Hairstyles are methods of styling, shaping, or arranging hair. Images and descriptions of hairstyles can be used to create a desired look or achieve the right cut.

Hairstyles are of concern to both men and women, although in our era more variety is generally seen in women's hairstyles. Hairstyles have evolved so much throughout history, that it is almost impossible to collect comprehensive images of this in one place.http://www.ukhairdressers.com/history%20of%20hair.asp

The earliest records which allow us to learn of hairstyles in history are often paintings and artwork produced by ancient civilizations. Artwork as well as written descriptions remain the only way to ascertain hairstyles as they evolved prior to the era of photography. In the 20th century, mass media and globalization became major factors in the evolution and spread of hairstyle trends.

The most popular hairstyles for women, in 2010, fall into a few major categories:

• Ball, prom, and special occasion hairstyles or updos
• Everyday styled hairstyles
• Natural, unstyled cuts

While most of the the 2000's saw a very strong emphasis on smooth, shiny, flat hair, "big" hair or a "messy" look has made more of a comeback in the last two or three years, in most places. A straight but full-bodied, and sometimes rather messy, look is sought after by many young women.http://your-hairstyles.com/messy-layered-hair-styles.html This look is often achieved with techniques such as using hair spray, a combination of hairspray and water, hair gel or volumizers, and blowdrying. Hair straighteners are also being used to create looks such as these - sometimes even on girls and women whose hair is already straight.

Current cuts for women often have an emphasis on layering and feathering. Razor-cutting is popular to achieve the wispy, natural-looking ends on a new cut, or to create uneven lengths. Other fashion trends and haircut styles place more emphasis on a blunt, severe, architectural look. Inverted bobs are still popular in certain age groups.

Concurrent with the softer-looking layers and relaxed waves or curls, 2009 and 2010 have also seeing a stronger return of sharp and blunt looks reminiscent of the 1980s. Blunt, straight, heavy and quite long fringes have become more popular, while softer sideswept fringes are also very widespread. Asymmetric cuts are gaining popularity in some areas, while more natural, relaxed-looking longer cuts are still a mainstay. The bohemian influence is still seen strongly in longer, more relaxed styles; as well as in style items stemming from boho fashion, such as thin leather headbands worn around the forehead.

Braiding has made a comeback in recent years, and messy topknot-style buns are now ubiquitous in some areas, among women in their teens and twenties.

Side parts are still very popular. In some subcultures and among many teenagers, the side part has taken on an unusually dominant role since the 2000's. Examples of this are in some emo hairstyles where most of the face is actually covered by hair falling from an extreme side part.