The 2010s were one of the most exciting decades for hairstyling. Unlike previous eras that were dominated by a handful of signature looks, this decade embraced variety. Social media gave hairstyles a global stage, celebrities experimented more than ever, and professional stylists shared tutorials that made salon-worthy looks achievable at home.
Whether you loved effortless beach waves, sleek ponytails, textured fades, or colorful balayage, the 2010s encouraged personal expression over following a single trend. Many of the hairstyles that became popular during this period are still influencing salons and barbershops today.
This guide explores the defining hairstyles of the 2010s, why they became so popular, and which looks continue to inspire modern hair trends.
What Defined 2010s Hairstyles?
The biggest shift during the 2010s wasn’t just the hairstyles themselves—it was the focus on individuality. Instead of everyone trying to wear the exact same look, people adapted trends to fit their hair texture, face shape, and lifestyle.
Some defining characteristics included:
- Natural-looking movement
- Soft texture
- Healthy, shiny hair
- Personalized styling
- Blended hair color
- Low-maintenance finishes
- Modern barbering techniques
- Gender-neutral styling trends
Why Hairstyles Changed So Quickly During the 2010s
Fashion cycles accelerated dramatically during this decade.
Social Media
Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, and later TikTok became major sources of hairstyle inspiration. Viral transformation videos and salon reveals encouraged people to try new looks much more frequently.
Celebrity Influence
Instead of a few trendsetters dominating fashion, countless actors, musicians, athletes, and influencers introduced fresh hairstyles every year.
Better Hair Education
Professional hairstylists shared styling tutorials online, making techniques like curling with a flat iron or creating beach waves accessible to everyone.
Advances in Haircare
The focus shifted toward healthier hair. Bond-building treatments, sulfate-free shampoos, heat protectants, and nourishing oils helped people maintain beautiful styles while minimizing damage.
Popular Women’s Hairstyles of the 2010s
Beach Waves
Beach waves became the signature hairstyle of the decade.
Rather than perfectly curled hair, the look emphasized soft bends and natural movement.
Why it became popular:
- Easy to wear
- Looked effortless
- Worked with most hair lengths
- Complemented balayage coloring
Sleek Straight Hair
While textured styles dominated, ultra-smooth straight hair remained equally fashionable.
Many people paired sleek styling with:
- Center parts
- Blunt cuts
- Glass-like shine
- Minimal accessories
Half-Up Half-Down Hairstyles
One of the decade’s most versatile looks, this hairstyle balanced casual and polished styling.
Popular variations included:
- Twisted crown sections
- Braided details
- Mini buns
- Loose waves
Messy Buns
Messy buns evolved from a quick hairstyle into an everyday fashion statement.
Instead of appearing overly polished, the intentionally relaxed finish became part of its appeal.
High Ponytails
High ponytails gained popularity thanks to celebrities and fashion runways.
Modern versions featured:
- Smooth crowns
- Wrapped ponytail bases
- Long, flowing lengths
- Soft waves
Curtain Bang Styling
Although curtain bangs became even bigger during the early 2020s, they first returned to mainstream popularity during the late 2010s.
Natural Curls
The natural hair movement encouraged people to embrace their curls, coils, and waves.
Protective styling also became increasingly celebrated.
Popular choices included:
- Twist-outs
- Wash-and-go styles
- Bantu knots
- Box braids
- Faux locs
Popular Men’s Hairstyles of the 2010s
Fade Hairstyles
No men’s hairstyle represented the decade more than the fade.
Popular versions included:
- Low fade
- Mid fade
- High fade
- Skin fade
- Burst fade
- Drop fade
Pompadours
The modern pompadour combined classic inspiration with contemporary barbering.
Key features:
- High volume
- Short faded sides
- Matte finish
- Clean silhouette
Textured Crops
By the latter half of the decade, textured crops became one of the easiest hairstyles to maintain.
Their popularity stemmed from:
- Natural styling
- Low maintenance
- Modern appearance
- Versatility
Quiffs
The quiff remained one of the decade’s most adaptable hairstyles.
It worked equally well in professional settings and casual environments.
Slick Back Hairstyles
Modern slick backs became softer than earlier versions.
Instead of wet-looking gels, many people used matte creams or lightweight pomades for a more natural finish.
