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20 Of The Most Famous Hairstyles Throughout History

The Most Famous Hairstyles In History
Julia Brucculieri
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Getty Images

Like fashion trends, hairstyles come and go. But some last well beyond the years of those who wear them.

History has seen some great hairstyles throughout the years, many of which continue to be imitated today. Take Marilyn Monroe's glamour waves, for example. The actress' flirty blond 'do became one of her main identifiers, and today, the style has become a red carpet staple (as seen on stars like Gwen Stefani, Katherine Heigl, and Christina Aguilera).

And then there's Bettie Page's jet black hairstyle, complete with straight baby bangs, which has provided inspiration for the likes of Katy Perry and Dita Von Teese.

Even Marie Antoinette's ultra-voluminous beehive made a comeback in the fashion world, thanks to Jeremy Scott.

Both women and men throughout the years have sported some pretty iconic hairstyles, and we want to pay their manes a little respect. Because without them, the world of hair would be very boring.

Check out history's most famous hairstyles:

Cleopatra's Gilded Braids
Alamy
There is something so elegant about Cleopatra's jet black, braided 'do (seen here on Elizabeth Taylor). It's strong and bold, just like she was.
Angela Davis' Afro
© ZUMA Press, Inc. / Alamy
Angela Davis' larger-than-life hair helped her stand out in the crowd, and defined a generation.
Queen Elizabeth I's Crimson Curls
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Queen Elizabeth I's curled updo is perhaps one of the most iconic of all time.
Mary Todd Lincoln's Flower Crown
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President Abraham Lincoln's wife liked to play around with hair accessories,and sometimes placed a crown of blossoms on her head. A true, original flower child.
Marilyn Monroe's Cropped Glamour Waves
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Marilyn Monroe's glamourous wavy 'do is one that has been recreated and imitated time and time again. It's a classic old Hollywood style that we doubt will go away anytime soon.
Princess Diana's Cropped Feathered 'Do
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How could we ever forget Princess Di's cropped feathered do? It became just as much of an icon as her effortless style.
Buddha's Spiral Curls
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Buddha's tight curls create one of the most iconic styles throughout history and religion. Folklore believes that the curls on Buddha's head are there to show that he cut his long locks and left his former life behind. The remaining hair curled up, thus leaving us with the representation we see today.
Frieda Kahlo's Milkmaid Braids And Flower Crown
Getty/Vogue Mexico
Frieda Kahlo may have single-handedly made milkmaid braids cool, especially when paired with a flower crown.
Marie Antoinette's Voluminous 'Do
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Marie Antoinette was clearly a firm believer in the "go big or go home" philosophy. Her frivolous lifestyle extended beyond her closet and onto her lavishly styled mane.
Andy Warhol's Silver Wig
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In the mid-1950s, Warhol began wearing a hairpiece, which matched his natural hair. However, in the mid-60s, he apparently sprayed his wig silver, and it became his permanent look.
Vidal Sassoon's 5-Point Cut
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Sassoon was a master of the angular bob, and in 1965, he took it shorter than he had before. He styled his now-famous 5-point cut (a cropped, helmet-like 'do with a spike at each ear and a W shape at the nape of the neck) on a young Grace Coddington, and nothing was the same.
Josephine Baker's Slick Finger Curls
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Josephine Baker's Jazz Age slick 'do was a look that she made all her own. And none other than Rihanna paid homage to Baker's style at this year's CFDA awards.
Jane Austen's Curly Cues
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Jane Austen often wore her hair styled with just a few curls poking out from under her headpiece.
Venus' Extra Long And Flowing Mane
Boticelli, The Birth Of Venus, 1486, Tempera On Canvas
Venus' flowing locks are angelic, soft, and ridiculously enviable. If only we could grow manes this luscious...
The Beatles' Mop Tops
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Who could forget the Beatles' famous mop tops? Never has helmet hair been so beloved.
Mia Farrow's Pixie Cut
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Mia Farrow's pixie is one of the most memorable cuts ever. It showed off her gorgeous features and proved to be chic, effortless, and yes, still sexy. In the past few years, it's made a major comeback, with stars like Jennifer Lawrence, Emma Watson, and Michelle Williams chopping their locks.
Julius Caesar's Laurel Wreath
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Famous for sporting a laurel wreath on his head, Ceasar liked to keep his hair short and close to his head.
Brigitte Bardot's Effortless Updo
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No one can wear this style quite like Bardot did. And no matter how many times we try to recreate it, it will never be the same.
Anna Wintour's Bob
Bruce Glikas via Getty Images
So, Anna Wintour may not be quite a historical figure, but we'd say that since the editrix has been sporting the hairstyle for over 20 years, it deserves a spot on this list.
Bettie Page's Jet Black Locks And Baby Bangs
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Perhaps the most iconic pinup hairstyle of all, bettie Page's black 'do has been inspiration for the likes of Katy Perry and Dita Von Teese.

Think we missed anyone? Let us know in the comments below!

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