 weeks to trim up your edges.
    • Get Hair Inspo From: John Travolta in Grease (1970s-era) , Zayn Malik c. 2017 (modern) .
  14. The men’s mod hairstyle didn’t completely die out in the 1960s—rather, the helmet-like cut only evolved with ‘70s style! Originally, the men’s mod cut was characterized by a lot of volume on top with a helmet-like shape around the sides. In the ‘70s, the style mimicked these characteristics but with extra volume on top and the added bonus of hefty sideburns. [26]
    • Styling Tips: Spritz hair with texturizing spray , then use your hands to make a scrunching motion at the top of your head to encourage texture and piecey sections. Then, use a round brush to add curls and waves, or simply let dry naturally.
    • Get Hair Inspo From: Keith Richards c. 1966 (1970s-era) , Brendon Urie c. 2010 (modern) .
    • Mod fashion and hairstyles experienced an interesting wave throughout the ‘70s—after hitting their peak in the ‘60s, mod-mania dipped in the early 1970s in favor of the “hippie” cultural movement and its associated styles. [27]
    • In the late 1970s, however, Britain saw a mod revival inspired by musical group The Jam and the popular film Quadrophenia —the U.S. would experience their own mod revival in the early 1980s. [28]
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Section 2 of 6:

1970s Men’s Facial Hair

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  1. The mustache was a must -have for men in the 1970s! The attention-grabbing facial hair symbolized “rugged” masculinity and made a definitive style statement. And when it came to ‘70s mustaches, bigger was definitely better! Handlebar mustaches were especially coveted, often with the aim of a bushy and (somewhat) unkempt look. [29]
    • Popular male celebrities of the time often sported a ‘stache, including iconic figures like Tom Selleck (as Magnum, P.I. ) and Burt Reynolds (in Smokey and the Bandit ). [30]
  2. Beards were not only stylish in the ‘70s, but they also signified a break from conventional norms and a nod toward cultural rebellion. Full beards became popular, first as a rugged and individualistic style choice, and later because they simply looked good! Beard became especially popular when paired with an equally laidback and lengthy hairstyle, like a shag or feathered cut. [31]
    • Film director and Star Wars creator George Lucas was especially well-known for his full beard, which became part of his signature look. [32]
  3. A distinctive sideburn was another one of the defining hair features of the ‘70s, and it was often associated with (or inspired by) rock-and-roll culture. Elvis Presley was one of the leading wearers of this look, with thick mutton-chop-style sideburns that made a serious statement alongside his hairstyle. [33]
    • These grown-out sideburns were yet another way in which men of the ‘70s used their hairstyle and facial style to express their individuality and desire to move against the cultural grain.
  4. While goatees or a soul patch and mustache combo may seem commonplace now, these mixed styles were revolutionary during the 1970s. Further highlighting the era’s movement toward self-expression and creativity, men began to experiment with different facial hair combinations—including the goatee, which neatly combined a mustache with a beard. [34]
    • Frank Zappa broke norms with his mustache-and-soul patch combo, while Marvin Gaye sported a goatee that inspired many men of the era to do the same.
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Section 3 of 6:

1970s Styling Products for Men

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  1. With more of a focus being put on men’s hairstyles (and the diversity of them) throughout the 1970s, it didn’t take long for salon and hair care brands to follow suit. Among the brands that launched hair products specifically marketed for men were Gillette (“Dry Look Hairspray”), Prell (“Concentrate Shampoo”), Duke (“Natural Hair Sheen”), and Pantene (with a range of hair care options). [35]
    • All the products were advertised as essentials for creating iconic ‘70s men’s hairstyle looks—including the shag, afro, and more.
    • Hairdryers also became an essential tool for men during the ‘70s, which wasn’t so common in the previous decades. Blow drying made it easier for 1970s men to style their hair in more interesting and intricate ways.
Section 4 of 6:

Cultural Context: How 70s Style Shaped Men’s Hair

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  1. The decade was a time of revolutionary change in many ways—from the continuing Civil Rights movement to hippie culture and Vietnam War protests, the ‘70s saw a cultural shift from the (more) conservative 1960s to a period of radicalism, rebellion, and individualism. [36] As with any cultural and political shift, these social and historical changes were paralleled by the style and fashion choices made by those living their daily lives during the 1970s. [37]
    • Mainly, consumers and mainstream fashion placed more value than ever on self-expression, experimentation, and freedom in personal style. Pop culture trends and icons like disco and David Bowie also helped to cement a more rebellious, colorful, and free-flowing look.
    • Popular ‘70s fashion styles included “hippie” styles like bell bottom pants, frayed jeans, loose maxi dresses, tie-dye, peasant blouses, ponchos, and feather jewelry. Men (and women) wore bright colors in textures like satin and patterns like corduroy, paisley, wool, crushed velvet, and flannel.
    • Even on the more conservative side, 1970s looks had a lot of flair. In the early ‘70s, trendy clothing items included tight t-shirts, fitted wide-lapel blazers, flare-leg jeans, and eye-catching pastel shades of baby blue, yellow, mauve, and peach.
    • Naturally, these expressive and individualistic styles extended to hair—especially men’s hair! For the first time in a long time, men were leaning into long, shaggy, and untamed cuts that would’ve been considered unthinkable just a decade or two prior.
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Section 5 of 6:

