The 10 Throwback Hollywood Hairstyles That Are Still Chic Today

Twiggy's adorable blond pixie; Pam Grier's gorgeous natural Afro; Jennifer Aniston's long, silky layers that resulted in every hairdresser in the nation being well-acquainted with her 'do . . . These, and the seven other haircuts we're showcasing today, are examples of iconic haircuts that made so much of an impact back then that they continue to remain relevant via today's celebrities. With expertise from hair pros, we're discussing each of these haircuts, noting how they've been modernized (if changed at all), and offering styling tips so you can wear the looks yourself.

01
Iconic Reference: Twiggy
Getty | William Vanderson

Iconic Reference: Twiggy

Twiggy might have gotten her nickname from her narrow build, but the doe-eyed model of the '60s made a serious statement with her classic pixie!

Modern-Day Celeb Wearing the Look: Michelle Williams
Getty | Dan MacMedan

Modern-Day Celeb Wearing the Look: Michelle Williams

The haircut: "Michelle Williams's short hair cut is almost identical to Twiggy's," said Eliut Rivera, a celebrity stylist who's worked with Naomi Campbell and Sheryl Crow. "Both have short hair all the way around the bottom and back of the head with the longest hair coming from the crown and front. In this picture, they are both styling it the same, with a deep off-center part and long bangs. Michelle Williams has shorter sideburns than Twiggy."

Who it works for: "This is a great cut for square- and oval-shaped faces as well as women with fine, straight hair," said Rivera.

Styling pro tip: "For straight hair, towel-dry and apply a gel cream," advised Rivera. "For wavy hair, blow-dry straight first, then apply a gel cream." Try Alterna Caviar Style Luxe Shape Versatile Crème Gel ($30).

02
Iconic Reference: Mariah Carey Circa 1991
Getty | Chris Walter

Iconic Reference: Mariah Carey Circa 1991

We've seen Mariah with hair of all shapes, colors, and sizes, but this early '90s cut in which she embraced her curls and sported fringe is a fave.

Modern-Day Celeb Wearing the Look: Zendaya
Getty | Jon Kopaloff

Modern-Day Celeb Wearing the Look: Zendaya

The haircut: "The natural, bohemian look is achieved with layers throughout that give the look body and movement. For a more modern look, stick with a round final shape," noted Rivera. "While very similar in overall shape, Zendaya's curl is tighter than Mariah's. Also, Mariah's hair is longer at the end, while Zendaya's tapers to have less body at the ends."

Who it works for: "Curly hair! This is easy to achieve with mousse or gel if the hair dries this way naturally," said Rivera, who added that this is a good style for most, except for those with a rounder shape. "This style will make a round face look more round because of the bangs," he said. "For a round face trying this style, it would be best to leave long layers around the face."

Styling pro tip: For curly hair, Rivera said to towel-dry hair and then add a curl-defining mousse, such as Milbon Wave Enhancing Mousse or Living Proof Curl Enhancing Styling Mouuse ($15). "For straight hair, use a small barrel curling iron to curl the whole head. Once finished, add Rene Furterer Texture Spray ($17) to create lots of volume, then add hairspray for a lasting hold." We recommend Hot Tools Professional Marcel Iron ($40) and R+Co's Outerspace Flexible Hair Spray ($29).

03
Iconic Reference: Britney Circa 2003
Getty | Dimitrios Kambouris

Iconic Reference: Britney Circa 2003

Britney Spears wore this tousled, shoulder-length haircut right around the time she released her fourth album, In the Zone. It was a true classic, and nearly 15 years later, celebs are still wearing variations of it!

Modern-Day Celeb Wearing the Look: Jennifer Lawrence
Getty | Steve Granitz

Modern-Day Celeb Wearing the Look: Jennifer Lawrence

The haircut: "This mid-length haircut, or lob, is very popular right now," said Rivera. "With Jennifer Lawrence, she has graduated layers around the head with longer layers in the front and short pieces around the face. Britney does not have as graduated layers, with the lob being more one length, specifically the framing of the face." He said that while the cut is similar, the styling is more modernized. "To update the look, try Jennifer's messy center part with textured waves instead of Britney's piecey look with an uneven part."

Who it works for: "This works for any face shape. The difference in the cut will be customized by the layering around the face," said Rivera. "Long, oval, square and round faces are good for layers starting from the cheekbones. Bangs and layers above the cheekbones are not best for round faces as it amplifies the roundness shape."

Styling pro tip: Rivera said this look is created with a medium curling iron and a texturizing spray. Curl one-inch sections of hair with a product like NuMe Classic Curling Wand ($89), then spritz with Amika Un.Done Texture Spray ($24) or Captain Blankenship Mermaid Sea Salt Hair Spray ($24) and scrunch.

