70s, 80s, and 90s Hairstyles: A Look Back in Hair Style

Fashion is ever-evolving, but great hairstyles are timeless. From the glamorous waves of the 70s to the bold volume of the 80s and the sleek layers of the 90s, each era brought a new wave (literally!) of iconic beauty trends.

In this blog, we take a nostalgic stroll through the top hairstyles of the 70s, 80s, and 90s, and show you how these unforgettable looks still influence hairstyles today.

1.70s Hairstyles: Effortless, Feminine & Free-Spirited

Source:Hairfinder

The 1970s were all about natural beauty—with a touch of glamour. Whether disco dancing or embracing boho chic, people in the ‘70s loved hair that moved with them. Volume, texture, and layered cuts ruled the era.

Source:siklor

1. Feathered Hair 

The most iconic 70s hairstyle? Feathered hair, made famous by Farrah Fawcett. Long layers were parted down the middle, curled away from the face to create a feathered, winged look. It added movement, softness, and serious star power. Modern Update: Feathered curtain bangs are a nod to the classic Fawcett style, paired with soft waves or blowouts.

Source:Latesthairstyle

2. Long & Sleek with a Middle Part

Hippie-inspired looks dominated early 70s fashion. Long hair, worn straight with a center part, was a simple yet empowering statement. No complicated styling—just glossy, healthy locks. Modern Update: Think Kim Kardashian’s poker-straight middle part or ultra-sleek wigs styled to perfection.

Source:Youtube

3. The Afro & Natural Hair Movement

The natural hair movement in the 70s embraced proudly wearing afros, coils, and curls. Icons like Pam Grier and Angela Davis made natural hair a symbol of beauty and power. Modern Update: Natural textures are more celebrated than ever, with twist-outs, braid-outs, and modern afros being fashion-forward and empowering.

2.80s Hairstyles: Volume, Glam & Statement Hair

Source:Women&home

When we say the 1980s, you think big hair, right? Everything about the 80s was bold—shoulder pads, neon, leg warmers—and hairstyle trends followed suit. Volume, perms, curls, and wild creativity ruled the beauty mindset of the decade.

Source:The Sun

1. The Perm 

One of the most defining 80s hairstyles is the perm—tight, voluminous curls that turned flat hair into a fluffy masterpiece. Whether short or long, permed hair was always styled big and bold. Modern Update: Soft, wand-styled curls or digital perms offer a gentler, more wearable version of this texture.

Source:Allure

2. Teased Hair & High Volume

From mall bangs to teased crowns, 80s hair was all about teasing, hairspray, and height. Women wore hair high—literally. Think Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and glam metal bands all embracing this dramatic trend. Modern Update: Volume is still in, but stylists now use dry texturizers and root-lifting sprays instead of ultra-stiff hairsprays.

Source:Vintage Everyday

3. Punk-Inspired & Mullet Cuts

Not everyone followed the mainstream. The 80s punk and rock scene introduced mohawks, bright hair colors, and of course, the infamous mullet (“business in the front, party in the back”). Modern Update: The mullet has made a surprising comeback in fashion circles, often reimagined as a modern shag or hybrid wolf cut.

3.90s Hairstyles: Simple, Sleek & Trendy

Source:Allure

After the layered chaos of the 80s, the 1990s brought a style reset. Hair became more relaxed, minimal, and refined—but still ultra-fashionable. Influenced by supermodels, sitcoms, and R&B icons, 90s hairstyles became timeless trends that still dominate today’s beauty world.

Source:Glam

1. The “Rachel” Layers 

No 90s hairstyle list is complete without The Rachel, made famous by Jennifer Aniston on “Friends”. It featured choppy, face-framing layers with a bouncy blowout—equal parts polished and playful. Modern Update: Today’s layered lobs and shags are heavily inspired by this iconic look, often styled with beachy waves or soft curls.

Source:Pinterest

2. Butterfly Clips & Middle-Parted Tendrils

The 90s were also about playful hair accessories. Teen fashion icons like Britney Spears and Brandy wore butterfly clips, zig-zag parts, and loose tendrils that framed the face from messy updos. Modern Update: We now see face-framing tendrils on soft braided buns and chic updos, perfect for festivals or casual glam.

Source:Youtube

3. Box Braids & Protective Styles

Black 90s icons like Janet Jackson and Brandy helped popularize long box braids, fulani braids, and other stunning protective hairstyles that combined elegance with cultural pride. Modern Update: Box braids are now worn with beads, color, and feed-ins—with HD lace fronts for realistic closures.

4.Comparing Hairstyles from the 70s, 80s, and 90s

Each decade brought its unique flavor to fashion and hair. From the natural, carefree waves of the 70s, to the bold volume of the 80s, and the chic simplicity of the 90s, let’s break down how these iconic eras compare when it comes to hairstyles:

 

5.Why These Decades Still Inspire Today’s Hair Trends

Source:retropond

Why do 70s, 80s, and 90s hairstyles keep coming back? Because they each reflect a moment in fashion and social history. The 70s embraced authenticity and self-expression The 80s encouraged boldness and unapologetic glam The 90s celebrated cool minimalism and cultural fusion From vintage wigs to modern recreations, you’ll notice beauty creators, stylists, and celebrities constantly draw inspiration from these iconic eras.

Trending Today:

Curtain bangs = 70s

Wolf cut = 80s

Clean girl aesthetic = 90s.

6.Final Thoughts

Whether you're into the free-spirited waves of the 70s, the bold volume of the 80s, or the sleek chicness of the 90s, there’s something timeless about each decade’s hair footprint. Want to recreate the look?

Whether through professional styling, hair extensions, or human hair wigs, today’s tools make it easy to rock the past with a modern twist. Over the years, one thing remains true: Fashion may evolve, but iconic hairstyles never go out of style.