With each of their every move, the stars of Hollywood are setting trends – and their hairstyles are no exception! From the pruned pixie cuts of the ’60s to the wild locks of today, celebrity hairstyles have always been known to set the tone for other fashionable-minded folks. Here’s a look at some of the most popular and iconic Hollywood hair moments throughout the years and how they’ve influenced the way we style our hair.
1. The Allure of Hollywood: Why Celebrity Hair is So Influential
Hollywood has long been a source of fascination and glamour, and for as long as there have been celebrities, there has been (and continues to be) an intense focus on the beauty of their hair. From Old Hollywood to the modern red-carpet ready looks of today, the way in which famous faces choose to style their hair has an immense impact on society and culture.
Social Relevance
From bob cuts to ombre, fringe to Sharon Stone’s mid-nineties pixie cut, the hairstyles of celebrities have had an undeniable influence over the trends of the times. Celebrity hairstyles are often seen as a statement, an expression of identity, with the power to draw attention to important and far-reaching causes. Recently, haircuts like Ellen Degeneres’ short crop have set new standards of beauty and given comfort and inspiration to countless women. On the red carpets of Hollywood, celebrities have ‘normalised’ the use of hats and turbans to cover hair loss, highlighting the beauty in self-acceptance.
The Power of Product
Not only do celebrities influence the styles of the world, they can have a huge impact on beauty product sales. Their endorsements are worth millions, and sometimes just a few words of praise can set an industry-wide craze in motion. From her perfect pixie cut to Kendall Jenner’s sun-kissed ombré waves, social media has created a whole new level of popular demand for hair products. L’Oréal, Redken, and Schwarzkopf are some of the giants of the industry that have had their most successful products directly promoted by the hair idols of the moment.
The Allure Endures
The Allure of Hollywood continues to captivate audiences even today, with fans eagerly awaiting the next big thing in celebrity hair. Modern fashion, fans and beauty products all benefit from the endless glamour created by celebrity hair influences.
2. The Power of Celebrity: It’s All in the Hair
We’ve all heard the age-old saying “It’s all in the hair.” And it’s true: when it comes to celebrities, a good hair day can make or break a successful outing. Whether we like it or not, our hair gives us a certain look and can have a huge impact on our appearance, attitude, and public perception.
The power of celebrity hairstyles has been pervasive for generations. From Marlene Dietrich’s iconic platinum blonde locks to Elvis’s classic pompadour, celebrities have used their hair as a way to set themselves apart and stand out from the crowd. It’s a subliminal way of expressing their unique style and personality.
Think about it. When we focus our attention on a celebrity with vibrant auburn hair, we can get a sense of the boldness and confidence that person may be projecting. It can be inspiring and can also draw comparisons to historical figures with similar hair traits.
Every style from Undercuts to Afros is capable of displaying an individual’s fashion senses and pushing boundaries. Here are some examples of how different styles can express an individual’s personality:
- The classic bob cut can represent professionalism and maturity.
- Long Shaggy hair can come across as carefree and adventurous.
- Textured Curls can showcase artistic flair and creativity.
- Braids can signify strength, wisdom and resilience.
Celebrities have always been at the forefront of trendsetting. We can’t deny that they’ve had a major influence on society’s perception of hairstyles and how this can enhance an individual’s personal and professional image.
3. Red Carpet Style: Iconic Hollywood Hairstyles that Set Trends
When it comes to setting trends, Hollywood stars often lead the way, especially on the red carpet. From classic updos to big curls, there are so many iconic hairstyles that have been seen at the Oscars, the Emmys, and other glitzy Hollywood events.
Classic Updos
When talking about classic Hollywood hairstyles, it's hard not to think of the timeless updo. This style has been around since the days of Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn and is still seen on the red carpet today. Whether it's a sleek chignon or a voluminous bouffant, this look screams timeless sophistication.
Big Curls
Nothing shouts glamour quite like cascading curls. From Gwen Stefani's signature quiff to Jennifer Lopez's bombshell spirals, this look is perfect for a night on the red carpet. It's the perfect way to make a statement and style the hair in a way that oozes glamour and confidence.
- Julia Roberts' half-up style from the 2001 Oscars
- Cate Blanchett's romantic chignon from the 2017 Golden Globe Awards
- Lupita Nyong'o's braided updo from the 2014 Academy Awards
Exaggerated Parts
If you really want to push the boat out and make a statement, why not try an exaggerated side part? It's a great way to add a modern twist to a classic style. From Taylor Swift's deep side part to Jennifer Aniston's sharp centre part, this look is perfect for drawing attention to your full-bodied waves or sleek locks.
4. Get the Look: Tactics to Get Movie Star Hair
If you dream of glossy, sweeping Hollywood-style hair like Rihanna or Angelina Jolie, here are a few tips that will help you get the look you desire.
Start with High Quality Hair Care
To get your hair ready to take on the world, you’ll need to have high-quality hair care products on your side. Get shampoo and conditioners specifically designed for gloss and texture. It will be worth the money when you start to see the difference in your hair’s volume and healthy, shiny appearance.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Hydration is everything when it comes to lustrous hair. Invest in a hydrating shampoo and styling aid for extra shine and gloss. You might also want to look into deep conditioning treatments for extra nourishment and keep up with regular trims to get rid of any split ends.
Get the Right Tool For the Job
- A round brush and hair dryer is essential for voluminous hair.
- Hot rollers or curling irons can help create soft waves.
- A heated straightening iron or smoothing iron to create sleek, polished hair.
When styling your hair with heat, don’t forget to use a high-quality heat-protectant spray or serum. This will help guard your tresses against heat damage, so it stays lush and healthy.
As we’ve seen, there’s no shortage of Hollywood hairstyles that have set the trend for so many of us, from Jennifer Aniston’s classic ‘Rachel’ cut in the ’90s, to Blake Lively’s bouncy waves today. While celebrities may come and go, one thing for sure is that their hair will live on in our collective memories and inspire the way we style our own hair for generations to come.
