Side-By-Side Pics Prove Partridge Family Star Susan Dey Can Rock Any Hair Length
Short and long haircuts typically flatter different kinds of features, but every now and then, you come across someone who looks absolutely incredible in both. "Partridge Family" star Susan Dey definitely falls into this category. At the start of her career in the '70s, the 17-year-old actor who played the role of Laurie wore her brunette locks down to her mid-back with just the tiniest bit of a wave styled into it. She kept her hair at this length for almost two more decades, and only switched things up after she was tapped to play Grace Van Owen in "L.A. Law" in 1986.
To embody the role, she cut her hair into a bob and swapped out her brunette locks for a bolder blond shade. This hairstyling change was meant to take her from girl-next-door to chic, big-city lawyer — and it did. Now, given the fact that Susan Dey looked stunning and still is decades later, it's easy to assume that she can rock any cut just because she's gorgeous. However, her hairstyle versatility has more to do with her face shape than her good looks.
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Balanced features, like oval face shapes, will generally work with most hairstyles. Celebrity hairstylist Nick Stenson told WhoWhatWear that symmetry is key, and those with oval face shapes only need to avoid cuts that are too heavy or angular. "A heavy, one-length cut can sometimes drag the face down visually," Stenson said. "Adding softness and texture keeps everything balanced." With her oval facial structure, Dey certainly has that important balance. So, if you have a similar face shape, you might look just as good with longer or shorter styles. However, if you're planning on chopping off your locks, be sure to consult our expert advice for transitioning from long hair to short.
Susan Dey kept her blond bob for the rest of her career and into retirement
From blunt bobs to curly cuts and layered styles, Susan Dey tried just about every variation of the bob. She kept her hair short throughout the rest of her career, and switched up her look by reinventing the cut with different textures, lengths, and finishes. One of her most bombshell looks came during the inaugural American Television Awards in 1993, when she stunned in a choppy, layered bob that gave an edge to her red halterneck dress.
Even after retiring from Hollywood for a more private life in 2004, Dey remained loyal to the bob. At one of her last public appearances at a New York gala in 2006, she stunned in another variation of the cut, tailored to suit her hair, which had grown finer with age.
Dey's commitment to her short style is perhaps one of the clearest examples of how this cut transcends age groups. Bobs are rightly ranked as one of the most flattering haircuts for women in their 20s and are also considered one of the best hairstyles for older women with fine hair. The secret to finding the right bob might be to take a page from Dey's book. Don't be afraid to experiment with different lengths, cuts, and styling techniques until you find the version that works for you. And then, when you're ready for a change, switch it up again!