hairstyle trends 11 Y2K Hairstyles Worthy Of Your Timeline Today

While there’s a good chance you’ll look back at the hairstyles and makeup you donned in the 2000s and cringe, there’s an even better chance that renewed versions of those styles will find their way right back into the trend life cycle. Hair tinsel, skunk stripe hair and the controversially chic octopus haircut serve as the ultimate proof that beauty of the early aughts is taking over. 

Whether you love it or you’re still on the fence about his renaissance, social media loves the Y2K resurgence, pointing out that this bout of nostalgia is going to be anything but short-lived. From asymmetrical bobs to spiky, twisted updos we’re sharing our favorite 2000s hairstyles that are just good today as they were 20 years ago.

1. Antenna Bangs

Trends come and go but face-framing layers come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. This zany take on layers specifically refers to thin, pin-straight bangs that resemble a bug’s antennas’. You don’t need to be an expert in Y2K trends to recognize this style because it’s a staple in many of the twisted updos and spiky bun styles that are making a comeback. 

To get the ultra-straight look, prime your strands with a heat protectant like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum Leave-In and use a flat iron to smooth your face-framing strands into the perfect antenna shape. 

2. Sleek Asymmetrical Bob

A sharp, asymmetrical bob with sleek, pin-straight strands reigned in the 2000s. Sported by your favorite R&B artists, actresses and models, the short haircut was ultra-chic and flatters a number of different face shapes. 

To get the smooth, shiny finish that makes this style, reach for a multi-benefit leave-in treatment like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free 21-in-1 Color Caring Spray, Leave In. Providing 21 benefits, including moisture, heat protection, banishing frizz and more, it’s perfect for achieving a sleek style without an excess of products. 

3. Spiky Twisted Bun 

The spiky twisted bun and any variation on this ‘do is peak Y2K styling. A sleek crown is combined with piecey sections of hair sticking out in different directions, combining texture and volume with the clean girl aesthetic that social media loves. 

To give the look your own spin, try a spiky bun with a zigzag part, a half-up style or double them up and try a trendy, space bun variation. For the sleek crown, head to the drugstore to grab the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Mega Gel and an edge brush to smooth every hair into place. 

4. Mushroom Cut 

This voluminous short haircut is shaped like a mushroom, offering va-va-voom on the top with short, tapered sides. To maintain volume at the crown, keep a texturizing dry shampoo on hand like the L’Oréal Paris Everpure Sulfate-Free Tinted Dry Shampoo for Blonde Hair if you have light hair or the L’Oréal Paris Everpure Sulfate Free Tinted Dry Shampoo for Brown Hair if you have dark hair. 

This tinted dry shampoo will banish oils and add volume without leaving white residue in your hair. Use it as needed. 

5. Blunt Cut with Chunky Highlights

Chunky platinum blonde and black highlights were a staple in the 2000s. Unlike current hair color trends like balayage that sport a lowkey, lived-in look, chunky highlights feature a stark contrast, making them quite hard to ignore. Opt for a skunk stripe to keep the chunky highlights near your face or flex your full commitment to the trend and sport two-tone ribbons of color throughout your strands. 

To keep your chunky highlights free of unwanted brassy tones, we recommend washing your hair with a purple shampoo and conditioner like the L’Oréal Paris Everpure Sulfate-Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris Sulfate-Free Brass Toning Purple Conditioner once a week.

6. Textured Layers with Volume

Call it the ‘90s blowout, the butterfly haircut or the modern shag — either way, this layered ‘do was a staple in the Y2K era and it’s still just as popular today. The reason being, a layered haircut like this works for a number of different face shapes and hair textures, while offering a flattering face-framing ‘do and all-over volume. 

To boost volume, wash your strands with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron Plump Hydrating Shampoo, Paraben-Free and the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron Plump Hydrating Conditioner, Paraben-Free. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, this duo replumps dry, dehydrated hair, giving your strands a fuller, shinier and bouncier appearance post-wash. In between washes, keep your style refreshed and hydrated with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron Plump Moisture Plump Serum, Paraben-Free.

7. Flipped Out Ends

Flipped out ends started in the ‘60s and continue to make their way back into the beauty zeitgeist every few decades, including the 2000s. To get the look, prime your strands with a heat protectant like the aforementioned L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum Leave-In and use a flat iron to flip the ends of your hair outwards and upwards.  

8. Baby Braids

Make any hairstyle Y2K-inspired by simply adding a few baby braids throughout your strands. Our favorite ways to rock them are with a middle part to frame your face or with twisted, spiky updos for more texture.

9. Cropped Curly Cut

This edgy, short style spotlights your natural curls to keep your hair routine quick and simple. For soft and hydrated curls, wash your hair with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Moisture Push Shampoo and  L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Moisture Seal Conditioner. 

This system contains hyaluronic acid and castor oil to nourish and define your curls without weighing them down. Finish the look with a curl-enhancing cream like the L’Oréal Paris Dream Lengths Curls Non-Stop Creamy Curls Leave-in Conditioner. 

10. Braids with Beads

This early aughts ‘do doubles as a protective style with beads that serve to elevate the look, adding your own personal twist. It’s so quintessentially 2000s and looks just as good with short braids as it does with long ones. 

11. Crimped Hair 

Think of crimped hair as the Y2K equivalent of beach waves or mermaid waves. While crimped hair in the 2000s was more uniform and — dare we say — stiff, the looser, softer waves that people are opting for today serve as a much more wearable, modern take on the look. 

For a heatless crimped style, try overnight braids. Apply the L’Oréal Paris Everpure Sulfate Free Simply Clean Midnight Color Care Serum to wet hair and section your hair into two, equal parts like you’re creating pigtails. Take those two sections and separate them again, creating four even sections of hair, two on each side of your head. 

Braid each section — there should be four braids in total and let your hair dry in the braids overnight. When you wake up, take out the braids and you’ll have easy, crimped strands without ever having touched a hot tool. 

Next: How to Bedazzle Your Hair in 3 Easy Steps

Written by: Reece Andavolgyi, Photo Credit: Lupita IG @/lupeherxo, Design Credit: Sarah Duvivier