30 Hair Trends To Try At Least Once

19 min readMay 8, 2021

Whether we’re hesitant to let go of a go-to hairstyle or we’re itching for something new when it comes to our tresses, life is too short to keep the same hairstyle forever. With the last year or so being spent dyeing our own hair and trimming our own dead ends, this may be a sign to try out a hair trend. With a great cut (hopefully from an expert stylist at your local salon) a new hairstyle is automatic, but you can also try a hair trend by adding some color to your hair, braids, or (very carefully) DIYing curtain bangs.

The big hair trend for 2021 is all about ’70s vibes, but there are so many other hair trends — past and present — to give a whirl. We’ve all experienced the magic of a new hairstyle: We’re wearing a simple outfit and hardly any makeup, but if our hair is done, we suddenly feel put together. Trying a new hair trend is the best pick-me-up! Take a look at the 30 ideas we’ve gathered and make 2021 the year you switch things up — maybe add some color and try a fresh, trendy hairstyle.

’60s Styles
Indeed, the ’70s are trending, but the ’60s launched the times of reinvention and revolution. Flowy locks were all the rage at that time, as well as highly structured styles like the updo. To update this trend for today stay away from the hairspray and go for an updo that’s more tousled, carefree, and sexy. If you really want to embrace the era, just add a ribbon tie.
Lots of Color
During the summer months, lighter locks are usually what we choose, but how about embracing colorful and bright hair this year? We’re seeing hair trends that are all about being unique and enjoying unexpected colors, like purple, orange, and cotton candy blue. Stylists are calling them fantasy colors and we just love the idea of creativity and individuality being expressed through hair.

Modern-Day Mullet
Who would have thought that the signature cut from the 1980s would make a comeback? The modern-day mullet (what some are also calling a modern shag) is softer and less severe than the old version. The 2021 mullet frames the face and has some texture, like soft face-framing waves. It requires a ton of layers, which help to create the texture for a cool, lived-in look.

Short Swooped Bob
A bouncy bob will show off the texture of your hair if you have thick, wavy, or curly hair or give it some density if your hair is on the thinner side. You can wear this style with a deep side part, very messy with fringe bangs or a center part, depending on your face shape. Maintenance for a bob also depends on your hair texture, but nothing too intense is needed to make this style look great.

Warm Blond
Blond hair will always be in style, but over the last year, when we were all social distancing, many high-maintenance hair colors were no longer possible. Embracing warmer blond looks with easier upkeep is all the rage right now. Celebrate those natural undertones by adding a blend of honey and golden hues to your tresses. Top stylists recommend letting the buttery tones shine through by ditching the purple tone-enhancing shampoos.

True Brunette
Blond hair isn’t for everyone, so for the brunettes, let your natural hair have the spotlight this summer. Cashew, walnut, and almond hues are clutch for warmer months. And once the fall and winter seasons are closer, go for a hazelnut, deep chocolate, or coffee shade. The key to making brunette tresses stand out in a crowd is tons of shine, so condition well and follow up with a nourishing hair serum.

The Big Chop
Ready to let it all go? Well, at least when it comes to your hair, a big chop may be in order. A big chop can mean going from a long style to a shag or a bob to a pixie cut. This trend is all about making a big change, but still doing what’s comfortable for you. When considering the direction to go for your big chop, talk to your stylist about short cut options and the styles that will look best for your face shape and lifestyle. Some short styles require lots of maintenance while others are more wash-and-go friendly.

’70s Bangs
Instead of full bangs, try curtain bangs that sweeps to both sides. It’s a great way to switch up your look without committing to blunt bangs. It’s nostalgic-but-timeless look that some may remember from ’70s icon Farrah Fawcett, but the modern spin on this style is a bit less voluminous and feathered. Stylists say curtain bangs are great for round face shapes because they frame the face and have a lengthening effect. Another plus: Curtain bangs can even make a messy bun look more elevated.

Wavy Shag
Wavy hair is the ultimate hair trend for summer. It gives us beach vibes and low-maintenance perfection. Hair stylists say we’ll be seeing lots of shoulder-length shags styled with a wave or curl. This style can be worn long with a center part, short with an auburn rinse, curly with a fringe bang, as a long pixie … the options are endless.

Asymmetrical Bob
Here’s a variation on the traditional bob: the asymmetrical bob. It looks good on a variety of hair types and textures, so you can get really versatile with your styling options. The asymmetrical bob is cut shorter in the back and longer in the front. For more of an edge to this style, have your stylist cut longer on one side than the other. This cut is great because it works for all face shapes.

