Jane Fonda’s Iconic Hairstyles (and How You Can Rock Them with Clip-In Extensions!)
Fonda isn’t just a Hollywood legend - she’s a hair icon too. From the swingin’ ’60s to today, Fonda has served up hairstyle inspiration that’s timeless and surprisingly achievable. Whether she was a futuristic bombshell or a chic modern muse, her hair always made a statement. The best part? You don’t need an Oscar or a time machine to channel these looks. With a little styling know-how and some seamless clip-in hair extensions, you can recreate Jane Fonda’s signature ‘dos right at home. Grab your hairspray and let’s dive into four of her most legendary hairstyles - and how you can slay them, step by step! 💁♀️
1. The Barbarella Bombshell (1968)
Big, bouffant, and downright bombshell - Jane’s Barbarella hair defined ‘60s glamour.
When Jane Fonda starred in Barbarella (1968), her hair practically had its own fan club. With sky-high crown volume and cascading curls, Jane’s Barbarella mane was out of this world - literally. It visually linked her to fellow bombshell Brigitte Bardot and the era’s love of big hair (polyesterzine.com). This look is iconic for its playful mix of sci-fi camp and classic pin-up glamour. It’s the kind of hairstyle that says “I’m the life of the party” - and it’s still totally wearable today whenever you’re feeling flirty or retro. (Theme party, anyone? 😉)
Image Reference: Jane Fonda with her 1960s Barbarella hair (alexscissors.wordpress.com).
Why It’s Iconic: The Barbarella style is the ultimate 1960s bombshell hair. It’s all about volume and drama. Jane’s blonde locks were teased to the heavens, giving a bouffant silhouette that screamed confidence. In the film, she looked like a space-age goddess with hair that defied gravity - a look so bold that it became emblematic of an entire decade’s style. Even decades later, we’re still talking about those luxurious curls and that fearless height!
How to Get the Look with Clip-In Extensions: Ready to channel your inner retro babe? Here’s how to recreate Fonda’s Barbarella bombshell curls using seamless clip-ins for extra length and oomph:
Prep and Volume: Start by clipping in long, wavy extensions around the back and sides of your head. Choose extensions a shade close to your hair (or go for Barbarella blonde!). Seamless clip-ins are perfect here because they lie flat and hide easily under your hair while adding major volume. Focus a few wefts near the crown for that lift.
Tease the Crown: To get that signature bouffant, gently tease (backcomb) the hair at your crown. Hold up the top section and comb downward toward the roots to create a cushion. This will give you the height Jane rocked. Don’t worry if it looks a little wild - we’ll tame it in a sec.
Curl in Sections: Using a large-barrel curling iron, curl your hair and the extensions together in sections. Aim for big, soft curls. For that ‘60s vibe, curl away from your face on the sides. If you prefer heatless styling, you can set your hair in large velcro rollers and let it sit - old-school style!
Flip and Tousle: Once curled, gently brush through the curls with a paddle brush or use your fingers to break them up. This creates that fluffy, flowing effect. Don’t be shy - the goal is body. You’ll see the extensions blend with your real hair, giving you goddess-like length and fullness.
Set and Accessorize: Spritz a strong-hold hairspray all over (the ‘60s loved their hairspray!). Smooth the top gently with your hand to control any frizz from teasing, but keep that height. If you want extra authenticity, pop on a cute headband or a few sparkly hair pins as a nod to Barbarella’s spacey vibe. Now you’ve got a Fonda-approved bouffant that’s ready for anything! 🚀
Pro Tip: For even more lift, you can clip in a small volumizing hair piece at the crown (often called a “bump-up” extension) before teasing. This, along with seamless wefts, will give you that gravity-defying volume without showing any clips. Set your style with a mist of shine spray so your curls glimmer. Hello, ‘60s superstar! (For more retro hair inspo, check out this modern take on the Barbarella bouffant - big hair is always a good idea!)
2. The “Klute” Shag Cut (1971)
In the early ‘70s, Jane shocked Hollywood with a choppy shag - messy, fierce, and completely iconic.
Fast forward to 1971, and Fonda flips the script with “The Klute” shag - a dramatic chop from long locks to a short, edgy cut for her role as Bree Daniels in Klute. This hairstyle was a total game-changer. Jane’s hair went from bombshell blonde to a chestnut brown, heavily layered shag/mullet hybrid - and it became the haircut of the decade. In fact, Fonda’s feathery Klute shag was basically the “Rachel” cut of the ‘70s, inspiring countless women to go for the bold chop (prevention.com). It was piece-y, punk-ish, and had an edgy “I do what I want” vibe that resonated with the era’s rebellious spirit. Fun fact: today’s trending “wolf cut” is actually a throwback to this exact ‘70s shag style (telegraph.co.uk) - proof that a good cut never goes out of fashion!
