The 1970s were defined by iconic moments, from disco and Star Wars to bell-bottoms and platform shoes. The era’s beauty was just as memorable, with voluminous feathered hair and high-shine lip gloss. So it’s no surprise that runway looks at New York Fashion Week drew inspiration from the decade. Throughout the fall/winter 2026 shows, that ’70s influence showed up in both hair and makeup.
Ahead, we’re breaking down the standout ’70s beauty moments from the season.
Lived-In Texture
On the Cucculelli Shaheen fall/winter 2026 runway, models embraced lived-in texture reminiscent of Farrah Fawcett, a '70s hair icon in her own right. Inspired by art deco mysticism and baroque glam rock, the fashion set the tone—and the hair followed suit. Mandee Tauber, Oribe Principal Artist of Global Design, brought the vision to life by enhancing the models' natural textures.
@wnoelle_
@wnoelle_
To recreate the look, start with Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray ($42) on damp hair from roots to ends, then rough-dry for instant volume. Next, mist Gold Lust Dry Heat Protection Spray ($46) through mid-lengths and ends to shield strands before styling. Use a curling iron to define the hair’s natural movement, adding Thick Dry Finishing Spray ($44) between sections for extra texture and lift. Finish with Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray ($46).
Sleek Lengths
PatBo’s fall/winter 2026 show offered a different take on the ’70s. Inspired by 1970s Brazil, the collection nodded to the country’s expressive spirit and deep ties to music and movement. To complement the mood, Tauber created sleek, polished lengths—a sharp contrast to the voluminous, undone texture seen elsewhere. The result was a more refined interpretation of the decade.
@larufoto
@larufoto
For this sleeker take, begin on damp hair with Oribe's Invisible Defense Universal Protection Spray ($44) through mid-lengths and ends to guard against heat damage. Follow with Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray ($72), then straighten hair section by section for a smooth, polished finish. Once fully styled, apply a touch of Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil ($59) to boost shine.
Frosted Lids
Hair wasn’t the only '70s reference on the runway. Eyeshadow also leaned frosty and vibrant. At the Kim Shui fall/winter 2026 show, MAC Cosmetics created an icy, frostbitten look with a mix of ’70s and ’90s energy. The shadows nodded clearly to the former, with makeup artist Romero Jennings reaching for Dazzle Liquid Shadow Eye Shadow in Fuchsia Future ($28) and the Connect in Colour Eyeshadow Future Flame Palette ($56) to craft earthy yet metallic, distinctly ’70s-inspired eyes on select models.
Ethereal Volume
Rewinding another decade, Anna Sui’s fall/winter 2026 show embraced New Romantic, 1960s-inspired hair. “Anna’s inspiration was from the punk-turned New Romantic wave at the Blitz nightclub in London,” says Garren, celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of R+Co and R+Co BLEU. “We wanted to put our own spin on it with a 60’s approach to the side part, a Bardot-inspired top knot, and natural texture. The idea is, you have a healthy scalp, root lift, soft flowing hair and then it gets ethereal. I don’t like when things look so placed.”
Keith Montero
Keith Montero
Garren turned to R+Co BLEU to amplify volume and enhance natural movement. During prep, he applied Essential Blow Dry Tonic ($42) through the lengths and ends for touchable texture, then layered either Root Booster Volume Spray ($45) or Highest Volumizing Mousse ($42) at the roots, depending on hair type, to lift at the crown.
To finish, he misted Ultra Dry Texture Spray ($49) on fine hair or Lifestyler Volume & Texture Spray ($49) on thicker strands, adding airy fullness without sacrificing softness.