The Updated Pixie
The pixie has been a classic style for so many years, and for good reason. There are so many variations on this style. It can go less “bangy” and more flirty, super short or just a bit longer than normal. Pixie cuts draw lots of attention to the face and make the eyes shine if you have some brow-grazing bangs. Pixie cuts in bold colors like platinum pink, or turquoise blue are some of the hottest styles these days.

Bombshell Waves
This summer, supermodel reminiscent waves meet classic beach waves for the ultimate bombshell look. Admittedly, this is not a low-maintenance style, especially if you have stick-straight hair, but the softer wave shape makes this style stunning for many lengths and styles from an asymmetrical bob to the shag mullet, all the way through to the ‘70s-inspired. A large-barrel curling iron does the trick, but if you don’t want to use heat to style, you can section the hair and make four large braids and sleep in those overnight. Next morning, take the braids out for lush waves.

The Bowl Cut
The bowl cut was spotted on actress Charlize Theron years ago, and more recently singer Demi Lovato has been rocking a bowl cut. The all-one-length short cut is a nod to ’90s bowl cuts. To make this look more present-day, ask your stylist for a short front fringe that hits above the ears — or whatever works best for your face shape — and wraps around the head to meet at the back in a low V shape.

The Long Lob
It’s hard to go wrong with a long lob. While it’s not a bob, it’s a layered bob, so it looks great on all face shapes and hair types. It’s a style that hits just at your collarbone so you can change it up with some texture, color or add some choppy layers. This lob cut is roll-out-of-bed ready to go at all times.

A Rounded Afro
Natural hair that grows in waves, curls, or coils is not a trend but an organic state of hair. Often manipulated into straight styles, the trendy thing to do lately is to embrace your natural texture, whatever it may be. A great cut is what makes a natural style pop, but the trend now is to trim the hair into the roundest form possible.

Long, Loose Curls
Long layers are a classic style that looks great no matter the time of year. Letting the hair flow brings out the texture, especially if you’re staying away from heat styling. Add some color to switch things up. A simple side part is all you need to give this style some lift.

A Chin-Length Bob
A chin-length bob with the ends flipped up or curled under is a trend making its way back. The length can be worn with straight hair, curly locks, and even braids, it’s all about exposing the neck and collarbone. The chin-length bob can be classic with blunt edges, modern with a fringe, or worn curled and tousled. This is also a great hairstyle for thin hair because it emphasizes the volume.

Warm Hues
Hair color trends come in waves, but for 2021 all hues are fair game, including warm hues. With shades of red to copper to auburn it’s easy to add some pizzazz to your tresses. Your colorist can bring the hair to a perfect shade of rich, rusty red or a copper red. It’s a change that works on most skin tones.

Heatless Texture
As we’ve mentioned, embracing natural texture is becoming ever more popular. As we’re continuing to work from home, there’s less of a need (or pressure) to have perfectly coiffed hair via heat styling. If your natural hair needs some help in the textured look you’re trying to achieve, try wearing braids for a few days or even a bun overnight. Once you take them out, you’ll have an instant crinkly, wavy, or curly texture without using a curling iron.

Very Long
If you’ve been keeping your hair healthy and conditioned during this past year and gained significant length, cutting your tresses may be the last thing you want. Keep those long locks thriving with a quick trim of the ends of your hair and an all-one-length style is born. If blowing the hair out super straight, make sure to use a heat protectant.

Golden Brond
A warm, golden brond — an even blend of brown and blond — is actually the middle stage when transitioning darker tresses to a lighter blond. It can easily serve as a goal shade for this year. It’s a very flattering shade on many skin tones and isn’t as harsh of a dye job on your strands, so it’s low-maintenance.

Braids 2021 & Beyond
The ways in which braids can be worn and styled are endless, really. Whether it’s a French braid, cornrows, box braids, a braided updo, or a braided bob, if there’s a trendy hairstyle you have in mind, it can likely be done with braids, too. Braids are also an ideal protective style for your hair when you want to give it a break from being styled daily.

A Buzz Cut
If you want to take a pixie or big chop to the ultimate next level, go for a buzz cut. Not for the timid, a buzz cut leaves you exposed (no bangs to hide behind), but also free from hair maintenance. It’s literally the wash-and-go hairdo — but don’t forget to also condition the hair to keep it well-nourished as it grows.

