The 20-year rule is one of the most known fashion concepts that refers to this idea that trends repeat themselves every two decades. And based on this rule, that means the 2000s are back and thriving.
The resurgence of these trends aren’t always exactly how you remember, though. Instead, they marry trends from the past and present to feel more fashionable and less, well, cringey.
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This rule relates to beauty as well. Just take a look at some of the trends going viral today — thin eyebrows, very glossy lips, and chunky highlights. Naturally, Y2K beauty extends to hairstyling, too. From spiky buns to zigzag parts and baby braids, 2000s hairstyles are having their moment in the limelight, and we’re kind of into it.
If you’re still on the fence about the resurgence of 2000s beauty, though, allow us to ease you into it. Ahead, check out some of the most popular Y2K hairstyles that are back, better than ever, and worth a try.
1. Spiky Buns
Letting the ends of your hair stick out of your updo to give it that spiky look was such a big trend in the 2000s. You can tone this hairstyle up or down depending on how much hair you want to show from your bun.
2. Beaded Braids
Beaded braids are very much giving us Alicia Keys circa 2009 — think Fallin’ music video (although they’ve been around for way longer). We love how the beads add an additional accessory to the hair and outfit.
3. Claw Clip Buns
Claw clip hairstyles are having a huge moment right now. The clips themselves are now available in so many different colors and designs, it makes it that much more fun to style. From a messy bun to a half-up-half-down look, they offer so much versatility.
4. Butterfly Clips
Speaking of hair clips, butterfly clips are back and aren’t reserved for any specific age group, like what you might once remember. Celebrities like Dua Lipa, Meg the Stallion, and Bella Hadid are all leaning into this trend and looking good doing it. Get creative with your butterfly clips for a fun and playful look.
5. Face-Framing Updos
Remember whenever we would wear a bun or ponytail, we would take out two random, thin pieces of hair from the front of our heads to resemble bangs? Well, bangs or not, these thin face-framing strands are making a comeback once again, and the thinner, the better.
6. Baby Braids
Two small, baby braids at the front of your head aren’t just easy to create but also highlight your face and hair in the best way. Ten out of 10 recommend on days when you need a quick and easy style.
7. Flicked Ends
The next time you heat style your hair, create a dramatic flip at the ends for a glamorous hairstyle. Whether you wear your hair completely out or put it up in a half-up half-down style, you can’t go wrong. Bonus points if you add those face-framing pieces at the front.
8. Pigtails
Bring on the nostalgia by wearing any iteration of pigtails. From small ones that live on the top of your head to putting all of your hair up in two ponytails, we’re seeing it all.
9. Crimped Hair
Like the start of most beauty trends these days, #mermaidwaves went viral on TikTok recently with over eight million views. Despite the new name, the zig-zag waves that lay in uniform were originally known as crimped hair in the 2000s. While the waves this time around maybe a little wider than in the past, there’s no denying it takes inspiration from the original style.
10. Zig-Zag Part
For those who want to commit to the throwback vibes, zig-zag parts are becoming increasingly popular on TikTok and amongst celebrities to which all we have to say is, don’t knock it ’til you try it.
