Classic '70s Hairstyles Every Man Can Wear Today

'70s men's hairstyles were more than just a look; they were a bold statement. Music, politics, and culture all played a part in shaping how men wore their hair. Each strand spoke of rebellion, transformation, and self-discovery. Today, let's dive into the iconic styles of the '70s and see which ones still turn heads.

Rock & Roll Culture & Hair

Rock 'n' Roll in the '70s sparked a revolution in men's hair. Bands didn't just own the stage, they owned the spotlight with their unforgettable hair. Robert Plant's legendary curls and Paul McCartney's flowing locks set trends that spread like wildfire. Hair became an extension of the music, a way to channel that electric energy into daily life. It was never just about a cut; it was about making a statement and standing out from the crowd.

Let's now discuss the famous hairstyles men wore in the 1970s, one by one, including the mop top, pompadour, feathered hair, surfer look, and more.

Mop Top

The Mop Top hairdo had its roots in the previous decade, the '60s. The Beatles first made it famous, and by the '70s, many young men were still following the trend. Paul McCartney carried the look into the '70s with ease. This haircut framed the face with layered hair that had a soft vibe. It was clean and worked well for those chasing a mix of personal style and a nod to pop culture.

The Mullet

The mullet, which rose to prominence in the '70s, became an iconic symbol of rebellion. With its "business in the front, party in the back" silhouette, the hairstyle featured short hair at the front and sides and longer locks in the back. Popularized by actors, rock stars, and athletes, the mullet captured the free-spirited and experimental vibe of the decade.

Today, a new generation embraces the mullet for its blend of modern edge and retro flair. Mullets now feature textured layers, fades, and creative styling, making the look adaptable and fashion-forward while still honoring its roots in the 1970s. Its comeback proves the mullet remains a relevant hairstyle choice.

Pageboy or Bowl Cut

The Bowl Cut or Pageboy offered something different. It was neat, yet quirky. David Bowie used variations of it during his experimentation phases. Others in men's fashion also experimented with this look. With its rounded shape, it was a style that stood out in its own quiet way.

The Surfer Look

The Surfer Look captured the free-spirited vibes of the '70s men. Think of The Beach Boys, who carried the styles ranging from sun-kissed waves to shag hairstyle cuts. It was carefree and easygoing. With salt-tossed natural texture, it fits right into summer scenes and the laid-back parts of the pop culture of the era.

The Wild, Spiky Look

When people talk about '70s men's hairstyles, it's impossible to skip Rod Stewart. His spiky, wild take on the shag hairstyle became one of the decade's most iconic hairstyles. Stewart's cut combined layered hair with lift, creating a style that looked untamed yet carried a unique signature.

Rod Stewart's shag haircut captured the rebellious spirit of '70s rock. It became more than a style; it was a form of self-expression. The look hasn't faded either. Men still wear the shag today, often updated with a modern touch.

Pompadour Revival

The Pompadour Revival revived the structured look, but with a '70s twist. Think of John Travolta in Grease. His character "Danny Zuko" showed how the style could blend men's grooming with a rebellious spirit. It was neat and had a good style edge that worked with a leather jacket.

Feathered Hair & Layered Cuts

Feathered hair soared in popularity during the '70s, framing faces with soft layers and effortless movement. Men of the Disco Decade used round brushes to lift and shape their hair, creating that signature flow.

Layered cuts were another hit, giving long hair the freedom to move while keeping its shape. Unlike the stiff styles of the past, the '70s celebrated a relaxed, natural vibe.

Short Hair in the '70s

Not every man grew hair long. Short hair remained, but with a '70s twist. Cropped cuts were softened with sideburns and longer tops. The buzz of previous decades evolved into more stylish shapes. Men in the '70s who kept their hair short still engaged in the spirit of self-expression. They found ways to make short haircuts modern, matching them with sideburns, fashion, or facial hair.​

Facial Hair & Identity

Style in the '70s went beyond the hair on your head. Facial hair also took center stage; Glenn Frey's mustache and Willie Nelson's beard brought personality and attitude. Paired with bold hairstyles, these looks became powerful statements.

Facial hair had its own meaning, conveying toughness, maturity, or a connection to the rebellious spirit of rock stars. Along with long hair, it helped men appear to belong to the era.

Conclusion

'70s men's hairstyles marked a turning point in history. They connected protest, music, cinema, and fashion in a way that had never been seen before. Men tried mixed styles, embraced bold experimentation, and discovered that hair could speak louder than words.

The '70s showed that hair was more than a style: it was a mirror of personality and rebellion. This era sparked the modern era of men's grooming and proved that a haircut could capture the spirit of a generation.

Visit GENT Cuts & Grooming for '70s Men's Hairstyles

Visit Gent Cuts and Grooming and bring back the vibe of '70s men's hairstyles. We can give you iconic '70s cuts, such as the pompadour revival, shoulder-length straight hair, mop top, bowl cut, pageboy, and the surfer look.

Choose a scalp-smoothing head shave, classic or executive shave, gray blending, or a sharp beard trim and shape. Finish with a neck wax, eyebrow shaping, or ear and nose waxing. For your skin, try our Express or Signature Facial.

We also carry top products from POMP and St. James of London, with experts on hand to help you make a choice. Visit us in Apple Valley, St. Paul, Edina, Eagan , Eden Prairie, or Minneapolis.

Book your appointment at GENT Cuts and Grooming today and step confidently into a new, stylish look.