12 Hairstyles Everyone Tried From TV Shows

These TV-inspired hairstyles became instant trends, with fans rushing to copy their favorite characters.

  • Daisy Montero
  • 5 min read
12 Hairstyles Everyone Tried From TV Shows
cottonbro studio on Pexels

TV shows have always been more than entertainment; they’ve set the tone for fashion, beauty, and style trends. Hairstyles in particular became cultural icons, with people running to salons to get the same look as their favorite on-screen star. Here are the hairstyles everyone wanted after seeing them on TV.

1. 1. The “Rachel” Cut from Friends

Denise Mahoney on Wikimedia Commons

Denise Mahoney on Wikimedia Commons

Jennifer Aniston’s layered haircut as Rachel Green became the ultimate ’90s trendsetter. It was bouncy, face-framing, and somehow looked effortless even though it required serious styling. The look made every woman want to walk out of the salon feeling like she was part of the Central Perk crew. Years later, “The Rachel” remains one of the most requested cuts in pop culture history.

2. 2. Don Draper’s Sleek Side Part from Mad Men

watchwithkristin on Wikimedia Commons

watchwithkristin on Wikimedia Commons

Jon Hamm’s side-parted hairstyle brought back a sense of old-school cool that never went out of style. It was neat, confident, and gave every man a reason to pick up a comb again. The cut matched Don Draper’s perfectly pressed suits and razor-sharp persona. Even outside the office, men copied the look to capture a touch of that 1960s sophistication.

3. 3. Ariana Grande’s High Ponytail on Victorious

Emma on Wikimedia Commons

Emma on Wikimedia Commons

Before becoming a pop icon, Ariana’s bright red ponytail was the highlight of her Victorious era. The style was sleek, youthful, and instantly recognizable — half the fun was seeing if you could get it as high. Fans tried to recreate it even if it meant a little tug on the scalp. That high ponytail eventually became her signature, proving that a single hairstyle can define a career.

4. 4. Seth Cohen’s Tousled Curls from The O.C.

Adam_Brody_Jennifers_Body_TIFF09.jpg: Michael Vlasaty derivative work: RanZag (talk) on Wikimedia Commons

Adam_Brody_Jennifers_Body_TIFF09.jpg: Michael Vlasaty derivative work: RanZag (talk) on Wikimedia Commons

Adam Brody’s soft, messy curls captured the effortless charm of early 2000s cool. His hair had that perfect “I woke up like this” energy that fit his indie, awkward character. It made curls look stylish without being overly polished. For a generation of guys, Seth Cohen proved that you did not need perfect styling to pull off a winning look.

5. 5. Carrie Bradshaw’s Chic Bob from Sex and the City

Lany-Jade Mondou on Pexels

Lany-Jade Mondou on Pexels

Sarah Jessica Parker’s ever-changing hair was as iconic as her wardrobe, but the short bob left a lasting impression. It was bold, modern, and carried the same energy as her character — free-spirited and unapologetically stylish. The cut gave women the confidence to ditch long locks for something fresh and daring. Even now, that sharp, bouncy bob feels timeless and fashion-forward.

6. 6. Zack Morris’s Blonde Spikes from Saved by the Bell

Michelangelo Buonarroti on Pexels

Michelangelo Buonarroti on Pexels

Zack Morris had the ultimate cool-guy hair that every teenager envied in the late ’80s and early ’90s. His blonde spikes gave off an effortless charm that matched his mischievous personality. Every can of gel was practically sold out thanks to his influence. It was playful, rebellious, and perfectly fit the era of big hair and bold style.

7. 7. Jess Day’s Bangs from New Girl

cottonbro studio on Pexels

cottonbro studio on Pexels

Zooey Deschanel’s thick bangs were just as much a part of her quirky personality as her polka-dot dresses. They gave her a charming, vintage-inspired look that fans adored. The haircut made bangs feel cute again after years of being out of style. For many viewers, it was the perfect mix of nerdy, sweet, and effortlessly stylish.

8. 8. Walter White’s Bald Look from Breaking Bad

Absock on Wikimedia Commons

Absock on Wikimedia Commons

When Bryan Cranston shaved his head for Walter White, it marked his full transformation into Heisenberg. The buzzed look became a symbol of strength, change, and control. Fans were surprised by how powerful a simple haircut could feel. Some even followed suit, trading in hair for attitude.

9. 9. Donna’s Big Curls from That ’70s Show

Dominick D on Wikimedia Commons

Dominick D on Wikimedia Commons

Laura Prepon’s red curls captured the bold spirit of the ’70s, yet felt surprisingly current in the early 2000s. The voluminous waves matched Donna’s confident and fiery personality. It was playful but grounded — much like the show itself. For many fans, it became the perfect mix of retro and modern-day glam.

10. 10. Fez’s Shaggy Hair from That ’70s Show

PeopleByOwen on Pexels

PeopleByOwen on Pexels

Fez’s shaggy hair was as endearing as his character’s awkward charm. It had a loose, carefree style that perfectly captured the 1970s aesthetic. The cut made a comeback as people rediscovered the joy of volume and layers. Even now, the shag remains one of the easiest hairstyles to rock without trying too hard.

11. 11. Elaine Benes’s Iconic Curls from Seinfeld

Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels

Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels

Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s curls were full of life and personality, much like Elaine herself. The wild texture made her stand out in a sea of straight ’90s hair. It was unapologetically bold, unpredictable, and instantly recognizable. Fans loved how her hair moved, bounced, and refused to play by the rules — just like her character.

12. 12. Steve Harrington’s Retro Mullet from Stranger Things

annmteu on Pexels

annmteu on Pexels

Joe Keery’s mullet brought an ’80s relic back into the spotlight with surprising style. It was wild, funny, and somehow charming all at once. The haircut became an instant hit among fans who loved the show’s throwback vibe. Steve’s hair might have started as a joke, but it ended up being pure TV gold.

Written by: Daisy Montero

Daisy began her career as a ghost content editor before discovering her true passion for writing. After two years, she transitioned to creating her own content, focusing on news and press releases. In her free time, Daisy enjoys cooking and experimenting with new recipes from her favorite cookbooks to share with friends and family.

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