When it comes to beauty, all bets are off for 2021. The makeup is going to be more experimental, the skin-care trends will be smarter, and the top haircuts will be nods to the past. As for the hairstyle trends, there will be a harmony of old and new.
We can only hope that in the new year, paying a visit to a professional stylist will be status quo again, meaning we will see an end to DIY haircuts and dye jobs. What we won’t see an end to is the fearlessness and bold spirit that we developed this past year when it comes to our looks. “While I loved all of the creative choices we made while in quarantine, I think 2021 will be the time that women seek alternative, well-thought-out looks,” Mark Townsend, celebrity hairstylist for Dove, told POPSUGAR.
What that translates to is lots of hair accessories (for aesthetic purposes and to hide growing out bangs), easy updos, and letting your natural texture shine through. “2021 is about freedom of personal expression,” celebrity hairstylist Tina Outen said. “It’s about creating the best version of yourself.”
Keep scrolling for more insight on the top 2021 hairstyle trends from top celebrity hairstylists.
Getty / Jeremy Moeller
2021 Hairstyle Trend: Hair Accessories
Hair clips, headbands, and scrunchies became our go-to for looking put-together this past year and while they’ll be used for the same in 2021, they’ll also serve a functional purpose.
“Many people attempted to cut or trim their own fringe during quarantine so embellished hairpins and headbands are going to be a huge trend because they help make grown out bangs look chic,” said Townsend. “Plus, they can help hide gray hairs or grown-out roots.”
Getty / Jeremy Moeller
2021 Hairstyle Trend: Hair Accessories
Getty / Georgie Hunter
2021 Hairstyle Trend: Hair Accessories
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2021 Hairstyle Trend: Lots of Volume
One nostalgic trend that won’t be making a return next year: pin-straight hair from the early aughts. According to Chris Appleton, celebrity hairstylist for Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez, lots of body and volume will be the look everyone is trying to achieve in 2021.
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2021 Hairstyle Trend: Lots of Volume
Getty / Brian Dowling
2021 Hairstyle Trend: Lots of Volume
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2021 Hairstyle Trend: Curtain Bangs
Yes, bangs are still going to be a thing – you didn’t think you’d be able to get rid of this trend that quickly, did you? – but with a slight twist. The curtain style is the perfect example of old and new trends merging for a fresh look.
“This trend exploded on social media recently, and I think we’ll see its popularity carry over into 2021,” said Andrew Fitzsimons, celebrity hairstylist and TIGI Copyright brand ambassador. “This is a really flattering style that is easy to maintain.” Styling curtain bangs for an effortless and laid back look is easier than you think.
Getty / Melodie Jeng
2021 Hairstyle Trend: Curtain Bangs
Getty / Melodie Jeng
2021 Hairstyle Trend: Curtain Bangs
Getty / Jeremy Moeller
2021 Hairstyle Trend: Lots of Texture
One thing all pros could agree on: 2021 is going to be about texture, texture, texture. “Whether it’s curly, coarse, frizzy, or fine, I think we’ll start to see even more people embracing their natural textures,” said Fitzsimons.
This can be achieved by opting for a haircut with more layers (like the ever popular shag or mullet cut), using texturizing products or heat tools, or just embracing what you’re born with.
Getty / Christian Vierig
2021 Hairstyle Trend: Lots of Texture
Getty / Edward Berthelot
2021 Hairstyle Trend: Lots of Texture
Getty / Edward Berthelot
2021 Hairstyle Trend: High Updos
The classic ponytail will never go out of style but every few years it moves up and down on the back of the head. The last few years, low ponytails were having a moment but in 2021 they’ll make a triumphant return to the top of our heads. The same rings true for topknots. “A high ponytail or topknot is a great way to have a fashionable hairstyle that looks great from the front while in Zoom meetings,” said Townsend.
Getty / Edward Berthelot
2021 Hairstyle Trend: High Updos
Getty / Edward Berthelot
2021 Hairstyle Trend: High Updos