Hairstyles in movies are often remembered for their memorable characters and expressive looks. Cinematic hairstyles can be anything from pixies, which define a certain era, to blowouts with aspirational styles to hair that is symbolic.
Hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons says that the way hairstyles are styled in films can help to convey a character, or even a feeling. It accentuates an impression that a director and producer may be trying to create. “An element that is unique, whether it’s a short hairstyle, a color or product overuse, etc. helps establish the character and personality of a character.” We couldn’t be more in agreement.
Here are 30 hairstyles we will always remember from movies.
Robin Wright in ‘The Princess Bride
20th Century Fox
In terms of movie manes, Robin Wright’s cascade of blonde hair in The Princess Bride can’t be beaten. While her role as forced royalty may have come with a lavish wardrobe, we prefer the loose waves and textured perfection of her hair.
Diana Ross, ‘Mahogany’
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Fitzsimons says that Diana Ross wowed in a big, fluffy blowout as fashion designer Tracy Chambers for Mahogany. “Ross’s hair is styled in a side part that brings out the glamour.” Fitzsimons suggests using a volume spray or mousse to get maximum hold with your heat tools. You’ll want to finish off the look with a liberal amount hairspray, and Shine Spray.
Mia Farrow in ‘Rosemary’s Baby’
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It’s impossible to talk about movie hair without mentioning Mia Farrow, who had her sweet, gamine pixie cut for her role in , Rosemary’s Baby. It is still a major inspiration for those who are cutting their hair for the first. The film provided a contrast of innocence and purity to the more sinister scenes.
Sharon Stone in ‘Casino
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Sharon Stone, who played the role of a mob wife in 1995’s casino is a great example for fans. Jennifer Matos says that Rita Hazan’s look is a classic mob wife. It’s a half-up/half-down classic style you can achieve using a flat brush, flexible hairspray and a data-component=”link” data-ordinal=”1″.
Rachel Weisz in ‘The Mummy
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Brendan Fraser’s performance is excellent, but Rachel Weisz’s shaved brunette hairstyle in The Mummy is the real star. The French girl fringe adds to the romanticism and softness of her curls. It’s a luxury hairstyle that makes you want to grow out your hair.
The Cast of ‘Black Panther,’
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Hairstyles in the Black Panther film franchise are a testament to power, culture and pride. Head tattoos, natural textures, braids and coils all exude power, culture and pride.
Brigitte Bardot, ‘Le Mepris’
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Fitzsimons says that Brigitte’s voluminous black wig from Le Mepris is a departure from her usual blonde hair. The cheek-grazing bob had a lot of volume and complemented Bardot’s face shape. Bardot also has her signature blonde hair pushed back with an oversized headband in the film.
Natalie Portman, ‘Closer’
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It is clear from the beginning of Closer that Natalie Portman’s Alice Ayres doesn’t know who she is. This is best illustrated by the wigs she wears when performing. This is especially true of the bubblegum-pink wig she wore for a scene in which her character was revealed more than any other.
Pam Grier, “Foxy Brown”
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Foxy Brown celebrates the hairstyles of the 1970s, but Pam Grier’s bouncy Afro is also a sign of a larger movement.
Uma Thurman, ‘Pulp Fiction’
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Uma Thurman (or Mia Wallace)’s onyx and bob banged in Pulp fictionmakes the vignette more memorable for better or worse.
Anna May Wong, ‘Shanghai Express’
I love how Anna May Wong has choppy bangs and long, loose waves in Shanghai Express. Fitzsimons says that they have a duality of soft, romantic and cool hair with a short fringe. To achieve this look, I would recommend adding Bellami hair extensions to get the dramatic length Anna May has. Then, apply a hair oil or serum to the bangs for that sleek, polished look. You can add texture spray and tousle the lengths of your hair to make it look lived-in.
Julia Roberts, ‘Mystic Pizza’
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Julia Roberts’ auburn curls are a favorite since the late 1980s. Her Mystic pizza hair is the epitome of freeform and free-spirited glamour.
