💅 20 Early 2000s Hairstyles Making a Big Comeback

Okay, hair lovers—grab your butterfly clips and flat irons, because the early 2000s are back.

The Y2K revival has officially taken over fashion and beauty. Between low-rise jeans, baby tees, and lip gloss that smells like candy, it was only a matter of time before 2000s hairstyles strutted back onto the scene. And honestly? I’m not mad about it.

These styles were iconic, fun, and a little chaotic—but that’s what made them so good. Whether you’re team crimped hair or team claw clip, there’s something here for every vibe. So, let’s take a walk down memory lane and look at the 20 early 2000s hairstyles that are totally trending again in 2025.

1. The Butterfly Clip Craze 🦋

Nothing says “2000s princess” like a head full of colorful butterfly clips.

They’re playful, nostalgic, and shockingly cute when styled right. Long waves or short layers? Doesn’t matter—these little clips elevate any look.

How to wear it now: Go for pastel or pearl finishes for a modern update. Scatter them through your curls or stack a few on each side for that flirty, coquette vibe.

Would I wear them to brunch? Absolutely—bonus points if I pair them with a baby tee and platform sandals.

2. The Sleek Middle Part

Ah yes, the ultimate cool-girl move.

This pin-straight, glossy middle part was basically the signature of every early 2000s icon—think Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, and Jennifer Lopez.

Pro tip: Use a flat iron and shine serum to get that “glass hair” finish. Add a bit of edge by tucking both sides behind your ears and throwing on gold hoops.

It’s giving clean, confident, and a little savage.

3. Crimped to Perfection

Did someone say texture overload?

Crimped hair was the 2000s’ go-to for volume and attitude. Back then, we used mini crimpers; today, we’re using wide-wave tools for a softer, beachier finish.

Why it’s back: It adds instant personality to your look. Whether you do full crimped locks or just a few sections, it’s a guaranteed statement.

Would I bring this to a party? Absolutely—it’s like a Y2K remix in hair form.

4. Chunky Highlights

Let’s be honest—these were controversial.

The chunky blonde highlights made famous by Christina Aguilera and Kelly Clarkson were loud, bold, and unapologetically 2000s. But in 2025, they’ve evolved.

How to modernize it: Blend the highlights slightly or keep them face-framing instead of full head. Think “dimension” instead of “zebra stripes.”

And honestly? I kind of love that we’re all secretly missing this dramatic contrast.

5. Baby Braids

If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok, you’ve seen this one everywhere.

Those tiny front braids framing your face? Straight out of the early 2000s playbook. Everyone from Hailey Bieber to Dua Lipa is rocking them right now.

Styling tip: Keep them small and sleek, or tie them with mini elastics for extra throwback energy.

Would I wear them for date night? For sure—it’s flirty, effortless, and gives that “I woke up hot” vibe.

6. The Half-Up Pigtails

A little cute, a little chaotic—but so iconic.

Half-up pigtails were the definition of playful early 2000s energy. They work especially well on long hair with layers.

How to rock it now: Use velvet scrunchies or mini bows to keep it soft and feminine. Add some loose curls, and you’re basically an off-duty pop star.

It’s giving “TRL era meets coquette-core,” and honestly? I’m obsessed.

7. The Claw Clip Twist

We’re in our claw clip renaissance, and it’s well deserved.

This hairstyle was everywhere in the 2000s—every cool girl had a clip holding her messy twist. It’s chic, fast, and somehow makes you look like you have your life together.

Style inspo: Twist your hair loosely, clip it at the crown, and pull out a few tendrils for that effortless finish.

This one is non-negotiable. Every girl needs a claw clip moment.

8. The Spiky Bun

Remember those buns with aggressive spikes shooting out of the back? Yep, they’re back—and hotter than ever.

Celebs like Bella Hadid and Olivia Rodrigo are bringing it back with slick sides and glossy spikes.

How to style: Pull your hair into a tight bun, leave the ends out, and spray them stiff with gel or wax for that Y2K edge.

Would I wear this to a concert? Without question—it’s edgy, trendy, and gives “pop star in the making.”

9. The Headband Moment

Before claw clips, thick headbands ruled every mirror selfie.

They were the ultimate accessory—perfect for keeping your hair out of your face and matching your outfit.

How to bring it back: Try satin, velvet, or padded versions in neutral tones. Pair with straight hair or a sleek pony for a preppy twist.

It’s giving Blair Waldorf energy, but make it 2025.

