These are the 'dos that will never be don'ts.
By
Ashley Moor,
Best LifeMaybe you did the Farrah Fawcett waves in the 1970s, the punk rock mohawk in the 1980s, and the crimped perm in the 1990s. But chances are, after those disastrously trendy 'dos, you've settled into a hairstyle that works for you. Still, a simple change in the way you wear your hair could give you the overall update you need. After all, there's nothing like a new look to give you some added confidence. If you're ready for a fresh cut that you won't regret, check out these timeless women's hairstyles that will always be en vogue.
1
Tousled layers
"The Rachel" first debuted over two decades ago. But it has since been transformed into a 21st century look, proving that it's truly timeless.
Famous women from Rachel McAdams to Jennifer Aniston herself have effortlessly updated the Friends character's casual, tousled layers. And it's still working after all these years.
2
Blunt bangs
Blunt bangs have been the style of choice among celebrities for decades. First it was Cher in the 1970s and then it was Naomi Campbell, who you can see here still rocking her original look from the '90s.
No matter where you're headed, bangs will keep you looking chic and put-together. Hey, it's worked for Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour all this time, right?
3
The choppy bob
This Cameron Diaz-approved hairstyle is perfect for those with thinner hair. A choppy bob with a deep side part will create the illusion that you have more volume—and yes, more hair—than you truly do.
4
Face-framing waves
Face-framing waves are suitable for every face shape, from rectangle to oval, according to The Trend Spotter. To pull off this look, approach it in the same way Kate Middleton does—just work with your natural texture. It's as easy as that!
5
Corkscrew curls
When you embrace the hair you have, it's easy to look chic and timeless. Take Beyonce's voluminous corkscrew curls, for example. Why straighten your hair when you can look this good going au natural?
6
The messy pixie
Stars like Angela Bassett, Halle Berry (pictured here), and Michelle Williams sport this classic hairstyle. Not only does this cut both complement and accentuate your features, it's the perfect low-maintenance look for women with busy mornings.
7
Sleek and straight
Inspired in part by the likes of Ali McGraw in the 1970s, a sleek and straight hairstyle will instantly make you look more polished. Here's Sandra Bullock mastering it.
8
Middle-parted waves
Sarah Jessica Parker has had many 'dos over the years, but as of late, she's stuck with the middle-parted waves. She uses her natural texture to create volume with this look that works for those with stronger jawlines and angular facial features.
9
Mid-length and natural
Black women have recently been donning their natural locks, which has truly been a game changer. According to Stylecaster, the best way to keep an afro looking timeless is to style it relatively simply—like Solange Knowles, who wears hers around mid-length.
10
Side-swept bangs
Actress Reese Witherspoon still exudes a youthful charm with her classic side-swept hairstyle. Matrix Salon suggests blow drying your hair until it's just slightly damp, and then adding a volumizing product to lift your roots. Side-swept bangs will give your hair more oomph, without causing you to spend hours styling it every morning.
11
The asymmetrical bob
This cut is shorter in the back and angled down in the front towards the face. And those angles are what make this look incredibly flattering, Southern Living notes. The shape shows off your jawline and slims down your face.
12
The modern shag
The original wavy shag haircut may have died in the 1970s, but with a modern update, this cut has the power to turn any woman into a supremely cool style icon. Whether you want to keep your shag shorter, or grow it long and wavy—like Julia Roberts—this look requires only a few minutes of maintenance in the morning.
13
The long bob
The long bob, like this one on Kim Kardashian West, goes down to your shoulders, instead of stopping at your chin.
It's an especially flattering cut for those who consider themselves to have square faces—that is, a broad forehead, wide cheekbones, and a strong jawline. The lob, as it's been called, is appropriate at any age.
14
Big waves
If you're looking to add more dimension and volume around your face, then this look (worn by the queen of graceful aging herself, Jennifer Lopez) is perfect for you.
According to the Be beauty blog, if you have a more square or rectangular face shape, this look will soften those harder features while also hiding any facial imperfections you're looking to conceal.
15
The French bob
The French bob is the perfect transition to a shorter style, as Vanessa Hudgens has proven in recent years. In fact, according to Schwarzkopf International, the French bob is flattering for any hair texture and color. The only requirement? Keep it messy and wear it with just a bit of French attitude.
16
The blunt bob
The blunt cut will shed hours off your beauty routine and help you give off a more polished exterior. The length of this cut (which Taylor Swift sports here) is easy to maintain and to style.
And if you tire of your blunt bob, you can style it as a French bob or you can grow it out into a long bob. So many options!
17
Long braids or twists
Natural hair is the key to keeping your look timeless, which is why black celebrities like Zoe Kravitz have been going for traditional braids. They are both easy to maintain and save you from follicle damage from heat and excessive washing, which strips your hair of its natural oils. And to learn which haircuts to avoid, check out these 17 Women's Haircuts Making You Look Older.
