2021 was a year of rediscovering ourselves, and our hair reflected that journey. After a year of lockdowns and minimal salon visits, people were eager to experiment with new styles, embrace their natural textures, and find looks that were both fashionable and low-maintenance. This article delves into the most prominent hair trends of 2021, offering insights into the styles, colors, and cuts that defined the year in hair.
Embracing Natural Texture and Low-Maintenance Styles
The biggest shift in hair trends for 2021 was the embrace of natural texture. People were tired of fighting their hair and instead sought styles that enhanced their inherent beauty. This was fueled by a desire for low-maintenance routines that fit into busy lifestyles.
Celebrating Curls and Waves
Curly and wavy hair took center stage. The focus was on defining curls, adding moisture, and reducing frizz. Products specifically designed for curly hair, such as curl creams, gels, and mousses, saw a surge in popularity. Techniques like plopping and diffusing became commonplace, as people sought to achieve bouncy, defined curls without heat damage. Hydration and moisture retention became key for achieving healthy, defined curls.
The Rise of Protective Styles
Protective styles like braids, twists, and weaves continued to be popular, especially within the Black community. These styles not only offered a break from daily styling but also promoted hair growth and protected the hair from environmental damage. Box braids, knotless braids, and passion twists were among the most requested styles. Protective styles became a fashionable and functional way to manage and protect natural hair.
Air-Dried Hair: Effortless Chic
For those with naturally straight or slightly wavy hair, air-drying became the go-to styling method. This minimalist approach involved using minimal product and allowing the hair to dry naturally, creating a relaxed and effortless look. Texturizing sprays and salt sprays were used to enhance natural waves and add volume.
The Return of Classic Cuts with a Modern Twist
While natural texture reigned supreme, classic haircuts were also reimagined with modern twists. These cuts offered versatility and style, complementing a range of hair types and face shapes.
The Bob: A Timeless Classic Reinvented
The bob haircut remained a popular choice, but it was updated with new variations. The blunt bob, with its sharp, clean lines, was a favorite for its edgy and modern appeal. The layered bob offered more movement and texture, while the asymmetrical bob provided a unique and stylish look. The key to a successful bob was tailoring it to the individual’s face shape and hair texture.
The Shag: Effortless and Edgy
The shag haircut, with its layers and bangs, made a significant comeback. This style offered a relaxed and effortless vibe, perfect for those seeking a low-maintenance yet stylish look. The shag worked well with a variety of hair textures, from straight to curly, and could be customized with different lengths and types of bangs. The shag became a symbol of effortless cool.
Long Layers: Adding Movement and Dimension
For those who preferred to keep their hair long, long layers were a popular way to add movement and dimension. These layers helped to remove weight from the hair, creating a more voluminous and flowing look. Long layers also made it easier to style the hair in various ways, from updos to braids.
Bold and Beautiful Colors: Experimentation and Self-Expression
Hair color trends in 2021 were all about experimentation and self-expression. People were eager to try new colors and techniques, ranging from subtle highlights to bold and vibrant hues.
Money Piece Highlights: Framing the Face
Money piece highlights, which involved lightening the strands around the face, became a major trend. These highlights helped to brighten the complexion and add dimension to the hair. They could be customized to suit any hair color and skin tone, making them a versatile and flattering option.
Balayage: Natural-Looking Dimension
Balayage, a hair coloring technique that involves hand-painting highlights onto the hair, continued to be popular. This technique created a natural-looking, sun-kissed effect that was both subtle and beautiful. Balayage was a great option for those who wanted to add dimension to their hair without a harsh line of demarcation.
Bold and Vibrant Hues: Making a Statement
For those who wanted to make a statement, bold and vibrant hair colors were a popular choice. Pastel shades like pink, lavender, and blue were especially trendy, as were bolder colors like red, green, and purple. These colors allowed people to express their individuality and creativity.
