2026 Vs 1970s: What These Celebs Look Like With & Without Their Decade-Defining Hair

The '70s were a decade of social change and pop culture revolution — a fact that becomes especially clear when you look at the major hair trends of the era. From the long, bohemian waves that stars like Stevie Nicks wore, to Jane Fonda's short-lived shag, to the stunning curls of natural hair champions like Pam Grier, celebs of the 1970s pushed women to express themselves unapologetically through their style. Many of the most fabulous stars of the decade are still rocking some stunning looks today. We already know that the sentiment of "dress your age" deserves banishment from fashion discourse, but these celebs are further proving it by looking fabulous well into (and above) their 70s. 

While many of the most talented women of the decade that gave us disco are known for their fantastic hair, they've changed things up a fair bit over the years. Take Cher, for example. The pop icon is known for her witchy black hair, but made the transition to platinum blond in December 2025. And she's not the only legend to switch up her look over the years — plenty of other '70s starlets have gone through major hair evolutions since their rise to fame. In 2026, some of these celebs are almost unrecognizable thanks to their new hairstyles. It's truly never too late to try something new with your look.

As one of the most beloved rock icons, Stevie Nicks captured audiences in the 1970s with her ethereal voice and witchy look. There are plenty of throwback pics of Stevie Nicks that highlight her iconic '70s style, as the Fleetwood Mac star regularly took the stage in flowing dresses and long, voluminous strawberry blond curls. In 2026, Nicks is still performing solo. She maintains her alternative style (though, in recent history, she's rocked sleek hair and understated outfits), but her iconic curls have been subdued. 

Jane Fonda switched up her look many times throughout her decades-long career in entertainment and activism. As Jane Fonda's stunning style evolution shows, her hair was one facet of her aesthetic that has changed countless times. In the early 1970s, Fonda underwent a particularly stark change — rocking a dark brown shag cut for her 1971 film "Klute." Today, Fonda's look is much more subdued (yet no less chic). Throughout 2026, Fonda has rocked a gray bob with refined curls. 

As one of the biggest stars of the 1970s, Cher's glamorous hairstyle from the era has become a pop culture staple. Throughout the decade, Cher rocked extra-long black hair (either straightened or in loose waves) that trailed down her back. Since then, Cher has switched up her look starkly. For the 2026 Met Gala, Cher was all rock and roll in a leather ensemble and platinum blond waves. She debuted the blond wig in late 2025 and has rocked the new look ever since. 

Given that Jane Seymour doesn't buy into the myth that aging ends your life, it's no surprise that the former Bond girl has maintained her signature look over the decades. In the 1970s, Seymour stunned with her long, bohemian auburn locks. Now, Seymour still rocks her signature red hair, but has switched up the style just enough to look modern. In 2026, Seymour has rocked soft red waves and a straight fringe to events like the Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala.

As one of the leading stars and sex symbols of the 1970s, Pam Grier is one of the decade's most recognizable figures. Grier appeared in films like "Coffy," rocking a dark brown afro, her most iconic look. However, she did switch up her style from time to time on and off screen. While attending the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar party, Grier showcased a look quite different from her '70s vibe (though no less stunning) with long, honey-blond curls.

While Joan Collins is most recognizable for the feathered bouffant she wore during "Dynasty" in the 1980s, her '70s style is equally notable. Throughout the decade, Collins rocked dark brown ringlets that typically fell at shoulder length. As Joan Collins' Cannes look at 92 settled the argument that stealing the show isn't just for the young, her current brown curls prove that style is cyclical — her hair looked just as stylish for Variety's 2026 Power of Women event as it did in the 1970s.