In 2023, new beauty trends appear on the scene with a cadence that will make your perfectly coiffed head spin. Seriously, just open up social media and within seconds, you'll be inundated with bizarre-sounding tutorials to achieve that week's latest hair or makeup craze. "Lip gloss nails," anyone? But for all the latest and greatest beauty looks that might pique your interest, there's also a case to be made for looking to past decades for inspiration. The 1970s, in particular, are a treasure trove of creativity when it comes to hairstyles, from a voluminous Afro to feathered waves.
Now, with the pending premiere of Daisy Jones & the Six on Prime Video (which is based on the bestselling novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid), there's no shortage of '70s-era hair ideas to go around. From perfectly disheveled waves to the gloriously glam half-up beehive, the rock 'n' roll hits just don't stop, making a solid case for the decade being unrivaled when it comes to hair.
"'70s hair is timeless, approachable, and effortless," says hairstylist Danielle Priano, who works with A-list celebrities. "We're in a moment of time where people want to be cool and relevant, but we're constantly on the go and have less time to get ready. Many '70s hairstyles give you this free-spirited, everyday look [with ease]."
Keep reading to learn how to replicate six of the era's most iconic hairstyles for yourself — no dramatic band breakup required.
Meet the Experts:
Ted Gibson, a celebrity hairstylist in Los Angeles and a star of Blowing LA
Long Straight Hair & Center Parts
Camila Alvarez Dunne's ultra-shiny, rib-skimming is synonymous with this era, and as the girlfriend (and eventual wife) of rockstar Billy Dunne, she rarely has a hair out of place. Achieving the look for yourself is completely doable, too, as long as you have the length — or a solid set of extensions. Ted Gibson, a celebrity hairstylist, says that the most important element of the look is making sure your part is right in the center of your head, reaching from the front of the hairline to the crown of the head. "I use a tail comb because it has a blunt tip that can give me an accurate line," he says. "And a flatiron is a must."
As with any hot tool, it's important to use a heat protectant before styling to help maintain the health of your hair, no matter your texture or thickness. Paying attention to the temperature setting is also crucial to prevent damage. "For fine hair, you don't want to go over 300 degrees because too much heat can damage the hair," adds Gibson. Thicker or coarser hair can handle more heat. Work in sections a few inches thick, maneuvering the iron from roots to ends for that super-sleek effect.