by Kimberley Heit

Created on: June 22, 2009

Just as there are classic cars and clothes, some hairstyles and haircuts have a timeless appeal. If you are looking for something that will not date rapidly, the following article provides a brief list of long lasting haircuts and hairstyles.

Cuts

It is very beneficial to choose a timeless haircut, because hair only grows at roughly 12mm every month. If you choose a fashion haircut, which either doesn't suit you, or becomes quickly style redundant, then you might be stuck with a bit of a mess on your hands. Consider the following classic cuts for timeless appeal:

The bob

The bob is a hair cut that consists of hair cut all in one length to around chin level. Historically this haircut hit it's height during the roaring twenties. During the 1960's even men sported bob styles. Many celebrities like Katie Holmes, Rihanna and Victoria Beckham have sported modern versions of late.

The shoulder length cut with layers framing the face

Rachel from friends shot to even greater fame with this look. Mid length hair tends to be the most popular length, because it offers lots of versatility. You can put it up and create lots of different looks, but it's not as much work as very long hair. The layers around the face help create shape and form. You can choose to blow dry them under, or out to create Farrah Fawcet 70's style flicks.

Long, natural hair

People have simply allowed their hair to grow long and free since the beginning of time. Although this isn't always considered the height of fashion, it is a great blank canvas to work with. You can create a wide range of up do's, curl, straighten or crimp it.

Styles

Sometimes it's not only the cut we look back on with dread, it's the style. However there are several styles that seem to stand the test of time, like:

Big bouncy curls

After the 1920's Hollywood starlets began to grow their hair back out. From the 1930's onwards hairstyles were very glamorous and feminine. Think Lauren Bacall, Lana Turner and Rita Hayworth. This look has never really gone away. For example, every year the Victoria Secret Angel's wear this look on the pages of the world famous catalogue and at their annual fashion show.

The chignon

Fashion icons Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn made this style a popular look. It is an understated, elegant style that can help you look groomed and professional.

The basic medium height ponytail

Ponytails are a style mainstay, because they are a practical way to get hair off the face for day to day tasks. The "it" ponytail style varies from time to time, sometimes they are worn high on the head, other times they are worn low, and sometimes they are even worn on one side of the head. If classic is what you are after, then simply put your hair up at around eye level. For an elegant look it is nice to cover your hair tie with a band of your hair.

The French twist

The French twist is always used in some form or other, particularly for special occasions, or professional looks. For example, brides often wear this style to help hold their veil and head piece. Messier varieties are often employed by women on a day to day basis to quickly get their hair up and out of the way.

It's also worth mentioning that there are some longstanding hairstyles that you are not recommended to try and emulate. For example, the mullet may have been around for many generations, but it is frequently the butt of jokes. Medusa style dread locks look too unprofessional on anyone who is not actually living the hippy lifestyle and overdone perms only look like a frizzy mess.

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