Stylist's top hair trends and predictions for 2021

Everyone is excited to look ahead to 2021 and it's exactly the same mentality when it comes to hair trends for next year too. Here, top stylists share their predictions for the cuts and styles that'll dominate in 2021.

Elegant, easy buns 

"A quick look to effortless style! An elegant bun is one of my favourite looks for girls on the move, it can be great dressed up for occasions or simply dressed down to head to the gym. An easy look to create at home, simply middle part the hair and tie your hair in to a low ponytail. Divide the ponytail into two sections and plait/twist round one another. Do not let go of the ends when you finishing plaiting. Twist the hair around the base of your ponytail and secure the ends with kirby grips. Pull out a few strands at the front for a more effortless, natural look and spray a light mist of hairspray for hold." James Alfie Parr, celebrity session stylist and manager at Brotherhood  

The big blow-dry is back

"Blowdries are back and 2021 isn’t slowing it down, I saw lots of clients trying to learn how to style their hair better themselves in lockdown so I’m seeing some great results. I love a good blow-dry and it became a bit of a lost art but it’s such an important skill to not only look great on its own but as a base to lock in styles for longer. For me the best way to wear this is with a bit of texture but smoother and shinier, focus more on movement than messy, and nothing beats some volume through the top. The best way to achieve these glossy looks are with a large round bristle brush, may be tough to use in the beginning if you are not used to it but it will pay off big in the long run! Paired with some Fudge Professional Aqua Blow Dry Primer you get lots of style and conditioning benefits for the perfect finish." Jonathan Andrew

Swingy bobs 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CIIXaCenFpn/ "Soft, swingy and super chic, for me 2021 is all about the bob. This classic cut works at every stage of life, simply adjust the length to flatter your clients face shape and add a little texture around the base to keep it fresh. I absolutely love Lily James' chin=grazing bob in the acclaimed Netflix film Rebecca. I would add a little root lift, blow-dry with a round bristle brush and tong the ends for extra movement.” Andrew Barton, Headmasters creative and communications director

Sleek on top, wavy on the ends

https://www.instagram.com/p/CIwAEaYj_2_/ “I predict sleek, but effortless and undone effects will reign. Thankfully, your clients will find it easy to achieve at home and there's a host of products on the market to help them. Slicked down, centre-parted finishes with textured, loosely waved ends will be hot. Simply apply a little OSMO Elite Pomade into the roots and comb smooth leaving out those large waving wander ends to easily achieve this look. Being completely water soluble it won't leave any sticky residue come shampoo day. Why not suggest they complete the look with a cute little bow clip to the side to dress up and keep it secure and neat." Adele Clarke, Spectrum Hair

Texture, texture, texture

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-NNvJWhml0/ Texture is the next big thing for 2021, with clients opting for multi dimensional layers, side fringes and curls. Whether longer short haired, clients are embracing texture, adding a little creativity to their style. With this in mind, the ‘Shag’ is back for 2021.This style looks amazing on both long and shorter lengths, it can be altered to suit everyone’s hair – especially those with curly hair, it’s so eye catching. Choppy layers with beautiful face framing curtain fringes work so well together and I’d also recommend using a Sea Salt Spray to give the more relaxed and worn in look. Paul Finnell, creative director, F&M Hairdressing  

Bold fringes

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFUXrCkApj4/ Going into 2021 it’s all about the bold fringes! Think block fringes, micro fringes or heavy side bangs – these are going to be huge. Not only are they so eye catching, they can completely transform any style and take it to a whole new level – trust me when I say, fringes are back and here to stay! Paul Watts, Joico European Design Team Member  

Disco waves

https://www.instagram.com/p/CIimW8xDd8y/ In terms of styling, disco waves are a look to watch out for. Think 70’s style volume with lots of height and texture throughout the hair. Using a small straightening iron to wrap the hair around works best to create this style. Once styled, use your fingers to tease the curls out and backcomb where necessary to create that voluminous finish. Simon Hill, owner Sesh Hairdressing

Voluminous pixie cuts

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqnIV0ThVJ6/ Short hair was super on trend in 2020 and this continues as we go into 2021 and looks best when paired with volume and texture for that chic ‘cool girl’ inspired look. Choppy layers look great incorporated into this look and can be styled by prepping the hair with a hair mousse before using a hairdryer to blow-dry the hair back or to the side for further volume and body. A matte effect volumising cream or wax can then be added to build on this shape before finishing with hairspray to hold the look in place. Suzie McGill, international artistic director, Rainbow Room International  

Curls for days

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCd3RFbDDbf/ In 2020 people were getting much more creative with styling their hair. Whether it's because we were watching ourselves on Zoom or being influenced by YouTube and Instagram, hair tutorial views skyrocketed and cordless tools (like the cordless BaByliss Curling Tong!) flew off the shelves. This meant there was no stopping people curling and styling their way through lockdowns. As well as this a lot of people have had to grow their hair given that salons were closed for half of the year. Therefore I predict people will be not only be better trained at managing proper hair cuts/styles they will be happy to cut 2020 out of their hair. Time for changes! I predict layered style, fringes with volume and texture and movement is on its way. Syd Hayes, BaByliss ambassador