New Hairstyles for 2020: A Trend Report

2020 saw a significant shift in hair trends, moving away from some of the more extreme styles of previous years and embracing a more natural, versatile approach. This report examines the key new hairstyles that dominated the year, offering insights into the factors driving their popularity and their potential longevity.

The Rise of Natural Textures

One of the most prominent trends of 2020 was the embrace of natural hair textures. This was evident across all hair types, with women opting for styles that celebrated their natural curls, waves, and coils rather than striving for perfectly straight hair. This shift reflects a broader societal move towards self-acceptance and celebrating individuality. The popularity of products designed to enhance natural curl patterns soared, alongside tutorials and educational content on how to care for and style different hair textures effectively. This trend wasn’t limited to long hair; short, curly cuts also gained significant traction, offering a low-maintenance yet stylish option. This focus on natural hairstyles is likely to continue to influence new hairstyles for future years.

Long Layers: Effortless Chic

Long layered hairstyles remained a popular choice in 2020, offering a versatile look that could be adapted to suit various face shapes and hair types. The key to the successful adoption of this classic style was the emphasis on subtle layering, creating movement and volume without appearing overly fussy or contrived. This approach avoided the overly-layered, choppy styles of previous years, opting for a more sophisticated and refined finish. Long layers worked well with both straight and wavy hair, showcasing the hair’s natural texture and movement. [See also: Long Hairstyle Trends for 2024]

The Bob’s Enduring Appeal

The bob haircut, a timeless classic, continued to be a staple in 2020, albeit with a few modern twists. While the classic blunt bob remained popular, variations such as the textured bob, the lob (long bob), and the A-line bob gained significant traction. These adaptations offered a degree of versatility, allowing women to customize the style to their individual preferences and hair type. The textured bob, in particular, showcased the natural movement and texture of the hair, aligning perfectly with the overall trend towards more natural looks. The versatility of the bob, catering to different hair lengths and textures, secured its position as one of the top new hairstyles for 2020. [See also: The Ultimate Guide to Bob Haircuts]

Bangs: Framing the Face

Bangs, in various forms, made a significant comeback in 2020. From wispy and curtain bangs to blunt and full bangs, the options were diverse, allowing for a customized approach depending on facial features and overall style. Curtain bangs, in particular, gained immense popularity, offering a soft and flattering framing effect that complemented various hairstyles. This versatility of bangs, accommodating a range of hair textures and styles, helped make them a key component in many of the most popular new hairstyles for 2020. Furthermore, bangs offered a simple way to update an existing hairstyle, adding a fresh element without a drastic change.

Color Trends: Subtlety and Dimension

While bold and vibrant hair colors certainly had their place, 2020 saw a growing preference for more subtle and dimensional color techniques. Balayage, ombre, and sombre remained popular choices, offering a natural-looking transition between shades that added depth and complexity to the hair. These techniques created a multi-dimensional effect that enhanced the natural texture and movement of the hair. The focus was less on stark contrasts and more on creating a seamless blend of tones that complemented the overall hairstyle and skin tone. This subtle approach to hair coloring helped create a more natural and less high-maintenance look, aligning with the overall trend towards effortless chic.

Specific Color Trends for 2020 Included:

• Honey blonde: This warm, golden blonde shade was a popular choice for those seeking a flattering and versatile blonde option.
• Bronde: A blend of brown and blonde, bronde offered a subtle and natural-looking way to lighten the hair without the high-maintenance demands of a full blonde.
• Mushroom brown: This cool, earthy brown shade was particularly popular with those seeking a low-maintenance yet stylish color option.

Accessorizing for Extra Flair

Hair accessories also played a significant role in shaping 2020’s hairstyle trends. Simple yet elegant hair clips, barrettes, and headbands were used to elevate simple hairstyles, adding a touch of sophistication and personality. These accessories allowed for quick and easy style updates, catering to those seeking versatile and adaptable looks. This trend towards simple yet effective hair accessories is a cost-effective way to significantly change one’s hairstyle.

Influence of Social Media

The influence of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok cannot be overstated. These platforms provided a constant stream of inspiration, showcasing a vast range of new hairstyles for 2020 and allowing users to easily discover and share their favorite looks. Influencers and celebrities played a significant role in shaping trends, driving the popularity of particular hairstyles and coloring techniques. The accessibility and immediate nature of these platforms accelerated the adoption of new trends, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of hairstyles.

Predicting Future Trends

Based on the trends observed in 2020, it is likely that the emphasis on natural textures, versatile styles, and subtle color techniques will continue to influence hair trends in the coming years. The demand for low-maintenance, adaptable hairstyles that celebrate individuality is likely to remain strong. The integration of technology, such as virtual hairstyle try-ons, will also likely play a bigger role in guiding future hairstyle choices. We can anticipate further exploration of personalized styling approaches that cater to individual hair types, facial features, and personal preferences. [See also: Hair Trends to Watch Out For in 2025]

Conclusion: A Year of Natural Beauty

2020 presented a diverse range of new hairstyles, reflecting a broader societal shift towards self-acceptance and celebrating individuality. The focus on natural textures, versatile cuts, and subtle color techniques created a year of effortless chic, showcasing the beauty of natural hair. The influence of social media and the readily available resources for hair care have empowered individuals to make informed decisions about their hair, resulting in a vibrant and diverse array of looks. The enduring appeal of classic styles combined with innovative adaptations and color techniques ensured there was a 2020 hairstyle for everyone.