10. The Flip-Out Ends

You know the look—flat ironed hair with ends that flick dramatically outward.

This one screams early-2000s sitcom energy, and I can’t get enough of it.

How to do it: Use a round brush or straightener to curl the ends outward. Finish with a lightweight hairspray to keep that bounce.

Would I wear this to brunch with a denim jacket and hoops? In a heartbeat.

11. The High Side Ponytail

Ah yes, the “I’m fun, but I also listen to Hilary Duff” hairstyle.

The high side ponytail is flirty and nostalgic—and surprisingly wearable in 2025.

Try this: Wrap a strand of hair around the elastic and add some waves. Or throw in a ribbon for that sweet preppy touch.

It’s a perfect blend of Y2K sass and Gen Z charm.

12. The Zigzag Part

The zigzag part was a personality trait back in 2003—and it’s totally resurfacing.

It instantly adds interest to any look, whether you’re rocking a bun or ponytail.

How to recreate it: Use a tail comb, create sharp zigzag sections, and lock it down with hairspray.

It’s subtle but packs a serious “I know trends before you do” vibe.

13. The Scrunchie Revival

Scrunchies never really left, but now they’re fully in their comeback era.

Velvet, silk, or patterned—there’s a scrunchie for every aesthetic. They’re easy, gentle on your hair, and just cute AF.

Style inspo: Match it to your outfit for a coordinated look or stack a few on your wrist like it’s 2004 again.

Low effort, high payoff—that’s the dream.

14. The Half-Up Bun

Half-up, half-down buns were the move in the 2000s—and still are.

They’re flattering, easy, and perfect for lazy hair days when you still want to look put together.

How to modernize: Keep it messy and voluminous, or sleek and sculpted for that model-off-duty vibe.

Would I wear this every day? Honestly, probably.

15. Side-Swept Bangs

If you didn’t have side bangs in 2008, were you even alive?

They’re dramatic, flirty, and finally making a chic return. The 2025 version is softer and layered instead of chunky and stiff.

Styling tip: Use a round brush to blow them out and frame your face perfectly.

It’s giving “rom-com main character who always gets the guy.”

16. Glitter Hair Everything ✨

Yes, the glitter obsession is back—hair gels, sprays, and shimmer roots.

It’s playful, nostalgic, and ideal for festivals or parties. Just… maybe skip it for work.

Pro tip: Mix fine glitter with styling gel and smooth it over your part or braids.

Would I wear this for New Year’s Eve? Absolutely—it’s pure serotonin.

17. The Faux-Hawk Braid

Remember when Avril Lavigne made punk-chic a thing?

The faux-hawk braid was peak cool-girl energy—and it’s totally trending again. It’s bold, edgy, and perfect for long hair.

How to style: Braid the center section of your hair and slick the sides up tight. Add texture spray for volume.

It’s the perfect “don’t mess with me, but still cute” look.

18. The Wet Look

The “wet hair” aesthetic isn’t new—it’s just getting its early 2000s glow-up.

Think Slicked-back roots with glossy lengths, like Britney or J.Lo would wear on the red carpet.

Why it’s trending: It’s sultry, powerful, and works on every hair type.

Would I wear this for date night? 100%. It’s hot girl confidence in hair form.

19. The Spiky Mini Ponytails

You know those mini ponies where the ends stick straight out? Yep, they’re back.

They give that punk-meets-pop vibe—fun, rebellious, and totally camera-ready.

How to nail it: Section small parts of hair, tie with mini elastics, and spike the ends with styling gel.

It’s a bold look, but in 2025, bold is the new basic.

20. The Bump-It Blowout

We’re ending strong with the defining hair tool of the early 2000s—the Bump-It.

That little plastic insert gave us all the volume dreams we didn’t know we needed. And guess what? Big hair is back, baby.

Modern version: Skip the Bump-It and use volumizing mousse or a round brush for a soft, fluffy lift.

Would I wear this again? Oh, you know it—I live for drama.

💖 Final Thoughts

The early 2000s were a wild ride for fashion and beauty—but that’s exactly why we loved them. From chunky highlights to baby braids and glitter overload, every hairstyle had personality.

Now, in 2025, these trends are coming back with a modern twist—sleeker, chicer, and way more wearable.

So tell me—which early 2000s hairstyle are you trying first? The sleek pony? The spiky bun? Or maybe the butterfly clips you never stopped loving? 😉

Either way, grab your flat iron, blast some Britney Spears, and get ready to serve Y2K nostalgia like it never left. 💅