Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, we have seen unforgettable and popular hairstyles everyone rocked. From big curly locks to cute pixie cuts, different decades bestowed us with trends to mimic from our favorite stars and celebrities, making them iconic looks for all to try. Check out this list of iconic celebrity hairstyles to emulate!
Hollywood actress Veronica Lake became a trendsetting beauty when her golden hair accidentally fell over her right eye in the film I Wanted Wings. Thus, creating her widely emulated peek-a-boo hairstyle the world couldn’t get enough of. Lake’s hairstyle is so influential that it remains to be a classic red carpet look for A-list celebrities today.
In addition to her talent, Black American star and pioneer Dorothy Dandridge was known for her exceptional beauty, with her signature ringlets and flawless makeup being an inspiration to many. Her hairstyle and overall look also heavily inspired her friend and fellow 50s sex symbol, Marilyn Monroe.
The Gentlemen Prefer Blondes actress was known for many things, however, it was her signature blonde hair that stood out and truly captured the attention of audiences for a lifetime. The off-the-shoulder style, the bounce, and the inviting girl next door look Marilyn Monroe’s locks encompassed was and is still everything.
American lifestyle in the 50s might have promoted the wholesome look, but the other side of the coin granted men to rebel and be non-conforming with their appearance. James Dean’s bad boy image was showcased in his layered, messy hairstyle, making him too cool for school and the ultimate teen heartthrob.
Despite being recognizable for her thin build at first, English model, actress, and singer Twiggy is most notable for her iconic pixie cut. Her androgynous appearance created a cultural reset and birthed a fresh style in the swinging 60s.
A retro hairstyle comeback all over social media at the moment is the Farrah Fawcett hair. The late bombshell had the perfect and marketed feather hair and dramatic bangs during the 70s. Today, celebrities and models everywhere are going for this voluminous look inspired by Fawcett herself.
Matching his fierce stunts, the late actor Bruce Lee’s bowl cut became an iconic signature look of his on the big screen. The low maintenance hairdo accentuated the star’s chiseled jaw and complemented his striking moves, as his hair perfectly bounced within every scene of his films.
Motown superstar Diana Ross had everyone gawking in the 80s with her gone with the wind fabulous hair. The glamour and volume of this hairstyle really matched the decade’s energy, as she hit the ground running with her 1980 single “I’m Coming Out”.
Brat Pack star Rob Lowe really knew how to pull off a mullet back in the day, with his one earring and dreamy blue eyes to match. The modern mullet is currently making a huge comeback in the 2020s, so taking a page from this teen heartthrob might not be a bad idea.
Ever since promoting her self-titled debut studio album, Mariah Carey’s honey-colored curls truly made her stand out from the crowd. Sporting an all-around natural hairstyle provided an authentic image for the R&B songstress and diva. A natural look we see more often today.
Another celebrity with big curly hair in the early 90s was Julia Roberts. While the actresses’ natural hair color is a dark blonde, it was her big red hair that became her best-known hair color and style. This is a hairstyle for the upcoming decade that will live for volume.
Comedy series Friends brought on incredible laughs and ongoing jokes, as well as unforgettable fashion and hair moments. During the show’s peak, Rachel, portrayed by actress Jennifer Aniston, rocked a new haircut dubbed “The Rachel” that swept the nation in the mid-1990s. A cute hairstyle craze reminiscent of the 60s with a promising revisit.
The world didn’t see another pixie cut being as iconic as Twiggy’s in a long time until actress Halle Berry proved that a super short hairstyle needed a revival and an upgrade. This iconic pixie cut became that look for Berry as she was the queen of the pixie.
While the sitcom character Moesha Mitchell and the actress played by her, Brandy Norwood, were different in real life, one thing they had in common was their fantastic braids. Whether they were chunky or micro, singer and actress Brandy always has the freshest braids that have inspired Black femme Gen Zers today.
There is nothing sexier than a man who takes care of his hair…and his baby hairs. The 90s R&B singer Ginuwine always made sure to slick and lay down his curly edges for the fliest look of all time. Men are not late to enjoy this trend that is here to stay.
Actress Audrey Tautou transformed herself into a timid waitress as Amélie in the film of the same name. Similar to her character, Tatou’s hairstyle in the movie reflects her character: unconventional and short. This is the most iconic bob in the 21st century, with its bold and unique style.
Creating the ultimate cut requires attention to detail whilst making it look effortless. The textured short haircut did just that in the 2000s with teen idol Taylor Lautner being the face of the look. Short sides and back and the ultimate pointy and layered front was every cool guy’s hairstyle back in the day.
Zac Efron’s Shaggy hair might’ve melted hearts during High School Musical, but Corbin Bleu’s curly afro was every curly girls’ hair inspo in the 2000s and 2010s. Bleu’s brown tight curly hairstyle continued to encourage many to go natural and take care of their curly and coily hair.
Singer and mogul extraordinaire Rihanna made a splash in 2010 with her album Loud, as she showcased her fiery red hair for the first time to match the aesthetic of her then-recent music. The Ariel shade of red had everyone and their mother dying their hair to emulate the look. This is a hairstyle that needs to make a resurgence.
Daenerys Targaryen’s hair in Game of Thrones is indisputable. The character played by Emilia Clark has a platinum blonde hairstyle composed of braids and waves. The style and intricacies of her locks stood out from the other woman on the show and continue to be an inspiration for hairstyles today.
Singer Katy Perry was truly one of a kind when she hit the pop scene in the 2000s and 2010s and became a raven-haired goddess to many. The contrast between her hair and makeup already made her iconic, with many people mimicking the casual hairstyle.
Despite pompadour hairstyles being popular amongst men, Janelle Monae defined herself as a nonconforming artist through her style early on in her career. Whatever specific ‘do she fashioned, she made sure it was a version of a pompadour hairstyle. This is for the ones that want a little edge.
With a name like Harry Styles, you’re bound to have stylin’ hair your entire life. The English singer has been seen with many hairstyles over the years, but it is his blow-dried hair in the front and his curls doing their thing everywhere else that he would be known for. Remember, party in the front and let everything else do its thing.
It’s needless to say that Ariana Grande’s high ponytail is most likely more popular than a lot of people’s existence at the moment. The pop singer and diva has really mastered her image when she stuck with the high ponytail as it became a trademark of hers.
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