Not dissimilar to your toxic ex, Y2K trends keep on coming back around when you least expect it. Even the styles that were quickly considered cringe-worthy have somehow been resurrected, triggering a wave of nostalgia that may or may not be welcome. It’s now being said that the pouf, perhaps one of the most memorable Y2K hairstyles, is becoming trendy once again.
On the off chance that this style isn’t burned into your memory, it involved teasing and pinning back bangs or front pieces of hair to create a “pouf.” This look would be worn with the rest of the hair down or paired with a ponytail or bun, but the pouf was the star of the show. In the early to mid-2000s, the general rule of thumb was: the bigger the pouf, the better.
To get the scoop on the resurgence of the infamous pouf and find out which other Y2K hairstyles are coming back, we spoke with celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimmons, whose clients include A-listers like Jennifer Lopez, Megan Fox, and the Kardashians.
Y2K Hairstyles That Are Trendy Again
The Pouf
Yes, it’s true; the pouf is back. But unlike the overly teased pouf of the 2000s, the 2022 version is embracing its ability to be universally flattering. “Besides looking timelessly elegant, the pouf works on all hair lengths and types, and can be modified for both casual and formal occasions,” Fitzsimmons says. “A cute way to modernize the look is to combine the pouf, a swoop, and a ponytail. This will frame the face while giving your hair extra volume.”
Spiky Buns
A Y2K hairstyle popularized by the likes of Baby Spice, spiky buns are a playful look making a serious comeback. “This iconic hairstyle can be worn in a slick back pony or as spiky pigtails,” Fitzsimmons says.
Beaded Braids
“Beads come in various colors, shapes, and styles,” says Fitzsimmons. “They are a great option to upgrade traditionally basic braids.”
Face-Framing Braids
Stars like Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber have been loving face-framing braids lately. “This braid style is perfect for all hair lengths and can be styled in many ways,” says Fitzsimmons. The stylist shares that he recently created a braided look for Khloe Kardashian, which he says “gave the style dimension and framed her face nicely.”
Crimped Hai
Remember those crimping irons of the 90s and 2000s? It looks like it’s time to bust them out yet again — especially as we move into the warmer months. “This hairstyle is great to wear in the summer as it relaxes into the perfect beach waves,” says Fitzsimmons. “The crimped texture is sultry, feminine, and flattering on most face types.”
Zig-Zag Part
This popular 2000s trend may seem outlandish, but when done right, it can instantly elevate a look. “It’s making its way back into the mainstream,” says Fitzsimmons. “These types of parts may add a little something extra to any hairstyle.”
Claw Clips
Claw clips have quickly become one of the most popular hair accessories — again — and it’s easy to see why. “These clips are now available in a wide range of colors and designs, making styling even more enjoyable,” says Fitzsimmons. “They can be styled in a variety of ways, from a messy bun to a half-up, half-down look.”
Butterfly Clips
These clips are undeniably fun, but as Fitzsimmons points out, you don’t have to adorn your entire hairstyle with them to get the effect. “Adding two clips is enough to change your whole look,” he says. “These clips are great to keep bangs out of your face, pull hair into a half-up style, enhance the length of a braid, or pull hair into a half-up style.”
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