Seventies-inspired hairstyles are making a comeback in 2026, and according to celebrity hairstylist Sam McKnight MBE, there is one in particular that could take years off your look.
The hairstylist, who has worked with everyone from Princess Diana to Kate Moss, says that focusing on adding volume is the key to an anti-ageing hairstyle, and it's something anyone can achieve at home without a drastic haircut or styling expertise.
The secret to the 70s comeback
© Getty Images"From velcro and hot rollers going viral on social, you can see there's a whole generation discovering big, bold hair and loving it," Sam tells Best Quality Designer Handbag . "Hair inspiration and how-tos have become even more accessible now due to the way we consume beauty content, from social to online publications. The secret is out of the bag on how to create some of these beauty trends we see everywhere, which means more people can give it a go."
The anti-ageing effect of voluminous hair
According to Sam, there is a reason why upping the volume of your hair may have an anti-ageing effect. "Thicker, more voluminous hair is perceived as more youthful and healthier. It is how most of us remember our hair in our youth," he says.
"As we get older, our hair can lose its vibrancy. Volume, density and shine go down whilst frizz and fluff are on the up. A little styling help and care can go a long way. Shiny, lustrous hair immediately exudes healthy, happy hair, and it's the ultimate glow up."
How to create a glossy, voluminous hairstyle at home
Thankfully, creating a gorgeously glossy and voluminous hairstyle can be achieved at home with just a few key styling products. "To glossify instantly, turn to a serum," he said, suggesting a "weightless, super fine oil that doesn't leave hair greasy, and gives incredible mirror-like shine."
"Volume can be the first thing to go as we get older, each hair strand becomes finer, and we begin to produce fewer hairs. Opt for styling products that pump up the volume with ease and hold hair in place. Whether it's a root volumising spray to give root lift, a volumising foam for all-over volume, or even a texturiser which gives instant volume and texture on dry hair, there are formulations for everyone. Choose something you will use, and that is easy to add to your routine."
© Getty ImagesTexturising products or volumising foams can also be handy to add into your styling routine if you're trying to make your hair look thicker and more youthful, as Sam explains: "If you are someone who never blow-dries their hair and is really looking for something you can do in just a few minutes, a dry texturiser is for you. Whereas if you already love to blow-dry your hair, add in a heat-protecting, volumising blow-dry foam. It's all about making your life easier, not harder!"
Meanwhile, rollers can also be a great shortcut to achieving a bouncy blow-dry at home. "If you struggle to create a beautiful bombshell blowout yourself at home, then use rollers on dry hair to save time and to allow your hair to air dry," the hairstylist says.
© Getty Images"Once the rollers are on, use the hood dryer attachment on a hairdryer on medium heat. The hood attachment gently disperses the warm air evenly around the rollers, so it is gentler than blow drying, where high heat is directed on the hair. It’s an effortless way to get root lift, all over volume with minimal heat damage."