04
Iconic Reference: Sinéad O’Connor
Getty | SGranitz

Iconic Reference: Sinéad O’Connor

The pixie is forever bold, but going full-blown shaved head requires a certain sort of confidence! Singer Sinéad O'Connor is known for this look and proudly wears her iconic buzz cut to this day.

 

Modern-Day Celeb Wearing the Look: Kristen Stewart
Getty | Alberto E. Rodriguez

Modern-Day Celeb Wearing the Look: Kristen Stewart

The haircut: "This is a pretty straightforward buzz cut," said celebrity stylist Felix Fischer, whose clients include Marisa Tomei and Kate Winslet. He noted that while Sinéad's wearing her natural color, what's left of Kristen Stewart's hair is bleached.

Who it works for: "This is very hard to pull off," said Fischer. If you dare to go there, though, note that it'll be more flattering on symmetrical faces. Bonus points for a low maintenance 'do, though!

Styling pro tip: Even though there's not a lot of hair there, don't skip out on the regular washing, and make sure you condition since dryness and dandruff will be more visible with a buzz cut. Fischer also recommended a little hair wax if you want to create some texture. His fave is Lanza Brilliant Texture ($16).

05
Iconic Reference: Cher
Getty | Bettmann

Iconic Reference: Cher

We love Cher for her talent, but her long black hair and center part are arguably as iconic as the music she makes!

Modern-Day Celeb Wearing the Look: Kim Kardashian
Getty | Stefanie Keenan

Modern-Day Celeb Wearing the Look: Kim Kardashian

The haircut: "This is simply a long, blunt cut," said celebrity hairstylist Janet Zeitoun, who's been working on hair since the mid 1980s. She's worked with some industry greats, including Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, and Natalie Cole. "A razor, scissor, and thinning shear can be used to achieve this cut depending on the density of the hair. A very slight elevation on the ends will release and bulk on the ends without taking away that clean, defined edge that Cher rocked in the most legendary way."

Who it works for: "Hair that is medium to thick in density works best for this style," said Zeitoun. "Wavy or straight hair are great candidates for this look, although with proper product and hair extensions if needed, any texture can mimic this style." She did note that this look can pull your face down and recommended it specifically for square- or round-shaped faces.

Styling pro tip: With hair this long, you've got to keep it super hydrated. Zeitoun recommended Sotah Hydrating Conditioning Shampoo ($22) and Moisture Boost Conditioner ($22). When heat styling, always use a thermal protectant and follow up with a hair oil. We recommend Shu Uemera Art of Hair Straightforward Time-Saving Blow Dry Oil Spray ($39) and Pearl Hair Oil ($28).

06
Iconic Reference: Beyoncé Circa 2007
Getty | Peter Kramer

Iconic Reference: Beyoncé Circa 2007

Over the years, Queen Bey has worn her hair many different ways and tends to oscillate between caramel and blond, strait and wavy. However, this 2007 haircut put her natural texture front and center, and she really amped up the volume.

Modern-Day Celeb Wearing the Look: Lucki Starr
Getty | Gilbert Carrasquillo

Modern-Day Celeb Wearing the Look: Lucki Starr

The haircut: "These two styles are basically the same," said Nicole Contrastano, an expert stylist at NYC's Pierre Michel Salon. "The one exception is just a bit longer layers on the more recent haircut worn by Lucki Starr. Also, styling is key. The more recent style has a much more tamed look, which can be achieved with a curl cream."

Who it works for: "This look is achieved in people with naturally dense, ringlet-like curls," said Contrastano.

Styling pro tip: If you're born with it, Contrastano recommended using a curl cream, such as DevaCurl Styling Cream Touchable Curl Definer ($26) to help define and enhance your curls. If you're manufacturing that curl yourself, it can be achieved "by using curling rods about 3/4 inch in diameter." Try Hot Tools Professional Long Spongy Rod Rollers ($8).

07
Iconic Reference: Marilyn Monroe 
Getty | Bettmann

Iconic Reference: Marilyn Monroe 

Marilyn Monroe is easily one of the most iconic women of all time thanks to her talent, beauty, and poise. Her bombshell haircut certainly earns a place on this list.

Modern-Day Celeb Wearing the Look: Katherine Heigl
Getty | Raymond Hall

Modern-Day Celeb Wearing the Look: Katherine Heigl

The haircut: "The is an above-the-shoulder, long, layered haircut, and the two haircuts are shaped the same way. The layers on the top are long with the sides and back tapered, and a little texturizing on the ends adds movement," said Contrastano. "The difference is in the styling. Marilyn Monroe has a style 'done' with rollers, which gives a more rounded shape and a style that was appropriate for that time. Katherine Heigl has more of a natural movement done with a blow dry and hands, a style done that is appropriate for our time."

