By
Elizabeth Denton,
Allure
It's a whole new decade and that means it's time for some new hair. Every year a fresh crop of haircuts becomes, for lack of a better word, trendy. This doesn't mean they're completely new and you've never seen them before. Just like hair-color trends, some of these styles have been "in" at one time or another, and some (most) never really went "out" at all. But it seems like all of a sudden, certain cuts are everywhere — on celebrities, street style stars, and Instagram babes, especially.
Don't worry, though; not all the cuts that stylists predict will be huge this year require a major transformation. While a pixie or short bangs might be a bold move if your hair is already long, just trimming off a few inches of length can often make a big difference in your look. With some simple blunt ends or shaggy layers, you'll be on your way to nailing at least one of 2020's hottest haircuts.
If you're trying to switch up your look this season, bookmark this page because you're going to want to show it to your stylist. Photos help them understand exactly what you're going for, even if the final 'do will need to be tailored to your unique hair texture, face shape, and lifestyle. Now, go forth and get inspired by some of the dopest haircuts you'll see all year long.
Modern Shag
The '70s are calling and celebrities are answering — and will continue to do so next year. "The shag is a mainstay in style. In 2020, we are seeing an updated version that lends itself to modern styling," says hairstylist and co-founder of Spoke & Weal Salons,
Jon Reyman. "It's sexy, strong, and flattering. Try a shag with or without a strong fringe that is cut away into long or short hair, following a hybrid of the mullet and the shag. This look works for curly hair, straight hair, long, mid-length, and even shorter hair." Kesha wore the look with wet styling to the AMAs this year.
"Short hair with a gentle nod to a mullet works with softer edges and movement," explains Philip Downing, TIGI creative and education director. "This gives the mullet haircut a feminine softness and versatile approach." Taylor Swift has been wearing the modern shag for months now and it's looking like she'll take the trend into 2020, too.
Selena Gomez recently stepped out in London with her take on the 2020 shag. "Long shags are great for girls who love movement and love longer hair," says hairstylist Ted Gibson. "The thing that’s great about the modern shag is the texture. In the '70s it was straight." This new version of the shag gives you more space for texture. We love the flipped-up ends Gomez has here, which add a fresh touch to the classic style.
Rounded 'Fro
"Natural curls and coils are taking the world by storm and the shape of the hair is what helps make the best impact," says Annagjid "Kee" Taylor, hairstylist and founder of Shear Genius Collection. “The rounded ‘fro is one of the most popular looks. The cut will keep your coils healthy and your curls full of life. Although there are so many ways to cut your curly hair, right now [a] rounded [shape] or the ’lion cut' are my absolute favorites. It's cutting or trimming hair to shape the natural curls into the roundest form possible. A lot of women's hair naturally grows in this shape, but some have to be cut and formed."
Tracee Ellis Ross, who also has her own hair-care line, looks modern, soft and pretty with her full curls.
Curly hair naturally wants to be voluminous, and 2020 is all about embracing and enhancing that. Consider your texture, face shape, and how you typically like to part your hair before you decide on which cut to go with. If you're into to a side part, look to Teyonah Parris. Hairstylist Anthony Dickey, the founder of Hair Rules Salon in New York City, says that in order to get a rounded 'fro "all 4C textures should be cut [while] blown out straight." He also recommends avoiding shampoo that lathers to keep curls hydrated — not stripped dry. His own line, Hair Rules, includes the stellar No Suds Cleansing Cream.
Dickey also loves a rounded 'fro with fringe, such as this one on the gorgeous Jessica Williams. "What's hot about this longer cut is that the nape has been kept short while the top is allowed to flourish," he explains. "And bangs on 4C hair are not only face-framing, but also just as modern as you can get."
Short Bangs
2020's bangs aren't baby bangs and they aren't curtain bangs. They sit just right above the eyebrows, making them a bit shorter than previous trendy styles. Gibson cut this fringe on Jaime King but warns short bangs are a lot of work for certain hair types. "I think hair texture plays a part in how short you can go with bangs," he says. Keep in mind that curly textures tend to shrink as they dry, so when your stylist is cutting, be sure your hair is dry. "I cannot stress this enough. If you trim wet bangs, they’ll shrink when they dry and be too short," Gibson previously told Allure.
