There’s less than one month to go until hair salons will potentially be allowed to reopen in England and that means one thing—it’s time to start deciding exactly what kind of hair transformation I’ll be asking my hairdresser for once I’m finally reunited with a salon chair. After just one professional cut in 2020, and a couple of mishaps with my kitchen scissors, I’m ready for a hair refresh but I’m torn between opting for a low-maintenance style or something more striking that might require a little more upkeep.
Either way, I know I’m not alone in feeling more than ready to hear the gentle snip-snip of a hairdresser’s scissors. In fact, there’s one celeb that frankly couldn’t wait a moment longer and took to Instagram last month to show off her newly-chopped locks: Alexa Chung. Yes, everyone’s mid-noughties hair inspiration went “back to the start” and embraced a return to her iconic, choppy, chin-length bob, courtesy of hair stylist George Northwood. Turns out, the haircut was actually in aid of a cover shoot for Stella Magazine but seeing Chung’s signature bob got me thinking….Alexa has had some seriously great hairstyles.
Sure, her hair journey might not be the most dramatic—her length tends to drift from chin to shoulder and the colour only ever subtly shifts from chestnut to chocolate—but her hair always looks good.
In fact, it might be down to Northwood that Alexa’s relaxed, cool-girl hairstyles have stood the test of time. “My hairdresser, George Northwood, and I came up with the idea of ‘Future Cuts’ because I’m so weird about who cuts my hair,” Chung told Into The Gloss. “He literally might be the reason people like my hair, because he’s so clever with it…we’ll have to plan in advance what we want to do. For example, the plan was to grow out my fringe and then cut it short, so during that process he’s done less layering so it grows nicely. ‘Future Cuts’ are about planning ahead instead of being reactive, so it grows into the thing you want it to be.” I have to say, at a time when hair salons have been opening and closing with little to no notice, there’s something infinitely appealing about a haircut that gets even better over time. Alexa—you might just be onto something here. Ahead, keep scrolling for 28 of the best Alexa Chung hairstyles—think of it as your hair inspiration list ready for April 12.
An extra blast of volume at the ends adds a glam twist to an otherwise classic Alexa hairstyle.
Alexa’s mini, face-framing plaits lend a real party-girl feel to this easy style.
Team air-dryed strands with sleek roots and a centre parting for retro ’70s vibes.
This slicked-back, editorial hairstyle is going to be a big trend for spring 2021 and it looks so cool on Alexa.
Sure Alexa’s bandana looks cute for keeping the sun off her hair on the beach but it’s just as perfect for disguising third-day hair or grown-out roots.
Mid-length hair looks good on basically everyone—including Alexa—and is wonderfully low maintenance.
It’s not often we see Alexa with full-on glam hair but these pin curl waves and side parting are so elegant.
Alexa gives us serious summer hair inspo with this lighter, sun-kissed shade of brown.
I’m a bit obsessed with Alexa’s delightfully ’90s floral hair barrettes.
I have to admit that Alexa circa 2012 is peak hair goals for me. I love the feathery fringe, the soft waves, the choppy length…In fact, I might have just found my ultimate hair inspo shot right here.
I’ve never mastered the art of leaving some artfully dishevelled tendrils at the front of your updo but Alexa is a master at preventing formal hairstyles from looking too try-hard.
I think this one is an Instagram filter but it’s still nice to see what Alexa would look like modelling this year’s trending hair colour, copper.
This is a classic Alexa hairstyle but seriously, how shiny is her hair here? I’m in the market for some of that hair health.
This throwback Alexa style is just too cute. The plaits! The ribbons! The wispy fringe! I adore it.
Proving that you don’t need to have long hair to step out in a top knot, Alexa’s petite but perfectly formed bun looks so chic.
A fashion-forward approach to disguising greasy roots. Red lipstick optional.
I love this billowy style from Alexa. If you have naturally fine hair like Chung then use a bristle brush to comb through your waves after styling to add texture and volume.
On basic hair days, make like Alexa and pop in a bold and bright hair clip or barrette to liven up your look in a flash.
Alexa is the queen of wavy hairstyles but this side-parted style is full-on red carpet glamour.
When I think of Alexa it’s this tousled, undone style that springs to mind first. Totally timeless.
Pulling half of your hair up is the quickest and easiest way to look like you’ve made an effort with styling your hair—and it works.
A low ponytail is seriously underrated when it comes to chic hairstyles. Alexa’s wavy one looks so good here, especially with that oversized scrunchie.
Alexa always goes back to this shorter, choppy bob hairstyle and it’s no wonder when it looks this cool.
I love this layered style on Alexa which starts chin-length at the front and falls to just past her shoulders at the back.
There’s something very Parisian about this chic, side-swept bob.
Nobody does dishevelled waves quite like Alexa.
Embrace a grown-out fringe by sweeping your hair into a ponytail or loose bun and letting those front strands fly free.
A simple hair accessory is an easy way to switch up your signature look. This one works well with Alexa’s simple wavy style.
Alexa told Into The Gloss that she has “a pathological fear of using products in my hair because, again, it’s so greasy” but this wave spray gets her seal of approval.
A French pharmacy shampoo that Alexa swears by for absorbing excess oils while cleansing hair.
“I use conditioner just on the ends; it helps keep my fringe from getting too greasy,” Chung told Into the Gloss. This one from Pureology is her go-to.
A new launch from Alexa’s very own hairdresser, this lightweight spray helps to keep those signature cool-girl waves in place all day.
A post-shoot essential for Alexa to help remove product build-up from her fine strands. Up next, these low-maintenance hair trends are going to dominate in 2021.
