The Most Memorable Oscars Hair of All Time

Posted by Samantha Speisman, Updated on March 2, 2018

It's usually the dresses that everyone talks about, but some of the biggest hair trends of all time started on the red carpet. In anticipation of the 90th Annual Academy Awards, we're taking a look back at some of the most memorable moments in hair history.

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    Audrey Hepburn

    We can't talk about hair without talking about Audrey's famous pixie--but it was the chunky bangs that took this look to the next level.

    It's not all great style though — see 12 shockingly unflattering hairstyles spotted at the Oscars.
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    Grace Kelly

    The French twist was nothing new to formal events, but Grace brought it to the 1956 Oscars in the most elegant way.
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    Shirley Maclaine

    Can we talk about this blunt bob? The flipped-up front and the face-framing bangs make this a winner (in the '60s and today).
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    Elizabeth Taylor

    Somehow, though totally cheesy, Elizabeth Taylor manages to pull off a tiara at the 1957 Academy Awards.
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    Sophia Loren

    Jumping on the bob bandwagon, Sophia Loren's voluminous side-parted chin-length cut hits all the right hair notes.

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    Elizabeth Taylor

    With a career like hers, it's no surprise Elizabeth Taylor is in here twice. In 1970, Liz wore her hair up in a high pony with cascading curls and a baby blue ribbon to tie it all together.
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    Diane Keaton

    Breaking all red carpet norms, Diane Keaton showed up at the 1976 Oscars with hair that was barely done.
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    Meryl Streep

    Hello, Meryl! The originator of red-carpet beach waves, Meryl let it all hang loose with long natural-looking curls.

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    Debra Winger

    Big hair was a big part of the '80s, and Debra was a perfect example with a mountain of curls piled high on top of her head.
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    Kathleen Turner

    The big hair trend continued through much of the decade, with Kathleen Turner taking her turn with big waves at the 57th Annual Academy Awards.
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    Geena Davis

    Chanelling Marilyn Monroe, Geena wowed the crowds with her big blonde waves in 1993.
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    Julia Roberts

    Not only did Julia take home the Oscar in 2001 for her role in Erin Brockovich, but she also wins for one of the prettiest ponytails we've ever seen.
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    Halle Berry

    If there's one pixie in Hollywood that's just as famous as Audrey's, it's Halle Berry's.
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    Renee Zellwegger

    Who can forget when Renee ditched her long layered hair for this ultra-short blunt bob?
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    Charlize Theron

    Proving she's really nothing like her character in Monster, Charlize went old-school glam with retro waves and ultra-light blonde at the 76th Annual Academy Awards.
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    Natalie Portman

    One of the first starlets to rock a headband on the red carpet, Natalie's jewelled headpiece instantly took her bun from plain to party-ready.

    See more pics: the most important style moments of the 20th century.
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    Michelle Williams

    Michelle's face-framing waves and low chignon were the talk of the town after the 78th Annual Academy Awards.
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    Reese Witherspoon

    Fresh off her split with Ryan Phillippe, Reese stepped onto the Oscar red carpet with her best hair in ages: a long layered 'do with side bangs.
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    Sandra Bullock

    At the 84th Annual Academy Awards, Sandy B. proved that high ponytails can be chic at any age.
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    Jennifer Aniston

    We knew braids were having a major moment when America's sweetheart wore a side braid to Hollywood's biggest night.

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    Anne Hathaway

    After shaving her head for her role in Les Miserables, Anne loved the look so much, she stuck with it.
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    Rooney Mara

    Embracing her character from The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Rooney Mara walked the red carpet with her black hair in a tight bun and blunt bangs.
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    Jennifer Lawrence

    Arriving on the red carpet with bodacious beach waves, nobody could stop talking about JLaw's super sexy hair.
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    Gwyneth Paltrow

    Who knew such a low-maintenance hairstyle could work on the red carpet? GP did, and she pulls it off flawlessly paired with a barely-there makeup look.
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    Lupita Nyong'o

    Lupita won our style-loving hearts by pairing a super cute jewelled headband with her ultra-short 'do (right before she won us over for a million other reasons, and won an Oscar).

    For more award season style, check out then and now: celebrities on the red carpet.
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