Y2K Madness: The 2000s Styles Making a Comeback

Velour tracksuits not required

When we think of cyclical trends, we tend to think about the iconic styles of the 70s, 80s, and 90s that keep making their way back to the mainstream. Well, guess what, Millennials? The early 2000s are officially old enough to drink, and Gen Z is now embracing those turn-of-the-millennium lewks from our teenage and early adult years. That means beauty pros can expect to get an influx of requests that take them back to a time of Y2K, ultra-low-rise jeans, and Blackberry phones. Dust off your iPod Classic and take a trip down memory lane with the 2000s styles (and tunes!) clients will be clamoring for this fall.

Y2K hairstyles are dominating salons again—from pin-straight flat-ironed looks to chunky highlights that defined early 2000s fashion. The 2000s fashion trends revival isn't just about clothes.

Y2K Hairstyles: Pin-Straight Hair Is Back

Stylists, get out your flat irons. In the early 2000s, stars like Avril Lavigne rocked super-straight hair without a strand out of place. Twenty years later, this look is dominating fashion shows once again, with style icons Gigi Hadid and Dua Lipa showing off their super-sleek locks while strutting down the runway. It’s hard to deny the eye-catching appeal of the rod-straight, uber-shiny style, but getting there can cause a lot of heat damage. Make sure your clients are stocked up with protective products and know how to avoid burning their hair to a crisp.

The soundtrack:

• “Complicated” - Avril Lavigne

• “Everywhere” - Michelle Branch

• “Hey Ya” - Outkast

• “Umbrella” - Rihanna

• “Hands Clean” - Alanis Morissette

Early 2000s Fashion for Hair: Chunky Highlights Return

Remember Christina Aguilera’s “Dirrty” era? Along with Kelly Clarkson, Lindsay Lohan, and Beyonce, Aguilera helped make chunky hair color a thing. Highlights, lowlights, bold colors — nothing was off limits when it came to this trend, and now we’re seeing its re-emergence thanks to nostalgia-obsessed Instagram influencers. Whether your clients opt for thick-but-subtle highlights or rainbow colors, chunky streaks are back on the menu. Just don’t be surprised if they have a fancy new name like money pieces or high-contrast color.

The soundtrack:

• “Fighter” - Christina Aguilera

• “Lose Yourself” - Eminem

• “Girl’s Not Grey” - AFI

• “Irreplaceable” - Beyonce

• “Get the Party Started” - Pink

Zigzag parts end the “middle or side” debate

Side parts? Middle parts? Those of us who lived through Y2K know the true answer to this endless debate: The zigzag part is the one to rule them all. It’s edgy and visually interesting, elevating even the most casual looks into something a little bit cooler. And unlike some of the other 2000s trends making their way back, zigzag parts don’t require a big commitment or tons of products. According to celebrity hairstylist Ayana Jinnouchi, getting a Bella Hadid-worthy zigzag part only requires a comb and some hair gel.

The soundtrack:

• “Somebody Told Me” - The Killers

• “Skinny Love” - Bon Iver

• “Take Me Out” - Franz Ferdinand

• “California” - Phantom Planet

• “Float On” - Modest Mouse

Flip your hair like you just don’t care

Technically, the hair flip originated in the 1960s, but Millennials made it their own in the early 2000s. Now, thanks to the popularity of shows like The Queen’s Gambit and our own desire to repeat the past, that flipped-up hair look can be spotted on the likes of Zendaya, Billie Eilish, and others with, ideally, shoulder-length hair. Subtle and sweet or rock-star dramatic, flipped ends are flattering and low-maintenance — perfect for clients who could use a style boost without having to spend hours in front of a mirror. 

The soundtrack:

• “Three Small Words” - Josie and the Pussycats

• “The Black Parade” - My Chemical Romance

• “In the End” - Linkin Park

• “The Scientist” - Coldplay

• “Milkshake” - Kelis

The key to wearing 2000s fashion trends today? Update the techniques. Modern y2k hairstyles use better products and tools for a polished take on nostalgic looks.

How to Update 2000s Fashion Trends for Today

Y2K hairstyles are back, but the techniques have improved significantly since 2002. Here's how to modernize each look for today's clients:

For pin-straight hair, swap the old flat iron for a newer ceramic or titanium tool with adjustable heat settings, and always apply a heat protectant first. The goal is the same sleek finish with far less damage.

For chunky highlights, modern colorists use balayage and babylights techniques to soften the harsh lines of the original look. Money pieces and face-framing color give a nod to the trend without looking dated.

For the zigzag part, keep it precise with a fine-tooth comb and a light-hold gel. The modern version works best when the rest of the hair is kept smooth and simple.

For flipped ends, a large round brush and low heat setting creates a subtle, polished flip that feels fresh rather than costume-like.

Boulevard makes it easy to book with a color specialist or stylist who knows these trends. Find a salon near you and bring your inspo photos.