70s hair for men is back in a big way. You see it in movies, runways and everyday street style: longer lengths, natural texture and effortless volume. If you like classic masculine style with a bit of rock-and-roll attitude, the seventies are your decade.
In this guide, you’ll learn what defines 70s men’s hair, which styles suit different face shapes and hair types, and how to get the look step by step at home or with your barber. We’ll keep it practical, product-focused and easy to follow so you can turn inspiration into an actual haircut and routine.
What Makes 70s Hair for Men Different?
When you think “70s hair for men”, a few images probably come to mind: shaggy layers, feathered sides, big curls, maybe a bold moustache. There are four main elements that define the decade’s haircuts.
1. More length, less stiffness
Compared with the 60s, the 70s relaxed the rules. Hair grew over the ears, touched the collar and sometimes hit the shoulders. Styles had movement instead of being locked into place with stiff gel.
2. Layers and texture
Most 70s cuts use layering to remove bulk and create a natural shape. That’s why shags, feathered cuts and long layered looks feel so light and easy, even when the hair is relatively long.
3. Natural waves and curls
Instead of fighting your texture, 70s hair leans into it. Wavy and curly hair was often left to do its thing, then shaped with smart cutting rather than heavy products. Even straight hair was styled for bend and movement instead of poker-straight perfection.
4. Volume at the crown and front
A lot of 70s styles build height around the front and crown: brushed-back bangs, lifted quiffs, rounded afros. The goal is a fuller shape that frames the face without looking over-styled.
Who Does 70s Men’s Hair Suit Best?
You don’t need movie-star genetics to pull off 70s hair. The key is matching the right version of the trend to your features and routine.
Face shape
- Oval face: You can wear almost any 70s cut. Try a medium shag, feathered side part or long layers with waves.
- Round face: Go for height on top and less volume on the sides. A layered shag with extra lift at the crown or a brushed-back style works well.
- Square face: Softer, messier layers help balance strong jawlines. A relaxed shag or wavy shoulder-length cut looks great.
- Long face: Add width with more volume at the sides and avoid too much height on top. A mid-length cut with feathered sides is a good choice.
Hair type
- Straight hair: Ideal for feathered cuts and brushed-back styles. You’ll rely more on blow-drying and light products to create movement.
- Wavy hair: Almost made for 70s looks. Shags, long layers and side parts will fall into place with minimal effort.
- Curly hair: Perfect for 70s curls and disco-inspired volume. The right layering will stop your hair from looking triangular or bulky.
- Coily or afro-textured hair: Great for rounded 70s afros, shaped ‘fros and stretched styles with a strong silhouette.
Essential Tools and Products for 70s Hair
You don’t need a full barbershop at home, but a few tools and products will make 70s styles much easier to achieve and maintain.
Tools
- Blow dryer with nozzle (and diffuser if you have curls)
- Round brush (medium size for short to medium hair, larger for long hair)
- Wide-tooth comb for detangling
- Fine-tooth comb for parting and detailing
- Sectioning clips if your hair is longer or very thick
Products
- Volumizing mousse: Lightweight hold and lift, great for shags and feathered styles.
- Sea salt spray: Adds grip and natural-looking texture, especially for wavy hair.
- Cream or lotion: Controls frizz without weighing hair down, ideal for curls and long layers.
- Light hairspray: To lock in shape while keeping movement.
- Heat protectant: Essential if you blow-dry regularly.
Iconic 70s Men’s Hairstyles and How to Get Them
Let’s break down the main 70s men’s hairstyles and go step by step so you know what to ask for and how to style them.
1. The 70s Shag Haircut
The shag is the signature 70s men’s haircut: layered, messy in a controlled way, and full of movement. Think rock musicians and laid-back actors from the era.
What to ask your barber for
- Medium length overall: around nose to lip level at the front, touching the collar at the back.
- Lots of layers through the crown and sides to remove weight.
- Soft, choppy ends instead of a blunt line.
- Optional: longer fringe (bangs) that can fall forward or be pushed back.
How to style a 70s shag
- Start with clean, towel-dried hair.
- Work a golf ball-sized amount of volumizing mousse from roots to ends.
- Flip your head forward and rough-dry with your fingers until about 80% dry.
- Use a round brush at the front and crown, lifting the hair up and back as you blow-dry to create height.
- Scrunch the mid-lengths and ends with your hands as you finish drying to encourage texture.
- Finish with a light mist of hairspray, keeping the hair touchable and loose.
2. Feathered 70s Hair with Side Part
Feathered hair is all about smooth layers that flip away from the face, with a clear side part and soft volume. It works especially well on straight or slightly wavy hair.
What to ask your barber for
- Medium length cut that reaches around the bottom of the ear to the top of the neck.
- Graduated layers that get longer towards the bottom.
- Feathered ends around the face for that flipped-back look.
- A natural side part (not a shaved or hard part).
How to style feathered 70s hair
- Apply a heat protectant and a small amount of volumizing mousse to damp hair.
- Part your hair to the side while it’s still wet.
- Using a round brush, blow-dry the hair away from your face: roll the brush under the hair, then twist slightly out and back as you follow with the dryer.
- Focus on creating a soft bend at the ends instead of a tight curl.
- Once dry, run your fingers through the hair to separate the layers.
- Use a light cream or a tiny bit of pomade on the ends if you need more definition.
3. Long 70s Hair for Men
If you like a more relaxed, bohemian feel, long 70s hair is a strong option. The key is keeping it healthy and shaped so it looks intentional, not neglected.
What to ask your barber for
- Length from the shoulders down, depending on your preference.
