How The ‘Perfect’ Body Has Changed Throughout The Decades

The Paleolithic Era: The Earliest Example Of Art Shows A Symbol Of A Curvy Woman

Let's start at the beginning! Before anyone even know what an 'hourglass' figure was. The very first piece of art that's ever been discovered was actually a depiction of a woman, in carved model form. The symbol shows a very curvy woman, with a large stomach and big breasts.Original content sourced from Femanin.comImage Source / The ListThe symbol also has no face, which shows that, during this time, what was counted as the 'perfect' female body was actually the body itself, and a healthy one that could bear children at that. This symbolic carving communicates a powerful message: the 'perfect' female body wasn't defined by conventional notions of facial beauty but by the very embodiment of health and fertility.

Ancient Greece: Big Hips, Big Boobs But A Not-So-Flat Stomach

Stomach rolls rejoice, because in this time period, the Ancient Greeks had statues and other artworks depicting woman as having ample breasts, a stomach that definitely didn't have a six pack and wide hips ('child-bearing', no doubt). But to make the pressure on women worse, the Ancient Greeks actually had mathematical formulas behind the idea of true beauty.Image Source / The ListNamely, to be 'beautiful' a woman had to have a face that was two thirds as wide as it was long, and be symmetrical. No pressure, then, ladies. One thing is certain even back then—the ideals of beauty were intricately woven into the fabric of societal expectations.

Early Renaissance Period: Curvy And Pale With Round Faces

No fake tan for these ladies in the Renaissance era. According to artists of the age, the 'idealized' woman was often seen as quite curvy around the hips and boobs, as well as very pale with soft, round faces - often with a little blush on them. The Renaissance period also began the shift from women being seen as only child-bearing to actually being beautiful in their own right, whether they wanted kids or not!Image Source / The ListAccording to the aesthetic palette of the Renaissance, the 'idealized' woman boasted curves around the hips and bosom, her features softened with a delicate pallor, and cheeks adorned with a hint of blush—a living canvas of timeless beauty. In this period of artistic rebirth, a transformation unfolded.

Elizabethan England Era: Lots Of Makeup

There's a reason that Queen Elizabeth had very thick, white makeup on her face with rouged lips, all of the time. A woman with a full face of makeup was actually originally called "an incarnation of Satan" (great to see the abuse of women who choose to wear a lot of makeup these days had roots in history, too).Image Source / The ListBut Elizabeth began a trend that meant the paler you were (through makeup), the higher status you were. So lots of makeup became fashionable. The association of paleness with elevated status was a revolutionary concept first introduced by Queen Elizabeth.

Moving Into The 18th Century: Makeup Gained Even More Popularity

We're now moving into the time when makeup became exclusive for women, and seen as a way of her 'seducing' others. Before this period, makeup was actually worn by any gender without an issue, but then makeup for women become popular while makeup for men dropped out.Image Source / The ListWearing makeup and getting dressed in fancy gowns became a popular ritual, and also began this idea of the way a woman looks being the sexiest thing about her (obviously incorrect, but you do you 18th century people). The notion that the way a woman looked became the epitome of her allure took root.

Victorian England Era: No Emphasis On Any Particular Body Part, But Women Shouldn't Look 'Strong'

During this era, women should look 'pretty' yet modest, and most often with ringlets in their hair. Through fashion, there wasn't any focus on any particular body part, like corsets having to push boobs up as much as possible, but apparently women shouldn't look too 'strong'.Image Source / The ListA lot of this was to do with domesticity, and the woman's place being in the home. So the sort of homey, frail and 'I need a man' look was better than looking too strong, capable and independent as a woman, apparently. The prevailing belief was that a woman's place was in the home, and her demeanor and appearance should reflect this role.

