While we pride ourselves on being ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest trends, there's something to be said for forgetting about what's cool and embracing the classics. Especially when it comes to hair, the mix of trending haircuts and celebs undergoing major transformations can make visiting the hair salon feel like you're about to sit an exam. After all, what if you go for a daring new chop only to regret it a couple of weeks later? To help, I've done a little research into the hairstyles that have stood the test of time, and I've come up with an edit of five that always look timeless. From Alexa Chung's bob to Jennifer Aniston's long, layered locks, some tried and tested formulas never seem to go out of style.
Keep scrolling to learn about the six styles and for plenty of inspiration from the celebrities and fashion people who wear them best. You can thank me next time you're at the hairdressers.
See The Classic Hairstyles That Will Never Date:
1. The Bob
I'm not sure that there could actually be a style more classic than a bob. Always elegant and decidedly chic, this simple hairstyle is made famous by A-listers like Anna Wintour and Alexa Chung. Yes, it does require a bit of upkeep, as you'll need to get your hair trimmed every four to six weeks, but you'll always look polished and pulled together with this classic hairstyle—whether you wear it tousled, straight or blow-dried for extra volume.
Shop Bob Hair Essentials:
The original and best styling iron for creating waves, curls and sleek, straight strands.
Apply to the ends of your hair to keep blunt bobs looking healthy and glossy.
Great at giving effortless movement and texture to blunt or choppy bobs. Also smells like a super expensive niche perfume.
2. Long and Layered
Celebs like Jennifer Aniston and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley have embraced a long, layered hairstyle, which is definitely one for girls who are glam at heart. It's the layers that are key here and prevent the look from dating. One-length, centre-parted strands tend to look a little '90s, but adding different lengths into the mix adds volume and texture to your style.
Shop long and layered hair essentials:
Shop Long and Layered Hair Essentials:
Not only does this hairspray provide lift, hold and lived-in texture, but it absorbs excess oil.
Keep longer strands in tip-top condition with this nourishing duo.
Enriched with keratin, vitamins and castor oil, this strengthening hair treatment rivals some of its more expensive counterparts.
3. Feathery Fringe
I'm not talking about a micro fringe or blunt bangs here. The secret to making a fringe look timeless is to go for piecey strands that look like you might have woken up like that (in a good way, of course). Trust me—a fringe needs some serious styling to make sure that it always looks good, but if you're up for a challenge, then a feathery fringe will always look cool.
Shop Feathery Fringe Hair Essentials:
Unless you want to wash your hair every day, dry shampoo is a fringe must-have!
Trust me—always blow-dry your fringe after washing it to lock in your style.
Keep your fringe feathery and prevent flyaways with this handy styling duo.
4. Wavy Lob
More low maintenance than a bob, a lob is a one-length cut that sits at shoulder height and looks good on everybody. Even if you have naturally straight hair, wearing it slightly tousled or with beachy waves keeps the lob looking modern and relaxed.
Shop Wavy Lob Hair Essentials:
Apply this weightless foam to damp hair to add artfully dishevelled definition.
It couldn't be easier to create easy, breezy waves for your lob with this heat tool.
This multipurpose hair product is an essential in every hair-styling kit—use it to add texture, smooth flyaways, boost shine and define curls.
5. Pixie Cut
While a pixie cut is definitely a hairstyle for the brave, this is a style that you really can't pin down to any one era or time. It's utterly timeless, always chic and seriously stylish. One for fashion people with attitude.
Shop Pixie Cut Essentials:
Warm a little of this pliable pomade between your fingertips before working through your hair to add texture and definition.
Extend wash day with this oil-absorbing powder.
Remove product build-up and flaky skin with this gently exfoliating pre-wash scalp treatment.
6. Centre Parting with No Layers
Simple, sophisticated and forever cool. Ideal for those with naturally straight or thin hair, the centre parting symmetrically frames the face while the lack of layers means minimal styling time required. Also works beautifully when paired with a soft wave.
Shop Centre Parting Essentials:
If you're styling this haircut poker straight, level up with a shine-boosting spray to give a glass-like effect.
Once you have a tool like this one, you'll forget how you ever coped without it.
Keep your parting sharp with this long-tail comb.
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