2021’s Top Haircut Trends + Pro Cutting Tips Every Stylist Needs To Know
Your client’s current haircut insta pic most likely looks like this: layers, fringe and that effortless ’70s shaggy vibe. Sounds about right! Before that next guest sits in your chair—let’s get you caught up on Spring/Summer 2021’s top haircut trends and the must-know tips you need to give every client their dream cut this season.
1. Long Layers
A fresh look without removing any length? We’ve got you! Long layers give clients that lived-in movement they’re looking for with longer cuts and are easy to wear with undone waves, air-dried or blown-out smooth. Bonus: This type of service keeps long-haired clients on the books.
Instagram via @larryjarahsims
Instagram via @eunicekimhair
Instagram via @kellonderyck
2. Bouncy, Face-Framing Layers
Here’s what we’re seeing on the trend radar for Spring/Summer 2021: shorter layers that frame the face, often paired with ’60s curtain bangs and blowouts that accentuate the layered look.
Instagram via @chelseahaircutters
Instagram via @dredrehair
Instagram via @michlgon, cut by @hairbyallybarone
Rollers are back! Pair layered cuts with bouncy blowouts. TAP HERE to read BTC’s blowout guide.
3. Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are legit EVERYWHERE on TikTok and every cool-girl IG page right now, so they’re no doubt on top of your client’s haircut request list. They’re low-maintenance, grow out nicely and perfect for those clients who want fringe benefits without the major upkeep.
Hair by @theshelbyswain & Creative Director/MUA by @iwantalexx
Instagram via @bescene, fringe & styling by @hairbyashleyfillip
Instagram via @christinechavezhair
4. Softened, Blunt Fringe
Blunt fringe is serious business—this style of bangs requires a bit more upkeep, without the feathery ends that curtain bangs provide. Blunt fringe lines á la Mia Wallace look cool as hell paired with short bobs and ultra-long cuts alike. Clients with oval face shapes can get away with most fringe styles, and this look is extremely suitable for them.
Instagram via @bescene
Instagram via @yukistylist
5. Super Soft Fringe
The “soft, barely there, seamless” fringe look gives clients some face-framing without the commitment of an all-out bang. For the guest in your chair that always says they want fringe, but gives off nervous energy during the consultation—here’s a solution! The KEY to this look is ultra softness and working off of their part line.
Instagram via @kendalldorsey1
Instagram via @salsalhair
Instagram via @erickinvisible
6. Long Shags
Thanks to the iconic Sally Hershberger’s OG lineup of ’90s A-list clients like Meg Ryan and Joan Jett, shaggy layers have been a resident cool-kid look for some time now. Flash forward to 2021, our clients want to embrace everything the shag stands for—its ultra-wearability, effortless vibe and wash-and-go mentality.
Instagram via @brianhickman1
Instagram via @celladiggshair
Instagram via @sarahmgdoeshair
Instagram via @rachelwstylist
7. Curly Shags
Texture and movement make any shag haircut next level, and this is some pretty sweet news for our curly clients. The curly shag is one of the most highly-requested haircuts of 2021, and that’s because choppy face-framing layers and tousled fringe look major with waves and curls.
Instagram via @mischag
Instagram via @pinkdagger on @kelleyscanvas
Instagram via @brianhickman1
8. Shaggy Bobs
The French bob reigned supreme for the last few years, and now it’s time for the bob reimagined. Add a little spice! Think feathered layers, low-maintenance texture, softness and choppy ends galore. Like all shags, we live for a curtain-style fringe moment that blends into the face frame on bobs and lobs.
Instagram via @shmeggsandbaconn
Instagram via @erickinvisible
Instagram via @chrisjones_hair
9. Mullets
If we were to describe quarantine as a celebrity makeover, it would be the transition from Hannah Montana to full-on mullet Miley Cyrus. If your next client comes in requesting a mullet, don’t panic! 2021 is officially the year of the ~Zoom call business in the front, party on in the back~ BUT this disconnected cut isn’t your uncle’s mullet.
There are some pretty distinct technical differences between heavily layered shags and the all-out mullet, so keep scrollin’ for a deep dive into the differences and how to customize for every client.
Instagram via @fesa_n
Instagram via @sallyhershberger
Instagram via @coiffeurstory
Instagram via @lacyredway
10. Ultra-Soft Hairline Cut
There is nothing better than seeing the impact of transformation, and this ultra-soft hairline cut with longer face-framing pieces is THE short haircut of 2021. Whether it’s worn slicked-back, tucked behind the ear or flowing forward, this grown-out pixie cut gives off a relaxed, cool vibe.
Instagram via @salsalhair
Instagram via @gregoryrussellhair