In the midst of micro bobs and bixie cuts, the new year is also transporting us back to the hairstyles of the ‘70s and ‘80s. The most daring comeback that surely will have people talking? The pageboy haircut. Although some (myself included) have some thoughts, others are ready to revamp a classic look for the times. And let’s face it, if Princess Diana can rock it—and look amazing every single time—then I think we can give it a shot. I chatted with David Connor, a professional hairstylist, to learn more about the pageboy haircut and how to achieve the look in 2025.
The Pageboy Haircut Is the Princess Diana-Approved Look for 2025, According to a Professional Hairstylist
The most daring look yet
•
Published Jan 4, 2025
Dasha Burobina/Getty Images
Meet the Expert
David Connor is a hairstylist and owner of Anti-Gravity Salon in New Orleans. He has taught haircutting in over 12 countries as a global educator for brands Babyliss Pro and Hattori Hanzo, and uses the platform to promote growth in the industry for hairstylists. His work has also been featured in fashion week shows and publications like Modern Salon.
Getty Images
What Is the Pageboy Haircut?
The cut was inspired by young male servants/attendants (aka pages), who were often seen sporting this bowl cut style during the medieval times. Connor explains, “People wore the look anywhere from ear to shoulder length that was tucked inward toward the face and neck with bangs cut straight across to build a rounded silhouette.”
Tim Graham/Christian Vierig/Michael Ochs Archives/Stringer/Getty Images
Why Is the Pageboy Haircut Having Such a Resurgence?
While the look dates back centuries, it didn’t reach mass popularity until the ‘70s and ‘80s. It was most notably seen on celebs like singer Toni Tennille, Olympic figure skater Dorothy Hamill and, of course, Princess Diana. The haircut was also worn on men—think The Beatles or Luke Skywalker from Star Wars—making it a gender neutral style that everyone can try out.
Now, the pageboy haircut gets a bad rap for being a *very* bold look that veers into cartoonish territory. My mind immediately goes to Coconut Head from Ned’s Declassified, or more recently, Ariana Grande in that one sketch from Saturday Night Live. But some are making the case that a pageboy haircut has evolved into a modern (and much cooler) look to sport these days—and I have easily been influenced.
As Connor shares, “The pageboy haircut brings a level of individuality and confidence to those who wear it. Its rounded lines (short to long from the front to back) have been replaced with stronger lines that build structure in the upper neck/jawline area. This haircut is truly a timeless one and it will be styled over and over differently.”
How to Ask Your Stylist for the Pageboy Haircut
Yes, there’s a way to rock the pageboy haircut of 2025 without looking like a medieval messenger boy. In order to modernize the look, it’s important to come with reference photos of your desired style. The closer the picture is to your hair type and/or face shape, the easier it will be for your stylist to recreate the look you want. Other tips you should consider: Ask your stylist for layers, incorporate a fuller (or wispy) fringe and play around with the length.
Does the Pageboy Haircut Work on All Hair Types?
100 percent. According to Connor, it’s a great haircut for straight hair, since you can cut it in a way that “builds expansion and internal movement.” But while the cut is typically shown on this hair type, the stylist says it can still be achieved on wavy and curly hair, too. When styled (or air dried), the pageboy haircut can offer volume, create movement and enhance your natural hair texture.
5 Pageboy Haircut Ideas
1. Modern Pageboy Haircut
This modern take combines the pageboy and French bob together for a chic look. It keeps the same technique of snipping all around, but plays around with a length that sits an inch above the jawline.
2. Middle Part
If you’re looking to switch up your traditional pageboy haircut, consider adding a side or middle part. The subtle step can make a huge difference in showing off your layers and length in 2025.
3. Face-Framing Layers
Who says you can only do a fuller fringe? This interpretation lets you experiment with another popular cut: curtain bangs.
4. Wavy Pageboy Haircut
As mentioned, a wavy pageboy haircut can accentuate your texture. All you need is a texturizing spray or paste for a piecey finish.
5. Curly Pageboy Haircut
This haircut can offer an amazing shape for curly hair. The round shape accentuates your curls and removes any heaviness around the crown.
How to Style the Pageboy Haircut
Since the pageboy haircut offers tons of movement and texture, minimal styling is required. Connor recommends applying a texturizing spray or cream on damp hair. He adds, “As the hair dries, scrunch the hair or blow dry on low heat/speed to create lots of movement. I would also avoid a round brush for the modern pageboy style, or it can look a bit dated, even too ‘perfect.’”