A Bob With Bangs
There is something incredibly chic about a bob with bangs. Though not technically considered a summer cut, paired with a sundress it really is the sweetest look. The cool thing is you can play with the bang length for various effects. Long and sweepy looks romantic and lovely. Short and choppy has an edgy vibe to it. It’s hard to go wrong with look as simple but bold as this!

Orange Tresses
If the blond, red, or icy blue hair color trends don’t pique your interest, how about orange? Not quite a fantasy color, but also not a color that occurs naturally, orange that teeters on a tangerine is a fun, trendsetting way to go with your new hair.

Visible Roots
Call it a side effect of not having access to a hairstylist for months on end, but the visible roots trend is a real thing. The lesson here is that some roots that show is not the end of the world and it’s actually trendy. Embrace the look even more by parting the hair to the side to show off the visible roots even more.

Cropped Bangs
There’s a fine line between bangs that are at the perfect length and bangs that are just too short. Cropped bangs are always on trend but those little baby bangs (that remind us of when we’ve gotten too scissor happy take the longest to grow out. Bangs done right are the perfect complement to a short haircut, a shoulder cut and even a long cut of tresses.

Messy Updo
More than just the hairstyle you wear when your hair needs a wash or you’re going for a run, a messy updo can be a signature style that you’re known for. Messy updos don’t have to be so sloppy, they can be intentional. The style also gives your face a little lift and keeps your hair out of the way as the temperatures rise.

LIFESTYLE
30 Hair Trends To Try At Least Once

Published Apr 23, 2021
By Kweli Wright
hair styles
iStock

1/30
updo hairupdo hair
iStock
’60s Styles
Indeed, the ’70s are trending, but the ’60s launched the times of reinvention and revolution. Flowy locks were all the rage at that time, as well as highly structured styles like the updo. To update this trend for today stay away from the hairspray and go for an updo that’s more tousled, carefree, and sexy. If you really want to embrace the era, just add a ribbon tie.

2/30
blue hairblue hair
iStock
Lots of Color
During the summer months, lighter locks are usually what we choose, but how about embracing colorful and bright hair this year? We’re seeing hair trends that are all about being unique and enjoying unexpected colors, like purple, orange, and cotton candy blue. Stylists are calling them fantasy colors and we just love the idea of creativity and individuality being expressed through hair.

3/30
modern mulletmodern mullet
iStock
Modern-Day Mullet
Who would have thought that the signature cut from the 1980s would make a comeback? The modern-day mullet (what some are also calling a modern shag) is softer and less severe than the old version. The 2021 mullet frames the face and has some texture, like soft face-framing waves. It requires a ton of layers, which help to create the texture for a cool, lived-in look.

4/30
bob hairbob hair
iStock
Short Swooped Bob
A bouncy bob will show off the texture of your hair if you have thick, wavy, or curly hair or give it some density if your hair is on the thinner side. You can wear this style with a deep side part, very messy with fringe bangs or a center part, depending on your face shape. Maintenance for a bob also depends on your hair texture, but nothing too intense is needed to make this style look great.

5/30
blonde hair smile bangsblonde hair smile bangs
iStock
Warm Blond
Blond hair will always be in style, but over the last year, when we were all social distancing, many high-maintenance hair colors were no longer possible. Embracing warmer blond looks with easier upkeep is all the rage right now. Celebrate those natural undertones by adding a blend of honey and golden hues to your tresses. Top stylists recommend letting the buttery tones shine through by ditching the purple tone-enhancing shampoos.

6/30
brunette brunette
iStock
True Brunette
Blond hair isn’t for everyone, so for the brunettes, let your natural hair have the spotlight this summer. Cashew, walnut, and almond hues are clutch for warmer months. And once the fall and winter seasons are closer, go for a hazelnut, deep chocolate, or coffee shade. The key to making brunette tresses stand out in a crowd is tons of shine, so condition well and follow up with a nourishing hair serum.

7/30
big chop short hair curlybig chop short hair curly
iStock
The Big Chop
Ready to let it all go? Well, at least when it comes to your hair, a big chop may be in order. A big chop can mean going from a long style to a shag or a bob to a pixie cut. This trend is all about making a big change, but still doing what’s comfortable for you. When considering the direction to go for your big chop, talk to your stylist about short cut options and the styles that will look best for your face shape and lifestyle. Some short styles require lots of maintenance while others are more wash-and-go friendly.

