With the rise of social media, and more specifically Tik Tok, certain beauty trends come and go before I've worked out how to do the dance that went viral 2 months ago (classic millennial). I have a bit of an obsession with hair transformations in particular, and thanks to the trusty algorithm, I’m constantly served a helping of the good, the bad and the ugly. Think copper dye, straightening hair when it’s wet and cutting in a fringe with the kitchen scissors sans mirror. Yes, you read that correctly.
It's good news then that there are a handful of haircuts and hairstyles that look classy and timeless, regardless of what social media is deeming to be the flavour of the month – wait, make that second. I caught up with celebrity hairstylist Larry King, who with 25+ years experience and two London-based salons under his belt, knows a thing or two about what makes a haircut iconic.
"The bob has never really gone out,” explains King. "From Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction, to Blondie and her transitions of textured bobs, it’s always been around and has always been such a vocal point. All the way back to when Vidal Sassoon first cut it, it’s just made many alternations and variations along the way, but has been present in every era even prior to this.”
I nod enthusiastically in agreement, feeling smug with my freshly trimmed bob. "Also Julia Roberts' 90’s curls in Pretty Women, right up to the current day where you’re seeing these textured, 70’s layered cuts. It can really encourage the curl into the hair and give it texture. With coily hair, it can define the coils and and give a beautiful shape and volume.”
Armed with King’s expertise and my own extensive research, I bring you 20 of the most classy and timeless haircuts to take on your next trip to the salon. Screenshot at the ready…
1. Long with Middle Parting
A go-to style for Kim Kardashian.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley proving this haircut is always chic.
2. Natural Curls with Bangs
This haircut nails low-key and done-up all at the same time and there's never a time it doesn't look on point.
3. Bob with Middle Parting
Seen on the likes of Kaia Gerber, Jourdann Dunn, Dua Lipa and now our ultimate girl crush Hailey Bieber. Ask for a sharp, blunt cut with no layers.
A glossy bob always hits. Make sure to use a shine spray when blow drying the hair.
4. Long and Layered Curls
Layers are a great way to define curls, coils and waves and will keep it from looking bottom-heavy or boxy.
After seeing these two pictures, I am digging out my tongs immediately.
5. The Pixie Cut
Dating as far back as the 1800's and seen on the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Winona Ryder, Zoe Kravitz and Dixie D'Amelio.
6. Bob with Side Parting
Cutting a bob to chin-level elongates the neck and the sleek side fringe makes it look ultra classy.
7. Sleek and Straight with Curtain Bangs
There's something about this fringe that really elevates the haircut.
Ask for soft, wispy bangs.
8. Textured Lob with Curtain Bangs
The fringe works just as well on textured bobs and lobs. The ultimate it-girl cut.
9. Bob Braids with Middle Parting
Over the years, the haircut and style has been rocked by Rihanna, Teyana Taylor and Amandla Stenberg.
10. Long with Sweeping Fringe
Looking at this picture makes me want to grow out my bob immediately.
11. Mid-Length with Layered Ends
Chopping into the ends and adding in some invisible layers will give a super textured look.
If it's good enough for Jodie Comer...
12. One-Length Bob with Voluminous Side Fringe
It's blow-dried in a middle parting and then flipped to the opposite to give ultimate volume at the root.
13. Long with Full Fringe
It's blow-dried in a middle parting and then flipped to the opposite to give ultimate volume at the root.
14. Mid-Length Side Parting with No Layers
Plus, the added elegance of the Hollywood wave. *Chefs kiss*
15. Long Straight Hair with Front Layers
Long, feathered and shiny...it's giving Rachel from Friends season 6.
16. Long Pixie
Made famous by Twiggy in the 1960s, a long pixie hits right at the ears and is super versatile.
17. Mid-Length and Natural
I am living for Ana's copper-tinted coils.
18. Long and Layered
If you have a natural wave to your hair, the layers will add even more volume.
19. Bob with Full Fringe
If you have an oval face shape, a blunt cut such as this one will frame your features.
We equally love this slightly choppier style.
20. Tousled Lob
This versatile length and style suits everyone, and makes hair instantly look and feel thicker.
Shop My Hair-Care Essentials:
Here are the products to add to your kit no matter your hair length, style or type.
Did you know perfume clings longer onto the hair? Shower it with your favourite Byredo scent that also makes locks look luminous and nourished.
Blowdries hair at super speed leaving you with smooth, shiny, frizz-free locks.
If you're yet to own one of these, now is your time. It's the one hair product that I don't think I could live without.
Defends your hair against up to 450 degrees and –salon-worthy finish incoming.
There are multiple reasons why you should invest in this product. It's a UV and heat protecting, shine-boosting, super nourishing oil that can be used on wet or dry hair.
I always use a silk hair bobbles to avoid breakage.
A must-have for keeping hair out of the way when washing your face and doing your daily skincare rituals.
A weekly hair mask works wonders for all hair types. This one has long been a favourite of mine – it has a purse-friendly price tag and smells in-credible.
Not only do these supplements boost the volume and shine of your hair, they even keep your energy levels up throughout the day.
Next Up: 9 Things To Consider Before Getting This Classic French Haircut
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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