1890's: The Gibson Girl

'The Gibson Girl' was a picture of a woman by Charles Gibson that apparently was the standard for beautiful women during this time. Because of this, women would try to match the woman in the illustration. This included a pale skin tone and a corset which would tightly pull in the women's figure to show more of her curves.Image Source / The ListBig breasts were always the most popular, but a 'skinnier' look was starting to come into fashion. But just a reminder that this was an illustration of the idea of a perfect woman - coming from a man. The very concept of the 'perfect woman,' as propagated by these illustrations, was filtered through the lens of a male artist, reflecting the societal dynamics of the time.

1900s: The Corset

Because of the pressures of having that cinched in waist and curvy figure, the only option women of this time had was to wear a corset as much as possible. Even us women who have never worn one know they look mighty uncomfortable and this couldn't have been fun.Image Source / Wikimedia CommonsApparently they were also dangerous, too. They were pulled in so tightly they would make it difficult for a woman to breathe (but who needs to breathe when looking beautiful is more important). The tight compression made it difficult to take full, unrestricted breaths, underscoring the physical toll imposed by the pursuit of beauty.

1910s: Hourglass Figure With Tiny Waist

This is where the 'hourglass' hype all began, with the idea that the perfect female body had to be one with a big chest, a tiny, cinched-in waist and an ample behind, all achieved by wearing a tight corset and figure-hugging gown, of course. Many women would try to get this hourglass look by using a super duper tight corset.Image Source / PinterestFor women of the 1910s, the hourglass figure was not just a passing trend; it was a cultural phenomenon that influenced everything from clothing choices to the perception of beauty. The tight corset, with its ability to compress the waist and accentuate the curves, became a staple of this idealized silhouette.

1920s: Thin Body With No Curves

Yep, you read that right - no curves! Thin always being the go-to is no surprise for this era, but suddenly curves were not *it*. This came from Miss America 1921, Margaret Gorman, who apparently had the ideal body shape of the time. She had a tiny frame, with smaller breasts and hips.Image Source / WikipediaThe 1920s marked a cultural shift that celebrated a departure from the lush curves and cinched waists of the previous decades. The ideal body was now characterized by a streamlined, boyish figure—a stark contrast to the voluptuous aesthetics of the 1910s.

The Flapper Girl

As you might know, the 1920s was also known for the 'flapper girl' - and this was a very specific style both in body and fashion. The flapper girl outfits showed women with very slight and straight frames, with flapper fashion usually being a very straight and loose dress that didn't accentuate any curves.Image Source / RedditThe flapper girl's style was a visual representation of the changing role of women in society at the time. With bobbed hair, daring makeup, and a penchant for shorter, looser garments, the flapper challenged conventions and redefined notions of femininity.

1930s: A Curved Body With A Slim Waist

Aaand we're back to people wanting curves again! But god forbid the waist has some rolls on it, too, as long as you were curvy everywhere but the waist. During this time, women were put on pedestals for having a more 'feminine' style, which mean soft curves and a drawn-in waist.Image Source / Life MagazineThe need for this slim physique was more muted during this time compared to that extreme hourglass shape that was to come in future decades. The 1930s emerge as a period that sought a middle ground—a celebration of femininity without the huge extremes.

1940s: A Tall, Square Figure

Not that you had any chance of changing your natural height, but that's what heels are for, I guess. The idea behind this body shape was actually the woman who may have been behind the famous 'We Can Do It!' wartime poster: Naomi Parker. The square figure idea came from having women working during the Second World War wanting a stronger and broader look.Image Source / www.history.comWhile the beauty standards of the 1940s may not have been easily attainable for everyone, the emphasis on a tall, square figure signaled a departure from previous ideals. It reflected a shift towards a more utilitarian and empowered vision of beauty standards.

This Idea Was Also Reflected In Women's Lingerie Of The Time

Because of course women's lingerie standards were changing as much as body shape standards, too. During this need for a broader and stronger look, women's lingerie would be called things like 'torpedo' or 'bullet' (and you may recognise the idea from the cone-shaped bra Madonna wore).Image Source / eBayThe choice of lingerie names reflected not only the fashion trends of the time but also the cultural narrative surrounding women's roles and expectations. The emphasis on strength and resilience in the broader societal context found expression in the intimate apparel designed for the evolving standards of beauty.

