Look back in history and every decade has had a distinctive haircut to represent the mood of the time, from Vidal Sassoon’s five-point cut in the Swinging Sixties to Farrah Fawcett’s feathered hairdo in the ’70s, to Jennifer Aniston’s layered shag in the ’90s.

Hair has always had the power to make over one’s image in a way that even clothes cannot. Interestingly, despite a raft of new haircuts emerging each season, the cuts hairdressers get asked for most don't veer far from the basic shapes, those versatile styles that can be adapted to suit anyone at any age. 

Celebrity hairdresser George Northwood tells us that if you're looking for a new life direction a fresh cut can be the answer to feeling empowered. He says, ‘there’s a freedom in lopping off grown-out lengths into a sharp, proper haircut that puts us back in control.’

He reveals, ‘I get asked to cut a lot of chin-length bobs, inspired by Alexa Chung’s original haircut that I created 10 years ago. It has a definite graphic shape that brings out the cheekbones with soft, invisible layers, so you get this fine balance between a power bob and flattering, choppy texture.’ 

Northwood suggests that whatever length you’re going for, it's wise to take inspiration from classic cuts and have your hairdresser modernise them for now. ‘The most famous cuts stand the test of time, it’s just a question of tailoring them to your face and style.’ Take your pick from our selection of the best haircuts of all time, below.  

The best haircuts of all time to try in 2022

Dakota Johnson

This is the classic fringe many opt to get if they're switching hairstyles and going for this look. Unlike curtain bangs, a full fringe makes such a statement and is a great way to update your hair if you're not certain about cutting it short. Straight-edged and blunt, the line should taper outwards for this haircut to make a strong impact.

Goldie Hawn

Curtain bangs are another popular hairstyle choice - particular as they emphasise your cheekbones and frame the face so elegantly. If you're someone who is looking to change things up, haircut-wise, soft curtain bangs are such a flattering shape, you're sure to look amazing if you try this cut in 2022.

Mary Quant

While Quant's graphic crop was bold in its day, her graphic bowl cut has been remade time and again. The great thing about Quant's groundbreaking style cut by legend Vidal Sassoon is that it can be worn forward for drama, swept to the side and tucked behind the ears for softness or worn spiky and textured for a twist. 

Michelle Pfeiffer 

Michelle Pfeiffer's bold fringed bob in Scarface is as relevant today as it was then. Glossy and healthy looking, everyone from Michelle Obama to Sienna Miller has worn versions of Pfieffer's 70s style making it their own. Note the below brow length fringe and tapered ends that makes this style so flattering. 

Demi Moore

When Demi Moore cut her long hair into a soft delicate crop for her role in cult film Ghost it perfectly represented the minimalist early 90s vibe. Understated and yet powerful, this cut is all about the details from the sideburns to the fluffy texture. Now known as the long pixie, hairdressers cite it as one of the most flattering short hairstyles of all time.

Jennifer Aniston

Who hasn't heard of The Rachel? The layered shag from Friends cut by celebrity hairstylist Chris McMillan is one of the most wearable haircuts of all time. Whether you opt for as many choppy layers as Aniston's original late 90s version or instruct your hairstylist to simply chop through the ends, this mid-length style frames facial features, softens the forehead and oozes volume. It also looks great with waves and curls. 

Halle Berry 

She may have long hair now but Halle Berry's Oscar winning pixie is timeless to this day. Reminiscent of Mia Farrow's 60s pixie, the root lift and proportions of Berry's crop make it utterly ageless on everyone from Judy Dench to Zendaya, Zoe Kravitz and Charlize Theron. 

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