These Are 2021’s Biggest Hair Trend Predictions
BTC Trend Report: Spring 2021
2021 is just 2020 with bangs—literally. So, how do we predict what hair trends our clients will be requesting in a pandemic era? Short answer: Internet culture. This past year, we traded IRL interactions (like the nostalgic “I love your hair, where did you get it done?” convo in a crowded bar bathroom) for sitting in our living rooms watching Gen Z discover hair rollers and yoga pants for the first time on TikTok.
But, there’s one thing we know for sure: while we might still be spending most of our time at home, there is a lot going down on the trend forecast for hair and beauty looks. Here’s a glimpse at spring 2021: Y2K nostalgia, fringe galore, a roller revival, ’90s supermodel blowouts and a mullet comeback. Yes, a mullet comeback.
Keep scrollin’ for hair inspo to send to your clients ASAP before their next appointments!
1. Styling Trends: The New Cool
’90s Blowouts + The Roller Revival
Your Gen Z clients might refer to Cindy Crawford as Kaia Gerber’s mom, but TikTok has shown us that her ’90s supermodel blowout is their current hair inspo. Here’s what to expect: face-framing, layered blowouts that bounce—so bust out those round brushes and roller sets for high-volume looks.
@samanthaa.nicole Reply to @user2323232357 90s Blowout w/ rollers ✨💿 link in my bio for full tutorial #fyp #foryou #hairtutorial #blowoututorial
♬ Stuck in the Middle – Tai Verdes
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Tap HERE for a full bombshell blowout how-to on YouTube!
Sleek & Spiky Topknots
POV: You’re Bella Hadid discovering the sleek-and-spiky bun á la Lizzie McGuire, Mandy Moore and the Olsen twins for the first time. Flash forward—this punky look has quickly become part of the model off-duty uniform. Bonus: it looks cute AF worn in a topknot, pony or a claw clip.
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@lauren_luckie filmed this for insta🤎 #fyp #hairtutorial #bellahadidhairstyle #bellahadid #slickbun #fashion #hairstyle #foryou #makeup #tutorial #brownaesthetic
♬ original sound – Jackson Walker 🧚♀️
Double Braids & Pigtails
Loose braids and double ponies are two staple looks of youth culture known for their playful, DIY vibes—so it’s no surprise that we’re seeing them all over our FYPs. Other benefits we love: these styles keep hair out of the face, don’t cause too much tension at the roots and instantly “add a lil spice” to our clients’ daily beauty routines.
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2. Haircut Trend Radar
Mullet-y Disconnected Cuts
Disclaimer: This is not your typical Joe Exotic mullet. Today’s fashion mullet—yes, this is a thing!—is a heavily disconnected, shag-like cut being worn by style icons with names like Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, Troye Sivan, Barbie Ferreira and Rowan Blanchard. If your client isn’t scared of pushing boundaries or shocking mom and dad, give them a transformation worthy of Ziggy Stardust.
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The Cool-Girl Pixie
Can’t talk right now, we’re doing hot girl sh*t. If Zoë Kravitz, Doja Cat and Megan Thee Stallion are wearing pixies, then they are immediately included in our lineup of cool-girl styles. 🧚 Real talk: If 2020 proved anything, it’s that the “big chop” is not a trend, it’s a movement and we’re going to see a lot more short crops this year.
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More ’60s Bangs Galore
There’s no doubt your clients are bookmarking fringe pics to save to their mood boards—and let’s be real, it’s important that you get to them before they head to a drugstore for a pair of scissors. 2020 was the year of the curtain bang and we will continue to see ’60s fringe that can be easily pushed to the side and grown out vs. straighter, blunt fringes.
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Long & Loose Layers
For the client investing in claw clips, extra juicy lip gloss and Von Dutch tanks—let them know it’s time for some face-framing layers. Not only will a layered cut accentuate their features and glam up even the most subtle looks, but they can also be styled super sleek or with that bombshell bounce they’ll love.
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Buzz Cuts
When the “Gossip Girl” revival and new cast members dropped on IG, the buzz was undeniable—Jordan Alexander’s buzz cut that is. What’s even cooler? Dyeing an ultra-crop with funky colors like Halsey and Saweetie. You know you love it, xoxo Gossip Girl.
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3. Hair Color Forecast
Fire Flame Orange & Red
2021 mood: Light it up. Help your clients channel their inner legend Phoebe Bridgers slamming her guitar into legit flames on the SNL stage with some fiery strands. From burnt copper to electric orange, the brighter the better.
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Rooty, Natural Blondes
Blonde junkies, this one’s for you! This low-maintenance honey blonde with a natural rooty vibe is Hailey Bieber-approved. Your clients will love this color trend because it looks just as good salon fresh as it does a few months grown out.
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Bronze Brunette Balayage
Hey Alexa, play Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves! We’ve seen the ultra dewy skincare trend for awhile now and that same glowy effect looks amaze on a brunette balayage. So get ready for clients requesting a glossy refresh at their next color appointments.
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