Whoopi Goldberg is a ghost
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You’re in danger girl, but don’t be afraid, Whoopi Goldberg can save you with her feathered mullet.
Winona Ryder, ‘Beetlejuice’
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Winona Ryder’s ’90s insolence may not be her style, but in Beetlejuice, she is Lydia Deetz, and this complicated, piecey gothic updo is the star.
Milla Jojovich in ‘The Fifth Element
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Fitzsimons says, “I believe that red tones will be the trend for 2024. I’m obsessed with this bold bob Mila had in The Fifth Element.” The sci-fi aspect of the film is perfectly complemented by the precision cut and vibrant colors.
Fitzsimons recommends starting with a precise, snipped bob to emphasize the jawline. He says that the texture and definition are more editorial. For a more everyday version, try a French Girl chop and style using texture sprays and shine sprays.
Angelina Jolie, Girl, ‘Interrupted’
Angelina Jolie’s frizzy, baby banged blonde in girl, interrupted is beautifully, almost strategically, unhinged.
Rita Hayworth, ‘Gilda’
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Fitzsimons exclaims, “Rita Hayworth’s hair in Gilda has a classic Old Hollywood glamour.” Hayworth’s perfectly tousled curly hair is styled with a deep sidepart, which amplifies the volume. For volume, use a hairspray with a soft hold to maintain curls while allowing movement.
Halle Berry, ‘B.A.P.S.’
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The hair in this movie deserves more attention. Period.
Cameron Diaz in ‘There’s something about Mary’
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Cameron Diaz’s there’s something about Mary is a 90s dream. It’s cut in a face-framing bob with rounded ends. The style that looks great even if it’s finished with less-than-desirable products will last forever.
Janet Jackson, “Poetic Justice”
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Fitzsimons says that “Janet Jackson’s iconic box braid in Poetic Justicewas a real moment. It led to braids becoming her signature style.”
Rachel McAdams in ‘Mean Girls
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Regina George, whose bleach-blonde hair is pin-straight, embodies the interpretation of popularity and status of that era.
Kirsten Dunst, ‘Marie Antoinette’
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The growth of Kirsten Dunst’s hair throughout Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette reflects her journey. Her hair grows in length and complexity throughout the movie.
Penelope Cruz, ‘Vanilla Sky’
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Penelope Cruz’s long brunette hair in Vanilla sky looks great whether it is worn loosely or raked up into a tousled-updo. Matos describes this blow-dry as “a dreamy straight with classic curtain bangs.” “This is another example of how less can be more when it’s about hair in films.”
Carrie Fisher, ‘Star Wars’
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Behold! Original space buns.
Michelle Pfeiffer, ‘Scarface’
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The polished bob of Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface, is the most famous. Matos says, “This classic blowout is one of my favorites for short hair.” Matos recommends using Rita Hazan’s Lifting Spray, Smoothing Crème to achieve maximum shine and volume.
Audrey Hepburn, ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’
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Holly Golightly’s tiara topped bouffant is an icon of sophistication, glamour and the power of dressing up.
Kate Winslet in ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”
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Kate Winslet’s hair in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind represents her inner world, a riot of vivid and unnatural colors. It’s hard to imagine Clementine without the atomic orange and rooty cerulean.
Grace Jones, A View to a Kill”
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Fitzsimons says, “Grace Jones wears her flattop style in A View to a Kill. It is cropped closely to the sides and has a high fade.” This androgynous style, which leans masculine, complimented her facial features and bone structure so well. This look can be achieved by a regular visit to the barber, and the use of a strong-hold spray.
Demi Moore, ‘G.I. Jane’
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Demi Moore in G.I. Jane hair, or the lack of it, is one of the prototypes most often used for the cool girl buzz cut. You can achieve the look by shaving your head.
Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash and ‘Clueless.’
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Cher and Dionne’s hair is stronger together. The duo’s hairstyles, a blonde blowout with box braids, dominates every scene where they are featured.