Without a Doubt, These 20 Haircuts Always Look Classy

With the rise of social media, and more specifically Tik Tok, certain beauty trends come and go before I've worked out how to do the dance that went viral 2 months ago (classic millennial). I have a bit of an obsession with hair transformations in particular, and thanks to the trusty algorithm, I’m constantly served a helping of the good, the bad and the ugly. Think copper dye, straightening hair when it’s wet and cutting in a fringe with the kitchen scissors sans mirror. Yes, you read that correctly.

It's good news then that there are a handful of haircuts and hairstyles that look classy and timeless, regardless of what social media is deeming to be the flavour of the month – wait, make that second. I caught up with celebrity hairstylist Larry King, who with 25+ years experience and two London-based salons under his belt, knows a thing or two about what makes a haircut iconic.

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(Image credit: @LARRYKINGHAIR)

"The bob has never really gone out,” explains King. "From Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction, to Blondie and her transitions of textured bobs, it’s always been around and has always been such a vocal point. All the way back to when Vidal Sassoon first cut it, it’s just made many alternations and variations along the way, but has been present in every era even prior to this.”

I nod enthusiastically in agreement, feeling smug with my freshly trimmed bob. "Also Julia Roberts' 90’s curls in Pretty Women, right up to the current day where you’re seeing these textured, 70’s layered cuts. It can really encourage the curl into the hair and give it texture. With coily hair, it can define the coils and and give a beautiful shape and volume.”

Armed with King’s expertise and my own extensive research, I bring you 20 of the most classy and timeless haircuts to take on your next trip to the salon. Screenshot at the ready…

1. Long with Middle Parting

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(Image credit: @MARYPHILLIPS)

A go-to style for Kim Kardashian.

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(Image credit: @ROSIEHW)

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley proving this haircut is always chic.

2. Natural Curls with Bangs

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(Image credit: @THATCURLYTOP)

This haircut nails low-key and done-up all at the same time and there's never a time it doesn't look on point.

3. Bob with Middle Parting

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(Image credit: @HAILEYBIEBER)

Seen on the likes of Kaia Gerber, Jourdann Dunn, Dua Lipa and now our ultimate girl crush Hailey Bieber. Ask for a sharp, blunt cut with no layers.

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(Image credit: @ISABELLECOHEEN)

A glossy bob always hits. Make sure to use a shine spray when blow drying the hair.

4. Long and Layered Curls

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(Image credit: @HUNGVANNGO)

Layers are a great way to define curls, coils and waves and will keep it from looking bottom-heavy or boxy.

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(Image credit: @HUNGVANNGO)

After seeing these two pictures, I am digging out my tongs immediately.

5. The Pixie Cut

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(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

Dating as far back as the 1800's and seen on the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Winona Ryder, Zoe Kravitz and Dixie D'Amelio.

6. Bob with Side Parting

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(Image credit: @HEIDINORTHMAKEUP)

Cutting a bob to chin-level elongates the neck and the sleek side fringe makes it look ultra classy.

7. Sleek and Straight with Curtain Bangs

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(Image credit: @MISSTPW)

There's something about this fringe that really elevates the haircut. 

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(Image credit: @JOANNACOOPS)

Ask for soft, wispy bangs. 

8. Textured Lob with Curtain Bangs

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(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

The fringe works just as well on textured bobs and lobs. The ultimate it-girl cut.

9. Bob Braids with Middle Parting

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(Image credit: @JULLIE.JEINE)

Over the years, the haircut and style has been rocked by Rihanna, Teyana Taylor and Amandla Stenberg. 

10. Long with Sweeping Fringe 

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(Image credit: @ariel_hauck)

Looking at this picture makes me want to grow out my bob immediately.

11. Mid-Length with Layered Ends

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(Image credit: @ANNIEEHAIR)

Chopping into the ends and adding in some invisible layers will give a super textured look. 

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(Image credit: @HAIRBYSAMMCKNIGHT)

If it's good enough for Jodie Comer...

12. One-Length Bob with Voluminous Side Fringe

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(Image credit: @HUNGVANNGO)

It's blow-dried in a middle parting and then flipped to the opposite to give ultimate volume at the root.

13. Long with Full Fringe

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(Image credit: @JULIESFI)

It's blow-dried in a middle parting and then flipped to the opposite to give ultimate volume at the root.

14. Mid-Length Side Parting with No Layers

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(Image credit: @KENNETHSOHMAKEUP)

Plus, the added elegance of the Hollywood wave. *Chefs kiss*

15. Long Straight Hair with Front Layers

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(Image credit: @cassiskovic)

Long, feathered and shiny...it's giving Rachel from Friends season 6.

16. Long Pixie

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(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

Made famous by Twiggy in the 1960s, a long pixie hits right at the ears and is super versatile.

17. Mid-Length and Natural

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(Image credit: @ANAASMOOD)

I am living for Ana's copper-tinted coils. 

18. Long and Layered

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(Image credit: @anthonyholguin)

If you have a natural wave to your hair, the layers will add even more volume. 

19. Bob with Full Fringe

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(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

If you have an oval face shape, a blunt cut such as this one will frame your features. 

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(Image credit: @ALYSSAINTHECITY)

We equally love this slightly choppier style.

20. Tousled Lob

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(Image credit: @PATRICKWILSON)

This versatile length and style suits everyone, and makes hair instantly look and feel thicker.

Shop My Hair-Care Essentials:

Here are the products to add to your kit no matter your hair length, style or type.

Next Up: 9 Things To Consider Before Getting This Classic French Haircut

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Mollie Burdell is a freelance beauty editor, presenter and host. She trained as a makeup artist at the prestigious Delamar Academy, covering everything from prosthetics and theatre to TV and film, and then went on to graduate from university with a First Class Honours degree in journalism.After completing internships at Grazia, Look, Cosmopolitan and Stylist, she landed her first writer role at Superdrug's Dare magazine. Mollie then joined the Harrods content team as a beauty writer before being promoted to the deputy beauty editor. There, she developed the content strategy, tone of voice and creative identity for H Beauty—Harrods's standalone regional beauty stores. When she wasn't interviewing the likes of Gigi Hadid, Miranda Kerr and Regé-Jean Page, you'd find her on a live broadcast, hosting an event, shooting video content, reviewing the lastest beauty launch on social or crafting a magazine feature. She has also hosted and contributed to the LuxeGirl by SheerLuxe YouTube series.When Mollie isn't writing about beauty, you'll find her talking about it on a TikTok shop, dancing to pretty much anything with a beat, reading a crime thriller or performing a solo rendition of "One Day More" from Les Mis.