The 1970s were loud, free, bold, and full of personality, and that energy still shows up in hair and makeup today. Women in the ’70s didn’t try to look perfect. They went for confidence, movement, and attitude. Hair had volume, makeup had warmth, and nothing felt stiff or overdone. That’s why so many of these looks still work right now. They feel real. They feel fun. And they let women show who they are instead of hiding behind trends.
From soft feathered layers to glossy lips and sun-kissed skin, ’70s beauty was about balance. You could wear natural makeup with wild hair or dramatic eyes with a relaxed face. There were no strict rules, and that freedom is what keeps these styles alive today. Modern women still borrow from the ’70s because the looks flatter many face shapes, skin tones, and personal styles.
This guide breaks down the most head-turning ’70s hair and makeup ideas that still feel fresh. Whether you love soft glam, bold drama, or something in between, these ideas fit everyday life, special events, and everything else. You don’t need to dress like it’s 1976 to wear these looks. You just need the right details, the right vibe, and the confidence to own it.
Table of Contents
1. Feathered Hair That Frames the Face
Feathered hair ruled the ’70s, and it still looks good because it works with natural movement. This style uses layers that flip outward and backward, creating a soft frame around the face. It adds volume without looking heavy and keeps hair looking full even when it’s fine.
Women loved this look because it felt effortless. You could wash your hair, blow it dry with a round brush, and still look put together. Today, feathered hair feels modern when the layers stay soft instead of stiff. The key is light styling and natural flow.
This style works well on medium to long hair. It flatters round, oval, and heart-shaped faces because it pulls attention outward instead of down. If you want a current feel, keep the layers blended and avoid sharp lines.
For makeup, feathered hair pairs best with warm tones. Think peach blush, brown eyeliner, and soft nude lips. The goal is harmony. When hair moves freely, makeup should feel easy too.
2. The Farrah Flip and Big Volume Energy
The Farrah flip became one of the most famous hairstyles of the ’70s, and people still copy it today. This look focuses on big volume at the crown with flipped ends that bounce when you move. It sends a clear message: confidence first.
To wear this style now, volume matters more than perfection. You don’t need helmet hair. You want lift, body, and shine. Use rollers or a blow dryer to create fullness, then let the ends flip naturally.
This hairstyle works great with simple makeup. When hair takes center stage, makeup should support it, not compete with it. Go for glowing skin, soft bronzer, and light mascara. A glossy lip finishes the look without stealing attention.
Women love this style because it feels powerful. It adds height, movement, and drama while still looking playful. That balance keeps it timeless.
3. Natural Afro and Textured Hair Power
The ’70s celebrated natural hair in a big way. Afros weren’t just a style; they were a statement. Women embraced their texture and wore it proudly. That energy still matters today.
Natural textured hair looks strong, stylish, and confident. Whether it’s a full afro, a rounded shape, or a soft halo of curls, this look turns heads because it owns space.
Modern versions focus on healthy shine and defined shape. Keep curls moisturized and let the hair’s natural pattern shine. You don’t need heavy makeup with this look. Clean skin, defined brows, and lip balm or gloss work perfectly. This style proves that beauty doesn’t need fixing. It needs care, pride, and confidence.
4. Sun-Kissed Skin and Bronzed Makeup
Makeup in the ’70s loved warmth. Women aimed for that just-back-from-the-beach glow. Bronzed skin looked healthy, relaxed, and natural.
To recreate this look today, start with even skin. Use light coverage that lets freckles and natural texture show. Add bronzer to the cheeks, temples, and nose for warmth. Skip harsh contouring. The ’70s glow stays soft.
Eyes stay simple with brown or bronze shadows. Lashes look natural, not heavy. Lips lean toward nude, peach, or soft coral.
This makeup style works on all ages because it adds life to the face without looking heavy. It pairs well with loose hair, waves, or pulled-back styles.
5. Bold Eyes with Soft Skin Balance
While skin stayed natural, eyes sometimes stole the show. The ’70s loved smoky eyes, deep crease shades, and long lashes. The difference is how the rest of the face stayed calm.
To wear this today, focus on one main feature. If eyes go dark or dramatic, keep skin light and lips simple. Use browns, grays, or muted greens instead of harsh black for a softer feel.
Eyeliner doesn’t need sharp wings. Smudge it along the lash line for a lived-in look. This style works great for evenings, parties, or special events. The magic comes from contrast. Strong eyes feel even stronger when the rest of the face stays relaxed.
