The 70s had the Afro. The 80s had the iconic mullet. The 90s had “The Rachel” hairstyle from Friends. The 2000s were all about pin-straight hair. As we look through decades past, we see various hairstyles that reigned supreme during their moment in the spotlight. They are all reminiscent of their time today.
But what about the hairstyles of the future? What styles should we expect to see next year, five years later, or a decade from now? We can only speculate now, but these are our top predictions for future hairstyles.
Hairstyle #1: Simple Hair Accessories
People are busier than ever before. While they want to look good, they don’t want to spend hours on a hairstyle. That’s why simple hair accessories are expected to explode in the coming years. They’re so easy to add, requiring almost no effort. Yet, they can transform your look daily and day to night.
Think Cute velvety bow clips, large French tortoiseshell hair clips, and elegantly embellished headbands.
Hairstyle #2: Natural Highlights and Colors
The 90s and 2000s were all about chunky highlights in bright colours like red and orange. Not too long ago (and even today), bleach-blonde hair was seen on beaches worldwide.
In the future, though, we expect significantly toned-down highlights and colours. Those bleach blondes will go to more caramel and honey-coloured hues. Those chunky red highlights will turn into naturally warm tones.
One particular trend is the Bambi Blonde, a sophisticated and ethereal hair colour that offers a natural, radiant glow. It’s a popular trend in a modern hair salon near you.
And what’s more natural than gray? We’re already seeing more people accept their graying beards and hair – celebrate them, even. This trend is only expected to become more prevalent as Millennials age. There’s no shame and gray; the future will prove that salt and pepper hair is natural, expected, welcome, and even appreciated.
Hairstyle #3: Curtain Bangs
They’re long. They’re elegant. They’re curtain bangs. This chic, effortless style is just gaining ground, with celebrities like Kim Kardashian sporting the look recently. Curtain bangs hit your cheekbones or jawline, elegantly framing your face with a soft, feathery texture.
We predict it will not only explode in popularity this year but also gain momentum for years. Why? It’s great for virtually all face shapes but can bring a particularly slimming effect and balance to those with heart-shaped and round faces.
It also works with multiple hairstyles, from chic bobs to long locks. It’s trendy now but versatile enough to become a mainstay.
Hairstyle #4: No Heat Hairstyles
We can’t begin to consider how profitable the hair straightener industry was in the 90s. People put their straighteners on the highest heat possible daily and got to work. In the 2000s, it was all about big curls. Girls got out their hot curling irons and started their long hair routines to curl their hair.
What have we learned from decades past? Heat burns. It kills hair. So throw out your hair dryers, straighteners and curling irons. Throw out those heat-protectant serums, too. The future is no heat. Again, this prediction is in line with hairstyles becoming more natural.
Eliminating heat from daily hairstyles will lead to a generation of people with healthier hair, more volume, and more natural textures and movements. We can’t wait.
Hairstyle #5: Layered, Short Hair
They’re back, baby: layers! It’s been a while, but we’re seeing a renewed interest in layers, particularly when paired with a short hairstyle (also making a comeback).
Short hairstyles are just so much easier to take care of. Less brushing, fewer hair products. Just wash and go. Shortcuts also fall right into the gender fluidity we see these days.
Adding layers makes the shortcut look less blunt and more natural and interesting. It adds texture and dimension to keep the style, well, stylish.
Hairstyle #6: Balayage
Balayage is here to stay. It fits perfectly into the low-maintenance, natural look dominating future hairstyles. Its ability to create a natural sun-kissed effect while adding depth and dimension to hair colour made it popular a few years back. But its low maintenance will keep it at the top of the trends for years.
Hairstyle #7: Bohemian Hairstyles
More people seek a simple, natural lifestyle akin to Bohemian life. They’ll need the hairstyle to match the charm of their free spirit. That’s why we predict Bohemian braids and knots will grow in popularity.
These hairstyles certainly aren’t for everyone. For those who can pull it off, the intricate weaving and knotting techniques can create an effortlessly chic vibe that complements the Bohemian lifestyle.