Then & Now: 9 Modern Takes on Iconic Hairstyles by the Decade
They say that history repeats itself...so does hair.
By Alanna Martine Kilkeary
The ringlets of the '20s, curls of the '50s and sky-high ponies of the '80s were all trademarks of the bold female powerhouses who wore them. And because beauty, like fashion, exists in a cyclical universe, classic hairstyles constantly reemerge from the past in 2.0 form. Click through to see the best modern updates of styles from decades past.
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1
1920s: FRAMED FACE
Enter the world of Prohibition, parties and flappers—whose curled, face-framing bobs are just as chic today. Demi Lovato's take on Gloria Swanson's style is darker and sexier thanks to vampy lipstick and seriously smoky eyes.
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2
1930s: Tousled Ladies
Lily James puts a silkier finish on her mid-length curls inspired by Katharine Hepburn.
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3
1940s: New Age Bun
Amber Heard's new age bun marries Janis Paige's structured knot with loose ends and a gold accessory—the perfect 21st century update.
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4
1950s: Molten Waves
Before rock-n-roll exploded across America, operatic elegance held strong in the early 50s. That meant the thicker, more velvety the curl, the better. Amy Adams' take on this side swept volume still holds true to the 50s style, while modernizing it with a crisp short cut and side part.
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5
1960S: Beehive Beauties
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The legacy of Brigitte Bardot's iconic teased beehive lives on. For her interpretation, Kate Bosworth upped the polish and took the volume and bedhead texture down a notch.
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6
1970s: Disco Fever
70's hair was all about volume and shape. Solange channels Iman's look with lots of teasing for big, fuzzy texture.
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7
1980s: Power Pony
Madonna's '80s pony is the pop queen version of a tiara, so it's no surprise that Beyoncé redefined the style in her own way various times in 2015.
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8
1990s: Let Loose
Minimal styling, center parts and tendrils—prom hair in the best way—defined the '90s, and as we all know, the decade has made a major style resurgence. Emily Ratajkowski modernizes Gwyneth Paltrow's look with a lower bun and softer waves.
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9
2000s: Crimped Style
The 2000s were all about the crimping iron and butterfly clips—needless to say, it wasn't exactly the chicest era of hair. But Taylor Swift's soft, minimal use of the tool paid homage in the best way.