Rooted Looks: Embracing Low-Maintenance Color
Rooted looks, which involved leaving the roots slightly darker than the rest of the hair, became a popular trend for those seeking low-maintenance color. This technique allowed for a more natural grow-out and reduced the need for frequent touch-ups. It also added depth and dimension to the hair color.
Accessorizing: Adding Personality and Flair
Hair accessories played a significant role in completing any look in 2021. From headbands to scarves to clips, accessories added personality and flair to hairstyles.
Headbands: A Touch of Elegance
Headbands made a major comeback, ranging from simple and classic designs to more elaborate and embellished styles. Headbands added a touch of elegance and sophistication to any hairstyle and were a great way to keep hair out of the face.
Scarves: Versatile and Stylish
Scarves were another popular accessory, offering versatility and style. They could be tied around the head, wrapped around a ponytail, or used as a hair tie. Scarves added a pop of color and pattern to any hairstyle and were a great way to express personal style.
Clips and Pins: Functional and Fashionable
Clips and pins were used to add detail to hairstyles, from simple bobby pins to more ornate and decorative clips. These accessories were not only functional but also fashionable, adding a touch of sparkle and personality to any look.
The Influence of Social Media and Celebrities
Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok played a significant role in shaping hair trends in 2021. Celebrities and influencers showcased their latest hairstyles and color choices, inspiring people to experiment with new looks. Hair tutorials and styling tips were widely shared, empowering people to recreate these looks at home.
TikTok’s Impact on Hair Trends
TikTok became a major platform for discovering new hair trends. Short, engaging videos showcased different hairstyles, color techniques, and styling tips, making it easy for people to learn and experiment. Trends like the “wolf cut” and heatless curls gained popularity thanks to TikTok.
Celebrity Inspiration: Recreating the Looks
Celebrities like Zendaya, Billie Eilish, and Dua Lipa consistently influenced hair trends with their bold and stylish choices. Their hairstyles and color changes were closely followed and often replicated by fans. Celebrities served as a source of inspiration and encouragement for people to experiment with their hair.
Hair Health and Maintenance: Prioritizing Healthy Hair
Amidst all the styling and coloring, prioritizing hair health remained crucial. People became more aware of the importance of using quality products, protecting their hair from heat damage, and maintaining a healthy scalp.
Scalp Care: The Foundation for Healthy Hair
Scalp care became an integral part of hair care routines. Scalp massages, exfoliating scrubs, and targeted treatments were used to promote healthy hair growth and prevent scalp issues. A healthy scalp was recognized as the foundation for healthy and beautiful hair.
Heat Protection: Preventing Damage
Heat protection sprays and serums were essential for preventing heat damage from styling tools. These products created a barrier between the hair and the heat, minimizing damage and keeping the hair healthy and strong.
Hydration and Moisture: Essential for All Hair Types
Hydration and moisture were recognized as essential for all hair types, regardless of texture or style. Deep conditioning treatments, hair masks, and leave-in conditioners were used to replenish moisture and keep the hair hydrated and healthy.
Looking Ahead: Timeless Trends and Continued Evolution
While trends evolve, the emphasis on healthy, natural-looking hair remained a constant. 2021’s trends highlighted the beauty of individuality, self-expression, and embracing natural textures. As we move forward, these themes will likely continue to shape the future of hair trends, with an ongoing focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and personal style. The focus in 2021 set a precedent for individuality and acceptance in the beauty world.
What were some of the most popular haircut trends of 2021?
2021 saw a resurgence of classic cuts with a modern twist. The bob, in its various forms – from the blunt bob to the textured, layered bob – remained incredibly popular. Shorter, face-framing layers gained traction, adding volume and movement to otherwise simple styles. Another prominent trend was the return of longer layers, often paired with curtain bangs, to create a soft, effortless look that worked well with various hair lengths and textures.
Beyond the classics, bolder choices like the mullet and the shag haircut gained considerable popularity, particularly among younger demographics. These styles offered a more edgy and unconventional aesthetic, characterized by shorter layers on top and longer lengths in the back. Texture and movement were key aspects of these cuts, often achieved through the use of styling products and techniques that enhanced natural waves and curls.
