20 Iconic 2000s Hairstyles That Look Just As Cool Today
Remember the days when our hair choices were as bold as our fashion statements?
The 2000s brought us some unforgettable hairstyle trends that defined an entire generation.
From red carpet celebrities to our everyday school hallways, these iconic looks weren’t just hairstyles – they were a cultural movement.
I’ve rounded up 20 Y2K hair trends that are making a serious comeback and still look incredibly cool today.
1. Chunky Highlights
Bold stripes of blonde running through dark hair – that’s what defined the early 2000s highlight game. Unlike today’s subtle balayage, these highlights were meant to be noticed, with dramatic contrast between your natural shade and those thick blonde streaks.
Kelly Clarkson and Christina Aguilera rocked this look hard, making it the must-have style for anyone wanting that pop star edge. I remember begging my mom to let me get those chunky blonde pieces framing my face.
The modern version is slightly more blended but still maintains that high-contrast appeal. Pair it with face-framing layers, and you’ve got yourself a throwback style that somehow feels fresh again.
2. The Rachel 2.0
Though born in the 90s, ‘The Rachel‘ evolved into a choppier, more layered version that dominated the early 2000s. This updated take featured more defined layers, often with highlights and that signature flicked-out styling that required serious round brush skills.
Jennifer Aniston might have hated maintaining her famous cut, but that didn’t stop millions of us from bringing her picture to our stylists. The beauty of this style was how it framed any face shape with those face-hugging layers.
Today’s version keeps the layering but with softer blending and less aggressive styling. It works with almost any hair texture and brings volume to fine hair – probably why it never truly disappeared.
3. Zigzag Parts
Nothing screamed 2000s attitude like abandoning your boring straight part for a dramatic zigzag. Created using the pointed end of a rattail comb, this geometric part added instant edge to even the most basic ponytail or straight style.
Christina Aguilera and Alicia Keys made this their signature look during their early career days. I spent countless mornings carefully crafting the perfect zigzag, making sure each turn was precise and defined.
The modern comeback keeps the zigzag slightly subtler – think fewer zags with softer angles. Pair it with sleek, straight hair for maximum impact and that perfect blend of nostalgia and contemporary cool that makes heads turn for all the right reasons.
4. Crimped Hair
Remember those zigzag-patterned hair crimpers that gave you instant texture? This distinctive style created tight, angular waves that added major volume and a certain wild quality to any length hair.
Destiny’s Child made crimping their signature look, often crimping just sections for added dimension. My friends and I would have crimping parties before school dances, taking turns with the hot tool and ending up with matching textured manes.
Today’s approach is more strategic – crimping just underneath layers for hidden volume or crimping select pieces for texture contrast. The 2023 version pairs well with half-up styles or loose braids for a textured look that doesn’t scream “time machine.”
5. The Pouf Bump
The pouf bump (or bumpit if you used the infomercial tool) gave us all that coveted crown height that defined the late 2000s. This voluminous style featured teased hair at the crown, often smoothed over to create a rounded bump that added inches to your height.
Lauren Conrad from The Hills made this her signature look, pairing it with headbands and perfectly styled waves. Creating the perfect pouf became an art form – not too small to be unnoticeable, not so large you looked like you were hiding something under there.
The modern pouf is more subtle and usually incorporated into half-up styles or as a soft crown lift. It still adds that flattering height but without the extreme teasing damage we accepted back then.
6. Butterfly Clips Galore
Those tiny colorful butterfly clips weren’t just hair accessories – they were a whole mood. Usually worn in multiples, these clips would hold back small sections of hair in a row across the head or cluster together to create patterns.
Melissa Joan Hart and Mandy Moore rocked these constantly, sometimes color-coordinating them with their outfits. I had an entire drawer dedicated to these clips in every color imaginable, carefully selecting which ones matched my day’s vibe.
The 2023 revival features more sophisticated metallic or pearl-adorned versions, though the Y2K-obsessed Gen Z crowd isn’t afraid to go full nostalgic with the plastic originals. They’re perfect for adding whimsy to an otherwise simple style or taming those growing-out bangs.
7. Side-Swept Bangs
The reign of side-swept bangs in the 2000s was absolute and undeniable. These long, angled bangs would dramatically sweep across the forehead, often covering one eye for that mysterious, slightly emo look that dominated the era.
