Why "Antenna Bangs" Are The Y2K Hairstyle You'll See Everywhere This Year (2024)

Beauty

Why "Antenna Bangs" Are The Y2K Hairstyle You'll See Everywhere This Year

Stylists share the top throwback trends to know.

by Danielle Sinay

When considering the next big thing in beauty, one can usually look behind them. That’s because contemporary styles continually pull from the trends of yesteryear. Currently, there has been a particular boom in Y2K hairstyles. This is proven not only by search patterns on TikTok, but the looks worn by fashion icons — see: Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber’s perpetual blast-from-the-past inspired hairdos as prime examples.

It’s not only the two supermodels embracing the early 2000s aesthetic. Nick Stenson, celebrity hairstylist, artistic director at Matrix, and senior vice president of store and services operations at Ulta Beauty, tells Bustle that both beauty and fashion are on the cusp of a major expressive revival of Y2K-inspired styles. That calls for looks that are both lighthearted and colorful, adds Nick Drewe, a trends specialist at WeThrift. In terms of beauty, this is easily achieved via hair accessories and brightly colored eyeshadows, says Drewe.

While ’90s trends have cemented their status in today’s cultural zeitgest, it’s clear that it-girls are taking off into the next millennium, trading their middle parts for zigzags. Read on for the top Y2K hairstyles set to make a comeback this year, according to beauty insiders.

1

Antenna Bangs

A sleeker take on the iconic hair tendril, antenna bangs are much thinner than their predecessor and resemble — well, obviously — antennas (remember those?). Stenson says this sleek look has been experiencing a resurgence: Considering that style pioneers Bieber and Hadid have already sported the Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century-esque trend on the red carpet, it’s safe to say the stick straight hair-pieces are well on their way to a (second dose of) stardom.

To recreate it, simply pull out small sections of hair in the front of your face and pull the rest back.

2

Barbie Ponytails

Inspired by none other than the ultimate nostalgic beauty icon herself, the Barbie ponytail adds a (literal) twist to a standard high pony. It features curled hair at the end along with an optional swoosh of side bangs for an elevated yet whimsical take on the classic updo.

3

Bubble Braids

According to Drewe, bubble braids are set to come back with a bang, and have already been spotted on Gigi Hadid, Olivia Rodrigo, Tessa Thompson, and other celebs. Similar to the Barbie, these are basically a variation of a ponytail. Rather than actually braiding the hair, secure small sections along your ponytail with an elastic to create the “bubble” illusion.

4

Butterfly Balayage

Similar to the also-trending money piece” highlights, butterfly balayage is another term for brightening specific strands of hair around the face. Compared to money pieces, however, butterfly involves painting more than just one or two pieces and fully framing the face with highlights and/or a contrasting shade instead, depending on your personal style.

5

Bedazzled Barrettes

Vibrant hair clips and accessories are also back in style —just look at Rodrigo’s penchant for flower pins. Stenson points to a return of bedazzled accessories to add a pop to your hair. Consider this red carpet look worn by Lizzo, which features a trio of oversized glittery barrettes with a simple middle part.

6

Chunky Highlights

Chunky highlights dominated the Y2K area, and Stenson tells Bustle they’re back to do the same in 2022. These contrasting strands of lighter hair give an alternative edge to any color hair, whether you’re adding platinum blonde to brunette strands or a copper red to a jet-black ‘do.

7

Clip-In Color

Remember Christina Aguilera’s black and red highlights from all her early 2000s music videos? Stenson predicts that clip-in color extensions will experience a rise in popularity this year, as they’re the embodiment of the Y2K aesthetic: They’re youthful, unapologetic, fun — and they don’t require the commitment of dye.

8

Pastel Pinks

Stenson specifically cites vibrant pastels as an up-and-coming trend that has roots in the Y2K era. His prediction? Anticipate “fun” shades like pale pinks to be everywhere in 2022, serving as a throwback to Kate Moss and Gwen Stefani’s dye jobs from back in the day.

9

Hair Horns

On the alternative side, Drewe says hair horns are becoming a thing. The hashtag #hairhorns has a shocking 65.8 million views on TikTok — meaning they’re definitely rising in popularity. Pulling inspiration from the staple half-up hairstyles circa Y2K, this brave and edgy look should definitely be kept on your radar.

10

Zigzag Parts

Who could forget the iconic zigzag hair part? Drewe tells Bustle the early 2000s look — one that’s been approved by Hadid — is here to stay. The great thing about it is it can give practically any hairstyle a unique and trendy boost, all by changing your part.

Why "Antenna Bangs" Are The Y2K Hairstyle You'll See Everywhere This Year (2024)

FAQs

What is Y2K hairstyle? ›

Y2K hair was all about space buns, pigtails, and flippy ends—and in 2022, we're taking these looks to the next level.