- Long layers to remove weight and create movement.
- Soft face-framing pieces around the front.
- Regular dusting of the ends so they don’t split and fray.
How to style long 70s hair
- Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to keep hair smooth.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner or cream on damp hair, focusing on mid-lengths and ends.
- Let your hair air-dry when possible for the most natural texture.
- If you blow-dry, use a diffuser on low heat and scrunch your hair to enhance any waves.
- Once dry, add a small amount of light oil or cream to control frizz and add shine.
4. 70s Curls and Disco Volume
The 70s gave us big, confident curls. Whether your hair is naturally curly or coily, the goal is a rounded, well-shaped silhouette with plenty of definition.
What to ask your barber for
- A cut that follows your curl pattern, usually with slightly shorter layers on top.
- Rounded shape all around so the sides and top balance each other.
- Enough length to allow the curls to form fully, not too cropped.
How to style 70s curls
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo and a rich conditioner to keep curls hydrated.
- On soaking-wet hair, apply a curl cream or leave-in conditioner section by section.
- Comb through with a wide-tooth comb to distribute product evenly.
- Scrunch your curls upwards to encourage shape.
- Dry with a diffuser on low heat, or use a hood dryer if you have one.
- Once completely dry, gently separate curls with oiled fingertips to add volume without frizz.
5. 70s Brushed-Back and Quiff Styles
Not every 70s haircut is long. Many men wore medium-length hair brushed back off the face with a bit of lift at the front, similar to a relaxed quiff.
What to ask your barber for
- Medium length on top, long enough to push back (around 8–10 cm / 3–4 inches).
- Softer, scissored sides instead of a modern skin fade.
- Light layering through the top to help the hair sit back naturally.
How to style a 70s quiff
- Apply a small amount of volumizing mousse to damp hair.
- Blow-dry using a brush to lift the front section up and back.
- Direct the sides slightly back as you dry so they follow the shape.
- Work a pea-sized amount of light cream or paste through the top, focusing on the front.
- Finish with a light hairspray if you need extra hold while keeping softness.
How to Talk to Your Barber About 70s Hair
Bringing a clear idea to your barber helps you avoid disappointment. Here’s how to make sure you both see the same haircut in your head before the scissors come out.
- Show 2–3 reference photos. Different angles are helpful: front, side and back. Focus on hair type similar to yours.
- Be honest about styling time. Tell your barber how many minutes you’re willing to spend each day. They’ll adapt the cut.
- Discuss length in clear terms. Use points on your face (brows, nose, chin, collar) instead of “short” or “long”.
- Mention your job and dress code. Some workplaces accept longer styles; others might need a cleaner outline.
- Talk about your hair challenges. Cowlicks, frizz, flat spots at the crown – share them so the cut works with, not against, your hair.
Everyday Maintenance for 70s Men’s Hair
Once you have the cut, keeping it in shape is all about small, consistent habits rather than complicated routines.
Washing and conditioning
- Wash 2–3 times per week instead of daily to avoid dryness and frizz.
- Use conditioner every time you wash, focusing on mid-lengths and ends.
- Rinse thoroughly so there’s no product buildup weighing down your volume.
Trims and shape maintenance
- Book a trim every 6–10 weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows.
- Ask your barber to maintain the overall shape while cleaning up the ends.
- If you’re growing out to a longer 70s style, mention that so they remove bulk without stealing length.
Daily styling shortcuts
- Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase to reduce frizz and breakage.
- In the morning, lightly mist hair with water, apply a small amount of product and reshape with your fingers.
- Save full blow-drying for days when you want extra volume or definition.
Combining 70s Hair with Facial Hair
Facial hair was a big part of 70s style. Matching your beard or moustache to your haircut completes the look and frames your face.
Moustaches
A classic 70s moustache pairs well with medium-length shags and feathered cuts. Keep the edges neat and trim the area under your nose so it doesn’t cover your upper lip completely.
Short beards
If you prefer a beard, keep it shaped and tidy. A short, well-defined beard works nicely with longer hair by adding structure back to your jawline.
Clean-shaven
For a fresher, more modern take on 70s hair for men, try a longer cut with a clean-shaven face. The contrast can make the hairstyle the main focus.
FAQs About 70s Hair for Men
How do I get 70s hair as a man?
Start by growing your hair out to at least medium length, then ask your barber for layered, textured shaping instead of a tight fade. At home, use light products like mousse or cream and focus on volume and movement rather than rigid hold.
Does 70s hair work on straight hair?
Yes. Feathered cuts and brushed-back 70s styles are ideal for straight hair. Your barber will use layers to create movement, and you’ll rely on blow-drying with a round brush plus light mousse to add lift and a soft bend.
Can I wear 70s hair if I have curls?
Absolutely. The 70s celebrated curls and volume. Ask for a rounded, layered cut that follows your curl pattern, then style with curl cream on wet hair and dry with a diffuser to enhance shape without frizz.
How long does my hair need to be for a 70s shag?
For a classic 70s shag, you’ll want at least 8–10 cm (3–4 inches) on top and enough length at the back to touch or skim your collar. This gives your barber room to layer and create movement.
What products should I use for 70s men’s hairstyles?
Focus on lightweight products that support volume and texture: volumizing mousse, sea salt spray, curl cream or styling lotion, a light hairspray and always a heat protectant if you blow-dry. Avoid heavy gels and waxes that make hair stiff.
How often should I trim 70s-style long hair?
Plan on a trim every 8–10 weeks. That keeps the ends healthy, maintains the 70s-inspired shape and prevents your hair from looking overgrown or bulky while you keep the overall length.