1950s: Bigger Hips, Bigger Boobs

Enter Marilyn Monroe: the Hollywood actress, sex symbol and ultimate pin-up. Which meant her body shape was also seen as the ideal of the time, too. This ideal body shape saw an hourglass figure, with bigger boobs, small (but curvy) hips and that all-important cinched in tiny waist.Image Source / The SunMarilyn Monroe's influence extended beyond the silver screen, permeating popular culture and influencing beauty standards. The hourglass figure, with its emphasis on voluptuous curves and a slender waist, became the gold standard of beauty during this era

This Began Experimentation With Breast Implants

With the need for bigger breasts and a curvier figure being more desirable, it's no surprise that doctors began offering implants. At the time, these were sponge implants inserted to create a bigger bust. It's alleged that Marilyn herself had these implants.Image Source / BellatoryThere were also weight-gain pills flying about to help thinner women achieve a fuller look. These developments in cosmetic enhancement reflected the evolving landscape of beauty standards and the lengths to which individuals were willing to go to conform to the cultural ideals of the era.

1960s: Super Skinny With No Curves

Imagine going to all that effort in the 50s to get breast implants and weight-gain pills only to find out ten years later that nobody wants that anymore. But the swinging 60s brought with it a popularity for the ultra-skinny and petite look, shown through fashion of the time, too, with shorter and smaller dresses that were petite sizes rather than figure-hugging.Image Source / That's Not My AgeThe 1960s marked an era of cultural rebellion and a departure from the norms of the past. The newfound fascination with a super-skinny aesthetic represented a break from the curvier ideals of the preceding decade. Women sought to emulate the slender figures popularized by fashion icons.

1970s: Flat Stomach With Smaller Hips

During this decade, more focus was put on women putting in the time and exercise to get that super flat stomach. It was also best combined with slim hips for a smoother look. This time period was also when plastic surgery had taken off more than before, so reshaping surgeries were becoming popular with celebs.Image Source / Fifth Avenue GirlThe quest for an idealized body shape extended beyond natural methods, prompting individuals to explore surgical interventions to align with evolving beauty standards. Plastic surgery became a means to sculpt and enhance (and change) specific features.

1980s: Tall, Athletic Figure

Make way for super toned and skinny supermodels with legs that seem to go on forever! This was this decade's ideal body shape, with tall and athletic being the in-demand look. Fitness trends were also taking over, with aerobic vids becoming popular to keep that athletic shape and work those muscles - now that it was acceptable for women to have muscles.Image Source / WatchMojoThe cultural shift allowed for the acceptance and celebration of women with muscles, challenging traditional notions of femininity. The emphasis on fitness and a tall, athletic figure underscored the era's commitment to a health-conscious and active lifestyle.

1990s: Very, Very Thin/Bony

One of the best examples of this time for the 'perfect' body shape is British supermodel Kate Moss, who had a very thin figure, a bony structure and minimal boobs or hips. During this time, it was very fashionable to be very slim, as well as very pale (which some may have called 'unhealthy' looking).Image Source / SPINThe cultural shift toward celebrating a slender and minimalistic body type, as embodied by figures like Kate Moss, reflected changing perceptions of beauty and influenced the modeling and fashion industries. The 1980s marked a departure from the athletic ideals of the previous decade.

2000s: A More Toned Body - But Still Slim

Here we have the era of that 'Victoria's Secret model' look, where more toned bodies were becoming fashionable, including stomachs having more of a six-pack outline, or at the very least muscle toned (think of a Britney Spears music video). The toned body was more a centerpiece than big boobs or wide hips would be.Image Source / InsiderAs the 2000s unfolded, the ideal body shape showcased a synthesis of slimness and muscular definition, highlighting a shift towards celebrating a more athletic and toned physique. The 'Victoria's Secret model' look became synonymous with beauty standards of the time.

2010s: The Ultimate Hourglass - The Bigger The Curves The Better

Now that we're hitting a decade where social media and tech come at the forefront of everything, we have celebs and influencers showing off perfect hourglass figures and making every one else feel bad about their bodies by flaunting their perfect curves.Image Source / FlickrThink Kim Kardashian, with perfect boobs, huge behind but the all-important tiny, tiny waist. Social media platforms became arenas for individuals to showcase their hourglass figures, contributing to a culture where the pursuit of an exaggerated hourglass shape.

How Has The 'Perfect' Body Changed For Men? Ancient Greece: Muscular And Lean

You wouldn't catch any man in Ancient Greece with a beer belly, when that muscular and toned physique we're so used to seeing on Greek heroes and gods in media was the body type to have. It was also very fashionable for these muscular men to have longer hair tied back, as a symbol of power.Image Source / Australian Archaelogical Institute at AthensThe aesthetic ideal extended beyond the physical, with the fashion of the time often featuring muscular men with longer hair. This hairstyle was not only a matter of personal grooming but also symbolized power and strength, aligning with the broader cultural perception of the ideal male form.

Elizabethan England: Powerful Legs

Yep, apparently men of this era put a huge focus on leg muscles only. To be overly muscular on top wasn't the done thing if you were an Elizabethan man - nobody cared about a perfect six-pack, but when it came to muscles, apparently a lot of focus was put on strong, powerful and defined legs.Image Source / Pinterestthe fashionable ideal wasn't centered on an all-encompassing muscularity; instead, men sought to cultivate robust and well-defined leg muscles as a key aspect of physical attractiveness. The cultural preference for powerful legs reflected the prevailing aesthetic values of the time.

Late 1800s/Early 1900s: Wide Around The Middle

During this era, the bigger your stomach and the wider your waist, the more status you had as a man. It wasn't about muscles or shapely legs, it was about the 'fat' man. Because if you had a fat tummy, it meant you were eating well, and therefore could afford to eat - so everyone around you would see your stomach and know how wealthy you were.Image Source / Wikimedia CommonsThe belief was that a man with a larger midsection could afford to indulge in ample food, signaling his economic status and abundance. Consequently, the 'fat' man became a symbol of affluence, and the wider waistline was considered a reflection of financial success.

1920s To 1950s, The Hollywood Golden Age: Athletic And Lean

This is where the idea of the camera adding 10 pounds came into play, meaning for Hollywood stars, they had to be sure to be slim, toned and athletic to not appear larger on screen. Perfect examples include actors like Jimmy Stewart, with a lean body type that isn't necessarily buff.Image Source / Vanguard of HollywoodThe Hollywood Golden Age stands out as a time when the ideal male body leaned towards a slender and athletic look, it reflected the visual demands of the burgeoning film industry, where on-screen appearances played a crucial role in shaping public perceptions.

1960s To 1970s: Thin And Slender

The body type preferred for men of this time was very slender, and sort of androgynous, as shown through icons like David Bowie. There was no focus on any sort of muscle or toned body parts, as it was all about that very slim look, with a variety of different hairstyles to show off during this time, including afros or mop tops!Image Source / Pop ExpessoThe idealized male body of this period was characterized by a lack of muscular definition, with an emphasis on a thin and slender appearance. Cultural icons, including musicians like David Bowie, influenced fashion and beauty standards, contributing to the popularity of androgynous figures.

1980s: Bodybuilder Physique

From the slender forms of the previous decade to the polar opposite now with huge, HUGE muscles and bodybuilder physiques, like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone. 'Pumping iron' was the done thing during this decade, and the perfect 'masculine' look was supposed to be the more muscles, the more manly you are. But don't forget the body oil!Image Source / Insider BodybuildingThe larger and more defined the muscles, the more it was perceived as the embodiment of manliness. This emphasis on a bodybuilder physique was a departure from the slender look of the 1960s and 1970s. The 1980s marked a dramatic shift in beauty standards for men.

1990s To 2000s: More Lean, Less Muscly

Fortunately, this pressure to have the biggest muscles around didn't continue much into the next decades. There was still a huge focus on toned and defined bodies, but it was more a lean physique with a toned torso. Think Brad Pitt in Fight Club, and this is pretty much the desired look for the time.Image Source / British GQThis era saw a rise in fitness culture, with many men aspiring to achieve a sculpted body without the exaggerated bulk. The influence of celebrities and media played a significant role in shaping perceptions of the ideal male body, promoting a balance between fitness and aesthetics.

2015 To Now: The Dad Bod

The dad bod was men's solution to the pressures of needing to look too skinny, or too muscly. The dad bod is defined as a body type ideal that sees a man looking healthy (so not obese) but clearly having some fat on him. It's associated with the idea of what a middle aged man might look like, in that he'd be slim enough with a bit of a paunch without spending 24 hours a day at the gym.Image Source / New York PostThe dad bod gained popularity as a celebration of bodies that aren't overly sculpted, emphasizing that men can be attractive without conforming to traditional notions of perfection. The trend promotes a more inclusive and more body-positive perspective.

And Now... How The Perfect Hairstyle Has Changed Throughout The Decades! 1850s: Tight Bun

Female hairstyles of this era were often very simple, but there was a huge focus on being symmetrical. If women had long hair, it would be parted in the very center and then pulled back over the ears (over and not behind them) and then pulled into a bun at the back of the head.Image Source / costume cocktailDuring the 1850s, hairstyles were characterized by their simplicity, mirroring the overall modest and refined fashion of the Victorian era. Women with long hair adhered to the prevailing notion that simplicity was a virtue, and elaborate hairstyles were often reserved for special occasions

1860s: Hello To Ringlets

The center part was still very big in this decade, but now straighter, pulled-back hair had been swapped out for ringlets. These ringlet curls should be elegantly falling over the shoulders instead of pulled too tightly back, and could even be accessorised with flowers! Full ear covering had now also been switched out.Image Source / The Pragmatic CostumerUnlike the previous decade's preference for tight buns, women now favored shoulder-length curls.  Ringlet curls took center stage during this period. Women would style their hair into delicate curls, allowing them to elegantly fall over the shoulders.

1870s: Fancier And Longer

Hairstyles were now becoming more bold, with a variety of curls, braids and twists building up the hair. It was also common to have long hair now running down the back rather than gathered tight in a bun. Older women would be known to wear their hair higher on the head with less loose curls than younger women.Image Source / MediakronBraiding and twisting techniques gained prominence during this period. The 1870s saw a departure from the simplicity of the previous decade, with hairstyles becoming bolder and more elaborate. Women began experimenting with various textures, incorporating a mix of curls, braids, and twists into their hair designs.

1880s: Large Waves And Heavy Shapes

This is when hairstyles started to look a little painful and heavy - at least to the modern day woman who wouldn't want all that piled on the top of her head. Braids continued to be in fashion, and would be shaped in particular ways on the head. Hair would still be rolled or put into ringlets and shaped around the head, too.Image Source / Aimee's Victorian ArmoireHairstyles during this period often exhibited heavy shapes, with intricate structures and voluminous arrangements. The emphasis was on creating a lavish and weighty aesthetic, reflective of the prevailing fashion tastes. Hair was skillfully shaped around the head, creating intricate formations.

1890s: Tight Coils And Piled High

The hair would continue to be shaped on top of the head in this decade, with a focus on very tight coils to keep it in place. It was also in fashion to have bangs over the forehead which might be curled and fluffed up. Women were also expected to wear small hats as accessories, so the hairstyle needed to accommodate for that.Image Source / Inspired By Life... And FictionHairstyles of the 1890s maintained an elevated structure, with an emphasis on tightly coiled arrangements. Women embraced a controlled aesthetic, reflecting the evolving trends of the decade. A notable departure from previous styles was the introduction of bangs over the forehead.

1900s: The Gibson Girl

The body type and style of the Gibson Girl from 1890 to 1900 affected expectations of women everywhere, but it was also her hairstyle that made an impact - and it was this hairstyle that therefore became in-demand at the beginning of the 20th century. This saw very tall and voluminous hair coiffed on the head.Image Source / PinterestThe hallmark of the Gibson Girl's hairstyle was its height and volume. Women sought to emulate this look, featuring hair coiffed and arranged in a manner that added considerable height to the overall appearance. Hairstyles of this era embraced elaborate coiffures.

1910s: The Pompadour From Paris

These times of fashion and hairstyles were also seeing great influence from Paris. The hairstyle of this time was named 'The Pompadour', which the mistress of King Louis XV's famously had. This style saw a very high hairstyle, rounded and curved, in either a straight style or waved.Image Source / Shady Lady ToursThe hair needed to be supported by wire or a pad to achieve this look! The Pompadour embodied an aura of elegance and sophistication, reflecting the prevailing fashion ideals of the time. It became a symbol of refined beauty and contributed to the overall allure of women during the 1910s.

1920s: A Short, Straight Bob

While the sleek bob is very much still popular in the current decade, it was THE hairstyle back in the 1920s. The perfect bob would be sleek and razor-sharp, and would also ideally have bangs along with it rather than a straight part. This decade focused on more 'masculine' trends for women, so it's no surprise the short bob cut was the go-to.Image Source / RedditIn the liberating atmosphere of the 1920s, a transformative shift in women's hairstyles took center stage, giving rise to the iconic and revolutionary short bob. This era was characterized by newfound freedom and a departure from the traditional norms.

1930s: Platinum Blonde Curls Are In

As a huge change from that black bob of the 1920s, a lighter platinum hair hue was now in fashion. While the favored hairstyle was still a shorter one, it was now better to have soft waves and curls in the hair rather than dead straight. You might recognise this sort of hairstyle later favored by Marilyn Monroe!Image Source / RedditThe hairstyle of the 1930s reflected a decade characterized by economic challenges and the escape into the world of cinema. The romanticism embedded in the platinum blonde curls offered a respite from the harsh realities of the time, allowing women to embrace beauty and sophistication.

1940s: Longer, Wavy Hair

And now we have people embracing a much longer hair length for women, with feminine wavy curls. During this decade, it was more in-fashion to have women's hair grown out and then looking more glam with big waves. It was also ideal to have a side parting rather than a center parting.Image Source / RedditThis was so that the hair could elegantly fall across one eye - no doubt to make women look more alluring. Actresses of the era, such as Veronica Lake, became style icons, influencing women to adopt a more glamorous and refined approach to hairstyling.

1950s: Pinned Back Curls

While the decade before wanted those iconic curls to fall mysteriously into the eyes, the 50s was a decade that said no actually that could be annoying - let's pin them back. The fashion of this particular decade saw waves still in fashion, but now in a secured-back style, and the length maybe a little shorter than before.Image Source / RedditThe 1950s pinned back curls emerged as a symbol of feminine grace and sophistication for women. This hairstyle reflected the cultural shift towards a more structured and refined aesthetic, aligning with the era's emphasis on elegance and timeless beauty.

1960s: Curls Are Gone, Straight And Short Is Back

The 60s definitely saw more than one type of hairstyle for the hippies and free-lovers, but the most popular hairstyle for women during this decade was very short and straight. It was a very boyish haircut that had come back in style, and it would usually be paired with dead-straight bangs.Image Source / RedditAmid the cultural upheavals and the rise of counterculture in the 1960s, a distinctive hairstyle emerged, challenging traditional notions of femininity. The "Boyish Chic" style, characterized by short and straight hair, made a bold statement and became an iconic representation of the era.

1970s: We Want Waves That Bounce

Not only did the 70s give a huge shout out to waves again, they now wanted waves that bounced and came away from the face in a flick. This was a decade where women were shifting away from 'boyish' looks again and growing out their hair in a more feminine way, which meant long and layered hair with huge, bouncy waves.Image Source / All Things HairWhat set the 1970s waves apart was their buoyant quality and the playful flick away from the face.. Volume became a key element and waves took center stage. Women aimed for hair that exuded vitality and movement, creating an effortlessly chic appearance that defied the more structured styles of previous eras.

