20 1970S African American Hairstyles To Try In 2023

1. Afro

The ’70s were an iconic time for bold and beautiful Afro hairstyles. It was a time when people embraced their natural curls and coils, creating voluminous and luxurious looks that have become iconic in the African American community. To recreate this style today, start with freshly washed, conditioned, and combed hair. Then, apply a curl-defining gel or cream to help keep the curls in place. Finish off with an air dry or diffuser to create the perfect ’70s-inspired Afro.

2. Afro Puff

The Afro puff is a classic ’70s hairstyle that is still popular today. To create this look, start with freshly washed, conditioned, and combed hair. Then, divide the hair into four sections and secure with clips. Begin with the first section by brushing the hair back and up towards the center of the head. Secure with a hair tie. Repeat this step with the other three sections. Then, finish off with a light mist of hairspray.

3. Jheri Curl

The Jheri curl was one of the most popular hairstyles of the ’70s. To recreate this look, start with freshly washed and conditioned hair. Then, apply a curl-defining cream or gel to help keep the curls in place. Next, wrap one-inch sections of hair around your finger, working from the back of the head towards the front. Secure with a hair tie and let air dry. Finish off with a light mist of hairspray.

4. Cornrows

Cornrows were once a popular hairstyle in the ’70s, and they’re still popular today. To create this look, start with freshly washed, conditioned, and combed hair. Then, section off the hair into four sections and secure with clips. Begin with the first section and divide into three equal parts. Braid the hair in the traditional cornrow style and secure the ends with a hair tie. Repeat this step with the other three sections.

5. Flat Twist

The flat twist was a popular ’70s hairstyle for African Americans. To recreate this look today, start with freshly washed, conditioned, and combed hair. Then, divide the hair into four sections and secure with clips. Begin with the first section and divide into two equal parts. Twist the two sections together and secure the ends with a hair tie. Repeat this step with the other three sections.

6. Braided Pigtails

Braided pigtails were a popular ’70s hairstyle for African Americans. To recreate this look today, start with freshly washed, conditioned, and combed hair. Then, divide the hair into four sections and secure with clips. Begin with the first section and divide into two equal parts. Braid each section and secure the ends with a hair tie. Repeat this step with the other three sections.

7. Bantu Knots

Bantu knots were a popular ’70s hairstyle for African Americans. To recreate this look today, start with freshly washed, conditioned, and combed hair. Then, divide the hair into four sections and secure with clips. Begin with the first section and divide into two equal parts. Twist each section into a knot and secure the ends with a hair tie. Repeat this step with the other three sections.

8. Twist Out

The twist out was a popular ’70s hairstyle for African Americans. To recreate this look today, start with freshly washed, conditioned, and combed hair. Then, divide the hair into four sections and secure with clips. Begin with the first section and divide into two equal parts. Twist each section and secure the ends with a hair tie. Let sit overnight or for at least 8 hours. In the morning, unravel the twists and finish off with a light mist of hairspray.