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The 1970s were a wild ride in more ways than one—psychedelic patterns, disco balls, and bell-bottom jeans may be the first images that come to mind, but there was also a unique, sometimes eyebrow-raising approach to hygiene.
While many of those routines were swept away by modernization and scientific advancement, some are now slowly making their way back into popular consciousness.
Whether due to environmental concerns, nostalgia, or a desire to reconnect with more “natural” lifestyles, people are once again embracing hygiene habits that had long been labeled outdated. These resurging trends are accompanied by curiosity, skepticism, and even admiration for the simplicity of earlier times. Here’s a look at seven forgotten hygiene habits from the 1970s that are staging a strange—and often surprising—comeback in the 2020s.
1. The Return of Bar Soap Over Body Wash
Once considered a basic bathroom shelf staple, bar soap lost its spotlight in favor of colorful body washes with elaborate fragrances and moisturizing promises. Now, bar soap is quietly reentering the scene, driven by a desire for fewer chemicals and less plastic packaging. Many consumers are turning to handmade, organic bar soaps crafted with natural oils and herbs, mirroring the DIY ethos of the ’70s. These products are often touted for their simplicity and eco-friendliness, aligning with current sustainability movements. Surprisingly, dermatologists are also starting to favor bar soaps again for their gentler formulas and minimal ingredient lists.
2. Natural Deodorants Without Antiperspirant
In the 1970s, it wasn’t unusual for people to use baking soda or crystal rocks to neutralize body odor, long before clinical-strength antiperspirants dominated the market. Fast-forward to today, and there’s a noticeable shift back to natural deodorants, even if they don’t stop sweat. Health-conscious individuals are increasingly concerned about aluminum in antiperspirants and are seeking alternatives that won’t clog pores.
Brands have responded with formulations that mirror vintage methods—using ingredients like arrowroot powder, essential oils, and coconut oil. Though not as powerful in blocking sweat, these deodorants appeal to those prioritizing holistic and organic living.
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3. Hair-Washing Less Frequently
In the ‘70s, it was perfectly normal—almost trendy—to go days without shampooing, allowing natural oils to nourish the scalp. Over the decades, the idea of squeaky-clean hair every day took over, bolstered by marketing and new product lines. However, the pendulum is swinging back again, with many people adopting “no-poo” or low-poo routines to reduce damage and maintain hair health. This practice is gaining traction among influencers and dermatologists who claim overwashing strips the scalp of its protective oils. Dry shampoos, scalp masks, and herbal rinses now play supporting roles in these revived routines.
4. Embracing the Bidet (Again)
Though bidets were never fully mainstream in the U.S. during the 1970s, their presence in hippie communes and eco-friendly households was more common than one might think. Back then, they represented a natural and water-efficient alternative to toilet paper—an idea that’s been revived with renewed urgency in modern times. With increased concern over deforestation, hygiene, and toilet paper shortages, bidets have found their way back into bathrooms across the country.
The recent resurgence has brought advanced, affordable bidet attachments to the masses, far beyond the niche market they once occupied. Users often report feeling cleaner and fresher, embracing what was once seen as a fringe bathroom tool.
5. Oil Pulling for Oral Health
Oil pulling—swishing oil in the mouth to remove toxins—has roots far older than the 1970s, but it enjoyed a small cultural moment during that groovy decade. Enthusiasts back then believed in the purifying benefits of natural remedies and often incorporated oil pulling as part of a broader holistic lifestyle.
In recent years, wellness circles have dusted off this vintage habit, especially with the rise of Ayurvedic health trends. Coconut oil is now the go-to choice, with proponents claiming benefits like whiter teeth, fresher breath, and better gum health. Though dental experts remain divided, oil pulling has regained a following among those skeptical of traditional mouthwashes and fluoride.
6. Letting Body Hair Grow—Naturally
The 1970s were infamous for their free-spirited, all-natural aesthetic, which included a relaxed attitude toward body hair. For both men and women, shaving every inch wasn’t a priority—many viewed body hair as natural and even empowering. After decades of strict grooming standards and laser hair removal trends, some people are again embracing that retro mindset.
Influencers and celebrities have played a part in normalizing unshaven armpits, legs, and other areas, citing body autonomy and authenticity. This shift not only echoes 1970s attitudes but also challenges modern beauty norms in a meaningful way.
7. Vinegar as a Do-It-All Cleaning and Personal Care Tool
In the 1970s, white vinegar was something of a household hero—used for everything from cleaning windows to rinsing hair. The chemical boom of the ‘80s and ‘90s gradually pushed vinegar aside, but today’s movement toward low-tox and zero-waste lifestyles has brought it back in force. People are turning again to vinegar-based sprays, hair rinses, and even foot soaks as a way to cut down on commercial products. Its antifungal and antibacterial properties are being celebrated anew, often backed by minimalistic and health-forward philosophies. What once felt like a thrifty corner-cutting habit is now a badge of eco-conscious pride.
Everything Old Is New Again
These resurgent hygiene practices from the 1970s reveal a broader cultural shift toward simplicity, sustainability, and natural wellness. While not every trend is universally embraced, their reappearance underscores how ideas often circle back with new relevance. From skipping shampoo to swearing off plastic-packed products, today’s consumers are finding wisdom in the past. Whether these habits are temporary fads or lasting lifestyle changes remains to be seen. What’s clear, though, is that the line between vintage and visionary is blurrier than ever.
Are any of these retro habits part of your daily routine, or do they make you raise an eyebrow? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s keep the conversation going.
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