The 1970s were a decade of bold self-expression, disco glamour, and fearless experimentation. Beauty trends during this time reflected a culture that was breaking rules and embracing individuality. From dramatic hairstyles to bright, shimmering makeup, the era was all about making a statement.
While some retro trends from the 70s have made a modern comeback, others are best left in the past. Many of these styles required high maintenance, extreme products, or simply didn’t age well over time. Here are twelve of the most unforgettable and questionable beauty trends from the 1970s that we’re glad are no longer mainstream.
1. Frosted Eyeshadow and Metallic Lips
The 1970s loved shimmer and shine. Frosted eyeshadows and metallic lip colors were everywhere, creating bold and futuristic looks. However, these formulas often creased easily and made the skin appear dry or overly shiny, resulting in a less flattering finish.
2. Feathered Hair That Required Constant Styling
Inspired by icons like Farrah Fawcett, feathered hair became one of the decade’s most recognizable hairstyles. While it looked glamorous in photos, it required constant blow-drying, teasing, and hairspray to maintain its volume and shape.
3. Pencil-Thin Eyebrows
Before thick brows became fashionable, extremely thin eyebrows were considered stylish. Many people over-plucked their brows, often causing permanent hair loss and leaving brows sparse for years.
4. Mismatched Lip Liner
In the 70s, it was trendy to outline lips with a darker shade than the lipstick itself. While the goal was to make lips appear fuller, the harsh contrast often created an unnatural and unfinished look.
5. The Shag Haircut Overload
The shag haircut, with its heavy layers and messy texture, was worn by both celebrities and everyday people. Although edgy and fun, it often looked unpolished without daily styling and products.
6. Glitter Everywhere
Disco culture brought glitter into every part of beauty—on eyelids, cheeks, hair, and even lips. While it looked exciting under dance-floor lights, glitter often spread everywhere and was difficult to remove.
7. Over-Applied Blush
Blush in the 1970s was often applied heavily and in bright shades of pink or red. Without proper blending, it created a streaky, exaggerated appearance that looked more theatrical than natural.
8. Extreme Permed Hair
Perms became popular for adding volume and curls. However, the chemicals used often damaged hair, leaving it dry, brittle, and difficult to manage.
9. Super-Long, Ultra-Straight Hair
Inspired by celebrities like Cher, ultra-long straight hair became a defining look. While sleek and dramatic, it required heat styling and constant maintenance, which could lead to damage over time.
10. Big Hair Volume Overload
The late 70s introduced the idea of “big hair,” where volume was everything. Hairstyles were teased and sprayed to create height and fullness, often making them stiff and unnatural looking.
11. Heavy Oil-Based Makeup and Shine
Bronzed skin and oily finishes were popular during the disco era. While they created a glowing effect under lights, they often looked greasy in daylight and clogged pores.
12. Overpowering Fragrance Products
Strongly scented beauty products, including shampoos and perfumes, were extremely popular. These fragrances lingered for long periods, which many people later found overwhelming and artificial.
Why 1970s Beauty Trends Were So Bold
The 1970s were a time of cultural change, artistic freedom, and self-expression. Beauty was no longer about subtle elegance—it became a way to stand out and make a statement.
Disco culture, music icons, and Hollywood all influenced the era’s beauty choices. Bright colors, dramatic hair, and glittery makeup reflected the excitement and creativity of the time.
Which 70s Trends Are Making a Comeback
Interestingly, some 1970s beauty trends are returning in a more modern and wearable way. Soft feathered layers, subtle shimmer, and natural curls have been reintroduced with updated techniques that are easier to maintain.
Today’s versions focus on balance and subtlety rather than extremes, proving that inspiration from the past can still be relevant when adapted to modern standards.
The Lesson from Retro Beauty Trends
Looking back at these trends shows how beauty standards constantly evolve. What once seemed glamorous can later appear outdated, and styles often cycle back in new forms.
The biggest lesson from the 1970s is that self-expression and confidence matter more than following trends. While some styles may not age well, they still represent a time of creativity and individuality.
Final Thoughts
The 1970s gave us some unforgettable beauty moments—some iconic and others questionable. While trends like feathered hair and glitter makeup defined the era, many of these styles were high-maintenance and difficult to wear in everyday life.
Today’s beauty world focuses more on natural looks, healthy skin, and easy-to-maintain styles. Still, the bold spirit of the 70s continues to inspire creativity and self-expression.
In the end, beauty trends come and go, but confidence and personal style are always timeless.