6 Classic Hairstyles That Never Go Out of Style
While we pride ourselves on being ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest hair trends, there's something to be said for forgetting about what's cool and embracing the classics. Especially when it comes to hair, the mix of trending haircuts and celebs undergoing major transformations can make visiting the hair salon feel like you're about to sit an exam. After all, what if you go for a daring new chop only to regret it a couple of weeks later? To help, I've done a little research into the hairstyles that have stood the test of time, and I've come up with an edit of five that always look timeless. From Alexa Chung's bob to Jennifer Aniston's long, layered locks, some tried-and-tested formulas never seem to go out of style.
Keep scrolling to learn about the six styles and for plenty of inspiration from the celebrities and fashion people who wear them best. You can thank me next time you're at the hairdresser.
1. The Bob
I'm not sure that there could actually be a style more classic than a bob. Always elegant and decidedly chic, this simple hairstyle is made famous by A-listers such as Anna Wintour and Alexa Chung. Yes, it does require a bit of upkeep, as you'll need to get your hair trimmed every four to six weeks, but you'll always look polished and pulled together with this classic hairstyle—whether you wear it tousled, straight or blow-dried for extra volume.
Shop bob hair essentials:
The original and best styling iron for creating waves, curls and sleek, straight strands.
Apply to the ends of your hair to keep blunt bobs looking healthy and glossy.
This texture mist is great at giving effortless movement and texture to blunt or choppy bobs. It also smells like a super-expensive niche perfume.
2. Long and Layered
Celebs such as Jennifer Aniston and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley have embraced a long, layered hairstyle, which is definitely one for people who are glam at heart. It's the layers that are key here and prevent the look from dating. One-length, center-parted strands tend to look a little '90s, but adding different lengths into the mix adds volume and texture to your style.
Shop long and layered hair essentials:
Not only does this hair spray provide lift, hold, and lived-in texture, but it also absorbs excess oil.
Keep longer strands in tip-top condition with this nourishing duo.
Enriched with keratin, vitamins, and castor oil, this strengthening hair treatment rivals some of its more expensive counterparts.
3. Feathery Fringe
I'm not talking about a micro fringe or blunt bangs here. The secret to making a fringe look timeless is to go for piecey strands that look like you might have woken up like that (in a good way, of course). Trust me—a fringe needs some serious styling to make sure that it always looks good, but if you're up for a challenge, then a feathery fringe will always look cool.
Shop feathery fringe hair essentials:
Unless you want to wash your hair every day, dry shampoo is a fringe must-have!
Trust me—always blow-dry your fringe after washing it to lock in your style.
Keep your fringe feathery and prevent flyaways with this handy styling duo.
4. Wavy Lob
More low-maintenance than a bob, a lob is a one-length cut that sits at shoulder height and looks good on everybody. Even if you have naturally straight hair, wearing it slightly tousled or with beachy waves keeps the lob looking modern and relaxed.
Shop wavy lob hair essentials:
Apply this weightless foam to damp hair to add artfully dishevelled definition.
It couldn't be easier to create easy, breezy waves for your lob with this heat tool.
This multipurpose hair product is an essential in every hairstyling kit—use it to add texture, smooth flyaways, boost shine, and add definition.
5. Pixie Cut
While a pixie cut is definitely a hairstyle for the brave, this is a style that you really can't pin down to any one era or time. It's utterly timeless, always chic, and seriously stylish. One for fashion people with attitude.
Shop pixie cut essentials:
Warm a little of this pliable pomade between your fingertips before working it through your hair to add texture and definition.
Extend washday with this oil-absorbing powder.
Remove product buildup and flaky skin with this gently exfoliating pre-wash scalp treatment.
6. Center Parting With No Layers
Simple, sophisticated, forever cool, and ideal for those with naturally straight or thin hair, the center part symmetrically frames the face, while the lack of layers means it requires minimal styling time. It also works beautifully when paired with a soft wave.
Shop center parting essentials:
If you're styling this haircut poker straight, level up with a smoothing serum that will enhance shine, tame flyaways, define curls and waves, and minimize static.
Once you have a tool like this one, you'll forget how you ever coped without it.
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK. Up Next: The Products That Secretly Sabotage Wavy Hair and What to Use Instead.
Mica Ricketts is a freelance beauty editor, copywriter and regular contributor to Who What Wear UK. She also writes for titles including Marie Claire Refinery 29 and Cosmopolitan, and previously worked at Who What Wear UK as Beauty Editor. With experience in both editorial and content management, she also works with beauty brands and small businesses on brand messaging and content strategy. As a busy mum of two, she is passionate about finding efficacious beauty products that can disguise all signs of tiredness with minimal effort.
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