Exploring Some Of The Most Iconic Hairstyles In Film
Exploring Some of the Most Iconic Hairstyles in Film
Cinema is a world where characters are not only remembered for their performances but also for their appearances. Among the many style elements that help define a character, iconic hairstyles stand out as timeless symbols of personality, culture, and era. Some hairstyles have become just as legendary as the films they appeared in, from gravity-defying updos to sleek futuristic bobs (not to mention the ever-honored “basic” bob).
This is a brief look at ten of the most iconic hairstyles in film to ever grace the silver screen.
Princess Leia’s Buns – Star Wars (1977)
Princess Leia‘s double-bun hairdo in the 1977 film Star Wars: A New Hope may well hold the title for the most iconic hairstyle in science-fiction history. Instantly recognizable, bold, and unusual; it set the tone for Leia’s strong, rebellious character and instantly became a cultural phenomenon.
Holly Golightly’s Beehive – Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
Audrey Hepburn‘s graceful beehive updo in Breakfast at Tiffany’s is the epitome of classic Hollywood glamour. When it’s paired with a black dress and pearls, this hairstyle captures the sophisticated, chic persona of Holly Golightly perfectly enough that vintage fashion lovers can still look to it as a contemporary go-to.
Edward Scissorhands’ Wild Mane – Edward Scissorhands (1990)
The character played by Johnny Depp in Edward Scissorhands had a hairstyle that was wild and teased, just like the creative soul that Tim Burton had misunderstood. The way that Tim Burton styled Edward’s hair turned it into not only a wild look but also a signature look that stood out as much as, or maybe even more than, Edward’s scissor hands.
Mia Wallace’s Sleek Bob – Pulp Fiction (1994)
Pulp Fiction features an iconic hairstyle worn by Uma Thurman. It’s a jet-black bob with perfectly blunt bangs, and it’s as modern and edgy as anything you might see on the street today. The “Mia Wallace bob” has even shown up in some fashion editorials and beauty salons.
Sandy’s Curls – Grease (1978)
The unforgettable change that Sandy undergoes at the end of Grease is due, in large part, to her big, curly hair. The tight curls, together with the leather get-up, signify her shift from innocent girl-next-door to empowered, confident, and sultry woman. This combination of hairstyle and outfit remains one of the most iconic serious film appearances ever. The Grease Sandy hairstyle has absolutely no shortage of wow factor!
The Bride’s Towering Hair – Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
The updo worn by Elsa Lanchester in Bride of Frankenstein established a visual precedent for monster movie fashion. Its towering structure and white lightning bolt streaks are still influencing Halloween costumes and gothic style today.
Legolas’ Elven Braids – The Lord of the Rings (2001–2003)
Portraying Legolas, Orlando Bloom wore an exquisitely intricate head of hair that was elven through and through. This ethereal, almost impossibly blonde mane was full of delicate braids that made Bloom’s character even more distinctive and set the elves as a whole apart from other fantasy beings in Tolkien’s work. Because they were (and are) so distinct, those braids have become a favorite among fantasy fans and cosplayers.
Amélie’s Short Cut – Amélie (2001)
The short, choppy bob with baby bangs worn by Amélie Poulain was as whimsical and as quirky as the character herself. It was a hairstyle that matched the free-spirited nature of the movie’s heroine and the film’s own dreamy aesthetic. Amélie might very well be the only movie in history to have inspired a cult haircut, but the “Amélie” bob is definitely a thing. It lends itself beautifully to the capturing of French flair.
Miranda Priestly’s Silver Bob – The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Fashion mogul Miranda Priestly wouldn’t have been complete if Meryl Streep had not portrayed her with that sleek, silver bob. It oozed authority, style, and sophistication, and showed that a powerful hairstyle could help define an equally powerful character.
The Joker’s Green Chaos – The Dark Knight (2008)
Greasy, unkempt green hair isn’t easy to wear, but it’s exactly what you need if you’re trying to be chaotic, menacing, or just plain mad, like the Joker in Batman. Helmed by the late Heath Ledger, this version of the Joker painted a more madcap portrait than previous interpretations, and that green hair worn under crazy wildness and topped by a set of crazy 4-H clover loops—served as a perfect analogy for the nearly insane character.
Fashion moments can be immortalized like nothing else in cinema, and often it is hairstyles that do the heaviest lifting in the iconic department. Watching fashion trends come and go which they always do I’m consistently taken aback by how some looks manage to stay relevant years after they’ve premiered. These iconic hairstyles in film always look good, and they always look right. They make you stop and stare whenever they appear on a movie screen.
Which of these standout hairstyles do you like best? Or did we overlook one that you think deserves to be in the main attraction? Tell us in the comments!
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