The 1970s were a wild ride of trends, where must-have fads came and went faster than disco fever. From quirky gadgets to bold fashion statements, these fleeting obsessions defined the era and captured the spirit of a decade that loved to take risks. Some of these fads became instant icons, while others burned brightly before fading into history. Looking back, it’s hard not to smile at the sheer creativity and boldness that made these trends so unforgettable—even if they didn’t last. Get ready to revisit the fads that defined the ’70s and disappeared almost as quickly as they arrived.
Farragh Fawcett Hair
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The iconic feathered hairstyle made famous by Farrah Fawcett was the must-have look of the 70s. Women spent hours teasing, curling, and spraying their hair to achieve that perfect flip. While it was a glamorous style at the time, the upkeep was intense, and it hasn’t aged well. Today, it’s mostly remembered as a quintessential 70s look, frozen in time alongside bell-bottoms and platform shoes.
CB Radios
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In the 70s, everyone thought they were a trucker. Citizens band (CB) radios became a nationwide craze, with people installing them in their cars and using trucker slang like “10-4” and “Breaker, breaker.” While it was fun to pretend you were part of the open road culture, the fad died out once the novelty wore off and cell phones took over. Now, CB radios are a quirky relic of a bygone era.
Platform Shoes
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Platform shoes were all the rage in the 70s, adding inches of height and a dash of glam rock flair. From David Bowie to everyday disco-goers, everyone was rocking these sky-high shoes. But they weren’t the most practical footwear choice—rolling an ankle was almost a rite of passage. While they made a brief comeback in the 90s, they’ve largely been left behind, and our ankles are grateful.
Lava Lamps
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A staple of 70s decor, lava lamps were mesmerizing and mysterious, with their slow-moving blobs of colored wax. They were the perfect accessory for any teenager’s room or psychedelic den, but they’re more kitsch than cool now. While they still have their fans, lava lamps are mostly a novelty item today, serving as a reminder of the groovy aesthetics of the 70s.
Beaded Door Curtains
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Who needs a door when you can have a curtain made of beads? This 70s decor trend was popular in bohemian homes, adding a splash of color and a jingle every time someone walked through. While they had a certain charm, beaded curtains were impractical and noisy, which is probably why they’ve mostly stayed in the past.