Step Into The Groove: Iconic 70s Hairstyles For Guys Making A Comeback

The 1970s, often called the '70s or the seventies, was a decade that truly changed things, and so it's almost a given that hair played a big part. This period, running from January 1, 1970, to December 31, 1979, was a time of huge shifts. Think about it: the end of The Beatles, the start of personal computing, even big global events like the fall of Saigon or the Munich Massacre. Amidst all this, people found ways to express themselves, and a lot of that came through what they wore and, you know, how they styled their hair.

Fashion from the 70s was incredibly expressive and, really, quite fun. People wore jumpsuits, turtlenecks, hot pants, and so many other things. It was a time when men’s grooming and styling started to become a real trend. For the first time, hair products were marketed directly to men. This era, in a way, normalized long hair on guys, making it a common sight rather than something just for rebels. Hair became, you could say, a political statement for some.

Now, fast forward to today, and you might notice something interesting: '70s men's hairstyles are back in style. Many guys are growing their hair long and keeping it shaggy, much like they did back then. If you are looking for some timeless retro inspiration, this is your guide. We will check out the comeback of 70s hairstyles for men and give you some tips and tricks for getting that perfect retro look. It's actually a great time to explore these styles.

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Table of Contents

• The Spirit of 70s Hair for Guys
• Key 70s Hairstyles for Guys
  • The Shag Haircut
  • The Mullet
  • The Afro
  • Long and Natural
  • Punk and Skinhead Styles
• Getting the 70s Look Today
• Products and Care for Your Retro Style
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Spirit of 70s Hair for Guys

The 1970s was a truly diverse and, you know, quite hairy decade for men’s hairstyles. It was a time when hair became a defining cultural element, from disco kings to rock legends. Men’s hair in the seventies was, for many, a joy to behold. It featured major volume, sometimes patterned headbands, and a definite flower child vibe. This decade, in a way, forever changed how men got to choose their hairstyle, giving them more freedom than before.

The 60s and 70s were, honestly, revolutionary decades for hairstyles. People saw a big shift from the more structured looks of earlier times to something much looser and more expressive. It was a time when men started to embrace longer hair, not just as a passing trend, but as a real part of their personal style. This change was actually quite significant, reflecting a broader movement towards individuality and breaking away from old rules.

The music of the 70s, too, had a huge influence on how guys wore their hair. Think about the audio documentaries of 70s music, or the single stars of the charts like Carl Douglas, David Essex, and Billy Paul. Their looks, along with top bands and artists of the 1970s, really set the trends. You could check out their bios, album discographies, and music videos to see the hair in action. This connection between music and style was very strong, almost like a visual soundtrack to the decade.

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Key 70s Hairstyles for Guys

The 70s offered a wide range of options for men looking to embrace a retro vibe. Whether you were drawn to something wild or a bit more polished, there was, you know, a style for almost everyone. Pinterest, for instance, has countless hours dedicated to finding the top 30 men's hairstyles from the 70s. It’s pretty clear that variety was a big part of the hair scene then. Let's look at some of the most satisfying hairstyles from that time.

The Shag Haircut

The shag was, in some respects, a truly iconic look for both men and women in the 70s. For guys, it was often feathered, meaning the hair was cut in layers around the face, giving it a soft, flowing appearance. It had a lot of movement and was, you know, quite often paired with a middle part. This style gave off a relaxed, slightly rebellious feel, perfect for the rock music charts of the time.

Achieving a feathered shag involves specific layering techniques that create volume and texture. It's a look that, really, works well with medium to long hair. The idea is to have hair that looks a bit undone but still has shape. This style was worn by many famous musicians and actors, making it a staple of the era. It's definitely one of those looks that still feels current today, too.

The Mullet

Ah, the mullet. This style, with its "business in the front, party in the back" reputation, really took off in the latter half of the 70s and carried into the 80s. It featured shorter hair at the front and sides, with the back left significantly longer. It was, arguably, a statement of defiance and individuality. This style could be seen on rock legends and everyday guys alike, showing its widespread appeal.

The rebellious mullet offered a clear contrast, making it stand out from other styles. It wasn't for everyone, but for those who wore it, it was a bold choice. You could find variations of it, from subtle to very extreme. It’s a style that, honestly, sparks a lot of conversation even now, and many people are still fascinated by its history and resurgence.

The Afro

The afro was, without a doubt, a powerful and iconic hairstyle for many Black men in the 70s. It symbolized pride, identity, and cultural expression. This voluminous, rounded style celebrated natural hair texture and was a direct contrast to earlier, more straightened looks. It was, you know, a visible sign of the times, representing social and political movements.