Bangs don't have to be full and blunt to be on-trend. Krysten Ritter proves piece-y bangs that sit above your eyebrows are just as pretty. In fact, they might just be easier to wear as the openness tones down the intensity and brings all attention to the eyes. If you want to try the trend for 2020 but aren't ready to fully commit, a hair piece is a great option to start. Your stylist can even help you trim it to the right fringe length.
Speaking of hair pieces, Kendall Jenner has been trying out faux fringe as of late, playing around with the length and fullness. These specific bangs feel fresh and new thanks to their shorter length (you can still see those flawless brows) and gentle side-swoop. Use a flatiron to get the fringe as straight as Jenner's and gently sweep the iron to one side. This is an especially clutch style on second (or third) day hair. Just throw your hair into a pony and pop on the bangs for an on-trend look without a ton of effort.
The New Pixie
2020's take on pixie cuts are either super short or just a bit longer than normal. There's no in-between here. The super short length Ciara's cropped feels very modern for the new decade. "Shorter than we’ve seen the pixie cut in the past, this look has less movement overall and provides a [freshness] for the new year," says
Michael Sparks, hairstylist and co-owner of Tabb & Sparks Salon.
Zoë Kravitz goes back and forth between short and long hair, but her pixie is a favorite — one that happens to be seriously on-trend for this year. "The pixie is forever a classic because there are so many variations," says hairstylist
Jasmine Ashley. "For 2020, most clients are going less 'bangy' and more flirty short cuts with a flare."
Kaia Gerber's pixie is has more of a long, A-line shape, but it's the shortest we've ever seen on the model. Hairstylist
Glenn Ellis sees the trend going into 2020. "I’ve had clients recently that have been wanting more of a pixie," he says. "It's low maintenance in the sense that you don’t have to spend a ton of time blow-drying your hair. All my clients call this the 'wash and go' haircut because you can leave the house with it wet and it dries perfectly on its own."
One Length
"Being blunt is 2020’s good friend," says Reyman about Awkwafina's one-length cut. "The most obvious version of this is a bob — but you do not have to chop off a ton of hair to get the blunt effect. This look can be achieved in a more versatile haircut by choosing blunt accent pieces around the face."
Kim Kardashian is the queen of the one-length style, whether it's long as it is here or snipped into a short bob. Riawna Capri, hairstylist and co-founder of Nine Zero One Salon, says this look is more modern than one with tons of beachy texture. "The 2020 trend is all about structure. Out with the [tousled] texture, in comes polished structure," she says. "We’re seeing [more] shine versus matte hairsprays. More blunt thick lines in haircuts instead of shattered textured haircuts."
Euphoria star Hunter Schafer also favors the one-length cut. "It will be making a huge comeback in the year coming," says Ellis. "It's a super simple cut that gives a bold statement. I give this haircut to my girls who want to leave their hair long without the fuss of layers. It's also my favorite haircut come summer because you can put every piece in a ponytail with no issue."
The New Bob
Though it felt like every celebrity got a bob in 2019, the short cut isn't going anywhere next year. It's just changing shape depending on the wearer — either blunt and one-length like Julianne Hough or short and choppy. "We’ve seen it time and time again and there’s a reason for it. The perfect bob cut is timeless," says Sparks.
Maya Hawke proves a flirty, choppy bob is just as fresh as a blunt one. "Slightly uneven layers gives this a modern edge, and having your stylist use a razor will give it a feathery finish," explains Matrix colorist,
George Papanikolas. "For soft separation and definition use the Biolage R.A.W. Texturizing Styling Spray. It gives volume and texture with a clean feel."
Hairstylist
Jenny Cho recently took Kristen Bell shorter with a chic blunt bob. "I’m seeing more women go through with the chop. It’s definitely a big decision, but makes for a really dramatic look that frames the face," she explains. We'd say it's more than worth the risk.
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