Honestly, if you look back at the 1970s, there was this specific kind of hair magic happening. Everyone talks about the Farrah Fawcett flip, which, okay, was legendary. But if you really want to talk about longevity and sheer class, you have to talk about jaclyn smith hair styles. While other stars were stuck in a permanent time warp of feathered wings and massive cans of Aqua Net, Jaclyn basically cracked the code for "expensive-looking" hair that translates across decades.
It’s kind of wild that in 2026, we’re still obsessing over her look. At 80 years old, she recently debuted this gorgeous, soft honey-blonde transformation that had the internet losing its collective mind. It wasn't just "good for her age." It was objectively great hair.
The Evolution of the "Angel" Aesthetic
When Charlie’s Angels first hit screens in 1976, Jaclyn was the "classy" one. Her hair reflected that. While the other girls had more aggressive textures, Jaclyn’s look was rooted in deep, rich brunettes and mahogany tones.
The secret wasn't just the color. It was the structure. Most people think 70s hair was just about curling everything away from the face, but Jaclyn’s stylists used a specific layering technique. They focused on "interior volume." Basically, shorter layers hidden underneath the long exterior ones to prop everything up. Without that, the weight of her thick hair would have just made it fall flat.
Fast forward a few decades, and she’s remarkably transitioned. You’ve probably noticed she isn’t that deep brunette anymore. These days, she’s leaning into soft blonde layers and warm honey tones. Why? Because as we get older, super dark hair can look a bit harsh against the skin. The lighter palette adds a "glow" effect.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Her Volume
You try to recreate it at home and you end up looking like a founding father or a 1980s news anchor. It’s frustrating.
The mistake is usually the direction of the curl. To get that signature Jaclyn Smith bounce, you aren't just curling the ends. You have to lift the mid-shaft. If you watch professional tutorials on her specific cut, like those from veteran stylists who worked through the 80s, they emphasize "over-direction."
You pull the hair forward—way past where it actually grows—and then cut or curl it. When it falls back, it creates a waterfall effect.
- The Blowout: It starts with a round brush, but not a small one. You need a ceramic barrel that’s at least 2.5 inches.
- The "Set": Jaclyn has often mentioned that she doesn't just blow-dry and go. You have to let the hair cool in the shape you want.
- The Modern Twist: In 2026, the "stiff" look is dead. People want movement. Jaclyn’s current style uses "invisible layers"—subtle, sliced-in pieces that create flicky volume without looking like a literal staircase of hair.
The Secret World of Wigs and Toppers
Here is the thing nobody really talks about: even icons need a little help. Jaclyn has been very open about her collaboration with brands like Paula Young to create her own wig and hairpiece line.
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A lot of women feel a certain way about wigs, but Jaclyn turned them into a fashion accessory. Her collection, featuring pieces like the Coastline or the Director’s Cut, focuses on Kanekalon® synthetic fibers. These aren't your grandma’s itchy wigs. They’re designed with "Permalift" technology, which basically builds volume into the base so you don't have to tease the life out of it.
If you’re dealing with thinning at the crown—which happens to almost everyone eventually—she has these "volumizer" toppers. You just clip them in and pull your own hair through the wefts. It’s sort of a "cheat code" for getting that 1977 volume without the three-hour salon appointment.
How to Get the Look (The 2026 Way)
If you walked into a salon today and asked for "The Jaclyn," your stylist would probably know exactly what you mean, but they’d modernize it.
First, ask for face-framing layers that start at the chin. Anything higher feels a bit too "shag," and anything lower loses the lift. You want the ends to be "shattered" or razor-cut. This keeps the hair from looking like a heavy curtain.
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For color, the "Jaclyn Gold" is the goal. It’s a mix of balayage and traditional highlights. You want a deeper base—think toasted almond—with lighter ribbons of honey and cream around the face. It’s low maintenance because you don't get a harsh regrowth line every three weeks.
Actionable Maintenance Tips
- Scalp Health: You can't have "Angel" hair if your scalp is stressed. Jaclyn is a big believer in a healthy lifestyle—no drugs, no alcohol, lots of exercise. It sounds boring, but it’s why her hair still has shine at 80.
- Vitamins: She’s mentioned taking Vitamin D, Zinc, and Biotin. Check with your doctor, obviously, but internal health shows up in your hair.
- Heat Protection: If you’re using a 350°F iron to get those waves, you better be using a barrier spray. Otherwise, you’re just baking your split ends.
Ultimately, the reason jaclyn smith hair styles remain relevant isn't because they’re trendy. It’s because they’re feminine. They emphasize the eyes and soften the jawline. Whether you’re using a topper, a full wig, or just a really good round brush, the goal is always the same: hair that looks like it has a life of its own.
To start your own transformation, focus on the "mid-shaft lift" during your next blowout. Use a volumizing mousse on damp hair, focusing only on the roots and the middle sections, then blow-dry your hair upside down until it’s about 80% dry before reaching for the round brush. This creates the foundational height that makes the signature Smith "flick" possible without needing a gallon of hairspray.