Image Reference: Jane Fonda with her 1970s “Klute” shag cut (vogue.com).
Why It’s Iconic: When Jane debuted this shag, it wasn’t just a new haircut - it was a cultural statement. The choppy layers, full bangs, and face-framing sideburn pieces gave her a look that was part mullet, part shag, and 100% attitude (vogue.com). It was untamed and sexy, yet still feminine. She even accepted her Oscar for Klute rocking this unapologetically shaggy ‘do (prevention.com). The style signaled independence and rebellion (Fonda herself said it symbolized breaking free from others’ expectations). No surprise it caught on like wildfire - every cool girl in the ‘70s wanted that “just rolled out of bed looking this fabulous” hair.
How to Get the Look with Clip-In Extensions: Believe it or not, you can mimic Jane’s shag without committing to a major haircut. Seamless extensions can add volume (and even some length) to help shape that shaggy effect. Here’s how to rock a modern “Klute” shag:
Create the Base: If your hair is long, start by sectioning off and pinning up the bottom half - you’ll focus styling on the top and mid-sections to fake a shag. If you have shoulder-length or shorter hair, even better. Clip in a few medium-length extensions around the crown and upper sides of your head. This will add fullness and give you more layered pieces to play with. (Choose extensions close to your hair color; Fonda’s shag was a rich brown, but any color works as long as the cut is shaggy.)
Add Bangs or Fringe: Jane’s shag featured a chunky front fringe grazing her eyebrows (vogue.com). To get bangs without cutting your own, clip in a clip-in bangs extension at the front center of your hairline. (These handy little extensions instantly give you bangs - commitment-free!). Blend it with your hair by brushing it into your natural hairline. Trim the fake bangs if needed to hit that just-above-the-eye sweet spot.
Layer and Shape: Using a flat iron or curling iron, flip the ends of random sections outward to mimic that feathered, piece-y texture. The goal is controlled chaos - vary some pieces flicked out near your cheeks and some at the nape. If you clipped in extensions, be sure to shape those ends too, so everything looks cohesive. Don’t worry about perfection here; a shag should have an effortless vibe.
Texture Time: Apply a texturizing spray or a tiny dab of hair wax to your fingers and rake through the ends and bangs. This separates the layers and gives that slightly mussed, rock-n-roll feel. Tug out a few face-framing pieces (like faux sideburn wisps) to hang in front of your ears, just like Jane did. The extensions will intermingle with your natural strands, creating a thick, shaggy silhouette that screams retro cool.
Mess It Up (Just a Little): The Klute shag isn’t meant to be sleek. Shake out your hair at the roots with your fingertips to add volume and a bit of frizz. If any section is too tidy, give it a gentle tease. Finish with a light-hold hairspray - you want the hair to move and swing, but still keep that shaggy structure. Now strike a pose, because you’ve got the Fonda ‘71 flair! 🔥
Pro Tip: This look is all about texture. If your hair (or extensions) is super silky, use a dry shampoo or sea salt spray to rough it up. Also, consider snipping a few of the extension pieces shorter to create staggered lengths - this helps enhance the layered effect if your own hair isn’t already cut into layers. The beauty of a clip-in-assisted shag is that you can remove or reposition pieces until it looks just right. One more bonus: this style looks awesome with a little beanie or hat, with those shaggy ends peeking out!
(Curious why the shag is so timeless? Even modern stars are reviving Fonda’s Klute cut - the trendy “wolf cut” is directly inspired by it (telegraph.co.uk). Bold looks truly come full circle!)
3. The ‘80s Workout Volume (circa 1983)
Think neon leotards, leg warmers, and BIG hair. Jane’s 1980s fitness era brought us sky-high volume and never-ending curls - a look that’s equal parts sporty and fabulous.
If the phrase “‘80s hair” brings a smile to your face, you can thank Jane Fonda. In the early ‘80s, she launched a workout craze with her famous exercise videos - and her hair was a whole mood. Picture this: bouncy, fluffy, permed locks kept in place with a colorful headband, often styled into a sort of glamorous aerobics mullet. (Yes, a mullet - and somehow she made it chic!) Fonda’s workout look was so iconic that even her legwarmers matched her hair vibe. She basically said, “Who says you can’t look stylish while doing leg lifts?” and we felt that. The hairstyle was typically shoulder-length with tons of layers, volume at the crown, and curls for days. It was energetic, fun, and absolutely emblematic of 1980s fashion.
Image Reference: Jane Fonda with her 1980s voluminous, curly hair and colorful workout set (vintag.es).
