Cinema and movies play a huge part in setting trends, reinforcing aesthetic looks and inspiring individuals. From set dressing to makeup to hairstyles, cinema has been instrumental in fixating people on a particular idea or style. Two of film design’s most important but unobvious aspects are makeup and hair. This seamless addition to the film creates a look relevant to the story, the characters and their stories, and the time period. It makes the director’s, cinematographer’s, and writer’s vision come to life. Take a look at the most iconic movie hairstyles and top celebrity hairstyles through time.

Best Movie Hairstyles of All Time

Besides intriguing plot lines, fascinating characters and memorable dialogues, movies are beauty inspirations too. Here are the most iconic movie hairstyles to take inspiration from. We’ll start with Bollywood and work our way to the west.

1.Beehive Hair

The beehive always managed to make a lasting impression in the late 60s and early 70s. Often known as the bold bouffant, this hairstyle was popularised by superstar actresses and made a huge impact on Bollywood. It was famously adorned by Helen, Rakhi Gulzar, Mumtaz, Hema Malini and Sharmila Tagore.

This style is defined by height and volume achieved by teasing the hair and held together with hairspray, rollers can be used in the front of the hair for extra volume. The hair is piled on itself, giving it that “oomph”. The style was made better with some hair on the sides adorned with flowers, headbands and jewels.

This style was flexible, you could do a ponytail, hair half-up or a bun; pair it with a dramatic eye look for extra flair! This was one of the most prominent and best celebrity hairstyles.

2.The Classic Short and Wavy

When you’re the face of glamour, you don’t have to have statement hairstyles to stand out. A natural short to medium length, wavy look represents a chill playful vibe yet classy and elegant. This particular hairstyle frames the face and draws attention to the lips. Pair this look with a red lip to bring the look together. This look is manageable and easy to achieve.

3.Long Hair

When you think of Bollywood actresses in the 80s, you think of sleek, long, glowing black hair. An iconic representation of unashamed feminism and seduction, long black hair is the mark of the Bollywood heroine. Zeenat man, Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Neetu Kapoor and Parveen Babi made this look one of the most iconic hairstyles of all time.

The hair often had a centre parting, and the look came together with bouncy wispy soft bangs swept to the side. This look works best on a heart-shaped face.

4.Bangs and Fringes

Bangs were a big hit in that era. Hema Malini sported this look in the movie Seeta Aur Geeta. The hair was voluminous in a bouncy ponytail, with light bangs paired with ribbons. Later on, in the early 90s and late 80s, Juhi Chawala, Pooja Bhatt and Neelam brought the look back.

The ideal face shape for bangs is an oval or heart shape keeping it shoulder length or longer. Keep your makeup simple for a bigger impression, and spruce attention to detail by including more girly colours.

5.Space Buns or the Princess Leia Buns

We’re bringing to the Hollywood side of things with the space buns, one of the most iconic hairstyles in cinema history. You probably know about this hairstyle even if you haven’t watched Star Wars.

Carrie Fisher carried this style with such ease and became the poster girl for oversized space buns. Now, it has taken a more modern hairstyle route that is manageable and easy to maintain. You see everyone from kids to adults rocking this do!

6.The A-line Bob

This was and is one of the most adored movie characters hairstyle. With the release of ‘Amélie, ‘ Audrey Tautou donned this look and made waves with the short bob and cropped fringe, the quintessential timeless French girl look. The quirky romantic comedy put this chic, classy, cute look on the map and in the history books (the fashion ones, of course!).

7. Afro

Beyoncé brought African representation to the big screen and completely took the big screen by storm with the big beautiful afro &0s inspired ‘fro. African culture has a close bond and history with their hair. Being a leading lady in the last Austin Powers movie, rocking this hair-do was a huge phenomenon and of the most inspirational celebrity hairstyles.

8.Crop Cut

From American Actress Haley Berry and Demi Moore to Frech actress Jean Seaberg, the cropped hair dressing styles have many variations and are copied by many women worldwide.

Conclusion

This list contains some of the most influential, unforgettable, timeless and, yes, iconic movie hairstyles to have graced the silver screen. These women have paved the way for self-expression and confidence.

If hairstyling is a career field you know you can thrive in, enrol at JD Institute of Fashion and Technology for a Makeup and Hairstyle Artistry diploma.