8 Haircut Trends That Stood The Test Of Time & Are Still Popular Decades Later

Haircut trends are like fashion fads: Some make a temporary mark, while others have a lasting impact and end up becoming a defining feature of a decade's aesthetic. In recent years, vintage fashion has captivated consumers, but clothes aren't the only thing on the menu — haircut trends from past decades have made their way back into the current sartorial zeitgeist, demonstrating their own unique staying power.

As the 1920s saw the rise of the "flapper girl" style and the Charleston dominated dance floors, pixie cuts became a popular haircut for women. Cut to the 1950s, and the aesthetics of Hollywood glamour pushed hairstyles below the ear. The decade was defined by short and long bobs that fell in bouncy ringlets. But then, in the 1960s, the mod fashion and cultural movement made pixie cuts all the rage again. The 1970s were characterized by a bohemian aesthetic that meant effortless shags were a go-to haircut trend. Then, needless to say, in the 1980s, hair reached new heights (literally). While minimalism took hold of fashion and haircut trends in the 1990s, with women opting for subtle layers rather than voluminous bouffants, by the early 2000s, side fringes were in and celebrity culture made shaved heads the next big thing.

In recent years, these haircuts have only resurfaced and there has been a range of hair trends that have helped define the late 2000s. From modernized bobs and blowouts to classic Jane Birkin-style bangs and unbrushed shags, these hairstyles have proven their timeless appeal.

Despite becoming en vogue way back in the 1920s, polished pixie cuts were repopularized by model Twiggy in the 1960s. In recent years, the hairstyle has become a trend once again after it was widely embraced by Hollywood icons. "Twiggy started it all off, and then Princess Diana and Demi Moore ruled this look in the 1990s," celebrity hairstylist Jordan Garrett told Byrdie. At the 2020 Golden Globes, Zoë Kravitz donned a striking jet-black pixie cut and red lipstick. Choppy layers around her hairline added an edge to her look.

Low-maintenance haircuts defined the 1970s, an era characterized by hippie-inspired styles and a bohemian aesthetic. During a decade when fashion was heavily influenced by nature, the rockstar shag was favored for its effortless upkeep and naturally messy appearance. "This cut is a classic for millennials due to the fact that it's so low-maintenance," Neil Smith, artistic director at Barrie Stephen Hair, told Byrdie. At the Chloé Womenswear show during Paris Fashion Week in 2026, French-British artist Lou Doillon wore her hair in a rockstar shag featuring unbrushed layers and a wavy, windswept fringe.

Style icon Jane Birkin wore bangs so well in the 1960s that the haircut was even named after her. But in recent years, actor Daisy Edgar-Jones has become the new face behind the trend. At the Australian premiere of "Sense and Sensibility" in 2026, Edgar-Jones once again styled her hair with classic, face-framing Birkin bangs. As her bangs cascaded toward the center of her forehead, they became gradually more feathered and opened her facial features. Looking this great, it's no surprise the haircut has become one of the hottest haircut trends for fall.

Side-swept fringes were one 2000s haircut trend that eventually became controversial, but in 2025, the style was revived. Despite being considered outdated for a short while, the side fringe has had some loyal contenders and celebrities like Cardi B have even been recognized for wearing side bangs. When Cardi B attended the Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards in 2024, her slick, jet-black locks were complete with a sweeping side fringe. She looked so chic that she even made headlines for being one of the first celebrities to bring back the hair trend.

During the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and '60s, afros were a political statement. While some of the most popular haircut trends from past decades symbolize something different, wearing a short afro is still a statement in 2026 — as actor Lupita Nyong'o proved with her sculpted afro at the world premiere of "The Odyssey" in London. Nyong'o's hair was sculpted into a rounded but narrow bouffant that was subtly elegant against her shimmering silver gown. After making headlines for her afro, she has undeniably succeeded in helping revive the haircut.

Glamorous layers were a go-to haircut for pin-up icons like Brigitte Bardot in the 1960s, as seen above. In recent years, the bouncy, layered blowout hairstyle has made a comeback. Matilda Djerf went viral in 2022 for her voluminous blowout and face-framing waves reminiscent of Bardot.

Vogue even recognized Djerf for having "the best hair on Instagram." Not only have bouncy layers stood the test of time, but the haircut is also extremely versatile. Flicked-in layers create a sophisticated appearance, while flicked-out layers add a glamorous touch.

Long, straight layers, like those that became a hair trend of the 1990s, have made a comeback. In fact, long layers are so timeless and versatile that they are even considered one of the most flattering haircuts for women over 50. Dakota Johnson has been donning long layers for so long that she even made headlines for making it the haircut of summer 2026 at the "Verity" U.K. Gala Screening in London. The actor's long brunette layers appeared unbrushed, adding an effortless beauty to her look.

Marilyn Monroe was one of the prominent blond bombshells of the 1950s who helped popularize glamorous bouncy bobs. In recent years, celebrities have brought back the haircut. At the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, Raye wore her hair in a glamorous bob that featured tight, sculpted ringlets. While her bouncy bob enhanced her 1950s aesthetic, her red, dyed hair also proved the hairstyle is versatile, too. "It can also be styled to suit all face shapes, ages, hair types, and styles," Sam Burnett, owner and creative director of Hare & Bone, told Byrdie.