Y2K has made a roaring comeback and we've been living for this moment. Here's the only guide you will need to recreate the wildly iconic trending hairstyles from the era. Bonus? It's totally fuss-free!
The turn of the millennium was a gold mine of pop culture. The 2000s gave us Regina George (shoutout to Mean Girls' stans), Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie's iconic friendship in The Simple Life, the phenomenon that is Britney Spears and most importantly, a treasure trove of new hair trends that took the world by storm. Y2K hairstyles embodied the era they came from - think statement-making, casual glam, cutesy cuts and everything bedazzled! Tiny tennis skirts, logo-centric pieces, low-waist jeans and blingy belts were paired with braided updos, butterfly clips and crimped mermaid-inspired hair. Come 2023, veritable style icons like Olivia Rodrigo, Rihanna, Bella Hadid and Dua Lipa, are as obsessed with Y2K as us.
Here are our favourite Y2K hairstyles, suited for every type of hair texture!
1. Hair Clips Galore
Barrettes, butterfly clips and claw clips were the holy grail accessories of the 2000s and we're living for the resurgence. The only thing to remember for this hairstyle trend is--there are no rules! You can wear as many or as few pieces as you'd like. The best thing is this Y2K hairstyle looks equally good on short as well as long hair. Take a cue from the queen of butterflies popstar Dua Lipa who accessorizes her updo with these winged sparklers. Influencer Addison Rae gives us a lesson on front-and-centre barrettes while musician Olivia Rodrigo enjoys a pop of colour on her cutesy pigtails. This look works across all types of hair textures and makes for a standout party hairstyle.
2. Baby Braids
At the top of our favourite Y2K hair looks are baby braids. The easiest to execute, they're perfect for all curly, straight or wavy hair. Before beginning, prep your hair with Livon Anti-Frizz Serum. This will serve to detangle your locks, add some much-needed shine and prevent flyaways, making your hair much easier to style. Then, use a comb to draw a middle part down your head. Pick a tiny section of hair starting on either side of the parting and make a simple three-strand braid. You should end up with two, face-framing delicate braids. Keep them tight if you want a more punk-inspired aesthetic and for a casual effortless, cottagecore look, leave them loose and untied towards the end.
Keeping with the Y2K spirit, deck your braids up with beads, clips or stick-on rhinestones even! Bookmark this for the next musical gig you're set to attend.
3. Mermaid Waves
We'd like to tip our hats to crimped hair queens Hillary Duff, Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears. This year the Y2K hairstyle trend is back and the current version is called 'Mermaid Hair'. Think big, solid waves that somehow feel beachy and glamorous at the same time. To get the look, you don't need any fancy hair tools. Just use a wide crimper or a three-barrel waver for a more defined shape.
Pro tip: Make sure to use Livon Damage Protect Serum, prior to crimping, which saves your hair from any heat-related damage.
4. Tiny Braids with Beads
The Y2k hairstyle, adorned with colorful beads, is a vibrant ode to nostalgia. It's a playful blend of 90s-inspired flair and modern chic. With beads dancing along the braids, it's like a mini-celebration wherever you go. This is surely a hairstyle that will give you a fun quirky look. So, channel your inner Y2K fashionista and let your hair do the talking with this delightful and trendy look. Start with prepping your hair with Livon Anti-Frizz Serum and start parting the hair in small sections. Braid some parts of your hair and leave other parts open. Add colourful beads to the braided section to add vibrancy to your look.
Also read :5 Cute Hairstyles That You Can Sport Every Day
In the words of Y2K legend Paris Hilton, "The only rule is, don't be boring and dress cute wherever you go. Life is too short to blend in." Let's get into this Y2K party!