What hair color trends defined 2021?
In 2021, natural-looking and low-maintenance hair colors took center stage. Bronde, a blend of brown and blonde, was a popular choice for those seeking a sun-kissed, effortless look. Rich, dimensional brunette shades also gained favor, incorporating subtle highlights to add depth and shine. For those looking for something bolder, copper and auburn tones saw a significant resurgence, providing warmth and vibrancy.
Pastel colors and vivid hues remained present, albeit in a more refined and sophisticated manner. Instead of all-over applications, these colors were often used as accents, such as peek-a-boo highlights or money pieces, adding a playful touch without being overwhelming. The balayage technique continued to be a go-to for creating seamless and natural-looking color transitions, allowing for personalized and low-maintenance color.
How did texture play a role in the hair trends of 2021?
Texture was a major focus in 2021, with an emphasis on embracing and enhancing natural hair patterns. Whether it was promoting natural curls, waves, or coils, the goal was to work with, rather than against, the hair’s inherent texture. This involved using products and techniques that encouraged definition, volume, and movement, without weighing the hair down.
For those with straighter hair, creating texture was still a key objective. Techniques like beach waves, undone waves, and tousled looks were popular, achieved through the use of texturizing sprays, curling irons, and braiding methods. The emphasis was on creating a relaxed, effortless vibe, rather than a perfectly polished style.
What role did bangs play in the hair trends of 2021?
Bangs made a significant comeback in 2021, with curtain bangs being the standout style. These parted bangs, often longer and softer than traditional fringe, framed the face beautifully and added a touch of vintage-inspired elegance. They were versatile and could be adapted to various hair lengths and textures, making them a popular choice for many.
Other bang styles, such as choppy bangs, wispy bangs, and blunt bangs, also remained relevant, catering to different preferences and face shapes. The key was to choose a bang style that complemented the overall haircut and enhanced the wearer’s features. Bangs provided an easy way to update a hairstyle and add a touch of personality.
How did sustainability influence hair trends in 2021?
Sustainability became an increasingly important factor in the beauty industry in 2021, influencing hair trends in various ways. Consumers became more conscious of the environmental impact of their hair care products, seeking out brands that prioritized natural ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, and ethical sourcing. This led to a surge in demand for sustainable and cruelty-free hair care options.
Beyond product choices, sustainable styling practices also gained popularity. Techniques like air-drying hair, minimizing heat styling, and using less product became more prevalent. Embracing natural hair texture and avoiding excessive chemical treatments were also seen as ways to reduce one’s environmental footprint and promote healthier hair.
What were some of the key hair accessories seen in 2021?
Hair accessories added a touch of personality and flair to hairstyles in 2021. Headbands, particularly padded headbands and embellished headbands, made a strong comeback, offering a simple yet stylish way to elevate any look. Scarves, both silk and patterned, were also popular, used to tie back hair, create headwraps, or add a pop of color to braids and buns.
Claw clips experienced a resurgence, offering a practical and fashionable way to secure hair in various styles. Pearls and delicate hairpins added a touch of elegance to updos, while statement hair clips and barrettes provided a more playful and eye-catching accent. The key was to choose accessories that complemented the overall hairstyle and reflected personal style.
How did the pandemic continue to shape hair trends in 2021?
The pandemic continued to influence hair trends in 2021, as people sought low-maintenance and comfortable styles that could be easily managed at home. This led to a greater emphasis on embracing natural hair texture and opting for haircuts that required minimal styling. Many individuals also prioritized hair health, focusing on nourishing treatments and avoiding harsh chemicals.
The rise of video conferencing also played a role, as people sought hairstyles that looked good on camera. This often meant prioritizing face-framing layers, flattering bang styles, and colors that enhanced complexion. While salons reopened, the at-home hair care routine remained important, with many people investing in quality products and tools to maintain their hair between appointments.