Key Takeaways on 1970s Haircuts for Men

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  1. Some of the most dominant hairstyles of the 1970s—like the shag, the afro, and a long curly mane—were shaped by the social upheaval and pop culture trends of the time. Despite the passing decades, many of these men’s hairstyles have lived on and been reimagined for the modern man—after all, a good style never goes out of style!
    • If you’re looking to recreate a ‘70s men’s hairstyle for your 21st-century look, it’s important to choose a style that looks and feels good to you. Experiment with length, embrace texture, and don’t be afraid to dip into the styling products—you’ll be rocking a 1970s mane in no time!
Section 6 of 6:

Frequently Asked Questions About ‘70s Men’s Haircuts

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  1. Feathered hair, shag cuts, afros, and long, unkempt hair were some of the most popular styles for men in the 1970s. Above all, this decade in men’s hair marked a departure from short, polished styles. Instead, men were encouraged to express their free-spiritedness and individuality through their hair. [38]
  2. The afro was one of the most iconic hairstyles for Black men in the 1970s. Other cuts popular among Black men of the era included Jheri curls, box braids, and locs. [39]
  3. If you’re looking for the perfect men’s hairstyle for a ‘70s disco party , try a 70s shag wig or afro wig . If you already have medium-length or long hair, tousle it up and wear it as-is, or create voluminous curls that curl away from your face with a large-barrel curling iron to imitate the infamous feathered look. [40]
  4. Yes, many men wore short hair in the 1970s. Short shags, afros, and tousled looks (á la Robert Redford) were all the rage. However, long hair often takes the spotlight when we talk about ‘70s hair because it was so uniquely different from past decades, when men with long hair would have been well outside the societal norms.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://vagazine.com/the-shag-haircut-for-men/
      2. ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/shag-haircut
      3. ↑ https://www.formulate.co/journal/p/feathered-haircut
      4. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/fashion-beauty/hairstyles/feathered-hair
      5. ↑ https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1875&context=etd
      6. ↑ https://paulmitchell.edu/logan/blog/posts/how-often-do-i-really-need-to-trim-my-hair
      7. ↑ https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1875&context=etd
      8. ↑ https://www.xosalonspa.com/the-history-and-evolution-of-the-surfer-haircut/
      9. ↑ https://sohp.org/exhibit/southern-surfing/
      1. ↑ https://www.loadmag.eu/2022/10/18/hair-as-a-medium-its-evolution-in-beauty-and-fashion-beauty-editorial/
      2. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/guide-to-perms-8700043
      3. ↑ https://blackamericaweb.com/2013/02/06/little-known-black-history-fact-the-jheri-curl/
      4. ↑ https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2014/10/11/354931324/comer-cottrell-creator-of-the-peoples-jheri-curl-dies-at-82
      5. ↑ https://blackhairspot.com/blog/hair-talk/what-is-a-jheri-curl/
      6. ↑ https://www.processhistory.org/why-hair-matters/
      7. ↑ https://byaaronwallace.com/en-us/blogs/grooming-guide/15-hair-care-tips-for-men-with-afro-hair-textures?srsltid=AfmBOoqUDBxQ75Ey0hgDUUm0fkaGoJNcngZVU4l42VGDjUI6ZLzTciAk
      8. ↑ https://news.utexas.edu/2020/02/25/this-black-history-month-lets-focus-on-whats-in-our-students-heads-not-their-hair/
      9. ↑ https://www.ebony.com/history-dreadlocks/
      10. ↑ https://www.divinedreadlocks.com/2016/07/02/how-to-care-for-your-new-dreads/
      11. ↑ https://thenaturalhairadvocate.com/2018/05/15/dont-forget-about-the-hair-symbolism-in-this-is-america/
      12. ↑ https://www.styleseat.com/blog/cornrow-braids-for-men/
      13. ↑ https://www.howtoblackhair.com/blogs/blog/30556481-how-do-you-keep-your-hair-moisturized-in-box-braids
      14. ↑ https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/little-richard-final-years-son-1014216/
      15. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/bouffant-hair-7488283
      16. ↑ https://www.out.com/grooming/2016/7/22/how-get-greaser-do-without-grease
      17. ↑ https://www.esquire.com/uk/style/grooming/a61633750/the-mod-cut-is-in-2024/
      18. ↑ https://library.cityvision.edu/history-western-subcultures-20th-century
      19. ↑ https://www.academia.edu/40344753/Quadrophenia_and_Mod_ern_Culture
      20. ↑ https://nzhistory.govt.nz/culture/men-and-their-moustaches/timeline
      21. ↑ https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2021/10/26/pop-cultures-16-most-memorable-mustaches-of-the-past-and-present/
      22. ↑ https://www.centralcasting.com/introduction-1970s-hairstyles-for-background-actors/
      23. ↑ https://www.cultureslate.com/news/top-10-stories-you-have-never-heard-about-george-lucas
      24. ↑ https://www.gilderlehrman.org/news/how-sideburns-got-their-name
      25. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/goatee
      26. ↑ https://youtu.be/f147_ifa3Oc?t=28
      27. ↑ https://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/newsworthy/historical-decades/1970s
      28. ↑ https://fashionhistory.fitnyc.edu/1970-1979/
      29. ↑ https://www.centralcasting.com/introduction-1970s-hairstyles-for-background-actors/
      30. ↑ https://www.processhistory.org/why-hair-matters/
      31. ↑ https://www.hair.com/70s-halloween-costume-hair.html

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