Whether we’re hesitant to let go of a go-to hairstyle or we’re itching for something new when it comes to our tresses, life is too short to keep the same hairstyle forever. With the last year or so being spent dyeing our own hair and trimming our own dead ends, this may be a sign to try out a hair trend. With a great cut (hopefully from an expert stylist at your local salon) a new hairstyle is automatic, but you can also try a hair trend by adding some color to your hair, braids, or (very carefully) DIYing curtain bangs.

The big hair trend for 2021 is all about ’70s vibes, but there are so many other hair trends — past and present — to give a whirl. We’ve all experienced the magic of a new hairstyle: We’re wearing a simple outfit and hardly any makeup, but if our hair is done, we suddenly feel put together. Trying a new hair trend is the best pick-me-up! Take a look at the 30 ideas we’ve gathered and make 2021 the year you switch things up — maybe add some color and try a fresh, trendy hairstyle.

‘60s Styles

Indeed, the ’70s are trending, but the ’60s launched the times of reinvention and revolution. Flowy locks were all the rage at that time, as well as highly structured styles like the updo. To update this trend for today stay away from the hairspray and go for an updo that’s more tousled, carefree, and sexy. If you really want to embrace the era, just add a ribbon tie.

Lots of Color

During the summer months, lighter locks are usually what we choose, but how about embracing colorful and bright hair this year? We’re seeing hair trends that are all about being unique and enjoying unexpected colors, like purple, orange, and cotton candy blue. Stylists are calling them fantasy colors and we just love the idea of creativity and individuality being expressed through hair.

Modern-Day Mullet

Who would have thought that the signature cut from the 1980s would make a comeback? The modern-day mullet (what some are also calling a modern shag) is softer and less severe than the old version. The 2021 mullet frames the face and has some texture, like soft face-framing waves. It requires a ton of layers, which help to create the texture for a cool, lived-in look.

Short Swooped Bob

A bouncy bob will show off the texture of your hair if you have thick, wavy, or curly hair or give it some density if your hair is on the thinner side. You can wear this style with a deep side part, very messy with fringe bangs, or a center part, depending on your face shape. Maintenance for a bob also depends on your hair texture, but nothing too intense is needed to make this style look great.

Warm Blond

Blond hair will always be in style, but over the last year, when we were all socially distancing, many high-maintenance hair colors were no longer possible. Embracing warmer blond looks with easier upkeep is all the rage right now. Celebrate those natural undertones by adding a blend of honey and golden hues to your tresses. Top stylists recommend letting the buttery tones shine through by ditching the purple tone-enhancing shampoos.

True Brunette

Blond hair isn’t for everyone, so for the brunettes, let your natural hair have the spotlight this summer. Cashew, walnut and almond hues are clutch for warmer months. And once they fall and winter seasons are closer, go for a hazelnut, deep chocolate, or coffee shade. The key to making brunette tresses stand out in a crowd is tons of shine, so condition well and follow up with a nourishing hair serum.

The Big Chop

Ready to let it all go? Well, at least when it comes to your hair, a big chop may be in order. A big chop can mean going from a long style to shag or a bob to a pixie cut. This trend is all about making a big change, but still doing what’s comfortable for you. When considering the direction to go for your big chop, talk to your stylist about shortcut options and the styles that will look best for your face shape and lifestyle. Some short styles require lots of maintenance while others are more wash-and-go friendly.

’70s Bangs

Instead of full bangs, try curtain bangs that sweep to both sides. It’s a great way to switch up your look without committing to blunt bangs. It’s the nostalgic-but-timeless look that some may remember from ’70s icon Farrah Fawcett, but the modern spin on this style is a bit less voluminous and feathered. Stylists say curtain bangs are great for round face shapes because they frame the face and have a lengthening effect. Another plus: Curtain bangs can even make a messy bun look more elevated.

Wavy Shag

Wavy hair is the ultimate hair trend for summer. It gives us beach vibes and low-maintenance perfection. Hairstylists say we’ll be seeing lots of shoulder-length shags styled with a wave or curl. This style can be worn long with a center part, short with an auburn rinse, curly with a fringe bang, as a long pixie … the options are endless.

Asymmetrical Bob

Here’s a variation on the traditional bob: the asymmetrical bob. It looks good on a variety of hair types and textures, so you can get really versatile with your styling options. The asymmetrical bob is cut shorter in the back and longer in the front. For more of an edge to this style, have your stylist cut longer on one side than the other. This cut is great because it works for all face shapes.

The Updated Pixie

The pixie has been a classic style for so many years, and for good reason. There are so many variations on this style. It can go less “bangy” and more flirty, super short or just a bit longer than normal. Pixie cuts draw lots of attention to the face and make the eyes shine if you have some brow-grazing bangs. Pixie cuts in bold colors like platinum pink, or turquoise blue are some of the hottest styles these days.

Bombshell Waves

This summer, supermodel reminiscent waves meet classic beach waves for the ultimate bombshell look. Admittedly, this is not a low-maintenance style, especially if you have stick-straight hair, but the softer wave shape makes this style stunning for many lengths and styles from an asymmetrical bob to the shag mullet, all the way through to the ’70s-inspired. A large-barrel curling iron does the trick, but if you don’t want to use heat to style, you can section the hair and make four large braids and sleep in those overnight. The next morning, take the braids out for lush waves.

