Fun fact about me: My hair is stuck in the ’70s. No matter how I choose to style it—from air-dried curls to bouncy blowouts—its resting state is retro. I’ll never forget what a hairstylist told me mid-blowout as he coiffed my lengths into sleek, tumbling waves: Your hair has a mind of its own, and it wants to be ’70s. But hey, I’m not mad about it! At least the look is timeless, right?
It’s taken me a minute (and by minute, I mean years of trial and error) to find my haircare groove, but I finally discovered the exact lineup to help me lean into my natural volume and nail that undone, boho ‘do quintessential of the time period. Granted, I have curtain bangs, a middle part, and shaggy, face-framing layers, all of which do a lot of the heavy lifting. That said, the products I use can make all the difference between effortlessly bouncy texture and a halo of frizz. (Although, a little frizz is sexy, IMO, so I give myself grace there.)
A ’70s hairstyle can mean many things: blunt bobs, picked-out afros, grown-out shags, etc. These products below are my personal holy grails for the latter. (And our virtual shopping assistant, ISA, is here for any other recs you need.) Whether you have ’70s-minded strands like mine or are merely looking to soften, tame, and define your curls, you’ll love these formulas as much as I do—I’m willing to bet!
Fenty Beauty
The Rich One Moisture Repair Shampoo
Say it with me: Softer, thicker hair starts in the shower. I’ve been loving Fenty’s moisture-rich shampoo, which lathers like a dream yet doesn’t strip my strands of their precious oils. It also smells divine with notes of yuzu, amber, vanilla, and sandalwood. (Scent is very important to me when it comes to haircare, as you’ll realize from this list.)
Divi
Whipped Repair Treatment Mask
I typically will use a hair mask in place of conditioner since I have thick, perpetually thirsty hair and only wash it around twice a week. I love the whipped texture of this one; it deeply hydrates my lengths yet feels lightweight on my roots. Not to mention the peppermint-and-tea-tree scent makes it feel like an invigorating spa-like experience.
Dae
Mirage Mist Leave-In Conditioner
Post-shower, while my hair is sopping wet, I’ll give it a good, healthy spritz with this leave-in. It’s lightweight enough to keep my strands from falling limp, yet it nourishes and tames frizz like no other. It also smells amazing, as it contains notes of citrus, orange blossom, and vanilla. (Can you tell how much I value fragrance?)
Mancro
Super Absorbent Microfiber Hair Towel
It’s not a gimmick. Switching up my hair towel really helped enhance my wave pattern. Curls are extra prone to breakage and frizz, both of which can become exacerbated by rough, terry-cloth fabrics. Grab yourself a microfiber towel like this $5 option, and you won’t be sorry you did. I like to wrap my hair in one of these after combing through my leave-in conditioner.
Rōz
Santa Lucia Styling Oil
Think I’d have a haircare roundup without mentioning Rōz? Think again! I truly love each and every formula, but this styling oil earns the top spot in my heart. It’s so lightweight that I’ll often use it on dry, day-three hair to refresh my ends, but it’s also A+ for locking in moisture post-shower. Once my hair air-dries in the towel for 20 minutes or so, I’ll unwrap it and rake this oil through my lengths from root to tip.
Rhyme & Reason
Wave Revival Gel Serum
Okay, this $6 hair gel is low-key my secret weapon for soft, defined waves. I almost want to gatekeep so it doesn’t sell out, but I simply must highlight its ability to define curls without any sort of lingering crunch. I’ll squeeze a good dollop into my hand, rub my palms together, then scrunch and twirl sections of my hair to define the wave pattern. Just try not to fiddle with your strands while the gel sets—that’s a one-way ticket to frizz.
Crown Affair
The Flexible Hold Finishing Hair Gel
Sometimes I’ll swap Rhyme & Reason with Crown Affair’s gel, which has a similar lightweight, creamy consistency. This one is also great for slicked-back styles, since it provides a sleek hold yet brushes out so easily.
You have to be consistent with it (I’m talking, like, every single day), but I really do swear by this hair growth serum. I’ve actually noticed sparser areas on my temples filling out with baby hairs.
As my wet hair sets, I will shape and clip my curtain bangs into place with a creaseless hair clip. It results in the perfect, flicked-out bang without requiring any heat. You can totally scoop up any pack on Amazon, but I especially adore these bedazzled options from Emi Jay.
Alfaparf Milano
Semi di Lino Sublime Cristalli Liquidi Hair Oil Serum
I apply this oil serum before bed every night on non-wash days. It sinks into my strands immediately (no greasy residue) and makes my hair smell salon-fresh.
Briogeo
Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Scalp and Hair Oil
If I know I’m going to wash my hair later, I’ll make sure I treat my scalp with this rosemary-infused pre-shampoo oil. Rosemary oil is lauded by derms for its natural hair growth abilities, and I love how the precise nozzle can really target my hairline and temples.
Squigs
Gooseberry Delight Hair Oil
I’ll also make sure I coat my lengths in this nourishing oil, which contains amla (an antioxidant-rich ingredient used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine), castor oil, and coconut oil to infuse strands with the vitamins and fatty acids they crave.
Living Proof
Clarifying Detox Shampoo
Every other washday, I’ll sub in a clarifying wash for my regular shampoo. I love Living Proof’s deep cleanse, as it leaves my scalp feeling fresh (never too squeaky) and—you guessed it!—smells amazing.
Ouai
Hair Gloss In-Shower Shine Treatment
Ouai’s Hair Gloss is so underrated, in my opinion. I have golden highlights that are honestly in desperate need of a refresh, but this conditioning formula makes them instantly more vibrant. It has an ultra-moisturizing, mask-like consistency, which I also love.
Djerf Avenue Beauty
On the Go Styling Gel
I had my hesitations about this styling gel at first, but it has since become my absolute go-to for slicked-back styles. I have quite a lot of baby hairs, but any potential flyaway gets completely flattened. I also must call out the sandalwood scent; it’s strong, but it smells like my favorite perfume.