Looking Back: The Top 8 Hair Trends of 2021

Jan 11, 2022

With 2021 in our rearview, we thought we’d commemorate 2021 with a throwback to the biggest hair trends we couldn’t get enough of. We’re talking cuts, colours, textures, accessories – ALL of it. 

 

So, let’s get into it! Here’s a recap of some of our favourite hair trends of the year...

 

  1. Bangin’ Bangs

 

 

We can’t close 2021 without addressing curtain bangs. While we saw the return of this look throughout 2020, in 2021, curtain bangs were everywhere AND on everyone! 

 

We love this trend as a lower maintenance option to the shorter, blunter cut bangs. 

 

Curtain bangs offer that effortlessly cool look without the full fringe commitment! 

 

  1. Claw Clips 


 

 

Each year, one hair accessory reigns supreme... and this year, without a doubt, the claw clip gets the crown. First seen on trendsetters like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner, all over Instagram, we saw influencers rocking this model off duty, simple, no-fuss up-do. 

 

Not only does the claw clip make you look naturally put together... 

 

Unlike hair ties, claw clips are a gentler alternative for our locks. They can help to prevent breakage that typically comes when our hair is either pulled up too high or too tight. 

 

  1. 70’s Inspo

 

 

We have seen versions of this style come and go throughout history... but THIS year, the shag has seriously made a comeback. 

 

The shag gives that cool-girl aesthetic that we love. AND as a bonus, it works with virtually any hair length and texture. The key to the perfect shag is to focus on layers, layers, and MORE layers. 

 

Celebs like Cara Delevingne, Taylor Swift, and Selena Gomez have refreshed this look, creating a chicer and more modern take on the traditional shag.  

 

  1. Subtle Highlights

 

While we first saw this trend surface in 2020, highlights close to our natural hair colour have been a major trend on the scene throughout 2021. 

 

With salon closures happening all around the world, we were separated from our favourite stylists (a little longer than most of us would have liked). By avoiding the DIY at-home haircuts and root touch-ups, subtle highlights were an easy low maintenance alternative.  

 

This trend allowed us to stay trendy in a much more manageable kind of way!

 

  1. Center Parts

 

With debates stirring all over social media on where we should part out hair, we can 100% blame Gen Z for popularizing this trend!

 

Along with the rise of the #MiddlepartChallenge, the final verdict...

 

Side part... out,

middle part... in. 

 

With the TikTok drama aside, we love the center part for giving a fresh take on our existing haircuts. Switching from a side part to a middle part was just the right amount of change that we had been craving! 

 

  1. Oh naturel’

 

Like we saw with the subtle highlights, natural hair texture is everywhere (and we’re not mad about it). 

 

Natural hair has taken the main stage! This year has been all about celebrating our hair’s natural texture and shape – HELLOOOO curls and waves! 

 

This low-maintenance look encouraged us all to let our hair do its own thang, embracing our hair’s very own uniqueness and character.

 

  1. 90’s Blowout

 

 

Bouncy, polished 90’s blowouts are back and in a big way! Think supermodel hair like that of 90’s icon Cindy Crawford, or look back to the sleek strands of Cher from Clueless.

 

Something about these big voluminous curls screams classy and put together. 

 

It’s not only celebs and influencers flaunting this trend! On TikTok, you’ll find endless videos on how to achieve the perfect blowout with tools like hot rollers, curling irons, or hair-dryer brushes. 

 

  1. Braided Bangs

 

 

The 2000s are back and thriving! AND, baby braids are having their moment in the limelight!

 

Seen on celebs this year like Olivia Rodrigo and Dua Lipa, this look is seriously SO easy to replicate and is perfect on all hair types. 

 

The baby braids offer a quick touch-up, bringing a young and fun nostalgic feel that quickly elevates any look!

 

***

 

So with that, we thank you 2021 for bringing both new and refreshed hairstyles to the fashion scene! We can’t wait to see what looks 2022 will bring...

 

What were your favourite hair trends of 2021?

 

xoxo,

Philocaly Hair