Skip to Content

The Coolest Spring Hair Trends

The hair colors, shapes, and styles you can expect to see once spring officially arrives.

By
309993d2 6a 009 002
ICON

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Ready or not, spring 2021 is fast approaching. Though, if you consider New York Fashion Week more of a sartorial calendar than the app on your phone, it's already arrived. The collections might not be fully shoppable—yet—but that won't stop onlookers from bringing an Anna Sui or Burberry pic to their next salon appointment. For help deciphering which trends will stand the test of time, we caught up with Colorist and R+Co Collective Member Richy Kandasamy and Oribe Principal Educator of Content and Training Kien Hoang. Ahead, the hair colors, shapes, and styles you can expect to see once spring officially arrives.

1

Natural Balance

instagramView full post on Instagram

Prepare to see the imaginative hues sparked by quarantine experimentation give way to natural shades, which have handily dominated this year's fashion week. "I predict that we are going see a lot of sandy and cinnamon browns, and overall more naturals and low-maintenance shades," says Kandasamy. "For a lot of clients, this has been a positive reset and they want to embrace their natural hair color or stay as close to their natural color as possible."

2

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Visibly Deeper Color Deepening Shampoo

Brilliant Brunette Visibly Deeper Color Deepening Shampoo
2

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Visibly Deeper Color Deepening Shampoo

Now 17% Off
$10 at Amazon$23 at Walmart$11 at kmart.com
3

Brunette Solutions by ion Brunette Conditioner

Brunette Conditioner
3

Brunette Solutions by ion Brunette Conditioner

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4

Alikay Naturals Essential 17 Hair Growth Oil

Essential 17 Hair Growth Oil
4

Alikay Naturals Essential 17 Hair Growth Oil

5

Fantasy Hair

That said, Kandasamy notes that the fantasy color trend—seen at Collina Strada, Chopova Lowena, and Claudia Li—isn't set to fade just yet. "I'm seeing a lot of clients asking for a change, with a lot of attention paid to lighter and brighter blonde tones. Cool icy blonde highlights and freehand painting or balayage techniques with pure white or cream hues," says the colorist. "It seems to be an emotional decision to bring lightness and positivity back into the clients’ day-to-day life, embracing the new and positive change. The evolution in spring 2021 will be during the toning process, where we'll see more creative pastel tones coming back."

6

Manic Panic Pretty Flamingo Hair Dye

Pretty Flamingo Hair Dye
6

Manic Panic Pretty Flamingo Hair Dye

Now 20% Off
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7

Kristin Ess Rose Gold Temporary Tint

Rose Gold Temporary Tint
7

Kristin Ess Rose Gold Temporary Tint

8

Lime Crime Color Conditioner

Color Conditioner
8

Lime Crime Color Conditioner

9

The '90s Continue

Effortlessly cool and deceptively easy '90s style has seeped into every pore of the fashion industry—and it's finally arriving for our hair in full force. "I’m predicting that spring 2021 will go towards a '90s feel with more lived-in looks," says Hoang.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10

The '90s Bob

The '20s have always been the decade of the bob. "I think for those straighter hair types, we will see blunt, unstructured bobs at chin-level styled with the hair tucked behind the ear and natural movement in the back," says Hoang.

11

'90s Curly & Coily

"For curly and coily hair types, I’m predicting the cuts to be shorter and in boxy shapes so the hair bounces a lot more. Also, these cuts will not be all one length and maybe have little bangs in the front and layers to allow for internal movement," Hoang continues. "Also for natural textures, I think we will see styles cut into graphic shapes at the chin or right below the shoulder. This way, when the natural hair expands, you can really see the shape while adding tons of volume."

12

Shine On

Hoang predicts that spring 2021 will usher in a new wave of health-consciousness regarding hair; think moisturized, glassy, and deep-conditioned, whether that's by way of your shower routine or a healthy dose of styling products after the fact. "I also think that the styles are going to be a lot shinier and really take into account the health and the glossiness of the hair," he explains.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13

Christophe Robin Hydrating Melting Hair Mask with Aloe Vera

Hydrating Melting Hair Mask with Aloe Vera
13

Christophe Robin Hydrating Melting Hair Mask with Aloe Vera

14

Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture Superfoods Hair Mask

Be Gentle, Be Kind Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture Superfoods Hair Mask
14

Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture Superfoods Hair Mask

15

Going Off-Center

Fashion has long embraced the middle part, and this showcase was no different—the surprisingly edgy look can be spotted everywhere from Burberry to Ulla Johnson. "I think for spring these cuts are going to evolve with different parting," says Hoang. "Right now, the strict center part is trending, but I predict a deep side part will be very popular in the springtime."

Headshot of Madge Maril
Madge Maril
Madge Maril is a writer, editor, and creative covering beauty at Harper's Bazaar and The Zoe Report. She received a BFA in Electronic Media and a Certificate in Creative Writing through University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music. You can find her on Instagram at @madgemaril, or in real life somewhere in a thrift store.
Watch Next
 
preview for Harper's Bazaar Beauty
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Fashion Week Central: Spring 2021

mugler

Paris Fashion Week Spring 2021’s Best Looks

ralph

New York Fashion Week’s Best Looks

309993 f3 004 045 001

The Biggest Makeup Trends for Spring 2021

celine

The Bag Updates to Shop Now for Spring 2021

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below