Do bangs age you? ›

The idea that bangs make you look like a child or too old is a common hair myth. The reality is that there are so many ways to style bangs. Each and every one of these styles brings a youthful energy to your look in a different way. Bangs can be chic, sweet, sultry — it's all in how you style them.

What was the most popular hairstyle in the 2000s? ›

Beach waves, side parts, asymmetrical bobs, side-swept bangs, spiky pixie cuts, and microbraids were all go-to mid-2000s styles. If you're looking for a hairstyle to really bring your 2000s look together, the pouf was a defining trend from the aughts.

Are bangs popular this year? ›

If there's anything setting off our trend radar this year, it's bangs. As a chic way to elevate any haircut, fringe has become a more prominent focus of many styles. That's why it's key you know how to customize this increasingly popular client request for each individual that sits in your chair.

What is Y2K style today? ›

The term rose to new popularity in 2020 when users on TikTok and Instagram began popularizing nostalgic early 2000s fashion styles as “Y2K.” Now, it has inspired a widespread revival in early 2000s staples such as velour tracksuits, ballet flats, tiny shoulder bags, crop tops, bedazzled shirts, denim and baggy jeans — ...

Why is Y2K back in style? ›

Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have played a crucial role in popularizing the Y2K fashion trend among the younger generations. Influencers and celebrities sporting Y2K outfits, combined with the sharing of 90s and early 2000s pop culture references, have fueled this trend's popularity.

Are bangs in style in 2024? ›

“The beauty of the 2024 craze for bangs is that there is a fringe for everyone, no matter what hair type or face shape,” says Rebecca Jordan, stylist and senior technician at Taylor Taylor London.

Do bangs make you look attractive? ›

Though they can satisfy that itch for a change, the best bangs can also totally transform your face shape and play up your best facial features. Soft, wispy bangs, for example, help contrast sharper jawlines, while dramatic side bangs can add more visual dimension to rounder faces.

What looks better bangs or no bangs? ›

Consider your face shape. Be aware of how the bang style can flatter your face shape. For example, long-swept side bangs look amazing on round face shapes, as they help to make an illusion of a less round face. For square face shapes, avoid blunt heavy bangs - they will only make your face look more square.

What is the number 1 hairstyle? ›

If you ask your barber for a number one cut, you are asking them to cut your hair so it is an eighth of an inch long.

What decade were bangs popular? ›

But it wasn't until the 1920s that bangs really sprung into style across the world. The Roaring Twenties saw women experiment with all kinds of new fashion and beauty looks—including the blunt, fringed cuts of famous flappers like Louise Baker.

How did girls wear their hair in the 2000s? ›

The 2000s sported many different kinds of hairstyles, the lustrous bob, ultra-long cuts, pin-straight and glossy dos were seen frequently. In the first half of the decade, long, curly dos like Debra Messing wore in "Will and Grace" were very popular, with shoulder length curls and long layers cut in.

Who should wear bangs? ›

We're here to tell you that, in fact, bangs can look good on everyone, but if you want to make sure your fringe doesn't turn out to be a disaster, you want to keep your face shape in mind: Square or heart-shaped faces look best with wispier, feathered fringe to add softness.

Do I look younger with bangs? ›

Do bangs make you look younger? Bangs can add personality and youth to a person's appearance, but not all bangs have the same effect. Blunt bangs can draw attention to the middle of someone's face, which may or may not reveal their age.

Are bangs in or out? ›

Bangs are making a big resurgence, and many of them are reminiscent of the cuts seen in the 90's.

What does Y2K stand for style? ›

Overview of Y2K Fashion. Y2K fashion, short for "Year 2000," refers to the style and trends that were popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

How do you get Y2K style? ›

Y2K Styles and Trends

Velvet track pants, low rise denim skirts and bootcut jeans, bedazzled jackets and chunky heels are just some essentials for the recognisable trend. Autumn/Winter notes include fur trimmed afghan coats, denim midi skirts, thin scarves, berets, leather jackets, mesh blouses and 90s knitwear.

What is Y2K aesthetic style? ›

Y2K fashion often incorporates elements of popular culture and technology from the early 2000s, such as low rise jeans, truck driver hats, and chunky shoes. It often uses bold colors and patterns, such as neon lights and animal prints, as well as brand and graphic T-shirts with numerous logos.

What is Y2K design called? ›

Cybercore (also referred to as Y2K Futurism, Cyber Y2K, Y3K (in Japan), or just simply Y2K) is an aesthetic that was prevalent in popular culture from roughly 1997 to 2004, succeeding the Memphis Design and Grunge eras and overlapping with the McBling, UrBling, Surf Crush, and 2K1 aesthetics.

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