1970s updo hairstyles brought together the decade’s love of volume, movement, texture, and individuality.
From towering beehives and teased crowns to soft chignons, pinned curls, and half-up styles, there was plenty of room to make an updo dramatic, polished, or relaxed.
Some looks carried over from the glamorous 1960s, while others reflected the softer, more carefree approach to hair that became popular during the ’70s.
Whether you are looking for a vintage hairstyle for a special occasion or simply love the distinctive hair of the decade, 1970s updo hairstyles offer plenty of inspiration. Here are some of the most recognizable ways women wore their hair up during the era, along with the details that gave these styles their unmistakable ’70s character.
Table of Contents
Popular 1970s Updo Hairstyles & Styling Techniques
Seventies Updoes Hair Style #1. Half-Up Hairstyles Site:ChickAboutTown.com Beehive site:chickabouttown.com (“Half-Up Beehive”)
A glamorous, elevated twist on the classic beehive, this style featured the crown section teased and shaped while the rest of the hair cascaded loosely below.
It remained popular throughout the ’70s before evolving into softer looks.
Seventies Hair Updos #2. Beehive / Hive Updo
Although the beehive originated in the 1960s, its dramatic volume carried into the early ’70s.
Achieved by backcombing or teasing, the hair was shaped into a conical mound atop the head and smoothed over.
The name was coined after a journalist noticed its resemblance to a beehive. Modern recreations (as “Hive Updo”) simplify the styling while preserving volume and presence.
70’s Updo #3. High Updos with Romantic Flair
Formal events saw tall updos that valued elegance but also embraced a relaxed, romantic feel.
These often featured gently tousled tendrils framing the face, soft volume, and structural height.
70s Hairstyles Updo #4. Flicks, Wings & Flippy Ends
Although not strict updos, these techniques influenced how hair was incorporated into partial up styles:
- Flicks & Wings: Hair curled outward at the ends formed “wings” around the face, giving a polished shape.
- Flippy Ends: Characterized by curled-out ends that flipped away from the face, creating lift and movement—common in both loose and pinned-back styles.
1970s Updo Hairstyles #5. Low Pigtails
While not strictly updo, they were styled with a loose, airy aesthetic—often at ear-level and enhanced by volume at the crown—straddling the line between casual and styled-up.
70s Hair Updos Style #6. Flower-Accented Updos & Braided Touches
Evening styles frequently combined texture and decoration—think braided chignons, soft roller-set curls pinned up tastefully, or floral embellishments over a tucked-under ponytail.
Style Notes & Cultural Touchstones
- Volume was everything—from teased heights in beehives to sweeping flicks. The ’70s embraced “go big or go home” beauty ideology.
- Celebrity influence was strong—icons like Farrah Fawcett popularized the feathered “Farrah Flick,” while disco culture leaned toward lively, voluminous curls. Even today, the look endures.
- Modern revivals: Today’s stylists tap into ’70s flair with updated techniques—bringing back curtain bangs, voluminous roller curls, headbands, scarves, and nods to updo structure in fresh ways.
Quick Reference Table
| Style | Description & Elements |
|---|---|
| Half-Up Beehive | Crown teased into volume; rest left flowing — dramatic nostalgia. |
| Full Beehive (“Hive Updo”) | Entire hair teased into a tall conical shape — retro statement look. |
| High Romantic Updo | Elegant, tall styles with soft drapes and face-framing strands. |
| Low Pigtails | Loose, airy, styled at ear level with crown lift—casual meets updo. |