The Most Popular Hairstyles of the Last Century
Written by Eva Nevsky
From the glamorously bouncy curls of the 1950s, to the equally famous Rachel haircut popularized in the ‘90s, the most sought-after hairstyles throughout the decades are undoubtedly memorable and iconic for good reason. Here is a list of the trendiest hairstyles, from the 1920s to the present with the addition of a modern take from today!
1920s – Finger Waves —>
In the 1920s, finger waves were all the rage. Achieved with the hair manipulation of hair with gel, a rat-tail and fine-tooth comb are all one needs to recreate the look. Here is actor Zendaya rocking a similar take on the classic look.
1940s – Lake’s Luscious Locks —>
Actor Veronica Lake’s luscious locks inspired a new generation of hairstyles in the ‘40s. In fact, Lake was famous partly for the way she did her hair. So, when Veronica Lake eventually cut it shorter, she unfortunately declined in popularity because of the chop. On a lighter note, to the right is Megan Thee Stallion at the 2022 Met Gala with her hair styled in a way that closely resembles the likes of Veronica Lake’s memorable long curls.
1960s – The “Babette” —>
In the ‘60s, one of the most sought-after hairstyles was one popularized by French film actor Brigitte Bardot. Specifically, when Bardot starred in the 1959 film titled, Babette Goes to War, Brigitte displayed the perfect messy bun. Fast forward to today, Bardot’s hair down (as pictured) became a trend. Known as the Brigitte Bardot Bang, women and girls styled their hair long with a “curtain” bang.
1980s – The Crimped Beach Wave —>
In the eighties, big poofy hairstyles were immensely popular. One can achieve a similar look to singer Taylor Dayne with a beach waver or crimper, curling the hair and following up with hairspray and a brush to comb the waves out for a more natural look. On the right is American actor Blake Lively debuting a familiar style.
<— 1930s – Pin-up Curls
The women of the thirties wanted to switch it up by lengthening their curls. One can achieve this look by curling and pinning up their curls, waiting a bit, and then letting them down, finishing the look off by brushing out the curls for a more natural look. Compare German actor Marlin Dietrich’s 1940s hair to singer Taylor Swift’s modern spin on the look.
<— 1950s – The Blonde Bob
“Blonde Bombshell” Marilyn Monroe hit the movie scene in the ‘50s and revolutionized the world of fashion, makeup, and hair as we knew it. Monroe was catapulted into stardom in part for her gorgeous golden locks and is still admired and recognized for it to this day. For Halloween 2023, model Kendall Jenner recreated Marilyn’s editorial outfit and hair for LIFE Magazine in 1953.
<— 1970s – The “Fawcett Flip”
Since the ‘70s, American actor Farrah Fawcett’s “flip” has been the epitome of iconic. From the time of the hairstyle’s debut to the present, many have recreated the look through the years. In fact, I remember in 2020 there was a trend going around called the “Fawcett Flip”, where one would curl their hair, and secure it in a donut-like shape at the top of their head with a t-shirt or tube, and subsequently let down their hair while brushing it out using a hairbrush. Singer Ciara’s took inspiration from Fawcett, and is a wonderful interpretation of it, all down to the size of the curls to the color of each woman’s hair.
<— 1990s – “The Rachel”
The ‘90s showcased a love for the new haircut known as “The Rachel”. As popularized from the hit series FRIENDS, “The Rachel” was influential and widespread. To this day, celebrities and everyday people are opting to cut their hair in reference to the ‘90s style. Compare Jennifer Aniston’s original look to one of today, as seen on singer and actor Selena Gomez, on The Kelly Clarkson Show.