'70s waves are all that fit me right now

We survived the great Bob Mania of 2025!

The ’70s were a time of soft rock and even softer hair. There was something in the air, I guess—maybe a lack of toxic hair spray fumes after some stiff coiff-focused decades?

Regardless, it was a special era both musically and stylistically. And with all the peace and love in my heart, I’m happy to share that it’s back. (The hair is, at least. We haven’t found the next Cher, but our strands are in a place of Jane Birkin and Joan Baez.)

“’70s hair doesn’t try too hard. It feels lived-in, sun-kissed, a little wild, like you’ve just come back from a drive through Laurel Canyon with the windows down,” explains celebrity hairstylist Owen Gould. (He does queen of California cool Gwyneth Paltrow’s and Daisy Jones and the Six member Suki Waterhouse’s hair, so you know he knows what he’s talking about.) “It’s nostalgic, but it also feels modern because it celebrates natural texture and ease.”

Ahead, discover everything there is to know about the ’70s hair trend and how to make the look work today.

The Trend

Not everyone in the ’70s was rocking the same style. Hair inspired by the decade can go a few ways; you’ll see messy shags, voluminous afros, and major blowouts, depending on the wearer’s mood. Celebrity hairstylist and Flore Salon cofounder Nicolas Flores says that a true ’70s haircut is “all about layers, movement, and face-framing.” You can envision “soft, feathered shapes, curtain bangs, and cuts that enhance the natural flow.”

What we’re talking about here is something slightly more specific, though: a long, easygoing “post bob” situation characterized by soft waves and a sense of fluidity. Plus a middle part, obviously.

“For me, it’s about length, fluid layers, and face-framing softness. Not the heavy, choppy shag—but longer, blended layers that create swing and movement,” says Gould. “Think airy volume through the crown, curtain, or cheekbone-skimming fringe and ends that feel feathered rather than blunt. There’s always a sense of lightness. The hair moves when you walk.”

“In 2026, the difference is in the refinement,” adds Flores. “The shapes are a bit more intentional and tailored to the individual, less extreme layering, more seamless blending. We’re also seeing a more elevated finish, healthier shine, softer edges, and a balance between polish and effortlessness. It’s still airy and voluminous, just more wearable and customized.”

Why It's Happening Now

We’ve been seeing elements of the ’70s pop up all over the hair, makeup, and style worlds. Harry Styles told us to “disco,” after all. (He did specify to do the deed “occasionally,” but if you want to do it all the time, you’re absolutely your own boss.)

Flores explains that after years of more structured, overly styled looks, clients have been gravitating toward hair that feels more “soft, shiny, and voluminous.” Inspo pictures might include “women who embodied that effortless, undone glamour.” Think Jane Birkin or Dakota Johnson, with their “soft fringes and perfectly imperfect texture.”

How to Get the Look

While a good air-dry (preferably completed in outdoor, canyon air) will always suit the ’70s vibe, you can fake a level of ease by thinking ahead. When you go to the salon, Flores says to ask your stylist for “long, soft layers with movement and face-framing, nothing too blunt or heavy.”

“Curtain bangs or a soft fringe are key if you want that true ’70s feel,” he adds. As for styling at home? “Preparation is everything,” notes Gould. “I always start with hair that feels healthy and hydrated. Shine and softness are essential to this look.”

“I love to build volume at the roots with a lightweight mousse or thickening spray, then blow-dry using a medium round brush to create lift and that signature sweeping shape away from the face,” he adds. “A large-barrel iron can be used to add subtle bends through the mid-lengths, but I always break everything up with my fingers so it never feels ‘set.’”

Then, you’ll want to finish things up with a dry texture spray or a very soft hair spray. Gould regularly finds himself reaching for Moroccan Oil products when going for a ’70s style