28 Times That Alexa Chung Proved She Has the Best Hair Ever

There's less than one month to go until hair salons will potentially be allowed to reopen in England, and that means it's time to start deciding exactly what kind of hair transformation I'll be asking my hairdresser for once I'm finally reunited with a salon chair. After just one professional cut in 2020 and a couple of mishaps with my kitchen scissors, I'm ready for a hair refresh, but I'm torn between opting for a low-maintenance style or something more striking that might require a bit more upkeep.

Either way, I know I'm not alone in feeling more than ready to hear the gentle "snip, snip" of a hairdresser's scissors. In fact, there's one celeb who frankly couldn't wait a moment longer and took to Instagram last month to show off her newly chopped locks: Alexa Chung. Yes, everyone's mid-noughties hair inspiration went "back to the start" and embraced a return to her iconic choppy, chin-length bob, courtesy of hairstylist George Northwood. Turns out, the haircut was actually in aid of a cover shoot for Stella magazine, but seeing Chung's signature bob got me thinking… She has had some seriously great hairstyles.

Sure, her hair journey might not be the most dramatic—her length tends to drift from chin to shoulder, and the colour only ever subtly shifts from chestnut to chocolate—but her hair always looks good.

In fact, it might be down to Northwood that Chung's relaxed, cool-girl hairstyles have stood the test of time.

"My hairdresser, George Northwood, and I came up with the idea of 'future cuts' because I’m so weird about who cuts my hair," Chung told Into the Gloss. "He literally might be the reason people like my hair, because he's so clever with it… We'll have to plan in advance what we want to do. For example, the plan was to grow out my fringe and then cut it short, so during that process, he's done less layering so it grows nicely. 'Future cuts' are about planning ahead instead of being reactive, so it grows into the thing you want it to be."

I have to say, at a time when hair salons have been opening and closing with little to no notice, there's something infinitely appealing about a haircut that gets even better over time. Chung just might be on to something here.

Keep scrolling for 28 of Chung's best hairstyles—think of it as your hair inspiration list, ready for April 12. 

#1: Volumised Bob

An extra blast of volume at the ends adds a glam twist to an otherwise classic hairstyle.

#2: Party Plaits

Chung's mini, face-framing plaits lend a real party-girl feel to this easy style.

#3: '70s Centre Part

Combine air-dried strands with sleek roots and a centre parting for retro '70s vibes.

#4: Slicked Back

This slicked-back, editorial hairstyle is going to be a big trend for spring 2021, and it looks so cool on Chung.

#5: Cover Up

Sure, Chung's bandana looks cute for keeping the sun off her hair on the beach, but it's just as perfect for disguising third-day hair or grown-out roots.

#6: In the Middle

Mid-length hair looks good on basically everyone—including Chung—and is wonderfully low-maintenance.

#7: Retro Waves

It's not often we see Chung with full-on glam hair, but these pin-curl waves and the side-parting are so elegant.

#8: Sun-Kissed Brunette

Chung gives us serious summer hair inspo with this lighter, sun-kissed shade of brown.

#9: Hair Candy

I'm a bit obsessed with Chung's delightfully '90s floral hair barrettes. 

#10: Feathered Fringe

I have to admit that Chung circa 2012 is peak hair goals for me. I love the feathery fringe, the soft waves, the choppy length… In fact, I might have just found my ultimate hair inspo shot right here.

#11: Relaxed Updo

I've never mastered the art of leaving some beautifully dishevelled tendrils at the front of your updo, but Chung is a master at preventing formal hairstyles from looking too try-hard.

#12: Copper Hues

I think this one is an Instagram filter, but it's still nice to see what Chung would look like modelling this year's trending hair colour, copper.

#13: So Shiny

This is a classic Chung hairstyle, but seriously, how shiny is her hair here? I'm in the market for some of that hair health.

#14: Double Plaits

This throwback Chung style is just too cute. The plaits! The ribbons! The wispy fringe! I adore it.

#15: Top Knot

Proving that you don't need to have long hair to step out in a top knot, Chung's petite but perfectly formed bun looks so chic.

#16: Scarf Style

A fashion-forward approach to disguising greasy roots. Red lipstick optional.

#17: Soft Waves

I love this billowy style. If you have naturally fine hair like Chung, then use a bristle brush to comb through your waves after styling to add texture and volume.

#18: Colour-Pop Barrette

On basic hair days, make like Chung and pop in a bold and bright hair clip or barrette to liven up your look in a flash.

#19: Hollywood Waves

Chung is the queen of wavy hairstyles, but this side-parted look is full-on red carpet glamour.

#20: Tousled Lob

When I think of Chung, it's this tousled, undone style that springs to mind first. Totally timeless. 

#21: Half Up, Half Down

Pulling half of your hair up is the quickest and easiest way to look like you've made an effort with styling your strands—and it works.

#22: Low Ponytail

 A low ponytail is seriously underrated when it comes to chic hairstyles. Chung's wavy one looks so good here, especially with that oversize scrunchie. 

#23: Choppy Bob

Chung always goes back to this shorter, choppy bob hairstyle, and it's no wonder when it looks this cool.

#24: Layered Lengths 

I love this layered style on Chung, which starts chin-length at the front and falls to just past her shoulders at the back.

#25: Side-Swept Strands

There's something very Parisian about this chic, side-swept bob.

#26: Easy Does It

Nobody does dishevelled waves quite like Chung.

#27: Loose Tendrils

Embrace a grown-out fringe by sweeping your hair into a ponytail or loose bun and letting those front strands fly free.

#28: Satin Headband 

A simple hair accessory is an easy way to switch up your signature look. This one works well with Chung's simple wavy style.

Keep scrolling to shop some of Chung's favourite hair products: