10 Most Iconic Oscars-Hairstyles

A career as an actor requires more than just “camera, lights, and action.” Many admirers have hairstyle fantasies based on what they see in their favorite celebrity at the Oscars. The Oscars ceremony, also known as the Academy Awards, is arguably the most illustrious and esteemed awards show.

Given that the ceremony is broadcast live in more than 200 countries, it is understandable that big and small-name celebrities spend the better part of the day getting ready with Oscar-worthy hairstyles. And yes, there is a large group of spectators evaluating their buns.

As the Oscars 2023 approach near, fans expect their favorite celebrity to have the best look. It is always logical to look back on previous Academy Awards ceremonies when evaluating. While you wait, check out the top ten most recognizable Oscar hairstyles ever. So relax and take a seat as you browse Oscar-worthy hairstyles.

Quick Overview

Name of Artist	Type of Hairstyle	Year (Oscar event)
10. Salma Hayek	Jeweled Headband	2017
9. Winona Ryder	Ladylike Finger Wave	1996
8. Emma Watson	Braids Clip	2014
7. Beyoncé	Voluminous Curls Pony	2009
6. Emma Stone	Asymmetrical Bob	2015
5. Gwyneth Paltrow	Sleek Ponytail	2012
4. Jennifer Lawrence	Bouncy beachy waves	2018
3. Zendaya	Locs	2015
2. Natalie Portman	Classic bun	2005
1. Angelina Jolie	Cascading Curls	2009

10. Salma Hayek | Jeweled Headband

Year: 2017, Event: Oscars

Salma Hayek, an American actress of Mexican descent, ranks highly on our list. At the 2017 Oscar ceremony, stunning Hayek kept the jeweled headband that complemented her pulled-back hairstyle.

Salma Hayek looked gorgeous wearing the headband jewelry. Her Oscar hairstyle, which otherwise had a low-key vibe, also added just the right amount of sparkle and polish.

9. Winona Ryder | Ladylike Finger Wave Pixie

Year: 1996, Event: Oscars

In the middle of the 1990s, actress Winona Ryder was renowned for her more daring appearances. At the 1996 Oscar ceremony, she became more famous as she ventured outside of her comfort zone.

She chose to wave her fingers in a cool, ladylike manner for the occasion. In addition, Winona Ryder’s wavy pixie Oscar hairstyle inspired admirers to chop their hair short to give it a try.

8. Emma Watson | Clip Braids

Year: 2014, Event: Oscars

Emma Watson is undoubtedly one of Hollywood’s most understated and captivating actresses. When Watson wore clip braids for the 2014 Oscar ceremony, she looked stunning.

Fans replicated her Oscar hair because of its flawless balancing act between edgy and romantic looks. Similarly, the adorable star-shaped hair clips completed the outfit’s trendy touch.

7. Beyoncé | Voluminous Curled Pony

Year: 2009, Event: Oscars

Global Beyoncé fans are confident that their idol will never mislead them. And no, they are not making a false claim. At the 2009 Oscars, Beyoncé looked stunning in a flawless ponytail.

Her pony appeared to be a messy braid when viewed from various angles. Beyoncé’s hair at the Oscars, however, was merely voluminous curls.

6. Emma Stone | Asymmetrical Bob

Year: 2015, Event: Oscars

On our list of the most iconic Oscar hairstyles, American beauty Emma Stone comes in at the top. In 2015, Stone made an appearance at the Oscar ceremony sporting a sideswiped, wavy bob.

This cool style with sideswiped bangs was created by her hairstylist Mara Roszak. Additionally, the length difference between her right and left parts gave her hair a little edge.

5. Gwyneth Paltrow | Sleek Straight Ponytail

Year: 2012, Event: Oscars

The MCU’s Pepper, aka Gwyneth Paltrow, is renowned for her experimental hairstyles. At the 2012 Oscar ceremony, she deceived her fans with a seriously stylish hairdo.

Paltrow’s hair appeared to be nearly straight and had an extended side part when viewed from the front. Her hair was actually pulled back into a glossy, and low ponytail.

4. Jennifer Lawrence | Bouncy Beachy Waves

Year: 2018, Event: Oscars

One more American beauty joins our list of iconic Oscar hairstyles. Jennifer Lawrence is well known for her alluring charm and stunning smile. But Lawrence’s distinctive hairstyles are what her fans adore about her more.

At the 2018 Oscar ceremony, the Hunger Games actress wore her hair in beachy waves with bounce. She is still known for having beach goddess hair because of this.

3. Zendaya | Locks

Year: 2015, Event: Oscars

Zendaya, a supermodel and actress, is unquestionably well-known among fans for her role as MJ, Spider-Man’s love interest in the MCU.

The talented young woman is also renowned for her bold, iconic fashion choices. The same can be said for her Oscars hairstyles in 2015, where she set the standard for what red carpet hair should look like.

Red carpet hair is typically thought of as long, shiny, and straight hair that doesn’t depend on one’s natural texture. Aside from being distinctive and beautiful, Zendaya’s Oscar hair also had a significant impact on future red-carpet commentary. All because of her reaction to offensive stereotypes.

2. Natalie Portman | Classic Ballerina Bun

Year: 2005, Event: Oscars

Gorgeous Israeli charm Natalie Portman is renowned for having uncomplicated lovely looks. At the 2005 Oscars, Portman made a stunning impression wearing a headband and a classic ballerina bun.

Furthermore, the look may have foreshadowed her iconic Black Swan performance at the Oscars.

1. Angelina Jolie | Cascading Curls

Year: 2009, Event: Oscars

American model Angelina Jolie is accustomed to walking the red carpet. In fact, her sense of style, including her hairdo, has a global impact on how people dress.

On our list of the most iconic Oscar hairstyles, the illustrious and wealthy actress unquestionably takes the top spot. At the 2009 Oscar ceremony, Jolie opted for a curly half-updo. Similarly, Jolie’s Oscar hairstyle highlighted her expensive emerald drop earrings.