The 10 Biggest Hair Trends of 2020
Here we are in a new year (and a new decade) of bold hair and makeup moments. But before we launch into the top hair trends for the upcoming year, let’s take a walk down memory lane and review the most popular hair trends of 2019.
Last year’s top trending hairstyles were as functional as they were chic. From low ponytails to center parts and Carrie Bradshaw hair, last year was all about understated styles with an emphasis on natural texture and hair health. As for hair color, we saw a juxtaposition of warm and cool-toned shades. Golden honey shades were trending, as were icy platinum variations. Fiery red was seen alongside cool ash blonde. It was a year of hair color contradiction.
Where does that leave us (and our locks) in 2020? We decided to go right to the source to find out, asking top celebrity hairstylists, and we must say, we were surprised by their answers. We are guessing you will be, too. Keep scrolling to find out the 10 biggest hair trends of the year ahead.
1. Short haircuts
The first thing you should know is that short hair will be super popular in 2020. Generally speaking, long locks are out. That Is according to celebrity hairstylist Harry Josh. He predicts the short hair trend will be a sort of “backlash for the monster long hair extension trend” that we witnessed over the past few years. Josh points to Kaia Gerber and Karlie Kloss as specific examples, as both women are currently sporting super-chic and super-short styles.
2. Bobs
If there’s one short hairstyle that will reign supreme, it is the classic bob. “I think the bob will still be a trend going into 2020,” says Nicole Casamassima, stylist at the Nexxus Salon in New York. “Women want more versatility and can easily achieve a sleek and sophisticated bob with the right length for their face. Or, if they cut it to hit collarbone length, they can add tousled texture for a more youthful and casual look.”
Andrew Fitzsimons, celebrity hairstylist and NatureLab Tokyo ambassador, agrees that the bob is going to be the It haircut of 2020. Except it is not the super-sleek, polished bob; it is a soft, tousled and relaxed version. “We’re taking a step back from the blunt-cut bobs and are going with a style that’s slightly longer and piece-y throughout, for a softer appearance,” he says.
3. Natural texture
Hairstylists agree that it isn’t just bobs that are going to look textured this year, it is every hairstyle. That is because texture will continue to be a big topic in 2020. Instead of super-sleek, over-styled hair, we are going to see more natural texture, whether that means tousled and relaxed hair or curly and coily hair. Whatever your natural texture is, embrace it! Instead of taking it away with heat tools, accentuate it with heat tools.
4. Beach waves
Natural texture is definitely in. With that being said, when it comes to heat styling, Casamassima says that beach waves are going to continue being all the rage for 2020. They’re soft, tousled and relaxed, so a good texture spray (and a high-quality heat tool) will definitely come in handy.
5. A modern shag haircut
When it comes to medium to long hair, celebrity hairstylist and R+Co Collective member Ashley Streicher says the modern shag will be everywhere, which makes sense, because it incorporates that relaxed, tousled texture we were talking about earlier. “Try a modern shag with fewer layers but cut so there’s more than just one length,” she says.
Tina Jimenez, hairstylist and co-founder of Northern Lights the Salon, agrees that the “modern shag” will be one of the top hair trends of the New Year. “2020 will be about texture and ‘easy hair’ — more of a natural look,” she says. “Days of spending a long time styling your hair at home are over. Air dried with some great products that can control the hair texture will make for some great styles.”
6. Textured braids
Are you sensing a theme, yet? Texture, whether natural, beachy, shaggy or braided, is clearly king in 2020, especially throughout the winter months. “I think we’ll still see the trend of beachy waves and braids because you can wear them with your hair down and a winter hat won’t mess up the style,” Casamassima says.
7. Bangs (specifically curtain bangs)
Prepare to see a return of fringe in the New Year. Streicher recommends adding bangs to a bob haircut to give it a cool vintage vibe. Fitzsimons recommends trying out curtain bangs, which are the iconic face-framing bangs made famous by ’60s stars like Brigitte Bardot. “Curtain bangs will definitely make a comeback as more retro styles gain popularity,” he says. “What I love about curtain bangs is that they’re low maintenance and can easily be grown out into face-framing layers—perfect for any face shape and suits every hair type.”
8. Warm hair colors
Icy platinum blonde had an epic reign as the trendiest hair color among the fashion and beauty elite, but it seems like it is finally coming to an end. Fitzsimons predicts cool tones will be abandoned altogether in favor of warm tones. “Warmer hair colors will be huge in the upcoming year — from warm blondes to auburn highlights and mahogany spice balayage,” he says. “We’ll see a lot of colors that don’t require much upkeep and will grow out nicely using techniques like face-framing highlights that’ll brighten up the look.”
9. Solid hair colors
According to Casamassima, women are leaving highlights in 2019, opting instead for single-process color. “Clients don’t have the time to commit to living in the salon, and I see more women avoiding highlights all together and just getting a single process done. For blondes, I’m seeing that they’re getting highlights less frequently and asking for more glosses in between. An easy way to help with color maintenance for blondes is to opt for a purple shampoo, which helps neutralize brassy tones.”
Josh agrees. “Shorter hair will call for bolder color and solid colors coming back,” he says.
10. Hair accessories
The 10th and final hair trend for 2020 is “accessories, accessories, accessories!” Fitzsimons tells us. “We’re already seeing a pearl and rhinestone clip obsession, but it will definitely transition in 2020 with way more — think more minimal looks as well as headbands and big ’90s scrunchies.”
Article written by Kaitlyn Mclintock
This article was written by the guest author listed at the end of the article.