1970s bob hairstyles took the classic bob haircut we know and gave it the decade’s own flair — focusing on movement, texture, face framing and individuality rather than a strictly geometric shape. Bobs were everywhere in the decade, and while they weren’t the dominant style overall (long hair and feathered layers were massively popular too), they were an important part of the era’s hair landscape.
Here’s what defined the 70s take on the bob:
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70s Bob Hairstyles Characteristic #1: Round, Bouncy Shapes With Volume
Instead of super sharp, flat styles, 70s bobs often had body and bounce.
Stylists used blow‑drying and round brushes to create smooth curves that framed the face with a soft, rounded silhouette.
This gave the haircut a flattering, lively look rather than the very blunt edges of earlier decades.
70s Bob Hairstyles Characteristic #2: Flipped or Turned‑Under Ends
One popular variation involved styling the ends outward or lightly flipped under with a round brush.
That little flare added personality and was sometimes paired with bold glasses or other 70s fashion elements.
3. Curtain or Flicky Bangs
Many bobs were worn with bangs — especially curtain bangs that parted in the middle or slightly off‑center and feathered to either side of the forehead.
This soft framing was typical of the decade’s “natural but styled” vibe.
4. Texture and Layers
Some 70s bob styles incorporated soft layering or a slightly shaggy finish, steering away from perfectly blunt lines and instead creating movement. These textured bobs looked effortless and blended well with the rest of the era’s relaxed hairstyles.
5. Versatility Across Hair Types
People adapted the bob to different textures — straight, wavy or curly bobs were all seen in the 70s.
For example, black women often wore voluminous curly bob shapes that embraced natural texture and added height at the crown.
6. A Nod to Cultural Moments
Celebrities and public figures helped make these looks memorable, whether through sleek, face‑skimming styles or more playful, tousled versions that fit with the decade’s cultural push toward self‑expression and breaking from rigid beauty rules.
In summary
The 1970s bob wasn’t one uniform cut — it was an adaptable shape that focused on softness, volume and personality rather than strict geometry.
It could be simple and sleek, slightly flipped or feathered, worn with curtain bangs, or textured for a more bohemian feel.
What tied them together was a sense of movement and 70s spirit: expressive, lively, and approachable without sacrificing style.
A 1970’s long bob—often called a lob—is a version of the classic bob haircut that sits around shoulder length or just above.
It bridges short hair and longer lengths, giving a look that feels relaxed but still stylish.
The term “lob” itself just means long bob, and it’s been around as a concept long before the name became trendy.
Style Characteristics of the 1970’s Long Bob
- In the 1970s, the long bob wasn’t as sharply defined as a 1920s bob or a super‑geometric 1960s cut. Instead it tended to be softer, with smoother lines and movement.
- The ends of the hair were often flicked outward or slightly feathered, giving a breezy, casual look rather than a severe line. The style could be worn with either a centre part or side part, depending on the face shape and overall fashion of the day.
Hair Style 1970s Bun
1970s Pic of Woman With Long Hair
Photo credits: The Oklahoman, HJ, Getty Images