I present a list of 5 influential hair icons that took the term "classic" and made it all their own. The factor that brings these women together on the same list is the ability for each to have set their own trends, and have pulled them off with the utmost perfection. Some of these women were wearing styles 2 to 3 decades before they were considered mainstream.
Brigitte Bardot: This French born beauty was making trends in the 50's and 60's. We remember her for her big eyes and stunning looks but a glance through the past reveals a woman who wore her hair up, down, straight, wavy, with a fringe, without a fringe and everything in between. Her hair was always the perfect shade for her skin, and she dared to be different. For her era and for years to come, Brigitte set the standard for long, effortless hair.
Sophia Loren: Like her French counterpart, this Italian actress wore her hair in so many different ways that it is hard to keep track. Her ability to pull off every hairstyle with a certain air of confidence was truly remarkable. From her short bob to long and wavy, everything looked dead on. She even experimented with different colours and it didn't matter if it was brunette, auburn or medium blonde, Sophia pulled it off. The use of colour and willingness to change very often is why she was so far ahead of the trend.
Meryl Streep: We have seen Meryl Streep in everything from long and soft to short and coiffed. Is it any wonder that she looks good in all of it? No it isn't, because Meryl always sets her own trends and pulls them off fabulously. Look back at her transformation over the ages and you will witness a woman who has constantly redefined herself not just through her image, but in the perfect balance of style, personality and substance.
Audrey Hepburn: Although it seems as if Audrey never really experimented much with the colour of her hair the same cannot be said in regards to the style. This British icon wore her hair in a myriad of different ways that always looked impeccable on her. I have seen pictures of Audrey with her hair up, down, nicely coiffed in period pieces, and Audrey looks the iconic beauty in every single one. The re-definition of beauty for women everywhere with her short hair remains one of the reasons that Audrey will always be remembered for empowering women to embrace the pixie cut.
Natalie Portman: Personally one of my favourite icons, Natalie Portman has run the gamut from long luscious blonde and brunette locks, to shaved a la V for Vendetta. It takes a special kind of person to take a shaved head and make it look beautiful, and that is exactly what she has done. You will be hard pressed to find a photo where she doesn't exude confidence, and that confidence is the key to her trendsetting ability and versatility. An icon that I am sure we will be watching for years to come.