Hairstylists Predicted These Would Be the 10 Biggest Hair Trends of 2020

Last year's top trending hairstyles were as functional as they were chic. From low ponytails to centre partings 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 colour, 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 colour contradiction.

So, when 2020 rolled around, we couldn't help but ask where that left us for the rest of the year? 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. They provided us with 10 key looks for 2020, and they turned out to be totally right. Here we revisit the predictions, safe in the knowledge that all of the trending styles are still going to be hot-to-trot next year too. 

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 predicted the short hair trend would 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. We've seen the look take off—with longer bobs and shorter cuts both gathering pace—despite the fact that hair appointments have been hard to come by.

2. (Especially) Bobs

If there's one short hairstyle that reigned supreme, it's the classic bob. "I think the bob will still be a trend going into 2020," said Nicole Casamassima, stylist at the Nexxus Salon in New York, earlier this year. "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." 

Andrew Fitzsimons, celebrity hairstylist and NatureLab Tokyo ambassador, agreed that the bob would 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 agreed 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 and beyond. 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 (£28) and Conditioner (£28)—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, we like the ghd Platinum+ Professional Styler (£175). 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 (£11). 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)

We prepared to see a return of all kinds of fringe styles throughout 2020, and the prediction came true. 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 see how the centre parting, paired with the long face-framing layers, makes for a very chic, and very retro, haircut. 

8. Warm Hair Colours

Icy platinum blonde had an epic reign as the trendiest hair colour among the fashion and beauty elite, but it seems like it's finally coming to an end. Fitzsimons predicted cool tones will be abandoned altogether in favour of warm tones. "Warmer hair colours will be huge in the upcoming year—from warm blondes to auburn highlights and mahogany spice balayage," he said. "We'll see a lot of colours 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 Colours 

According to Casamassima, women were ready to leave highlights in 2019, opting instead for single-process colour. "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 colour maintenance for blondes is to opt for a purple shampoo, like the Nexxus Blonde Assure Shampoo (£12), which helps neutralise brassy tones." 

Josh agreed. "Shorter hair will call for bolder colour and solid colours coming back," he said.

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." The look is definitely set to continue through into next year, so if you haven't dipped in yet, now is the time.

"As we go into spring and summer, I think we’ll see accessories become more and more popular. Headbands and cute clips 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 said. 

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

Up next, 7 low-maintenance hair trends that are going to dominate in 2021.

This story was originally published on Who What Wear US at an earlier time and has since been updated.