Table Of Content
- The Evolution of 70s Hairstyles over the Decades
- Unleashing 70s Men’s Hairstyles: Groovy, Funky, and Far Out!
- Men’s Haircuts: Iconic Hairstyles Defying Convention
- thoughts on “Men’s 1970s Hairstyles: An Overview”
- 70s Rock Hairstyle
- How to Adapt ’70s Hairstyles for the Modern Era?
- Classic 70s Haircuts for Guys

This style was initially popularised by beach bums and surfers during the 1950s. The late 1970s saw a revolution in music and fashion with punk rock, partly in reaction to hippie and mainstream values. Eventually, long hair and facial became an accepted part of every day – and, quite simply, nothing to bat an eye over. Though the hairstyling profession of Jean-Michel Basquiat didn’t last for long, his impact in the hairstyling industry is still felt today. Pomp is usually pretty straightforward—just slick down the sides and make the top part look taller.
The Evolution of 70s Hairstyles over the Decades
This effortlessly cool look was perfect for headbanging on stage or strumming the guitar with attitude. This signature look was characterized by long, layered hair that flowed naturally, exuding an effortlessly cool vibe. The shaggy rocker cut was more than just a hairstyle; it became a symbol of rebellion and free-spirited self-expression. The era saw the rise of mutton chops and sideburns as popular facial hair styles for men. Mutton chops were characterized by thick sideburns that extended down the jawline and connected to a mustache, while sideburns were long and extended down the sides of the face. Men embraced mutton chops and sideburns as a way to showcase their individuality and rebellious spirit.
Unleashing 70s Men’s Hairstyles: Groovy, Funky, and Far Out!
Some guys wore this hairstyle with graduated hair on sides, which was then rolled under to create a pageboy look. You don’t need rocket science to understand how this haircut is styled. It was, and still, it is a low maintenance haircut that resonates well with men who don’t have time to spend on hair maintenance. Artists were forefront in popularizing shoulder length hairstyles, especially the Beatles that maintained their locks long and flowing. However, in the late ’60s, that started to change, and in the mid-70s, men were rocking shoulder length hairstyles.
Men’s Haircuts: Iconic Hairstyles Defying Convention
During the 1970s, the afro emerged as a powerful symbol, reflecting a sense of racial pride, cultural identity, and self-acceptance. His hairstyle, prominent in basketball, went beyond mere fashion and became a visual representation of empowerment and a connection to African heritage. Whether seen on a pop idol, a rock legend, or an influential musician, the shag became a versatile and expressive hairstyle.
Head over to our article, Feathered Hairstyles are the Next Big Thing, for some feathered hairstyle inspo. The 1970s Feathered Hairstyle has a groovy, free-spirited feel that I really like. It’s all about those feathered layers that bring out a sense of movement and style, making it a cool addition to my list of favorite hairdos. The 1970s Shaggy Style has a distinct, free-spirited vibe that I find incredibly cool. Its messy yet stylish look captures the essence of that era’s carefree attitude, making it a standout choice on my list of favorite styles.
The Most Iconic Celebrity Hair Moments of All Time - Men's Health
The Most Iconic Celebrity Hair Moments of All Time.
Posted: Tue, 26 Nov 2019 08:00:00 GMT [source]
What I appreciate most about it is its simplicity and how it can be both trendy and nostalgic at the same time. The pompadour hairstyle had a resurgence in the 70s, thanks to style icons like Elvis Presley. This bold and stylish cut featured short sides and a voluminous, slicked-back top.
Hairstyles for Men: Top 20 Styles
Probably the most simple of all 70s haircuts, this cut involves straight hair being allowed to grow a bit longer. The natural curl adds a lot of texture and volume to the style and prevents it from falling flat and looking boring. The hair can be grown out over the ears and easily covers the forehead. Long hair with a mustache on men became popular during this decade, and this including a lot of rock musicians. One example of this style was Jon Lord, one of the members of Deep Purple. Small accent braids were a popular addition to loosely waved hair back in the ‘70s.