1980s: The Choppy, Feathered Look

Women went into this decade still keeping hold of their longer locks, but now the 'in' look was a huge, choppy style. This mean shorter hair on top which would then come out down the sides in a thick, layered look. It was then popular to have this feathered to have it flick out a little more.

Image Source / The Right Hairstyles

And, of course, A LOT of hair product was popular in the 80s, like far too much gel, no matter your gender. Layers were not only fashionable but also served to give the hairstyle a multi-dimensional quality, creating a visual impact that resonated with the vibrant spirit of the '80s.

1990s: Straight With A Choppy Fringe

And now we're back to dead straight being the desired look, but this time women were enjoying very long straight hair rather than short bobs. The ideal was to then have this coupled with chopped and side-swept bangs. Gone were those thick layers and instead sleek, straight hair.

Image Source / Reddit

Adding a touch of rebellion to the refined straight look, the choppy fringe emerged as a defining feature. Instead of uniform bangs, women opted for a more disheveled and textured fringe, creating a stylish contrast to the sleekness of the rest of their hair.

2000s: Bed Head

This was definitely a decade for having hair that just don't care. And that's a welcome relief for women, to be fair. The 2000s saw long and messy hair that didn't really have any styling to it, and didn't even look like it had been brushed. It definitely showed the more 'looser' view on hairstyles during this time.

Image Source / Reddit

The Bed Head style emerged as a new liberating force, breaking away from the meticulously styled and perfectly coiffed looks of previous decades. Women embraced a more relaxed approach to hairstyling, signaling a departure from the rigidity of the past.

2010s: Blonde Was Definitely In

This era didn't see so much focus on the hairstyle itself, but rather the color. Blonde was definitely the way to go in the 2010s, with a variety of different shades like sandy blonde, honey blonde or bright blonde. This would popularly be coupled with layered and wavy hair, with blow-dried dos.Image Source / RedditThe era witnessed a revival of the classic "blonde bombshell" archetype. Celebrities, influencers, and trendsetters embraced the timeless allure of blonde hair, harking back to the iconic figures who had graced the silver screen with their golden locks in previous decades.

2015: The Midi Bob

Bobs are back! And this time it's the more wavy, mid-length bob that's in-demand rather than a straight cut. There's no doubt that wavy bobs are elite when it comes to hairstyles on women, because it's an easy, feminine look that looks great in any colour. Most actresses would have rocked this look at least once.Image Source / PinterestBobs, with their timeless charm, made a triumphant return in 2015. However, it wasn't just any bob; it was the Midi Bob – a mid-length variation that struck the perfect balance between short and long, offering a fresh take on a classic haircut. What set the Midi Bob apart was its wavy sophistication.

2022: The Messy Bun

To be fair, this look isn't exclusive to 2022, but there seems to have been a surge in messy top knot buns on women in recent years. This look is a very popular one, especially for women wanting to have that 'I want to look casual like I haven't made an effort but actually it took me 10 hours to get this messy bun to look like I haven't tried'.Image Source / RedditThe messy bun epitomizes the fusion of casual and sophisticated styles. It effortlessly communicates an "I woke up like this" vibe while maintaining an inherent chicness that can seamlessly transition from laid-back brunches to more formal settings. One of the key reasons behind the messy bun's popularity lies in its versatility.

2023 And Beyond: Shaggy Bob

So what's next to come? What hairstyle resolution should you have for the start of 2023? Well, it seems that there's already a popularity for the shaggy bob again, with chopped, shorter haircuts and shorter styles like the pixie cut being in-demand at the moment.Image Source / RedditIt looks like bangs are also popular, too - but in this modern day and age it's more about the vivid hair colors than the styles, it would seem! One of the defining features of the shaggy bob is its inherent ease of styling. The tousled layers and textured finish require minimal effort.