Who it works for: "This haircut shape can be worn by most people. Straight, wavy, or curly textures along with many face shapes," said Contrastano.

Styling pro tip: Apply a small amount of blow-dry cream, such as IGK Car Service Blow Out Balm ($29), to damp hair. Blow-dry sections at a time using a small round brush, such as Drybar Half Pint Small Round Brush ($36). Once dry, use a tiny amount of texturizing cream on the ends to create movement. Try RahuaFreestyle Texturizer ($34).

08
Iconic Reference: Jennifer Aniston
Getty | J. Vespa

Iconic Reference: Jennifer Aniston

You know hair is a big deal when client after client brings in the same picture and says, "I want hair that looks like this." Jennifer Aniston has had more than one haircut that created such a frenzy, including "The Rachel." Also iconic is this long, silky haircut that has inspired many celebrities throughout the years.

Modern-Day Celeb Wearing the Look: Hailey Baldwin
Getty | Jon Kopaloff

Modern-Day Celeb Wearing the Look: Hailey Baldwin

The haircut: "This haircut is a below the shoulder, one length and texturized around the face, adding flow and softness. The two haircuts are basically the same. The one exception is Aniston's has a bit more chunky layer around the face where the 'today' haircut has more feathery feel," said Contrastano. She added that Hailey's color also gives the look a much more modern edge.

Who it works for: These haircuts can be worn by people with fine, straight, or slightly wavy hair. "Many face shapes can also be worn with this style. One exception might be someone with a large forehead, so adding a bang would be more attractive."

Styling pro tip: Apply a straightening cream, such as Bed Head Straighten Out Straightening Cream ($20), to damp hair before blow-drying. Slowly blow-dry, then use a flat iron to make hair even straighter. Follow up with a light misting of dry oil for a nice sheen. Try NuMe Precious Metals Hair Straightener ($159) and Drybar Sparkling Soda Shine Mist ($28).


09
Iconic Reference: Pam Grier
Getty | Herbert Dorfman

Iconic Reference: Pam Grier

Hello, Foxy Brown! Pam Grier's gorgeous natural Afro, which really made an impact back in the '70s, is undeniably iconic.

Modern-Day Celeb Wearing the Look: Inna Modja
Getty | Bertrand Rindoff Petroff

Modern-Day Celeb Wearing the Look: Inna Modja

The haircut: "This haircut demands a higher elevation cutting technique to establish more volume. Scissors and thinning shears are best used to cut hair with extreme textures. Don't overextend the hair when cutting, as it will give you a false idea of the length that you will obtain, because of the shrinkage that happens with extremely curly hair," said Zeitoun. She added, "This texture is best to cut when hair is dry unless it has a much looser curl pattern; then you can choose to cut either wet or dry. Modern extreme textured hair today is worn less constructed with more free form."

Who it works for: "Curly hair can be worn on most face shapes by changing angles within the haircut to enhance each individual's features," advised Zeitoun.

Styling pro tip: "If at all possible, letting the hair dry naturally after applying your key products is a great asset to keeping healthy, natural hair. If diffusing is needed to obtain this look, then don't diffuse the hair until it is completely dry. This tip lessens the drying effect on natural hair," said Zeitoun. "Moisturizing extremely textured hair is key to the best results when wearing this hairstyle. The natural oils cannot get down the shaft of the hair because of the tight curl pattern, leaving the hair more often than not dry and dull. SOTAH products were designed for all textures and work especially well on textured hair."

10
Iconic Reference: Jane Birkin
Getty | RALPH GATTI

Iconic Reference: Jane Birkin

Jane Birkin is a true '60s and '70s darling, and her thick and heavy fringe paired with long locks remains popular a good 40 years later. We've seen Jennifer Garner, Lea Michelle, and Jessica Biel wear this look, and most recently the celeb here . . .

Modern-Day Celeb Wearing the Look: Tyra Banks
Getty | D Dipasupil

Modern-Day Celeb Wearing the Look: Tyra Banks

The haircut: "These haircuts are very '60s with round-cut bangs that are heavy and placed around forehead, dropping on either side," said Fischer. "The hair is quite heavy and long and really has no layers. The really heavy bangs make it look so iconic."

Who it works for: Fischer recommends this look for people with long faces and for anyone who wants to conceal their forehead. "The really long, heavy bang helps to balance out the face," he said.

Styling pro tip: "Use a dry texture spray to get definition," said Fischer. "I like Lanza Texturizing Styling Spray ($22). Also, use a large, round brush to dry and style." For a glossy finish like Tyra's, use a flat iron and finishing dry oil. For more of a natural finish, let hair air-dry.