Who had the best '70s look on 'Mad Men' last night? - USA TODAY
Who had the best '70s look on 'Mad Men' last night?.
Posted: Mon, 06 Apr 2015 07:00:00 GMT [source]
How to Adapt ’70s Hairstyles for the Modern Era?
If you truly do wake up like this, more power to you, but otherwise, run a lightweight styling cream through your hair when it’s towel-dried and damp and let air dry. "Square faces and jawlines work amazingly with this medium shag and feathered look," he said. However, getting it right at first can be tricky thanks to its complex layers, so he advises seeing a seasoned stylist. Nguyen points out that this style is ideal for those whose hair is between lengths. Keep it sleek and flyaway-free by using a texture or salt spray, and let air dry to encourage hair to follow its natural wave.
Classic 70s Haircuts for Guys
This gives hair a very distinctive look that can be hard to achieve with artificial additives. But not to fear, with a good barber and some chemical concocting, you could flex your man perm in no time. Achieved with the help of perm salt, it’ll turn your hair into the curly heaven you’ve always wanted. A bold look that celebrates tradition, culture, and individuality, Stevie Wonder’s decorated standout style is easy to customize to your personal taste and artistic vision. Just be sure to keep your braids moisturized so they stay neat and shiny.
It is time-consuming, and you need to be patient if you want the best results. For those looking to achieve a 70s look with a modern twist, there are several DIY tips to remember. Long hair was a defining feature of the 70s, so consider growing out your locks.
Well, most of those 70s hairstyles for men are making a massive comeback. However, at the end of the ’60s and dawn of ’70s, there was a complete change in how men styled their hair. Afros, sideburns, and ponytails became the order of the day for men. Some men even decided not to brush their hair to keep it as natural as possible. This allowed their hair to hang loosely and flow without any inhibitions. It was a fashionable style at the time that was worth stealing the show.
It was a hairstyle that transcended generations, appealing to both those who appreciated retro nostalgia and those who sought to push the boundaries of fashion and style. This hairstyle featured layered locks that extended beyond the ears and a bit longer at the back. The signature touch was the long, feathered bangs that gracefully framed the face, creating a carefree and effortlessly tousled appearance.
Likewise, a false moustache could be worn outside of the “no moustache” bank or office. There was a mainstream revival of the rude boy look in the late 1970s due to “2 Tone” ska bands like The Selecter and The Specials. This look, in turn, inspired the short haircuts and close-cropped skinhead look of working-class white youths.
But for an extra neat, structured look, you can add a rounded swoop to the top of your pomp as you slick it back. Some men even went out of their way to shave the sides of their heads to make the mullet shape even more pronounced. Smoothed back sides and thickness at the top to play with makes for a handsome style choice. A strong middle part adds to the interest of this look and ensures that it looks like it came from the 70s and not like it is a more updated style. This natural messy hair look is a great option for any man who has a bit of curl in his hair and who doesn’t want to have to worry about trying to tame it.
In the next section, we’ll dive into the essential haircare products of the 70s and the role of styling products in creating those iconic looks. Hair products for men were now on the rise, simply with more masculine ways of selling them. What was once considered feminine was now used by men to take better care of their hairstyles. Punk had it all with long hair styled up, shaved sections, and completely shaved hair. This hairstyle originated in the late 1960s, and its popularity continued until the late 1970s due to the revival of bands such as The Specials and The Selecter.

Continuing the trend of the afro, the 70s brought forth the funky afro, taking the style to new heights of extravagance. Men embraced larger-than-life afros with an explosion of volume and texture. This bold and funky hairstyle was a symbol of self-expression and cultural pride. Artists like Jimi Hendrix and Isaac Hayes rocked their afros with confidence, exuding a unique blend of style and soul. The funky afro was a statement-making choice that represented the spirit of the era and captured the attention of everyone around. Bowie’s Hairstyle symbolized rebellion, individuality, and a celebration of personal style.