When it comes to our hair, we often find ourselves in the same style rotation, looking for ways to switch it up beyond a middle or side part. If you’re stuck in a hair rut and find yourself recreating the same style over and over again, let us introduce you to the yin-yang hair trend—a contrasted ‘do we’re kind of obsessed with.
“Everything has opposites in the world that create harmony; yin-yang hair is no different,” says Redken national educator Laura Frazier. “It’s a style that takes two extremes and makes them work in harmony.”
We asked the stylist to delve a bit deeper into the yin-yang hair trend and had her create her favorite version of the look. Watch her tutorial below, then keep scrolling to find out how you, too, can restore fun and balance to your mane.
What is yin-yang hair?
Yin-yang hair is the juxtaposition of two opposing textures throughout one hairstyle for the ultimate contrasted look that still fits together, like the yin-yang—a Chinese philosophical concept represented by a circle that’s half white and half black. Think slicked-down bangs with curly texture (see Frazier’s how-to below!), mini braids paired with micro braids, or super-smooth strands on one side of the head with a tousled bedhead vibe on the other. When it comes to nailing this look, the more contrast, the better!
How do you wear yin-yang hair?
There is no right or wrong way to wear yin-yang hair. You can get creative with the trend and tailor it to your unique needs based on factors like the weather, your hair type, or where you’re going. However, Frazier loves creating yin-yang hairdos on waves, curls, and coils.
“Over 60 percent of the world has textured hair,” notes Frazier. “I think it’s a cool way to celebrate hair types and have some fun in the salon or at home.”
Her preferred take on the yin-yang trend is a smooth, straight bang “headband” coupled with a carefully coiffed texture.
“It brings me back to the late 2000s when we were all flat ironing our fringe and scrunching our curls—it was not it, but it’s definitely nostalgic!”
If you opt for Frazier’s half-up go-to, she recommends breaking it out for special events when you don’t want to overthink how your hair is behaving.
“I love this trend for summer, especially if you live somewhere humid or have weather that affects your hair texture,” says Frazier. “You can style part of your look to be controlled and formal but also leave or enhance your natural texture. I just think about how I love to dance and have fun when I go out, so a style with one controlled part is all I have to worry about.”
Ready to take this trend for a whirl? We’ve got you covered!
Recreate Frazier’s Yin-Yang Hair In 3 Steps
Wash and prep hair.
“Everyone’s hair is different, but our hair all needs some of the same things,” says Frazier. “One of the biggest things we forget about at home when styling is moisture.”
For curls, she loves beginning the yin-yang styling routine with Redken’s All Soft Mega Curls Shampoo and HydraMelt Leave-In Treatment to hydrate ringlets and bring them back to life.
“Once we wash, we're going to detangle with One United and a wide tooth comb to gently [loosen knots] but not stretch out curls too much.”
Redken’s One United Multi-Benefit Treatment Spray is a must-have among pros since it increases manageability, protection, and hair health with 25 hair-loving benefits.
Laura expands, “I always start any look with Redken One United for light but impactful moisture that stays locked into hair with your styling products on top. It’s my heat safety net, too. Once it’s in the hair, I know the hair is protected from any heat styling.”
Last but certainly not least, she rounds out the yin-yang prep routine with Redken’s Big Blowout Heat Protectant Jelly for “big, voluminous, airy bounce” when you dry your curls with a diffuser later on.
Pro Tip: “Apply products in sections to ensure each strand of hair gets enough product.”
Diffuse curls.
Now that you’ve laid the groundwork to slay your style, you can now diffuse your hair to add volume.
First, clip back the pieces that you want to create your headband with so they are out of the way. Then, Frazier recommends diffusing hair upside-down “for maximum volume and bounce.”
Unfamiliar with a diffuser? You may want to add one to your hair care repertoire if you have curls! This blow-dryer attachment disperses your hair dryer’s stream of air instead of concentrating it in one area, minimizing the chances of disturbing your natural curl pattern for less frizz, more definition, and better volume.
Create your hair headband.
Once your hair is dry and flipped back over, you can begin shaping your hair headband using a bit of Redken’s Pliable Styling Paste (formerly known as Redken Rewind). Frazier advises using a comb followed by your dryer nozzle as you blow dry the makeshift headband smooth against the head.
“Pull that tension [with the comb and dryer] down and straight,” Frazier advises. “Once it's completely dry, you can tuck it behind the ears and have a really cute, simple style that you can touch and move around in all day or all night.
As a bonus, the Pliable paste works on any texture you incorporate into your yin-yang look, not just your slicked-down areas.
“I love Redken’s Pliable Paste for drying hair into a sleek look that holds, but I also love it in my air-dry [routine] or for diffusing natural waves and curls for soft hold with control,” adds the pro stylist.
And there you have it!
Laura concludes, “These two different textures will totally complement each other and stick with our early 2000s trends that are coming back right now.”
Have you tried out the yin-yang trend? Be sure to tag @hairdotcom on Instagram to show off your look!
Browse Hair.com for more styling trends, and don’t forget to use our salon locator to have a stylist create your next look.