6. Long Straight Hair with a Center Part
Long straight hair with a center part became a signature ’70s look. It looked clean, calm, and cool without effort. This style still works because it highlights facial features and keeps everything balanced.
The key is shine and health. Flat, dry hair won’t carry this look. Use smoothing products and keep the ends neat. The center part draws attention to the eyes and cheekbones.
Makeup should match the simplicity. Think clean brows, subtle liner, and natural lips. This look feels strong without shouting. It works well for everyday wear and special moments when you want something simple but striking.
7. Glossy Lips and Barely-There Color
Lip makeup in the ’70s didn’t scream for attention. Women loved shine, moisture, and soft color. Glossy lips looked youthful and fresh.
Today, this style feels modern and easy. Choose shades close to your natural lip color. Add gloss for fullness and light. Skip heavy liner and bold matte shades.
This lip style pairs well with both natural and dramatic eye looks. It keeps the face balanced and approachable. Glossy lips remind us that makeup doesn’t need to work hard to look good.
8. Soft Waves and Laid-Back Glam
Soft waves defined casual ’70s glam. Hair didn’t look stiff or overstyled. It moved, bounced, and flowed naturally.
You can create this look with loose curling or braiding damp hair overnight. Brush it gently and let it fall where it wants. This style looks best when it feels relaxed.
Makeup stays light. Think glowing skin, soft blush, and neutral eyes. This look fits daytime events, dinners, and casual outings. Laid-back glam works because it feels real. It doesn’t try too hard, and that’s what makes it attractive.
FAQs
1. Can women of any age wear ’70s hair and makeup styles?
Yes. ’70s beauty works at any age because it focuses on softness, warmth, and balance. You can adjust volume, color depth, and coverage to suit your comfort level.
2. Do I need thick hair to pull off ’70s hairstyles?
No. Many ’70s styles use layers, movement, and texture, which can actually make fine hair look fuller when styled the right way.
3. Is ’70s makeup heavy or dramatic?
Not usually. Most looks keep skin light and fresh. Even bold eyes stay balanced with soft lips and natural skin.
4. Can I wear ’70s-inspired makeup for everyday looks?
Absolutely. Bronzed skin, glossy lips, soft waves, and feathered layers work perfectly for daily wear.
5. What’s the easiest ’70s look to try first?
Glossy lips with warm blush and loose waves are one of the simplest ways to bring in the ’70s vibe without big changes.
6. Does ’70s beauty work with modern fashion?
Yes. These hair and makeup styles blend well with today’s clothes and don’t require full retro outfits to look good.
7. How do I keep a ’70s look from feeling outdated?
Keep textures soft, avoid harsh lines, and focus on healthy skin and hair. Modern finishes make the look feel current.
More FaQs
8. Are ’70s hairstyles high maintenance?
Most ’70s hairstyles are easy to maintain. They rely more on good layering and light styling rather than constant touch-ups.
9. Can I mix ’70s hair with modern makeup?
Yes. Pairing feathered hair or soft waves with modern skin makeup creates a balanced and updated look.
10. What face shapes suit ’70s hairstyles best?
’70s styles work well on all face shapes because layers, volume, and parts can be adjusted to flatter individual features.
11. Is ’70s makeup suitable for mature skin?
Yes. The focus on glow, warmth, and light coverage makes it very friendly for mature skin.
12. Do I need special tools to create ’70s hair looks?
Not really. A blow dryer, round brush, or simple curling tool is usually enough.
13. Can natural hair textures follow the ’70s trend?
Definitely. The ’70s celebrated natural texture, curls, and volume more than any other era.
14. What colors work best for ’70s-inspired makeup?
Warm shades like bronze, brown, peach, and soft gold fit the ’70s vibe best.
Conclusion
’70s hair and makeup still turn heads because they focus on confidence, comfort, and personality. These styles don’t hide who you are. They highlight it. From feathered layers to bronzed skin and glossy lips, every look carries warmth and freedom.
You don’t need to copy these styles exactly. Take what fits your face, your hair, and your lifestyle. Mix old-school ideas with modern habits. Keep things soft, balanced, and expressive.
The best part about ’70s beauty is how human it feels. It celebrates movement, texture, and real features. That’s why it never fades. When you wear these looks, you don’t just follow a trend. You carry an attitude that always stands out.
