Hairstylists Predict These Will Be the 10 Biggest Hair Trends of 2020

Here we are in a new year (and a new decade) of bold hair and makeup moments. But before we launch into the top hair trends for the upcoming year, let's take a walk down memory lane and review the most popular hair trends of 2019.

Last year's top trending hairstyles were as functional as they were chic. From low ponytails to center parts and Carrie Bradshaw hair, last year was all about understated styles with an emphasis on natural texture and hair health (which we love). As for hair color, we saw a juxtaposition of warm and cool-toned shades. Golden honey shades were trending, as were icy platinum variations. Fiery red was seen alongside cool ash blonde. It was a year of hair color contradiction.

Where does that leave us (and our locks) in 2020? We decided to go right to the source to find out, asking top celebrity hairstylists, and we must say, we were surprised by their answers. We're guessing you will be, too. Keep scrolling to find out the 10 biggest hair trends of the year ahead.

1. Short Haircuts

The first thing you should know is that short hair will be super popular in 2020. Generally speaking, long locks are out. That's according to celebrity hairstylist Harry Josh. He predicts the short hair trend will be a sort of "backlash for the monster long hair extension trend" that we witnessed over the past few years. Josh points to Kaia Gerber and Karlie Kloss as specific examples, as both women are currently sporting super-chic and super-short styles. 

2. (Especially) Bobs

If there's one short hairstyle that will reign supreme, it's the classic bob. "I think the bob will still be a trend going into 2020," says Nicole Casamassima, stylist at the Nexxus Salon in New York. "Women want more versatility and can easily achieve a sleek and sophisticated bob with the right length for their face. Or, if they cut it to hit collarbone length, they can add tousled texture for a more youthful and casual look. An easy way to add effortless texture is to spritz the Nexxus Between Washes Air Lift Dry Texture Finishing Spray ($12) before you leave the house to give hair bounce on non-wash days." 

Andrew Fitzsimons, celebrity hairstylist and NatureLab Tokyo ambassador, agrees that the bob is going to be the It haircut of 2020. Except it's not the super-sleek, polished bob; it's a soft, tousled, and relaxed version. "We're taking a step back from the blunt-cut bobs and are going with a style that's slightly longer and piece-y throughout, for a softer appearance," he says. (On that note: We love the soft and romantic bob he created for Khloé Kardashian). 

3. Showing Off Natural Texture

Hairstylists agree that it's not just bobs that are going to look textured this year, it's every hairstyle. That's because texture will continue to be a big topic in 2020. Instead of super-sleek, over-styled hair, we're going to see more natural texture, whether that means tousled and relaxed hair or curly and coily hair. (and we're so happy to hear it). Whatever your natural texture is, embrace it! Instead of taking it away with heat tools, accentuate it with heat tools. 

For accentuating natural curls, Celebrity Hairstylist and R+Co Collective Member, Ashley Streicher recommends using a curl-friendly shampoo and conditioner like R + Co's Cassette Curl Shampoo ($29) and Conditioner ($29)—both are formulated with hydrating squalane, olive, and jojoba oils, as well as shea butter, aloe, and algae extract. When it comes to styling, reach for a curl-defining product, like R+Co's Turntable Curl Defining Cream. 

4. Beach Waves

Natural texture is definitely in. With that being said, when it comes to heat styling, Casamassima says that beach waves are going to continue being all the rage for 2020. They're soft, tousled, and relaxed, so a good texture spray (and a high-quality heat tool) will definitely come in handy.

Personally, I like the Harry Josh Pro Tools 1.25 Inch Styling Iron ($150). Simply clamp down on a small section of hair before twisting your wrist and pulling the hair through. I swear I get the perfect relaxed wave every single time I do this. I finish up with a spritz of texture spray or dry shampoo for definition and movement, and California beach waves are mine. 

5. A Modern Shag Haircut

When it comes to medium to long hair, Streicher says the modern shag will be everywhere, which makes sense, because it incorporates that relaxed, tousled texture we were talking about earlier. "Try a modern shag with fewer layers but cut so there’s more than just one length," she says. "Create texture in the cut by styling with R+Co Sail Soft Wave Spray for added texture and hold." 

6. Textured Braids

Are you sensing a theme, yet? Texture, whether natural, beachy, shaggy, or braided, is clearly king in 2020, especially throughout the winter months. "I think we’ll still see the trend of beachy waves and braids because you can wear them with your hair down and a winter hat won’t mess up the style," Casamassima says.

To us, Blake Lively is the unofficial queen of beach-y braids. In fact, we'd argue that a big, textured braid is kind of her calling card. As such, we're looking to her for 2020 winter braid inspiration. 

We always make sure to spritz a texture spray throughout our hair before braiding, as it gives our strands extra grip, which keeps the pattern intact all day. Try using NatureLab Tokyo's Volume Texture Mist ($12). It's a micro-fine mist, so it will spray evenly throughout the hair, leaving it defined and voluminous—not heavy and crunchy. 

7. Bangs (Specifically Curtain Bangs)

Prepare to see a return of fringe in the New Year. Streicher recommends adding bangs to a bob haircut to give it a cool vintage vibe. Fitzsimons recommends trying out curtain bangs, which are the iconic face-framing bangs made famous by '60s stars like Brigitte Bardot. "Curtain bangs will definitely make a comeback as more retro styles gain popularity," he says. "What I love about curtain bangs is that they're low maintenance and can easily be grown out into face-framing layers—perfect for any face shape and suits every hair type." 

Alexa Chung demonstrates the cool-girl power of curtain bangs. You can how see the center part, paired with the long face-framing layers, makes for a very chic, and very retro, haircut. 

8. Warm Hair Colors

Icy platinum blonde had an epic reign as the trendiest hair color among the fashion and beauty elite, but it seems like it's finally coming to an end. Fitzsimons predicts cool tones will be abandoned altogether in favor of warm tones. "Warmer hair colors will be huge in the upcoming year—from warm blondes to auburn highlights and mahogany spice balayage," he says. "We'll see a lot of colors that don't require much upkeep and will grow out nicely using techniques like face-framing highlights that'll brighten up the look."

9. Solid Hair Colors 

According to Casamassima, women are leaving highlights in 2019, opting instead for single-process color. "Clients don't have the time to commit to living in the salon and I see more women avoiding highlights all together and just getting a single process done. For blondes, I'm seeing that they're getting highlights less frequently and asking for more glosses in between. An easy way to help with color maintenance for blondes is to opt for a purple shampoo, like the Nexxus Blonde Assure Shampoo ($12), which helps neutralize brassy tones." 

Josh agrees. "Shorter hair will call for bolder color and solid colors coming back," he says.

10. Hair Accessories

The tenth and final hair trend for 2020 is accessories, accessories, accessories!" Fitzsimons tells us. "We're already seeing a pearl and rhinestone clip obsession, but it will definitely transition in 2020 with way more—think more minimal looks as well as headbands and big '90s scrunchies." 

"As we go into spring and summer, I think we’ll see accessories become more and more popular. Headbands and cute clips (like Justine Marjan’s collab with Kitsch) will always dress up day-old (or two- or three-day-old) hair. I know for me, during the summer months, I must have a cute headband or clip to tie up my hair for commuting to the city and fighting the humidity," Casamassima says. 

For the ultimate hair accessory inspiration, we suggest checking out celebrity hairstylist Justine Marjan's Instagram account. She posts super-chic (and perfectly accessorized) styles constantly. For proof, check out this gorgeous minimalist sparkle ponytail she created for Marianna Hewitt). 

Next, these 19 nail trends will be everywhere in 2020.