Curly Fade Styles
Men with natural curls increasingly embraced hairstyles that highlighted texture instead of hiding it.
Curly fades became one of the decade’s standout trends.
Hair Color Trends That Defined the Decade
Hair color evolved just as dramatically as hairstyles.
Some of the most recognizable trends included:
- Balayage
- Ombre
- Babylights
- Platinum blonde
- Silver hair
- Rose gold
- Pastel pink
- Lavender
- Denim blue
- Money piece highlights
Rather than bold streaks, the decade favored soft transitions and dimensional color.
Hairstyles for Different Hair Types
One reason the 2010s remain influential is their inclusivity.
Straight Hair
Popular styles included:
- Long layers
- Sleek center parts
- Blunt finishes
- Soft waves
Wavy Hair
Naturally wavy textures paired beautifully with:
- Beach waves
- Lobs
- Layered cuts
- Curtain bangs
Curly Hair
The decade encouraged curl definition through:
- Curl creams
- Diffusers
- Layered shaping
- Moisture-focused routines
Coily Hair
Protective styling became more widely embraced.
Popular options included:
- Braids
- Twists
- Afros
- Locs
- Puff styles
Accessories That Completed 2010s Hairstyles
Accessories became an important part of personal style.
Favorites included:
- Velvet scrunchies
- Decorative clips
- Pearl barrettes
- Headbands
- Hair scarves
- Minimalist pins
Toward the end of the decade, oversized hair clips made a major comeback.
Hair Products That Were Everywhere
The styling products of the 2010s reflected the trend toward natural movement.
Common favorites included:
- Sea salt spray
- Texture spray
- Dry shampoo
- Curl cream
- Leave-in conditioner
- Hair oil
- Heat protectant
- Matte clay
- Styling paste
How the 2010s Compared to Earlier Decades
| Decade | Signature Hairstyle Trends |
|---|---|
| 1980s | Big volume and dramatic styling |
| 1990s | Sleek minimalism and layered cuts |
| 2000s | Heavy highlights, spikes, choppy layers |
| 2010s | Natural texture, fades, balayage, effortless styling |
The 2010s stood apart because they celebrated flexibility rather than one dominant look.
Hairstyles That Still Feel Modern
Many of the decade’s most popular styles remain salon favorites today.
These include:
- Beach waves
- Curtain bangs
- High ponytails
- Textured crops
- Fade hairstyles
- Curly fades
- Balayage
- Sleek center parts
- Half-up hairstyles
- Messy buns
Modern stylists have simply refined these looks with updated techniques.
Tips for Recreating a 2010s Hairstyle
If you want to capture the decade’s signature style, keep these tips in mind:
- Prioritize healthy-looking hair.
- Embrace natural texture.
- Choose soft, blended color instead of harsh highlights.
- Avoid heavy styling products.
- Use lightweight products that create movement.
- Focus on shine and smoothness without stiffness.
- Personalize the look to suit your face shape and hair type.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the most popular hairstyle of the 2010s?
Beach waves were arguably the defining hairstyle of the decade, while fade hairstyles became the men’s equivalent. Both emphasized movement, versatility, and a modern appearance.
Why were beach waves so popular?
Beach waves created an effortless, natural look that worked with nearly every haircut and hair length. They also paired perfectly with balayage and layered styles.
Did the 2010s popularize natural hair?
Yes. The decade saw a significant shift toward embracing natural curls, coils, waves, and protective styles, supported by improved haircare products and greater representation in fashion and media.
What hair colors were popular during the 2010s?
Balayage was the defining color technique, while ombre, platinum blonde, silver, rose gold, pastel shades, and money piece highlights also became widely popular.
Are 2010s hairstyles still fashionable?
Absolutely. Many of the decade’s signature looks—including fades, beach waves, textured crops, curtain bangs, sleek ponytails, and balayage—remain among today’s most requested salon and barbershop styles.
Final Thoughts
The 2010s transformed hairstyling by putting individuality at the forefront. Rather than encouraging everyone to wear the same haircut or hairstyle, the decade celebrated texture, healthy hair, and personalized styling.
From effortless beach waves and elegant ponytails to precision fades and textured crops, the hairstyles of the 2010s continue to shape modern beauty trends. Their lasting appeal lies in their versatility, making them just as wearable today as they were when they first became popular.
