Most memorable hair icons

We all know about Audrey Hepburn’s classic chignon and Diana Ross’s sky-high curls – but what about other celebrities whose signature hairstyles have influenced their generation, and remain iconic even today? From super long ‘dos and barely-there hair, here are the women who’ve inspired us with their trademark tresses.

After skyrocketing to fame as the classy, chignon-wearing Holly Golightly in the film, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” Hepburn became a glamorous muse for the women of the 1960s – thanks, in large part, to her very trendy hairstyles. From her big, beehive-style look to her neat, elegant up-dos, Hepburn always knew how to mix the right amount of creativity, volume and of course, short bangs, for a super chic style.

With a smooth, gently curled and slicked-back bob that showed off her perfectly symmetrical face, the late Hollywood actress and Princess of Monaco epitomized the elegant movie star-look of the ‘50s – mostly thanks to her iconic tresses. Kelly’s signature hairstyle, occasionally seen pulled back neatly in a bun, was so distinctive to the star that, even now, the Grace Kelly-inspired look wouldn’t be complete without it.

The former wife of Elvis Presley may have been overshadowed by her pompadour-styled husband, but the big, beehive-style black hair she rocked in the ‘60s was famous in its own right. She eventually dyed it a more natural brown and wore it loose in stylish, relaxed waves, but over the years she has continued to keep Hollywood on its toes with her ever-changing styles and colors.

The blond bombshell may have thrilled the media with her public and personal life, but she also had a penchant for attracting the world to something else entirely: her perfect hair. Though Monroe was born with curly, brown-reddish colored locks, she’s best known for the classic platinum blond waves she rocked during her acting days. And her hair has lived on since then through the many modern celebs who have tried, successfully and not-so-successfully, to imitate her iconic hairstyle.

This English actress made a name for herself as a fashion muse and model in the ‘60s, but her inimitable hairstyle is what has proved the longest-lived aspect of her famous image. Along with straight, messy brown locks that on anyone else would scream “bedhead,” the star rocked perfect, eyebrow-length bangs like no one else could.

Known for her super long, pin-straight black hair, the singer was an inspiration for the flowing, hippie hairdo look everyone longed for in the ‘70s. But her signature style isn’t her only one. From her permed locks and colored, crazy mohawks to her bleached blond tresses, Cher’s hair still manages to be a regular topic of conversation.

As she rose to fame in the ‘60s as lead singer of The Supremes, this star’s hair started attracting a lot of attention too. Ross’ perfectly styled bouffant and asymmetrical bobs of her early career later gave way to a sky-high afro and, of course, the gorgeous, iconic curls that became her signature look.

The original “Charlie’s Angels” star’s flipped, feathered curls had a presence of their own during the ‘70s, proving to be one of the most sought-after celebrity hairstyles of all time. Her iconic bouncy style made her tresses look super voluminous, and inspired a generation of women to drop the flowing, hippie locks and whip out their blow driers.

Nobody puts Baby in the corner – or says perms can’t be cool. The “Dirty Dancing” star made the look extremely popular in the ‘80s with the signature, sultry curls she flaunted in the classic film. These days, Grey still continues to be a trendsetter with a short, layered hairstyle that is alternatively sleek and straight, or tousled and wavy. Even so, her most iconic looks remains those wild, sexy tresses.

The music icon that pushed the boundaries in the ‘80s with her eccentric style and edgy lyrics wouldn’t be nearly as recognizable without her signature, golden blond locks. Though they’ve been lopped off into a short, curly ‘do, pulled into a number of interesting and crazy styles (think the sky-high 90s pony) and occasionally dyed a shocking dark brown or red, her sweeping blond locks the world has come to know always win out.

As one of the most iconic women of all time, every detail about Princess Diana’s life was closely followed – and her hair was no exception. The beloved royal’s short, blond layered bob remained constant throughout her time in Buckingham Palace. Though her ‘do was often topped off with a fancy hat or occasionally, an even fancier tiara, the Princess Di everyone knew and loved was all about keeping things simple.

Over the years, the Australian actress’ hair has had as many roles as Kidman herself has. From the wild, natural curls she rocked in the 80s, to her flowing red waves and cropped, pale blonde gentle curls of late, the star’s hair has made a number of transitions. But recent reports say the style icon has embraced her natural hair again – for the sake of her curly-haired daughter.

From the “Felicity” curls of her early acting career to the super soft blowouts and waves of her more recent days (not to mention her crazy short chop that shocked fans in 2000), Keri Russell’s strands have seen it all. Now, Russell opts for keratin treatments to tame her naturally curly tresses, but the world can’t help but love her sleek, shiny locks, no matter what form they’re in.

Though the actress’ most iconic hairstyle may well be “The Rachel,” the look of her “Friends” days, Aniston has continued to wow fans with her flawless, face-framing layered ‘do for years after the show ended. While she’s experimented with everything from bobs to bangs, her best-loved look is still her honey-blond hair worn straight or in beachy waves.

The “Sex and the City” star’s long, curly blond hair that became distinctive to the show’s main character has had people talking long after her Carrie days have come to a close. Since the ‘90s, Parker has perfected a number of other styles too, including beachy blond waves, and even sultry, brown locks.

Sinead O'Connor was known for her buzzed look during an era that celebrated big hair. The acclaimed singer held onto her iconic look for years, although her most recent album had her sporting a fierce bob. She will, however, forever be associated with a bold buzz cut.

The former Spice Girl and current wife of David Beckham has a head of hair that’s lived up to her girl band nickname, Posh. From her long, dark silky waves to her famously fringed blunt cut and later sweeping bob (called a “Pob”), the British icon has managed to rock every hairstyle with a bit of extra chicness.

The former Bond girl’s trademark pixie cut is not only the look most of her fans (and countless admirers!) know her for; it’s the definitive example of how to rock short hair and look extremely sexy doing so. Besides her signature cut, the actress has also showed off a number of other super short styles over the years, like cornrows and a layered blonde ‘do.

GLASTONBURY, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 26: Beyonce Knowles headlines the Pyramid stage on the fourth and final day of Glastonbury Festival 2011 at Worthy Farm on June 26, 2011 in Glastonbury, United Kingdom. (Photo by Tabatha Fireman/Redferns)

Not many celebs can say their hairstyle has inspired a wig – but Tina Turner can. The seasoned singer, whose successful music career has spanned half a century, is almost as famous for her big hairdos as she is for her classic R&B hits. From the golden wigs of her early days to her voluminous, spiky locks, Turner is truly a hair icon; just ask Oprah, who owns one of these Tina-inspired wigs.

Besides her quirky television cuteness, the “New Girl” actress has become pretty well-known for her signature hairstyle – long, dark locks framed with straight bangs. Even when trimmed to a short ‘do, given a curly twist or pulled up into a ponytail or tastefully messy bun, Deschanel’s trademark bangs always steal the spotlight.