The Bowl Cut

The bowl cut was spotted on actress Charlize Theron years ago, and more recently singer Demi Lovato has been rocking a bowl cut. The all-one-length short cut is a nod to ’90s bowl cuts. To make this look more present-day, ask your stylist for a short front fringe that hits above the ears — or whatever works best for your face shape — and wraps around the head to meet at the back in a low V shape.

The Long Lob

It’s hard to go wrong with a long lob. While it’s not a bob, it’s a layered bob, so it looks great on all face shapes and hair types. It’s a style that hits just at your collarbone so you can change it up with some texture, color or add some choppy layers. This lob cut is roll-out-of-bed ready to go at all times.

A Rounded Afro

Natural hair that grows in waves, curls, or coils is not a trend but an organic state of the hair. Often manipulated into straight styles, the trendy thing to do lately is to embrace your natural texture, whatever it may be. A great cut is what makes a natural style pop, but the trend now is to trim the hair into the roundest form possible.

Long, Loose Curls

Long layers are a classic style that looks great no matter the time of year. Letting the hair flow brings out the texture, especially if you’re staying away from heat styling. Add some color to switch things up. A simple side part is all you need to give this style some lift.

A Chin-Length Bob

A chin-length bob with the ends flipped up or curled under is a trend making its way back. The length can be worn with straight hair, curly locks, and even braids, it’s all about exposing the neck and collarbone. The chin-length bob can be classic with blunt edges, modern with a fringe, or worn curled and tousled. This is also a great hairstyle for thin hair because it emphasizes the volume.

Warm Hues

Hair color trends come in waves, but for 2021 all hues are fair game, including warm hues. With shades of red to copper to auburn, it’s easy to add some pizzazz to your tresses. Your colorist can bring the hair to a perfect shade of rich, rusty red or copper-red. It’s a change that works on most skin tones.

Heatless Texture

As we’ve mentioned, embracing natural texture is becoming ever more popular. As we’re continuing to work from home, there’s less of a need (or pressure) to have perfectly coiffed hair via heat styling. If your natural hair needs some help in the textured look you’re trying to achieve, try wearing braids for a few days or even a bun overnight. Once you take them out, you’ll have an instant crinkly, wavy, or curly texture without using a curling iron.

Very Long

If you’ve been keeping your hair healthy and conditioned during this past year and gained significant length, cutting your tresses may be the last thing you want. Keep those long locks thriving with a quick trim of the ends of your hair and an all-one-length style is born. If blowing the hair out super straight, make sure to use a heat protectant.

Golden Brand

A warm, golden brand — an even blend of brown and blond — is actually the middle stage when transitioning darker tresses to a lighter blond. It can easily serve as a goal shade for this year. It’s a very flattering shade on many skin tones and isn’t as harsh of a dye job on your strands, so it’s low maintenance.

Braids 2021 & Beyond

The ways in which braids can be worn and styled are endless, really. Whether it’s a French braid, cornrows, box braids, a braided updo, or a braided bob, if there’s a trendy hairstyle you have in mind, it can likely be done with braids, too. Braids are also an ideal protective style for your hair when you want to give it a break from being styled daily.

A Buzz Cut

If you want to take a pixie or big chop to the ultimate next level, go for a buzz cut. Not for the timid, a buzz cut leaves you exposed (no bangs to hide behind), but also free from hair maintenance. It’s literally the wash-and-go hairdo — but don’t forget to also condition the hair to keep it well-nourished as it grows.

A Bob With Bangs

There is something incredibly chic about a bob with bangs. Though not technically considered a summer cut, paired with a sundress it really is the sweetest look. The cool thing is you can play with the bang length for various effects. Long and sweepy looks romantic and lovely. Short and choppy has an edgy vibe to it. It’s hard to go wrong with a look as simple but bold as this!

Orange Tresses

If the blond, red, or icy blue hair color trends don’t pique your interest, how about orange? Not quite a fantasy color, but also not a color that occurs naturally, orange that teeters on a tangerine is a fun, trendsetting way to go with your new hair.

Visible Roots

Call it a side effect of not having access to a hairstylist for months on end, but the visible roots trend is a real thing. The lesson here is that some roots that show is not the end of the world and it’s actually trendy. Embrace the look even more by parting the hair to the side to show off the visible roots even more.

Cropped Bangs

There’s a fine line between bangs that are at the perfect length and bangs that are just too short. Cropped bangs are always on trend but those little baby bangs (that remind us of when we’ve gotten too scissor happy take the longest to grow out. Bangs done right is the perfect complement to a short haircut, a shoulder cut, and even a long cut of tresses.

Messy Updo

More than just the hairstyle you wear when your hair needs a wash or you’re going for a run, a messy updo can be a signature style that you’re known for. Messy updos don’t have to be so sloppy, they can be intentional. The style also gives your face a little lift and keeps your hair out of the way as the temperatures rise.

Chandelier Layers

Bangs paired with long layers are also known as chandelier layers. Together they flow seamlessly along the contour of your face, and the bangs bring out the eyes. To get this look, ask your stylist for long layers at the back and smooth graduated layers to frame your face. A heavier bang lends to that vintage vibe, while those long chandelier layers add definition, giving you the best of both worlds.

An Updated Triangle Cut

The triangle cut was a style of ’70s hair horrors because it left the tresses at the crown flat and bulky at the bottom, but now curly girls can embrace this style. Also known as the pyramid cut, the modern version takes some of the weight off the top of curly hair and adds more volume as the hair falls near the face, down to the chin and shoulders. The result should be curls that fall in a rounded, less harsh shape.