Hair holds more significance than we often realize. It’s as much a reflection of our emotions as it is a tool for transformation, which explains our fascination with the latest hair trends. From street style to runway shows and salons worldwide, we’re constantly seeking new inspiration.
This brings us to the hairstyles that have stood the test of time—those so iconic that they transcend fleeting trends and continue to inspire professionals and enthusiasts alike. Vogue asked some of the world’s top hairstylists and colorists to share their all-time favorites, and here are their picks:
Jane Birkin
Renowned for her effortlessly chic fashion and beauty looks, Jane Birkin embodies the quintessential French girl style. “She has a timeless vibe with a cool-girl fringe,” says George Northwood. “Alexa Chung is the modern-day Jane Birkin.”
Grace Jones
Grace Jones was the embodiment of cool, with her signature ’80s flat top. Nicola Clarke describes her as the epitome of a strong, stylish woman. Charlotte Mensah agrees, citing this look as her favorite among Jones’s many pioneering styles: “It perfectly captured the masculine energy within us all, while still being graceful and feminine. The short hair emphasized her stunning bone structure.”
Linda Evangelista
Known for her fearless approach to style, Linda Evangelista could effortlessly pull off any look. “Linda Evangelista was—and still is—the queen of the crop,” says Luke Hersheson. Clarke refers to her as a “chroma-chameleon” for her frequent hair color changes, like the unforgettable scarlet pixie cut. “She was a spokesperson for Clairol and switched her hair color 17 times between 1991 and 1996 alone,” Clarke notes.
Louise Brooks
“It’s been 100 years since the first blunt bob was created by Monsieur Antoine, and Louise Brooks’s graphic bob remains one of the most notable,” says Alex Brownsell. A flapper girl and Jazz Age icon, Brooks’s avant-garde style was daring in her time and continues to be a highly influential and often-imitated cut.
Brigitte Bardot
Known for her voluminous beehive and effortlessly chic style, Brigitte Bardot’s hair continues to inspire in 2023. “It’s incredibly versatile—whether styled all up or half-up, half-down, her beehive created a natural facelift while maintaining a soft, sexy, and sophisticated look,” says Syd Hayes. For Northwood, the charm was in Bardot’s “effortlessly chic” grown-out fringe.