Celebrities like Nicole Richie and Ashlee Simpson championed this style, making it the go-to choice for anyone wanting that effortlessly cool vibe. I cycled between growing mine out and cutting them back in at least four times during high school alone.
Today’s version is slightly less severe, with softer blending into face-framing layers. The modern approach offers the face-flattering angle of side bangs without the constant eye-brushing that drove us all crazy back then.
8. Baby Braids
Those skinny face-framing braids that Christina Aguilera and Beyoncé wore constantly? They were the perfect blend of bohemian and pop princess. Usually just two thin braids at the front, they added interest to otherwise simple styles.
Creating these tiny plaits became second nature – I could braid them without a mirror by the end of 7th grade. They worked with any hair texture and added that “I tried but not too hard” vibe to even basic ponytails.
The modern revival keeps the same placement but sometimes incorporates small accessories like colored threads or tiny beads. They’re especially popular at music festivals and for summer styles when you want to keep those face-framing pieces under control without hiding them away.
9. Spiky Buns
The spiky bun was peak 2000s attitude – messy yet intentional, with pieces sticking out in all directions. This deliberately disheveled style featured a loosely gathered bun with ends pointing outward like a starburst.
Gwen Stefani made this her signature during her No Doubt days, often adding colorful accessories or glitter to enhance the punk vibe. Creating this look required minimal effort but maximum confidence – just twist, secure loosely, and pull out spiky ends.
Today’s version maintains the textured, undone quality but with slightly more control and often incorporated into half-up styles. It’s the perfect option when you want that cool-girl vibe without looking like you’re trying too hard – the ultimate 2000s hair philosophy.
10. Blunt Bangs
Heavy, straight-across bangs cut just above the eyebrows defined the alternative side of 2000s hair trends. These statement-making bangs required commitment and regular trims to maintain that perfect eye-skimming length.
Zooey Deschanel and Hannah Simone made these their signature look, paired with long, straight hair for maximum impact. I cut mine during my “indie phase” and spent months growing them out when I realized how much maintenance they required.
The modern take sometimes features a slightly softer edge or more texturized finish to make them less severe. They’re still the quickest way to transform your look without losing length and work especially well with shoulder-length cuts for that French-girl vibe that never seems to go out of style.
11. Pin-Straight Strands
The flat iron was everyone’s best friend in the 2000s, creating those glass-like, pin-straight locks that defined the era. No bend, no wave, no volume – just sleek, shiny, poker-straight hair from root to tip.
Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan never seemed to have a hair out of place with their perfectly straightened manes. I remember spending 45 minutes every morning with my chunky flat iron, methodically working through sections until not a single wave remained.
Today’s approach is more about healthy shine than severe straightness, with heat protectants and lower temperatures. The modern version maintains some natural movement at the roots for a less processed look while still delivering that glossy finish we all craved.
12. Choppy Layered Cuts
Razor-cut, choppy layers defined the edgier side of 2000s hair. These weren’t your subtle, blended layers – they were deliberately piece-y, often with dramatic length differences and tons of texture throughout.
Ashlee Simpson and Kelly Clarkson made this their go-to style, often paired with heavy side bangs for maximum impact. The beauty of these layers was how they moved – each piece seemed to have its own personality, especially when paired with some texturizing product.
Modern versions maintain the textured ends but with more strategic placement around the face and crown. They’re perfect for adding movement to thicker hair types and still deliver that cool-without-trying vibe that made them so popular the first time around.
13. High Ponytail with Tendrils
The high ponytail with face-framing tendrils was the ultimate 2000s going-out style. Positioned right at the crown and secured with a clear elastic, this ponytail wasn’t complete without those two thin strands delicately pulled out to frame the face.
Britney Spears made this her signature during her early years, influencing a generation of high school dance looks. The key was getting the ponytail tight and high while making those tendrils look effortlessly loose – a contradiction that took practice to perfect.
The modern version keeps the height but adds more texture to the ponytail itself, sometimes with a scrunchie instead of the invisible elastic we used back then. It’s still the perfect option when you want your face to be the focus while keeping your hair stylishly out of the way.
