7 Low-Maintenance Hair Trends That Are Going to Dominate in 2021

Although 2021 has already been as full of unexpected twists and turns as its predecessor, we're still optimistically planning to make the most of the rest of the year. Slowly but surely, we've started mentally assembling fancy outfits for backdated weddings and have even been predicting the nail colors, new boot styles, and jeans types that will be big news over the next few months. But with so much uncertainty still swirling around, there's one question that lingers at the back of our minds: What will the defining hair trends of the back half of 2021 actually be?

Back in March last year, when hairdressers across the globe were forced to close their doors, no one could foresee the impact it would have on our tresses. Those who couldn't bear the thought of grown-out roots had little option but to reacquaint themselves with at-home box dye, while others with shorter hair or fringes had to become nimble with a pair of hairdressing scissors pretty quickly.

Some of you may have found this liberating and have since adopted low-maintenance routines, but for others, time spent away from the hairdresser's chair has only reaffirmed their love of the salon. What we want to know is, Where does that leave us and any potential hairstyle trends for the future? Will we start to favor understated 'dos over styles that require upkeep every eight weeks, or is "more is more" going to be the mantra for any hair devotee? We decided to go right to the source to find out, asking top hairstylists for their input. Scroll below to find out what they think will be the biggest low-maintenance hair trends to take center stage. 

1. SOFT BALAYAGE 

"When it comes to color, you don't want something that requires too much precision," reveals hairstylist to the stars George Northwood. "Something that has become a bit of a signature of ours is a softer, natural balayage. With the disturbance of COVID and salons shutting for months on end, people have stepped away from that fresh, highlighted look that is quite high-maintenance and is tricky to maintain well at home without your colorist."

"Over the first lockdown, a lot of my clients saw their natural color growing through and have actually gotten used to it," Northwood continues. "So we are now seeing a lot more clients who are now experimenting with keeping their hair closer to their natural color, which is far more easily managed and can see you through those long gaps between appointments, which is a smart move in these times of uncertainty."

Another top hairdresser who shares this sentiment is the authority on hair color, Rita Hazan. "I believe that people will start to embrace low-maintenance color more and more," she explains. "After having gone so long without a salon visit during past lockdowns, this is bound to happen. Single-process color or covering gray roots are simpler to do at home, even with a home kit. Just find a color that is closest to what you have. Like soft balayage, subtle highlights are also low-maintenance and can grow out nicely, even with roots, because there isn't too much of a contrast.”

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT:

2. SHORT, TAPERED CUTS

"After surviving 2020, I'm finding many of my clients are looking to hone their grown-out styles and are instead looking for short, tapered cuts, either in their natural form or relaxed," says Nicole Pembrook, owner of International Beauty Expert, who you may know from Instagram as the Healthy Hair Doctor. "These looks are timeless, chic, and easy to style. Opt for length at the crown, keeping things shorter at the sides."

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT:

3. SILVER

"I'm starting to see a lot of women (and men) learning to embrace the gray and steering away from drastic changes," reveals Hazan. "I would say that it's just as important to look after the quality of silver hair. You need to try and remove any yellow or orange tones that can find their way in when growing out color. Using a gloss between washing and conditioning is perfect for this."

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT:

4. CHOPPY LOBS & BOBS

"As the future is still a bit uncertain as far as the pandemic, I think more people will be looking for an easy-to-maintain style," says Northwood. "A lot of our clients have been requesting the effortless, undone bob, which is one of my signature styles that originated from working with Alexa Chung. I think that this will continue to be popular going into 2022, as it's quite a relaxed, messy style, meaning that when it grows out it will still look effortlessly chic."

"Shoulder-length bobs will be popular: the shag, the blunt textured bob, the cheekbone-skimming bob," confirms Rosslyn Orr, salon director and head technician at Charlie Miller South St Andrew Street. "Almost all of my clients are asking me about low-maintenance, choppy, and unstructured styles."

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT:

5. COPPER

Red was one of 2020's breakout color trends, and it's a look that Natalie Cole, salon director and head technician at Charlie Miller Fredrick Street, predicts is set to continue this year and beyond. "Coppers will be chestnut warm and more muted. As life becomes more subdued, there will be a move towards a more natural look that doesn't require a visit to the salon every few weeks. That's something all my clients want: colors with longer lifespans."

"For me, it's all about that subtle hint of color," affirms Pembrook. "This shade looks great on any hairstyle."

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT:

6. LONG LAYERS

Bobs and lobs might be proving popular, but long hair is arguably less demanding. "I think it's a good time to reflect and be inspired by what worked and looked effortless in the past," suggests Nicholas Hardwick, principal stylist at Josh Wood Colour. "Seventies and eighties hair (don't run away just yet—I'm not talking frizzy perms) like long layered, wavy cuts is a look that stands the test of time. Layers are key, as you won't have to come into the salon all that often to get them freshened up. Blunt, one-length styles require a bit more maintenance, so I'd advise going messier with the finish."

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT:

7. FRINGES

"Wearing masks is still a thing, and many of my regular clients have been having fringes (aka bangs) cut in to complement them," says Amber Swift, salon director, and head technician at Charlie Miller Holy Corner. "This look is generally easier to maintain in the colder months, as heat can often present styling problems. Fringes help to frame and define the face, so I see the logic in wanting one to complement your mask. I'd recommend going for a choppier, more relaxed cut." 

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT:

Opening Images: @chanelmckinsie, @taniceelizabeth, @greceghanem

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK and has since been updated.

Next: 24 Products That Actually Make Your Hair Thicker