The Biggest Hair Trends of 2020, According to Celebrity Stylists

Spoiler alert: There's a style called "the shullet."

By Maya Allen, Marie Claire

Bid adieu to boring hair days this year because—you know the rest of the sentence—life's too short to play it safe. Hair decisions are tricky, emotional, nerve-wracking, and risky. But trust that with the right research and a skilled stylist switching it up, it will feel fun. (And if you end up hating your hair, remember that nothing lasts forever!) It's so easy to go through the motions, hair-wise, and chill with one style all the time. But a hair change can spark something within yourself and give you a whole new wave of confidence.

To get your creative juices flowing, I talked to several celebrity stylists who are established trend predictors to provide you with a visual mood board of styles. Now, make space in your phone for a new inspo album and get to scrolling.

Live Your Best Bob Life

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A post shared by Kaia (@kaiagerber) on Nov 23, 2019 at 6:35am PST

Derek Yuen, the stylist to Lana Condor, Megan Fox, and more has been cutting a lot of bobs lately. But not regular bobs—blunt bobs. "The sharp, precise cut makes this style a win in photos and on red carpets," he says, recommending that you choose the length that best suits your face shape. If you want to try a textured bob instead, Giovanni Vaccaro, Glamsquad artistic director and celeb stylist, suggests using Glamsquad's The Untamed Texture Spray. If you prefer a piecy finish, he advises Ouai's Matte Pomade.

Embrace Your Natural Texture

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Whaaaaat! Living for this texture and shape on @taelorthein Used @glamsquad Untamed texture spray and a small 1/2inch iron to eliminate any frizz and define the curl. Makeup by @kellijbartlett

A post shared by Giovanni Vaccaro (@giovannivaccaro) on Oct 21, 2019 at 6:25pm PDT

"Show it off, the natural way," says Vaccaro. "Many women are opting to wear their hair the way God gave it to them, without heat styling. To enhance your natural texture, I love GSQ by Glamsquad Curl Shampoo And Conditioner, as well as the Curl gel. It will give any head of curls the hydration and definition it needs." 

Accessorize More

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A post shared by justine marjan (@justinemarjan) on Mar 3, 2019 at 8:09am PST

"When we talk about over-sized accessories, we’re not talking about handbags or sunglasses, but the revival of the '90s hair clips," Vickie Vidov, who has star-studded clients like Julianne Moore, Pryanka Chopra, and Dakota Johnson, emphasizes. "Whether it’s a French-girl barrette, embellished clip, bobby pins, or barrettes, they can be worn by themselves, together, or scattered throughout your hair." If simplicity is more your vibe, Yuen suggests getting creative with small details. "The best accessories are sometimes minute details rather than screaming loud pieces of jewelry," He explains. "Like using metal, leather, lace, etc. as ties and twists in the hair. It gives an element of surprise and a gentle touch to any hairstyle."

Try "The Shullet": A Modern Day Take on a Mullet

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A post shared by Rowan Blanchard (◕‿◕)🌹 (@rowanblanchard) on Sep 15, 2019 at 5:58pm PDT

"The latest version of the mullet is a good contender for straight and curly-haired folks alike," explains Vidov. "While the word "mullet" itself serves as a not-so-friendly reminder of the tasteless, debatable trend, it's gotten its very own makeover and a new name: the shullet. It's like the mullet and the shag had a baby, get it?"

Wear Less Struggle Ponytails and More Styled Ponytails

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A post shared by Giovanni Vaccaro (@giovannivaccaro) on Dec 9, 2019 at 6:54pm PST

Instead of mindlessly pulling your hair back when you don't feel like fussing with it, style it. "From sleek and snatched to textured and messy, you'll be seeing this trend everywhere for 2020," Vaccaro predicts. " I've been using Locks and Mane extensions to create some super fluffy ponys. Leave pieces out to frame your face and create more of an effortless look."

Experiment with a Super Sleek, Shiny, Glossy Texture

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A post shared by Jourdan Dunn (@jourdandunn) on Nov 2, 2019 at 1:10pm PDT

"I love creating a sleek look whether it’s pulled back into a high pony, low bun, or loose it always very classic, chic and elegant," says celebrity stylist to the stars Millie Morales. "It’s important to use a heat protectant before applying heat and mask the night before to nourish and hydrate strands. One of my favorites is the Garnier Fructis Hydrating Treat Shampoo with Aloe Extract because the aloe has smoothing and hydrating properties. I complete the look with Garnier’s Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Hairspray, which is very important as we want to control the strands and ensure they stay down. "

Rock a Single Tone Hair Color All Over

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A post shared by Zendaya (@zendaya) on Sep 23, 2019 at 10:52am PDT

"For 2020, rich, vibrant hair colors are making a major comeback," Washington D.C.-based stylist Yene Damtew, whose clientele includes Michelle Obama, explains. "Many of my clients are steering away from pastel colors or balayage and are now leaning on solid colors like full butter blondes, almond browns and vibrant redheads."

In terms of all-over color maitenance, Vidov suggests using Goldwell Gloss to seal tired ends, provide moisture, and enhance pigment. "An easy way to help with color maintenance is using Rene Furterer’s Okara Shampoo, which has natural okara and hamamelis extracts," she adds. "The sulfate-free formula helps enhance vibrancy and retain color intensity." Morales also agrees that single tone shades will reign supreme this year because the upkeep is so easy. "You can revive permanent hair color at home using the new Garnier Nutrisse Color Reviver which is a five-minute mask that is used in the shower and will instantly refresh color and leave hair feeling shiny and smooth," she advises.

Go Bombshell or Go Home

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A post shared by Chris Appleton (@chrisappleton1) on Feb 2, 2020 at 8:14pm PST

"We saw it on J.Lo at the Super Bowl and everyone is talking about it," Vacarro points out. "Bombshell hair is back and our volume girls are thrilled about it. Opt for Glamsquad’s Full Effect Volumizing Mousse and apply to the roots before styling to turn up the most volume."

Give Red a Try

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A post shared by MATT REZ (@colorbymattrez) on Jan 10, 2019 at 9:04pm PST

Red is being reimagined this year. You'll see it more warm, less fiery. "In 2020 I envision red having an element of copper to make it look believable and natural. If you get highlights, make sure they’re no lighter than two levels of your existing red for a perfect blend," Celebrity colorist Matt Rez suggests.

Do Yourself a Favor and Keep Your Color Low-Maintenance

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A post shared by Saoirse Ronan (fan account) 💐 (@saorseronan) on Feb 2, 2020 at 9:40am PST

"We saw Greta Gerwig and Saoirse Ronan go for low maintenance color on awards show red carpets this year, and I see this laid-back look taking root in 2020," Rez says. "To get the look, avoid a base color change, and instead opt for foiling techniques to add light or depth for the most graceful regrowth. You can also ask for a 'shadowed root,' which will help regrowth from being too noticeable."

See more at: Marie Claire