The Most Iconic Curly Hair of All Time

By Wesley Shaw
Chelsea Lauren/Getty Images

When it comes to being in the limelight, celebrities often opt for sleek, glossy hairstyles that are often understated enough to let their perfectly styled outfit do all the talking. While a chic, pared-down ‘do is appropriate and oh-so-stylish in many cases, you’ll never hear onlookers ogling over them quite as much as when a starlet steps out in big, bold, look-at-me curls. As with rare gems such as redheads, curls are reserved for only the boldest of ladies who never shy away from making waves on the red carpet (and wherever they go, for that matter). Curly girls today are well represented, but still draw inspiration from decades of women past who shamelessly rocked curls like it was their job. Decades defined by all kinds of curls, whether bold and glamorous in the 50’s, wild and natural in the 80’s, or glossy and defined in the early 2000’s prove that this hairstyle is truly deserving of its title as a style icon of the ages —and it’s not going anywhere soon. Curly girls, like myself, find inspiration in every walk of life from fellow curly-headed ladies both past and present. Though I’ll always identify with Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally and Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City, I don’t think their characters would have been half as memorable (and adorable) without their signature wild piles of curls atop their heads. In honor of this iconic hairstyle that just refuses to quit, we’re rounding up our favorite famous curly hairstyles of all-time that continue to inspire us today.

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Shirley Temple

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Judy Garland

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Lucille Ball

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Olivia Newton John in 'Grease'

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Elizabeth Berkeley in 'Saved by the Bell'

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Julia Roberts

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Kate Winslet in 'Titanic'

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Meg Ryan in 'When Harry Met Sally'

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Nicole Kidman

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Sarah Jessica Parker

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Fran Drescher in 'The Nanny'

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Kate Hudson

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Mariah Carey

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Rita Wilson

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Bette Midler

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Style An Elegant Braided Updo

If you're looking for wedding, bridesmaid, or event hair inspiration – look no further than this oh-so-elegant hairstyle from our friend Hannah Holsomback. Known on Instagram as @bighairedhannah, this Birmingham, Alabama-based stylist and Southern belle has mastered the art of the braid, from luscious french braids to crowns to long, textured fishtails. This sweet, Southern look by Hannah combines a fishtail braid with a messy bun, and is much less complicated than it looks. It's a great, easy updo to keep the Southern heat from ruining your hair and it looks incredibly impressive from all angles. You can easily dress up this look with a formal gown and some heels, or play it off as more casual in a sundress at an outdoor wedding. One key to this Elegant Braided Updo is to spray liberally – this will hold the look in place as well as provide some texture to your 'do.

Hair: Hannah Holsomback
Model: Ellen Mitchell

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Brooke Shields

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Janet Jackson

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Charlize Theron

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Carrie Underwood

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Taylor Swift

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Emmy Rossum

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Jennifer Lopez

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Beyonce

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Kerry Washington

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Tori Kelly

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