8/30
long curtain bangslong curtain bangs
iStock
’70s Bangs
Instead of full bangs, try curtain bangs that sweeps to both sides. It’s a great way to switch up your look without committing to blunt bangs. It’s nostalgic-but-timeless look that some may remember from ’70s icon Farrah Fawcett, but the modern spin on this style is a bit less voluminous and feathered. Stylists say curtain bangs are great for round face shapes because they frame the face and have a lengthening effect. Another plus: Curtain bangs can even make a messy bun look more elevated.

9/30
wavy shag hairstylewavy shag hairstyle
iStock
Wavy Shag
Wavy hair is the ultimate hair trend for summer. It gives us beach vibes and low-maintenance perfection. Hair stylists say we’ll be seeing lots of shoulder-length shags styled with a wave or curl. This style can be worn long with a center part, short with an auburn rinse, curly with a fringe bang, as a long pixie … the options are endless.

10/30
asymmetrical bobasymmetrical bob
iStock
Asymmetrical Bob
Here’s a variation on the traditional bob: the asymmetrical bob. It looks good on a variety of hair types and textures, so you can get really versatile with your styling options. The asymmetrical bob is cut shorter in the back and longer in the front. For more of an edge to this style, have your stylist cut longer on one side than the other. This cut is great because it works for all face shapes.

11/30
pixie haircutpixie haircut
iStock
The Updated Pixie
The pixie has been a classic style for so many years, and for good reason. There are so many variations on this style. It can go less “bangy” and more flirty, super short or just a bit longer than normal. Pixie cuts draw lots of attention to the face and make the eyes shine if you have some brow-grazing bangs. Pixie cuts in bold colors like platinum pink, or turquoise blue are some of the hottest styles these days.

12/30
wavy bombshell red hairwavy bombshell red hair
iStock
Bombshell Waves
This summer, supermodel reminiscent waves meet classic beach waves for the ultimate bombshell look. Admittedly, this is not a low-maintenance style, especially if you have stick-straight hair, but the softer wave shape makes this style stunning for many lengths and styles from an asymmetrical bob to the shag mullet, all the way through to the ‘70s-inspired. A large-barrel curling iron does the trick, but if you don’t want to use heat to style, you can section the hair and make four large braids and sleep in those overnight. Next morning, take the braids out for lush waves.

13/30
bowl cut hairbowl cut hair
The Bowl Cut
The bowl cut was spotted on actress Charlize Theron years ago, and more recently singer Demi Lovato has been rocking a bowl cut. The all-one-length short cut is a nod to ’90s bowl cuts. To make this look more present-day, ask your stylist for a short front fringe that hits above the ears — or whatever works best for your face shape — and wraps around the head to meet at the back in a low V shape.

14/30
Long lob hairLong lob hair
iStock
The Long Lob
It’s hard to go wrong with a long lob. While it’s not a bob, it’s a layered bob, so it looks great on all face shapes and hair types. It’s a style that hits just at your collarbone so you can change it up with some texture, color or add some choppy layers. This lob cut is roll-out-of-bed ready to go at all times.

15/30
Afro smileAfro smile
iStock
A Rounded Afro
Natural hair that grows in waves, curls, or coils is not a trend but an organic state of hair. Often manipulated into straight styles, the trendy thing to do lately is to embrace your natural texture, whatever it may be. A great cut is what makes a natural style pop, but the trend now is to trim the hair into the roundest form possible.

16/30
long curly wavy hair smilelong curly wavy hair smile
iStock
Long, Loose Curls
Long layers are a classic style that looks great no matter the time of year. Letting the hair flow brings out the texture, especially if you’re staying away from heat styling. Add some color to switch things up. A simple side part is all you need to give this style some lift.

17/30
chin length bob hairstylechin length bob hairstyle
iStock
A Chin-Length Bob
A chin-length bob with the ends flipped up or curled under is a trend making its way back. The length can be worn with straight hair, curly locks, and even braids, it’s all about exposing the neck and collarbone. The chin-length bob can be classic with blunt edges, modern with a fringe, or worn curled and tousled. This is also a great hairstyle for thin hair because it emphasizes the volume.

18/30
hair styleshair styles
iStock
Warm Hues
Hair color trends come in waves, but for 2021 all hues are fair game, including warm hues. With shades of red to copper to auburn it’s easy to add some pizzazz to your tresses. Your colorist can bring the hair to a perfect shade of rich, rusty red or a copper red. It’s a change that works on most skin tones.

