Hello, style seekers! If you’ve ever wandered down the memory lane of hairstyles past, you know the 70s was a decade where hair ruled with unapologetic flair. From the layers to the perms, it was a time when volume was king and subtlety was often sidelined. As much as we adore a good retro revival, some styles should stay safely tucked away in the attic of history. Let’s embark on a whimsical journey through 20 haircuts from the 70s that are best left behind. Buckle up; it’s going to be a bumpy ride full of curls, mullets, and more.
1. O Shag
Oh, the shag—a haircut that looks as if it just rolled out of bed, and maybe it did! With its choppy layers and a devil-may-care attitude, this style was all the rage. However, today it resembles more of a haircut having an identity crisis.
Where did this come from? Popularized by rock stars and celebrities, it screamed rebellion. Yet, wearing it now might scream, ‘I lost my way in a time machine.’ Let’s keep the shag as a memory rather than a revival.
2. A Tainha
Business in the front, party in the back—it’s the mullet! This is the hairstyle equivalent of a mullet joke, already told too many times. It was the go-to look for those who couldn’t decide, perhaps ever.
But let’s face it: unless you’re fronting a retro cover band, there’s no compelling reason to sport this blast from the past. How it became popular is anyone’s guess, but let’s agree it belongs in the style archives.
3. The Farrah Flip
If ever there was a hairstyle that defined a generation, it would be the Farrah Flip—waves of feathered layers cascading like a waterfall. It spoke volumes, literally and figuratively.
Yet today, it feels like wearing a costume. While Farrah Fawcett may have rocked it, mimicking that magnitude of hair now feels like trying too hard. Let’s admire it in vintage photos where it belongs, not in the mirror.
4. The Bowl Cut
The bowl cut—often seen on children in the 70s, much to their chagrin. This hairstyle says, ‘I own a mixing bowl, and I’m not afraid to use it.’
Though practical for cutting at home, it lacks any semblance of style. A bowl cut today is akin to wearing a neon sign declaring, ‘My mom cut my hair.’ Unless you’re aiming for laughs, it’s best left to its historical roots.
5. The Afro
The Afro was more than a hairstyle; it was a cultural statement. With its bold presence, it was a symbol of pride and identity.
In the modern context, the Afro continues to hold its own, evolving into a diverse array of styles. However, the oversized disco version from the 70s can be a bit much for everyday wear. It’s a style to be embraced with caution unless on a themed night out.
6. O pajem
Enter the pageboy—a hairstyle as perplexing as it sounds. With its straight lengths and flicked-under ends, it was the style for those seeking simplicity.
Yet, its lack of personality makes it less than appealing today. Once the choice for those caught between nostalgia and practicality, the pageboy is better suited for a history book than a style guide.
7. The Feathered Bangs
Feathered bangs, the ultimate flirtation with hair. They dance in the wind and framed faces with a gentle touch—at least, that was the idea.
Now, they look like they’re perpetually mid-breeze, too soft and insecure to make a statement. How they stayed fashionable is a mystery, but they’re more of a style experiment gone wrong than a timeless classic.
8. The Dorothy Hamill
The Dorothy Hamill cut—more wedge than a salad! Named after the Olympic skater, it was a spin on short hair that didn’t quite land.
Though it was sharp and defined, it quickly became dated, like a VHS tape in a world of streaming. Unless you’re stepping into a pair of skates, this cut is best left in the rink of yesteryears.
9. The Perm
Perms—a wild cascade of curls that seemed to have a mind of their own. In the 70s, it was the epitome of fashion-forward.
However, today, tight perms can look more like a poodle caught in the rain. While curls are charming, when they’re forced into submission, they lose their natural allure. Let’s leave the tight perms to the history books and enjoy curls that spring naturally.
10. The Flick
The flick—the cousin of the Farrah Flip, but with less intention. Hair that defied gravity and logic, it was meant to be carefree.
Yet, the constant flicking outwards suggests indecision. While it might have had its day in the sun, it’s now the hairstyle equivalent of a forgotten relic, best admired in old photos rather than revived.
11. The Helmet Hair
Helmet hair—stiff, unyielding, and impervious to wind. This style was as solid as the name suggests, offering hair that didn’t move, ever.
Though it was practical for those who feared the elements, today it says more about hair spray dependency than style. Unless you’re a statue, hair should be free to move. Let’s remember helmet hair as a curious relic, not a comeback candidate.
12. The Beehive
The beehive—a towering testament to the power of hairspray. It was the ultimate updo, reaching heights that defied gravity.
While it commanded attention, it also required commitment and a strong neck. In today’s fast-paced world, who has time for that? The beehive should remain in the past, admired for its architectural marvel rather than its practicality.
13. The Center Part
The center part—simple, symmetrical, and remarkably dull. This style split the hair evenly, offering a no-fuss look.
However, it often lacked personality, leaving one resembling a bobblehead rather than a trendsetter. It’s a style that whispers when it should shout, making it better suited for those who prefer blending in over standing out.
14. The Long and Straight
Long and straight—a nod to the bohemian spirit of the 70s, where hair flowed as freely as the era’s ideals.
Though it was a symbol of liberation, today it can appear lifeless and flat. Without the right styling, it risks looking more like a curtain than a hairstyle. It’s a look best left to the dreamy days of flower power and peace rallies.
15. The Pompadour
The pompadour—a style that stood tall with unapologetic flair. It was the choice of rebels and rockers, hair reaching new heights.
But in today’s world, it can feel more like a caricature than a hairstyle. While it has seen a resurgence in modern times, the towering 70s version is best admired from afar, lest it overpower the conversation.
16. The Feathered Pixie
The feathered pixie—a bold move for those seeking liberation from longer locks. With its short, layered cut, it was a statement of independence.
Yet, it can often appear unfinished, like a work of art left incomplete. While it may have suited the daring spirit of the 70s, today it can seem less polished. It’s a look best appreciated on the mannequins of time.
17. The Curly Mop
The curly mop—a wild, untamed mess of curls that seemed to have a life of their own. It was a carefree style that embraced chaos.
However, without proper care, it can quickly become more ‘mop’ than ‘curly.’ While the 70s celebrated this untamed spirit, today’s hair demands a bit more polish. Let’s leave the mop to the nostalgia bins.
18. The Wedge
The wedge—sharp angles and geometric boldness that cut through the sea of softer styles. It was the choice for those craving definition.
However, this style can often look severe, like attempting too hard to be edgy. While it might have turned heads in the 70s, today it’s more of a style curiosity than a wearable look. Let’s admire its precision from a distance.
19. The Slick Back
The slick back—hair so shiny you could see your reflection. It was the hallmark of the suave and sophisticated with gel usage bordering on excessive.
Though sleek, it often left hair looking more plastic than polished. While it had its place in the business world, today it’s best avoided unless you’re auditioning for a 70s film. Let’s keep the gel under control.
20. The Bouffant
The bouffant—a voluminous masterpiece of architectural hair design. It was the go-to style for any formal occasion, towering with grace.
Yet, it often required so much upkeep that it became more burden than beauty. In the modern era, less is often more. While the bouffant has its place in history, it’s best left there, admired for its grandeur.