Nice do! 6 Of The Most Iconic Hairstyles (And Their Modern Updates)

Credit: Hal Vaughan

The Bob

The bob first gained popularity in the 1920s, when women were starting to embrace a more liberating lifestyle. This short, blunt cut was a symbol of female independence and rebellion against the traditional long locks of the time. It was made famous by women like Coco Chanel, Louise Brooks, and Zelda Fitzgerald. 

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The Bob

Today, the bob continues to evolve with modern variations like the lob, or long bob: a versatile and chic hairstyle that features a shoulder-length cut with subtle layers and a slight wave or curl at the ends. It is a great option for those who want to keep their hair long but still want a manageable and low-maintenance style. Celebrities such as Khloe Kardashian, Emma Stone and Selena Gomez have been seen rocking this look.

Keep your bob sleek with the GHD Platinum+ Professional Smart Styler and Evo Icon Welder Heat Protection Mist. 

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The Beehive

The beehive was the quintessential hairstyle of the 1960s. This towering updo was made famous by singers like Aretha Franklin and Dusty Springfield, actress Brigitte Bardot, Jackie Onassis and, of course, Marge Simpson! It was created by backcombing the hair and pinning it up into a high, voluminous style. The beehive was the cherry on top of the glamorous, mod fashion of the era.

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The Beehive

If you’re looking for a modern take on the beehive, check out singer Adele channelling the look at various awards shows!

Amp up the volume with Kyk Hair Magic Dust Volume Powder and Wella EIMI Flexible Finish Non-Aerosol Crafting Spray.

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Pixie Cut

Twiggy’s iconic pixie cut is one of the most recognisable hairstyles of the 1960s. She wasn't the first to sport the pixie, though - Audrey Hepburn's '50s look in Roman Holiday, anyone? (And Mia Farrow in Rosemary's Baby (pictured)!) This short and choppy cut became synonymous with the youth culture of the time, and Twiggy’s signature look inspired countless imitations. Her pixie cut was characterised by short, layered hair that was styled to frame her face and accentuate her features.

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Pixie Cut

If you’re up for mixing a timeless look with something bold and daring, channel the looks of Charlize Theron, Emma Watson, Halsey and Kirsten Stewart’s edgy ‘mixie’ cut: a pixie/mullet hybrid.

Feather your edges with the GHD Curve Thin Curling Wand and Kyk Hair Magic Dust Volume Powder.

Credit: Foxy Brown

The Afro

The afro emerged as a symbol of black pride and empowerment in the 1970s. This natural, curly hairstyle was a statement against the straightened hair that had been popularised by white beauty standards. The afro was worn by prominent black figures like Angela Davis (pictured in her role as Foxy Brown, from the 1974 American blaxploitation movie by the same name), Pam Grier and Diana Ross. 

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The Afro

The Afro continues to be a symbol of cultural identity and self-expression for many black women today, and is just a generally epic hairstyle.

Rock your curls with GHD Curly Ever After Curl Hold Spray, VS Sassoon Cool Curl Brilliance and Daily Naturals Clean Beauty Detangler with Thermal Protection.

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The Farrah Fawcett Shag

The Farrah Fawcett was the ultimate feathered 1970s hairstyle. This layered, bouncy style was made famous by the actress herself, who sported it on the popular show Charlie’s Angels. It became an instant sensation and was copied by women all over the world. The Farrah Fawcett remains a symbol of the carefree, sexy spirit of the 70s – and this retro-inspired hairstyle has made a comeback in recent years in various shapes and forms. 

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The Farrah Fawcett Shag

Celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Alexa Chung and Dakota Johnson have all been spotted with textured, choppy layers, and the so-called ‘octopus cut’ channels the classic shag.

Add texture and lustre with the Mermade Interchangeable Blow-Dry Brush, IGK Beach Club Volumising Texture Spray, Revamp Liberate Cordless Styler.

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The Rachel

If you know, you know. The Rachel was the quintessential hairstyle of the 1990s. This choppy, layered cut was made famous by Jennifer Aniston's character on the hit show Friends. (And this despite the actress calling it “the ugliest cut I’ve ever seen!”) It became an instant sensation and was copied by women all over the world. The Rachel remains a nostalgic symbol of the fun, carefree spirit of the 90s – and Jennifer Aniston herself recently sported an updated version of the look at the premier for Murder Mystery 2: the new version features softer layers and fresh highlights that complement her heart-shaped face beautifully.

Get slick with the Dyson Airwrap Multi-styler and Joico YouthLock Blowout Crème.

Credit: AP Photo/20th Century-Fox Film Corporation

Special mention: Princess Leia’s Galactic Cinnamon Buns

Beloved of all cosplayers everywhere and instantly recognisable by intrepid spacefarers, Princess Leia’s (played with great aplomb by the iconic Carrie Fisher) elaborate updo channelled the ‘squash blossom’ whorls worn by marriageable women from the First Nations Hopi tribe. A modern update would be the romantic and bohemian ‘braided crown’ style sported by celebs such as Blake Lively, Vanessa Hudgens and Beyoncé, which involves braiding the hair along the crown of the head to create a feminine halo-like effect – but we say if you’re going to channel Leia, go all the way!