14. Messy Buns with Headbands
The deliberately undone messy bun paired with a thick headband was the ultimate cool-girl casual style of the 2000s. This wasn’t your sleek ballerina bun – it was loose, textured, and often had pieces falling out around the face.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen popularized this effortless look, making it seem like they’d just thrown their hair up without a mirror. The wide fabric headbands, often pushed back about an inch from the hairline, added that sporty-chic element that defined the era.
Today’s version keeps the textured bun but pairs it with more delicate headbands or scarves. It’s still the perfect second-day hair solution when you want to look put-together without washing or heat-styling.
15. Half-Up Spiky Twist
The half-up twisted knot with spiky ends sticking out was peak 2000s casual style. This look featured the top section of hair gathered and twisted into a small knot or bun, with the ends deliberately sticking out for that messy-on-purpose vibe.
Jessica Simpson and Jennifer Love Hewitt frequently sported this style on red carpets and casual outings alike. It was the perfect balance of looking styled without trying too hard – the ultimate cool-girl hair hack of the decade.
The modern version keeps the same half-up placement but with slightly more polished ends and often secured with on-trend claw clips instead of elastics. It’s still the perfect five-minute style solution that somehow manages to look intentional rather than lazy.
16. Bandana Headwraps
Folded bandanas worn as headbands were the accessory-turned-hairstyle that dominated the early 2000s. Usually folded into a triangle and tied at the nape or top of the head, these colorful cotton squares instantly added attitude to any hairstyle.
Christina Aguilera during her “Dirrty” era and Aaliyah made this urban-inspired look mainstream. I had a collection in every color, carefully coordinating them with my outfits and folding them to the perfect width.
The modern revival features silk scarves and designer prints rather than the cotton bandanas we loved back then. They’re perfect for adding a pop of color while controlling flyaways and work especially well with natural textures and curls for that perfect blend of function and style.
17. Faux Hawk
The faux hawk gave us the edge of a mohawk without the commitment of shaving the sides. This style featured hair styled upward in the center of the head, creating a ridge of height while keeping the sides intact.
Pink championed this look for women, while Adam Levine made it a staple for guys. Creating it required serious product skills – enough gel or pomade to hold the center up without making it look wet or crunchy.
Today’s version is softer and more textured, often with faded sides rather than fully shaved. It’s still the perfect option for anyone wanting to make a statement without sacrificing versatility, as it can be styled conventionally on days when you need to look more mainstream.
18. Cornrows with Beads
Cornrows adorned with colorful beads were more than just a hairstyle – they were a cultural statement that gained mainstream popularity in the 2000s. These tight, close-to-the-scalp braids would often be decorated with plastic or glass beads that clicked together when you moved.
Alicia Keys and Beyoncé frequently wore this style, bringing it to red carpets and music videos. The sound of those beads clicking together was instantly recognizable in school hallways everywhere.
The modern approach often features larger, more artistic patterns and sometimes incorporates threads or metal cuffs along with beads. While appreciation versus appropriation conversations are important here, the artistic significance and beauty of this style continues to influence fashion across cultures.
19. Side Ponytails
The side ponytail of the 2000s wasn’t your elementary school asymmetrical style – it was lower, looser, and deliberately placed just behind the ear for a flirty, feminine look. Often curled or textured, this ponytail was meant to cascade over one shoulder.
Celebrities like Hilary Duff and Fergie wore this for both casual and formal events. The placement was crucial – too high and you looked like an ’80s throwback, too low and it just looked like your regular ponytail had slipped.
The current revival keeps the side placement but adds more volume and texture, sometimes incorporating braided elements or decorative clips. It’s still the perfect option when you want your hair contained but with more style points than a basic center-back ponytail.
20. Two-Toned Hair
Bold color blocking defined the edgier side of 2000s hair trends. Unlike subtle highlights, this style featured dramatic contrasting colors – typically black underneath with blonde or vibrant colors on top, creating that distinctive two-tone effect.
Christina Aguilera’s black and platinum phase and Kelly Clarkson’s dark-to-red looks made this a mainstream trend beyond the punk scene. The sharp color contrast made a statement without requiring a full commitment to bright colors.
Today’s version often incorporates more colors in the mix or uses face-framing pieces in contrasting shades. It’s perfect for those wanting to experiment with bold colors without dyeing their entire head, offering that perfect balance of expression and practicality that makes a trend truly timeless.