Year in Review: The Top Trending Hairstyles of 2020
It was a Good Hair Year, at least.
Before anything else, a group hug for the difficult and life-altering year that was 2020! Full of change and upheaval, it was definitely a rollercoaster of a year for a lot of us. Fashion and beauty trends weren’t exempt from the year’s cray, either: There were a ton of trends that caught our attention—the good, the bad and the avant garde—from which we managed to cull the best hairstyles of the year.
Best Hairstyles of the Year: 2020’s Greatest Hits
1. The ’90s Throwback
The ’90s have been coming back full force in the past few years and 2020 was no exception. This year we saw a lot of ’90s accessories come back into the mainstream, including hair clips. If you really want to nail the ’90s homage style, go for a center part and place two clips on either side, the higher up the section, the more it’ll scream ’90s fashion.
2. The Dutch Braid
The Dutch braid, in particular, was one of the best hairstyles of the year mainly due to its appeal for those washing their hair less during social distancing. This style is a classic and fits the ever-popular athleisure style perfectly.
3. Cutesy Double Buns
Cutesy accessories and hairstyles were a huge part of 2020 and definitely one of the best hairstyles of the year. Double buns and scrunchies were a big part of this trend, we love how cute this statement style looks.
4. The Modern Shag
Trust us, we didn’t see it coming either—this louchey dark horse of the year, a.k.a. the modern shag, truly took us by surprise in the best way possible. This sleeper hit of a hairstyle, comes out best with a styling mousse like Bed Head by TIGI Foxy Curls Mousse, to help maintain those beautiful curls.
5. Curtain Bangs
The revival of ’70s curtain bangs has come back in full force this year! This trend may have grown from women growing out their quarantine bang chops, but we are loving how sultry this cut looks. a lightweight hairspray like Love Beauty and Planet Light Hold & Frizz Control Coconut Milk & White Jasmine Hair Spray is the perfect product to maintain this style.
6. E-Girl Streaks
One of the most popular aesthetics of 2020 was the E-Girl. With this fashion style came E-girl streaks. Whether it was bleach blonde or a pop of color, so many girls were rocking this highlight trend.
7. The New Pixie
This year the pixie got a fresh cut. The new pixie is one of the best hairstyles of the year because it plays with different lengths. Some girls went for the extreme crop, while others played with slightly longer lengths on top. Both looks are equally daring and fab.
8. Rounded ‘Fro
Rounded afros have been a major trend spotted in the natural hair community, and it’s easy to see why. This style is filled with volume, lift, and healthy curls. Maintain full curls with a wash duo from a natural hair care line. Our current fave is SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Shampoo and Conditioner.
9. Chin-Length
Chin-length chops are making a serious comeback, all thanks to their versatility. This length is great for creating a flirty flip style, loose waves, or even a pin-straight blowout. No doubt that this cut was one of the best hairstyles of the year for the ladies who love to switch up their style.
10. Air-Dry Texture
Spending more time at home has inevitably left many women disinterested in styling their hair every day. This ability to let your hair air-dry naturally and lay off the hot tools has given women a second-chance at healthy hair and the time to embrace and love their natural textures.
11. Bangs
Whether it was at-home as a D.I.Y. activity or with a trusted hairdresser, many women decided to go for the ultimate chop: bangs. Being stuck at home led many women to turn to a new hairstyle to change up their everyday routine and style.
12. Subtle Layers
While this style may be attributed to fewer trips to the hairdresser, many women chose to grow out layers into a more subtle style. This cut is perfect for anyone looking to create a little more volume and create the illusion of thicker hair.
13. Mermaid Waves
Thanks to the funky new wavy heat-styler that took 2020 by storm, mermaid waves have become the textured curl of the year. Embrace the beachy vibes of this look by finishing with Nexxus Maxximum Finishing Mist.
14. Chunky Headband
This statement headband could be seen everywhere–and we were obsessed! It’s pretty clear 2020 was the year of the statement accessories, and we don’t doubt this will shift in 2021, too.
15. The Bucket Hat
For all the athleisure-obsessed girls out there, bucket hats became a must-have hat for 2020. This hat was great to add contrast and a sense of irony to any high fashion or on-trend fit. Plus, it’s great for covering up bad hair days.
Those were the best hairstyles of the year, and we’re pretty confident many of them will be sticking around 2021. It’s not too late to try out any of these trending styles!
