Outdated Hair Trends From The '70s That Older Women Need To Let Go Of

When some people reach a certain age, they can become set in their ways, especially when it comes to their looks. Although many hair trends have come and gone, some Boomer and Gen X women are still holding on to them as tightly as a velcro roller. Sure, the '70s gave us many fabulous fads, such as Farrah Fawcett's iconic feathered 'do, Debbie Harry's peekaboo bangs, and hippie headbands. However, while these styles looked gorgeous then, they just don't have the same effect in the 2020s, especially on older hair.

In the same way outdated fashion trends can instantly age you, certain hairstyles don't do so well on older faces or hair textures. Additionally, women reaching their 60s and 70s may still be using styling techniques that no longer serve them well. With new trends emerging every season, as well as updated modern tools, there's no reason mature women need to be stuck in the past when it comes to their hair.

Velcro rollers were big in the '70s, as they helped achieve that big voluminous 'do that all the stars were rocking at the time. They were super convenient to use, as you weren't exposing your hair to heat, and you could just roll up your strands and forget about them until they were ready to uncurl. That's when it gets tricky, however, as the Velcro snags the strands and causes damage, as well as frizz. Instead, try heatless silk rollers, which will give you tons of body without the breakage for that va-va-voom hair.

Long bangs were made popular in the '70s thanks to style icons like Jane Birkin and Debbie Harry, but post-2020 (or rather, post-age 40), they're simply not practical for those who grew up idolizing them. If you're around the same age bracket, it's time to let go of the heavy fringe and opt for a wispier style that's easier to manage. Shorter bangs that fall just under your brows are more conducive to wearing glasses and won't irritate your eyes. If you have to choose a haircut from that decade, curtain bangs are the low-maintenance style that makes changing up your look easy.

While voluptuous hair was en vogue during the 1970s, so was ultra-sleek down-to-there hair, thanks to music legends such as Cher and Joni Mitchell. If you're an older woman still emulating that pin-straight look, it may be time for a new style. It's a well-known fact that we lose hair as we age, and going for a long, straight style will only highlight the loss of volume. That doesn't mean there aren't long haircuts that are flattering on older women. You can create some body by incorporating layers or even getting a fun perm to channel your inner Barbra Streisand.

The '70s were full of different iterations of the bob, from wedge haircuts to shoulder-grazing lobs. Although there's an argument that the look is classic and never goes out of style, pairing it with a sharp fringe can make older features appear too harsh. "It's tempting to go for a blunt fringe once forehead wrinkles start to appear, but a heavy fringe closes off your face and makes your eyes appear smaller. It also highlights fine lines," hairstylist Rob Reeves of Vidal Sassoon shared. Instead, soften your face with feathered bangs or try a side-swept style.

There was a time when everyone reached for their bottle of Sun-In once summer hit. The product, which consists of hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice, promised to lighten strands with just a few spritzes whether you were basking in the sun or sitting under a hairdryer. The nostalgic brand is still around, and while it's a cheaper alternative to getting professional highlights, it's recommended to use it with caution, especially if you have dark hair. "It turned my hair orange," a Facebook user warned. Another wrote, "It should be called ORANGE IN!!!!!"

It took a lot of work for women to get their hair looking like Farrah Fawcett's or Diana Ross', which is why they did everything to preserve their 'dos with loads of Aquanet. Back then, their bathrooms were likely in a permanent fog of chemicals, and if you're still guilty of this, it's time to back away from the hairspray. Helmet hair is no longer in fashion, and hopefully, it's a trend that will never come back. These days, it's all about movement, so just a few spritzes will do.

Carefully crafted bouffants and teased crowns were one of the biggest hair trends of the '60s and '70s. While it was once considered chic to have fullness at the top of the head with nary a hair out of place, the uniform style can look harsh on older faces. The height draws the focus upward to the forehead, where signs of aging like wrinkles can appear. To achieve a more modern take on the bouffant, hairstylist Sam McKnight suggested a slightly disheveled finish, per Pop Sugar. "I think when it's a little bit punky — when the texture is not too finished and not too curled and set ... then it doesn't matter if there's a few hair pins showing and it's falling out a little bit," he shared.