New year, new me is the motto for 2021. As we leave 2020 behind, it's time to let go of your boring quarantine ponytail, topknot, or bedhead. Instead, hair pros want you to show off your new year joy in your next hairstyle—whether it's chopping off several inches or going with a bold, unpredictable color. We asked three top hairstylists for the hair trends you'll want to try out come January.
Ginger coils
The best thing about curls and coils is that they offer amazing definition with the right color, and Julie Cornejo, Clairol professional and Wella Colorcharm Top Artist, believes classic ginger red does the trick. "Lots of brunettes will experiment with this color palette, whether it be all over, in a highlight, or even block color techniques," Cornejo tells Health. Go ahead, don't be afraid of the heat.
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The stacked bob
Thick hair, have no fear—the stacked bob was made just for you. This flirty, fun look plays up waves and curls without looking too young. "Stacked bobs are best for thicker, tighter, or denser textures because they still offer volume but take away some of the thickness in the back, creating a softer shape," Mia Emilio, senior stylist at Devachan Salon and member of DevaCurl’s Expert Curl Council, tells Health. "With curly hair, we bend the rules a bit and add more layers than your traditional bob to avoid a triangle shape."
Sleek graphics
If you're down for major expression, graphic hair color is for you. To get it, just bring in to your salon a picture-perfect graphic you'd love printed on your locks, or trust your stylist and let them have fun. "[This color] sits on the surface and can be bold or soft," says Cornejo. "It's usually done with a stencil placed on the surface of the hair and color is applied carefully. It can also be painted freehand."
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The classic blunt blob
According to Emilio, blunt bobs are making a major comeback for 2021. "Everyone wants this look that is fun, sassy…and easy," says Emilio. "Blunt bobs, aka traditional bobs, are best for straight, wavy, or fine hair because they offer more volume and create a fuller shape without requiring layers." This look means business, but with the right stylist won't look too harsh.
Smoky waves
Whether you're going gray by chance or choice, Oliver Adams, Clairol Professional and Wella Colorcharm Top Artist, wants you to play it up. "Let's keep the fun and exotic hair color trend going, but shifting from bright pinks and rose golds to ashier smoky tones, like charcoal and blue," Adams tells Health. Ask your stylist for charcoal or blue highlights or lowlights for chic dimension that screams mystery.
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Baby bangs
A little girlish and a little punk, slightly too-short baby bangs are winning in 2021 with any hair texture. "Many clients have been asking for bangs lately because they’re looking for a way to spruce up their style and revive their look," says Emilio. Since bangs are are simple way to switch up your go-to quarantine hairstyle, they come highly recommended to transition into 2021.
Shoulder-grazing cuts
A new year is definitely a time for renewal, and if you've always had long hair, a shoulder-grazing haircut is a great option for a style refresh without the intense commitment of a bob. "It’s still long enough to throw up in a cute ponytail or bun on days when you want a quick style," says Emilio.
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