Much like the years, hair trends come and go. One thing’s for certain—a good hair trend is never gone for long. The trends you knew and loved in your childhood and teen years always find a way to make their way back—case in point: early 2000s hair.
Since early 2000s hairstyles are making a comeback, we wanted to give you the lowdown on all the styles you should add to your hairstyle lookbook. Y2K hair was all about space buns, pigtails, and flippy ends—and in 2022, we’re taking these looks to the next level. Looking for inspiration? There’s plenty to go around, and we’ve tapped a professional hairstylist to learn ways you can achieve this hair trend with hair accessories at home and at the salon during your next visit.
Forceful 23 Anti-Frizz Super Strength Hairspray
An anti-frizz, strong-hold hair finishing spray.
Thermal Active Heat Protectant Spray
A heat protectant styling spray.
How Can I Get Early 2000s Hair?
Once you have your low-rise denim jeans, vibrant cardigan, and tiny pocketbook on, you’ll need the perfect Y2K hair color.
“One of the more popular early 2000s colors I’ve been seeing a lot of lately is chunky highlights,” says Brittany Rodriguez, hairstylist at Medusa Salon in Brooklyn, NY. “Sometimes clients leave the highlights blonde, and sometimes we add a vivid color over it.”
Once your chunky highlights are all set, you’ll need a few hair accessories to complete your Y2K hair look—think butterfly clips, claw clips, and chunky bedazzled barrettes. In addition to hair accessories, there are some hair products you should have on hand that’ll make it easier to bring Y2K hairstyles to life.
A good hairspray is crucial to making sure your Y2K hairstyle stays intact all day long. Opt for Redken Forceful 23 Anti-Frizz Super Strength Hairspray to control hair for up to eight hours and resist humidity for up to 24 hours.
Next, a heat protectant is a must-have for those styles that require a flat iron, curling iron, or blow dryer. Spray Biolage Thermal Active Heat Protectant Spray on wet/damp strands before blow drying or on dry hair when using heat tools. If you’re looking to get the perfect flippy ends, protecting your hair from the heat required to achieve the look is important.
You’ll also want to have a pack of hair ties and fine-tooth combs handy when going to style your hair so you can create the desired part and look.
What Bangs Were Popular in the 2000s?
The most popular bang style in the 2000s was called ‘antenna bangs.’ This is when two thin pieces of hair frame each side of your face while the rest is pulled up in the back. Next time you visit the salon, you can ask your stylist for face-framing bangs, and they’ll know exactly what you’re talking about. In addition to ‘antenna bangs,’ Rodriguez says that side-swept bangs are very much a Y2K hairstyle.
“Longer side-swept bangs are very popular. They are the easiest no-commitment option as far as bangs go. If you already have face-framing layers, you can just part your hair to the side and use a large round brush and blow dryer to sweep them over your forehead.”
What Were Popular Hairstyles in the 2000s?
Wondering what popular 2000s hairstyles are popular again? We’ve rounded up 18 Y2k hairstyles for you to try, and once you do, you may want a time machine.
Flipped Ends
While reminiscent of the 1960s, flipped ends are classic Y2K staple and add dimension to hair whether worn down or in a ponytail.
Good hair day by @artistic.aestheticss.
Crimped Hair
Bring some fun texture and volume to your strands by crimping your hair. To make sure your texture stays put, use Matrix Vavoom Shapemaker Shaping Hairspray to build body and style memory.
Good hair day by @danivanburenhair.
Space Buns
This Y2K hairstyle is out of this world, seriously. Add a little edge to any look with two large space buns. To provide a soft to medium hold, use Biolage Complete Control Hairspray by spraying eight to 12 inches away from hair.
Good hair day by @maryh.ott.
Claw Clip Updo
An updo is the perfect hairstyle for any occasion, whether you’re running errands or going on a dinner date. Simply wrap your hair in the clip, and that’s it.
Good hair day by @mermaidhairmarissa.
Clip In Color
Channel your inner pop star with some clip-in color. If you aren’t ready to make the full commitment, have your stylist add some clip-in color to your hair. Before you head to the salon, make sure to give your hair a nice wash with Redken Frizz Dismiss Smoothing Sulfate-Free Shampoo to help fight frizz and provide humidity protection.
Good hair day by @hairdesignbyrachelle.
Zig-Zag Parts
Nothing screams Y2K hair more than a zi- zag part. Use a comb to part your hair in the desired shape, and you’re all set.
Good hair day by @mrsgazabrown.
Chunky Highlights
Chunky highlights are here to make a bold statement. Choose a color that provides a stark contrast to the rest and let your stylist go to work. After you color your hair, keep it in pristine condition by using Biolage Color Last Moisturizing Conditioner to help protect hair, balance moisture, and even out the hair’s surface.
Good hair day by @aaashleee.
High Ponytail
Whip your hair into a high pony and top it off with a vibrant colored scrunchy. Not only does this hairstyle give major Y2K vibes, but it also is a standard music festival style that lasts all day. To make a sleek ponytail, use Matrix Total Results Mega Sleek Anti-Frizz Serum to keep unruly frizz and flyaways at bay.
Good hair day by @mr_alexandrycosta.
Bubble Braid
This hairstyle gives major princess vibes with so much length and volume. Make this look even more appealing by using different colored elastics.
Good hair day by @maryh.ott.
Chunky Barrettes
Chunky barrettes are here to stay, and we’re okay with that. Whether you opt for a beaded style or statement color, slide them on either side of your head for a quick Y2K hairstyle.
Good hair day by @alexthaohair.
Butterfly Clips
You’ve seen butterfly clips all over TikTok within the past few months, and now it’s your turn to try. Channel your inner tween by placing neon butterfly clips throughout your strands in the desired shape or pattern, and there you have it.
Beaded Braids
Beaded braids are not only gorgeous, but also last for a long time. Opt for different colored beads to let your personality shine through.
Good hair day by @hairbywinter1.
Baby Space Buns
Just because your space buns are small doesn’t mean they won’t make an impact. Leave some hair sticking out for an edgy look that screams Y2K.
Good hair day by @krystamadden.
Bleached Bangs
Now, you’ll want to go to a salon to get this done, but bleached bangs are a Y2K hair staple. Not only will they frame your face, but they’ll add some necessary brightness to your mane.
Good hair day by @lauramaystevenshair.
Color Block
Can’t decide which color you want? Why not choose both? Opt for two bold colors or pastels for vibrant strands that will steal the show.
Good hair day by @evgenikastylist.
Deep Side Part
Add a bit of edge to your look with a deep side part. Comb your hair to one side and fluff for extra volume.
Good hair day by @jessiestylist and @thefloralaw.
Half-Up Half-Down
Can’t choose whether you want to wear your hair up or down? Well, why not do both!? A half-up half-down hairstyle is ideal for all hair textures from fine to curly.
Braided Pigtails
School girls can unite with braided pigtails. This easy hairdo can be worn by those with both long and short hair and of a variety of textures.
Shop all of our favorite products to make your Y2k hairstyles come to life at Hair.com
Forceful 23 Anti-Frizz Super Strength Hairspray
An anti-frizz, strong-hold hair finishing spray.
Thermal Active Heat Protectant Spray
A heat protectant styling spray.
Complete Control Hairspray
A medium-hold, styling hairspray.
Color Last Moisturizing Conditioner
A moisturizing conditioner for colored hair.
Total Results Mega Sleek Anti-Frizz Serum
An anti-frizz smoothing hair serum.
Styling Gelée All Purpose Styling Gel
An all-purpose styling gel that adds volume and smoothes frizz.
