Believe it or not, 2020 was a big year for bold and daring hairstyles. We witnessed countless people use salon closures as an excuse to play hairstylist and give themselves dye jobs and haircuts—most ended up creating styles and trends that were largely a disaster, but there are always exceptions. But now that salons have opened back up, people are rushing back to their favorite stylists for a do-over and a re-introduction to the world with a more acceptable head of hair.

You don’t need to scour the Internet to find pics of hairstyle trends to show your stylist. We researched the Instagrams and TikToks of California’s it-girls and compiled the ultimate list of this year’s hottest hairstyles. Is that a makeover on the horizon we see?

Best Hairstyle Trends to Rock This Year

Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs are one of the current hair trends that surged in popularity with DIY tutorials on TikTok. And now, they’re officially having a moment in the spotlight. This retro hair trend is great if you want a low-maintenance change—they’re easy both to style and grow. Plus, curtain bangs accentuate your cheekbones in the best way, so it’s a win-win.

Mullets

I know what you’re thinking: “Mullets, really?” Yes, but there’s a twist. This isn’t the same kind of mullet from your dad’s throwback pictures to his rebel days. Instead, picture a modernized version of the 80s-favorite with a much more understated feel and A LOT more chill. Malibu girl Miley Cyrus is rocking it a la true rocker-chic these days—a softer version of this hair trend could very well work for your everyday look too. 

Face Framing Layers

Layers are the first thing that comes to mind when we think of 90s style haircuts and they’re back better than ever. While face-framing layers never fully went out of style, they’re more present on the trendy haircut list this year than before. An easy way to try something new without changing drastically, this hairstyle trend can work on any length of hair and is one of the best haircut styles for round faces.

Wolf Cuts

You might’ve already picked up that more effortless looks are having a moment over the blunt lob haircuts that dominated for the past couple of years. And another example of that can be seen in wolf cuts. Similar to mullets in essence, this grunge hairstyle has more even layers and is usually accompanied by face-framing, wispy bangs. The result is a daring, but easily styleable look that screams “I’m cool.” Just look at Billie Eilish—we rest our case.

Long Bangs

On the topic of bangs, a long fringe also seems to be one of the looks of the season. Sure, short bangs are cute, but longer, more effortless-looking ones are what celebrities like Bella Hadid and Margot Robbie are rocking. Trade your clean-cut lob haircut with bangs for more of a shag that looks and feels more low maintenance. The best part about this hair trend is that it’s easily customizable. Pin your bangs back or to the side when you feel like you need a change and you have a completely new look.

Modern Pixies

If Zoe Kravitz says that pixies are in, that means pixies are definitely in. The actress goes back and forth between short and long hair, and we can’t decide which one we love more. More of a surefire classic than a seasonal hairstyle trend, this short and flirty cut is a hit every year—looks like it won’t be going out of style anytime soon.

Elevated Buzz Cuts

Remember when people spontaneously started shaving their hair off mid-pandemic? Well, it turns out buzzcut season isn’t over just yet. People have become more experimental with this hairstyle by adding funky patterns and colors. The key is to have fun and take advantage of the fact that you can literally buzz off your color and try a new hair trend every two to three weeks.

Heatless Textures

2021 is the year of embracing your natural texture. Self-care and laying off heat-styling is in, and straightening your split ends is definitely out. Invest in good and natural hair care products and let your strands breathe for a while. We promise your rejuvenated shiny locks will thank you for it.

Beachy Waves

Let’s face it, surfer cool never goes out of style in the Golden State. But thanks to TikTok and online hacks of getting beachy waves sans heating tools, they’re making a comeback everywhere. This hairstyle trend is the perfect laid-back addition to any outfit and will make your on-the-go looks seem more unintentionally polished.

Undercut Hairstyles

None of these hairstyle trends seem daring enough for you? Look no further than the undercut hairstyle to make a statement. No matter the length of your hair, buzzing off the lower half will instantly give it an edge. If you already have short hair, this is a great and super dramatic change. But if your hair is longer, this hairstyle can become work-appropriate by simply wearing your long locks down. 

Baby Braids

Y2k fashion is making a strong comeback, and hairstyle trends are no exception. A super-easy way to add a little retro flair to your hair is by doing baby braids. The key to this hairstyle is to not be too precious with how you do it. Braid small sections of your hair on both sides of your face and skip the hair tie. Instead of securing them, saturate the ends of your braids with hairspray and let your loose baby braids hang effortlessly. 

Hair Accessories 

Hair accessories, especially those that remind you of the 90s and early 2000s, are very much in trend this year. Think barrettes, scarves, butterfly and claw clips, and stylized bobby pins. Accessories can be incorporated into every single one of the current hair trends mentioned in the list to add a little sass to any look. 

What’s your favorite hairstyle trend of this year? Are you all for hair accessories? Let us know in the comments below!