The iconic afro required care and specific products to maintain its shape and health. It was a statement that was both fashionable and deeply meaningful. This style showcased the beauty of natural hair and, in a way, encouraged others to embrace their own unique textures. It's a look that continues to inspire and is, actually, timeless in its appeal.

Long and Natural

Beyond specific cuts, simply growing hair long and keeping it shaggy was a very common trend for men in the 70s. This look often had a relaxed, effortless feel, sometimes paired with patterned headbands for that true flower child vibe. It was a move away from shorter, more conservative styles, embracing a natural flow. This trend, you know, really showed the growing acceptance of longer hair on men.

Many men in today’s day grow their hair long and keep it shaggy, much like the 70s. This look is about embracing natural texture and letting your hair do its thing. It often involves minimal styling, just letting the hair fall where it may. It’s a pretty simple yet effective way to get a retro touch, and it looks good on a lot of people, too.

Punk and Skinhead Styles

While often associated with the late 70s and early 80s, the punk and skinhead movements began to emerge during this decade, offering a stark contrast to the longer, more flowing styles. Punk hairstyles were about rebellion, often spiky, brightly colored, and, you know, very deliberately messy. They were designed to shock and challenge norms.

Skinhead styles, on the other hand, were typically very short, often shaved close to the scalp. This look was about a tough, no-nonsense image, and it was a direct rejection of the longer hair trends. These styles, while less common than the shag or afro, were important parts of the diverse hair landscape of the 70s, showing the range of expression available.

Getting the 70s Look Today

If you are invited to a 70s party and have no idea where to start, or just want to add a retro '70s touch to your modern look, you’re in luck. The first step is often to grow your hair out a bit. Most 70s men's hairstyles require some length, so patience is, you know, a good thing to have. Once you have some length, you can start thinking about the specific cut.

For a feathered shag, ask your barber for layers, especially around the face. You want that soft, graduated look. If you are aiming for a mullet, be clear about the length you want at the back versus the front and sides. It’s a distinctive style, so, you know, good communication with your stylist is key. Many barbers today are familiar with these retro cuts.

For those with natural curls or coils, embracing an afro can be a wonderful choice. It’s about letting your hair grow out and shaping it. You might need a pick comb to achieve the desired volume and shape. This style, in a way, celebrates your natural texture and can look truly amazing. It's a very striking look.

To recreate these iconic looks from the era of disco and rock, you can even check out resources like those listed on Hair Loss Geeks, which sometimes feature guides for retro styles. The key is to find a style that suits your hair type and face shape. It's not just about copying; it's about making it your own, too.

Products and Care for Your Retro Style

Getting the right 70s look isn't just about the cut; it's also about how you style and care for your hair. Since men’s grooming became a trend in the 70s, with hair products being marketed just to men for the first time, there are now plenty of options available. You will want products that give you volume and hold without making your hair stiff or unnatural. So, you know, look for light pomades or styling creams.

For styles like the shag or long, natural hair, a good volumizing mousse or sea salt spray can add texture and body. If you are going for a feathered look, a blow dryer and a round brush will be your best friends. This allows you to direct the hair and create that signature flip. It takes a little practice, but it's, honestly, worth it for the effect.

For afros, moisture is absolutely essential. Use leave-in conditioners and natural oils to keep your hair healthy and prevent dryness. A wide-tooth comb or an afro pick will help you shape and maintain the volume without causing damage. Regular trims are also important for keeping the shape of your chosen style looking its best, too.

Remember, the 70s was a decade of bold styles, colors, and shapes. Hair was larger than life, and it was all about expression. Don't be afraid to experiment a little and find what works for you. You can learn more about hair trends on our site, and find more style inspiration right here. For additional historical context on 70s fashion, you might find this resource helpful: RetroWaste's 1970s Men's Fashion Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the most popular men's hairstyle in the 70s?

The shag haircut, especially the feathered shag, was, you know, incredibly popular for men in the 70s. It offered a relaxed, layered look that suited the era's vibe. Long, natural hair was also very common, as was the afro for many Black men, which held deep cultural meaning. The diversity of styles was actually quite broad, but the shag was a standout.

How do you get 70s hair for guys?

To get 70s hair, you typically need some length first, so, you know, growing your hair out is a good start. Then, you can ask your barber for specific cuts like a layered shag or a mullet. Styling often involves blow-drying for volume, using light products like mousse or cream for texture, and sometimes a middle part. It's about creating a natural, flowing, or voluminous look, depending on the style you choose.

What is a 70s shag haircut?

A 70s shag haircut for men is characterized by layers that are cut to create a lot of texture and volume, especially around the crown and sides. The hair is typically shorter on top and gradually gets longer towards the back and sides, often with a feathered effect around the face. It's a messy yet stylish look that, you know, gives off a cool, effortless vibe.