Why It’s Iconic: Jane Fonda’s 1980s hair had its own fan following. It was the era of “bigger is better,” and Jane took that to heart - her workout hair was BIG and full of life (prevention.com). Every strand bounced as she led aerobic classes with a smile. She often sported a sporty headband, which only made her voluminous hair poof out more above it (so ‘80s!). This look is iconic because it combines fitness and fashion - Jane’s hair practically became the logo of her workout brand. The style also screams ‘80s nostalgia: feathered bangs, permed waves, and that golden brown hue. Anyone attending an ‘80s-themed party probably channels this exact hairstyle because it’s so instantly recognizable. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love an excuse to have fun with their hair? 😉
How to Get the Look with Clip-In Extensions: Time to feel the burn - and by burn, we mean maybe your arms from all the teasing you’ll do! 😜 To recreate Jane’s aerobics-era hair, we want length, curls, and volume. Clip-in extensions are your best friend here, since many of us don’t naturally have a lion’s mane of hair. Here’s how to get that ‘80s workout diva look:
Lengthen and Thicken: First, clip in some medium-to-long length seamless extensions all around the back of your head. Opt for extensions that already have a bit of wave or curl, or hair extensions that can be easily styled. If your hair is shoulder-length, 16-inch extensions will give you that extra length that hits mid-back, which was common in ‘80s styles. More hair = more volume for when we curl it.
Crank Up the Curl: The 80s were the perm era - so curls are a must. Take a curling iron (around 1-inch barrel works well) and curl 2-inch sections of your hair and the extensions. Don’t be too uniform; some tighter and some looser curls mimic that “perm” look. Pro Tip: after curling each section, scrunch it in your hand while it’s still warm - this encourages a slightly messy, natural curl pattern. You basically can’t over-curl for this style - the goal is a fluffy halo of curls!
Tease to Please: Now for that epic volume. Put on a stretchy aerobics-style headband across your forehead (optional, but it instantly gives the Fonda vibe). Using a fine-tooth comb, tease the hair at your crown and the sides just above the band. Gently backcomb towards the roots on the under-layers of the hair. This will create a cushion that props up your curls. In the ‘80s, there was no such thing as too much volume - so tease away until you’re reaching new heights (literally).
Feather the Bangs: If you have bangs or front layers, curl them back and upward away from your face, creating a feathered, fluffy bang. If you don’t have bangs, you can simulate a bit of ‘80s bang action by curling the front pieces of your extensions and sweeping them to the side. Spray them in place so they sort of hover above your forehead in true ‘80s form (thank you, Aqua Net!).
Finishing Touches: Flip your head upside down and give your hair a good shake (really, try it!). This separates the curls and makes everything a little more imperfect and wild. Flip back up and use hairspray liberally all over. Arrange the curls with your fingers - maybe tuck some behind your headband, let others spring free. The result should be a delightful tumble of curls and waves that frame your face. You’re basically a fitness fashionista now - don’t be surprised if you suddenly feel an urge to do some jazzercise or blast a Madonna song! 🎶
Pro Tip: For an even fuller look, use two sets of extensions (if you have them). One set can even be a slightly different shade for a highlighted effect - Jane’s hair often had sun-kissed highlights that added dimension to her curls. Also, if you really want authenticity, you can actually crimp random small sections of the hair with a crimping iron - nothing says “‘80s” like a few crimped bits peeking through the curls! Finish with a shine serum on the ends to combat any frizz from all that teasing and you’re good to go.
4. The Signature Layered Bob (2000s-Today)
Elegant, polished, yet full of volume - Jane’s modern layered bob is a look that flatters at any age.
In recent years, Jane Fonda has settled into a signature hairstyle: a voluminous, layered bob that’s the epitome of classy. You’ve probably seen her on red carpets or in Grace and Frankie sporting this chic ‘do. It’s usually a medium-length bob (around chin to shoulder length) with lots of layers, a bit of a face-framing bangs, and tons of body. This style is so identified with Jane now that it’s practically her trademark - proof that she’s still a trendsetter well into her ‘80s! In fact, hair experts often cite her as having one of the best examples of a timeless layered bob (pinkvilla.com). It’s a beautiful blend of youthful bounce and mature sophistication, which is exactly why so many women (20-somethings and grandmas alike) show their stylists photos of Jane for inspo.
Image Reference: Jane Fonda with her modern-day blown out lob hairstyle (pinkvilla.com).
Why It’s Iconic: Fonda’s layered bob is iconic because it defies age and trends - it always looks current. It’s the culmination of all her hair evolution: not super long, not super short, just that perfect in-between length that gives her movement and versatility. She usually wears it with a side-swept fringe and feathered layers that make her hair look thick and healthy (pinkvilla.com). This cut frames her face and highlights her cheekbones (we love an instant cheekbone highlight!). Plus, Jane often styles it with a big, glamorous blowout, adding soft volume that’s red-carpet ready. From awards shows to activism events, this hairstyle carries her through every occasion, proving that a great cut + great styling = ageless beauty. It’s approachable enough for everyday wear, but can also be amped up for special events - no wonder it’s her go-to look.