19/30
wavy hairwavy hair
iStock
Heatless Texture
As we’ve mentioned, embracing natural texture is becoming ever more popular. As we’re continuing to work from home, there’s less of a need (or pressure) to have perfectly coiffed hair via heat styling. If your natural hair needs some help in the textured look you’re trying to achieve, try wearing braids for a few days or even a bun overnight. Once you take them out, you’ll have an instant crinkly, wavy, or curly texture without using a curling iron.

20/30
long hair long hair
iStock
Very Long
If you’ve been keeping your hair healthy and conditioned during this past year and gained significant length, cutting your tresses may be the last thing you want. Keep those long locks thriving with a quick trim of the ends of your hair and an all-one-length style is born. If blowing the hair out super straight, make sure to use a heat protectant.

21/30
curly blonde haircurly blonde hair
iStock
Golden Brond
A warm, golden brond — an even blend of brown and blond — is actually the middle stage when transitioning darker tresses to a lighter blond. It can easily serve as a goal shade for this year. It’s a very flattering shade on many skin tones and isn’t as harsh of a dye job on your strands, so it’s low-maintenance.

22/30
braidsbraids
iStock
Braids 2021 & Beyond
The ways in which braids can be worn and styled are endless, really. Whether it’s a French braid, cornrows, box braids, a braided updo, or a braided bob, if there’s a trendy hairstyle you have in mind, it can likely be done with braids, too. Braids are also an ideal protective style for your hair when you want to give it a break from being styled daily.

23/30
buzz cutbuzz cut
iStock
A Buzz Cut
If you want to take a pixie or big chop to the ultimate next level, go for a buzz cut. Not for the timid, a buzz cut leaves you exposed (no bangs to hide behind), but also free from hair maintenance. It’s literally the wash-and-go hairdo — but don’t forget to also condition the hair to keep it well-nourished as it grows.

24/30
bob hairstyle with bangsbob hairstyle with bangs
iStock
A Bob With Bangs
There is something incredibly chic about a bob with bangs. Though not technically considered a summer cut, paired with a sundress it really is the sweetest look. The cool thing is you can play with the bang length for various effects. Long and sweepy looks romantic and lovely. Short and choppy has an edgy vibe to it. It’s hard to go wrong with look as simple but bold as this!

25/30
orange hairorange hair
iStock
Orange Tresses
If the blond, red, or icy blue hair color trends don’t pique your interest, how about orange? Not quite a fantasy color, but also not a color that occurs naturally, orange that teeters on a tangerine is a fun, trendsetting way to go with your new hair.

26/30
blonde hair dark rootsblonde hair dark roots
iStock
Visible Roots
Call it a side effect of not having access to a hairstylist for months on end, but the visible roots trend is a real thing. The lesson here is that some roots that show is not the end of the world and it’s actually trendy. Embrace the look even more by parting the hair to the side to show off the visible roots even more.

27/30
bangsbangs
iStock
Cropped Bangs
There’s a fine line between bangs that are at the perfect length and bangs that are just too short. Cropped bangs are always on trend but those little baby bangs (that remind us of when we’ve gotten too scissor happy take the longest to grow out. Bangs done right are the perfect complement to a short haircut, a shoulder cut and even a long cut of tresses.

28/30
updoupdo
iStock
Messy Updo
More than just the hairstyle you wear when your hair needs a wash or you’re going for a run, a messy updo can be a signature style that you’re known for. Messy updos don’t have to be so sloppy, they can be intentional. The style also gives your face a little lift and keeps your hair out of the way as the temperatures rise.

29/30
long layers hairstylelong layers hairstyle
iStock
Chandelier Layers
Bangs paired with long layers are also known as chandelier layers. Together they flow seamlessly along the contour of your face, and the bangs bring out the eyes. To get this look, ask your stylist for long layers at the back and smooth, graduated layers to frame your face. A heavier bang lends to that vintage vibe, while those long chandelier layers add definition, giving you the best of both worlds.

An Updated Triangle Cut
The triangle cut was a style of ’70s hair horrors because it left the tresses at the crown flat and bulky at the bottom, but now curly girls can embrace this style. Also known as the pyramid cut, the modern version takes some of the weight off the top of curly hair and adds more volume as the hair falls near the face, down to the chin and shoulders. The result should be curls that fall in a rounded, less harsh shape.

30 Hair Trends To Try At Least Once

Written by Philipmatthews