How to Get the Look with Clip-In Extensions: If you want to mimic Jane’s elegant layered bob, clip-ins can help you nail the volume and perfect shape - especially if your hair isn’t naturally thick or if you’re transitioning from a shorter cut. Here’s how to do it:
Start with the Right Base Cut: You don’t necessarily have to cut your hair short for this; if your hair is longer, you can fake a bob by pinning the excess length under (the old faux-bob trick). But for the best result, working with actual bob-length hair (or a “lob” - long bob) is easier. Either way, have some medium-length extensions handy (think 14-inch or 18-inch wefts that you can trim down).
Clip for Volume: Section off the hair about an inch above the nape of your neck and clip a weft of extensions there, close to the scalp. Add another weft a bit higher up, around ear-level, from one side of your head to the other. These extensions will add fullness and a bit of length that you can layer. Because they’re seamless clip-ins, they’ll sit nice and flat - even in shorter hair - so you won’t get any weird bumps.
Layer and Trim: Once the extensions are in, have a look in the mirror and note where the extensions fall. To mimic Jane’s look, you’ll want the ends of your hair (including the extensions) to hit around your jawline or a little below, with some shorter layers in front. Take some scissors (or better, have a friend help, or see a stylist) and lightly trim the extensions’ ends to blend with your hair’s shape. Cut downward at an angle for a feathered effect. Don’t overthink this - a few snips to avoid any obvious separation between your hair and the extensions will do the trick.
Blowout Style: Now for that Fonda finish. Apply a heat protectant, then grab a round brush and blow-dryer. Blow-dry your hair in sections, using the round brush to flip the ends under slightly for the bottom layers, and outward for some of the top layers. Jane’s bob often has a mix of flips - some pieces flick out, giving a fun, textured look (prevention.com). If you have a fringe or shorter face-framing layers, blow-dry them sweeping to the side. The goal is a smooth, bouncy blowout with volume at the roots. To get extra lift, blow-dry the crown section up and back, over-directing the hair, then let it fall back down - hello, volume!
Set and Shine: Once you’re happy with the shape, set everything with a light-hold hairspray (you still want movement). You can tease the crown a tiny bit if you crave more height on top. Finally, finish with a serum or spray for shine. Jane’s hair always looks glossy and soft - never crunchy. Now you’ve got a sophisticated layered bob that even Grace Hanson would envy. Do a little hair flip in the mirror - see how those layers catch the light? That’s the Fonda effect! ✨
Pro Tip: If your real hair is much shorter than the extensions, consider curling the ends under with a large curling iron - this helps blend the lengths. Also, using extensions that are a shade lighter as highlights or darker as lowlights can add dimension, similar to Jane’s multi-tonal blonde hues. And remember, the key to this look is the blowout - if you’re not a pro with a round brush, you can use large hot rollers on the extensions and your hair. Simply roll them away from your face, let them cool, then brush out. You’ll get that same va-va-voom effect with less arm work.
Rock Those Fonda Vibes, Girl! 🎉
By now, you’ve traveled through time - from 1960s glam to 2020s chic - all via Jane Fonda’s hairstyles. Pretty amazing, right? The biggest takeaway: reinvention. Jane never stuck to just one look, and neither should you! One day you might feel like channeling Barbarella’s sexy volume, and the next day you’re all about that low-maintenance shag. Hair is supposed to be fun, after all. With seamless clip-in extensions in your beauty arsenal, you can switch up your style as often as Jane did (without any drastic cuts or damage). Clip-ins give you the freedom to add length for those bombshell curls or volume for that power shag - whatever makes you feel confident and fabulous.
Before you go experiment in front of the mirror, here’s a little secret weapon recommendation: Barely Xtensions. If you’re looking for high-quality, easy-to-use clip-in hair extensions to achieve these Fonda-inspired styles, Barely Xtensions has you covered. Our extensions are super soft, seamlessly blend with your real hair (no detectable tracks, even in updos or short styles), and come in a variety of lengths and colors - perfect for nailing any of Jane’s looks. Plus, we’re called “Barely” Xtensions for a reason: our extensions are so comfortable and natural-looking, you’ll forget you have them in (until someone compliments your fabulous hair, of course!). They hold curl well - meaning your ‘80s curls will stay bouncy, and your Barbarella waves will last all night. 🎀
Ready to transform into a Fonda-esque hair queen? Don’t be afraid to mix and match elements of these iconic styles and make them your own. With the right extensions and a playful attitude, you can literally let your hair down and have a blast. So go on, try that iconic flip, pump up the volume, and strut your stuff! And if you need a little help in the hair department, check out Barely Xtensions for the best clip-in extensions to support your hair experiments (thank us later!). Here’s to gorgeous hair days ahead - “Feel the burn!” and the beauty, just like Jane. 💖