Remember when we thought butterfly clips and zigzag parts would stay buried in our middle school yearbooks forever? Plot twist: they’re back, baby. And this time around, we actually know how to style them without looking like we raided Limited Too.
The Y2K hairstyle revival isn’t just nostalgia talking—it’s about fun, experimental looks that feel refreshingly playful in a world of overly polished hair routines. Whether you lived through the early 2000s or discovered it through TikTok, these throwback styles are getting a major glow-up. Let’s talk about the 10 Y2K hairstyles that are absolutely everywhere right now (and why you’ll probably want to try at least three of them).
1. Face-Framing Highlights
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You know those chunky blonde pieces that frame your face like you strategically placed them there? Yeah, those are back. But here’s the thing—we’re doing them way better now.
The modern take on Y2K face-framing highlights is less “did you DIY this with a frosting cap?” and more “effortlessly sun-kissed strategically.” Think thicker, more intentional pieces that brighten up your face without looking like you’re auditioning for a early-2000s music video. The best part? They work on literally every hair color. Brunettes can go caramel, black hair looks incredible with honey tones, and blondes can add even brighter pieces for that dimensional effect.
Styling tip: Keep the rest of your color relatively uniform so those face-framing pieces really pop. It’s all about that contrast, bestie.
2. Zigzag Parts
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Okay, so we’re bringing back the zigzag part, and honestly? It’s kind of genius for anyone with a cowlick situation or thinning hair at the crown.
Creating a zigzag part is stupidly easy now that we have tail combs that aren’t from the dollar store. Just section your hair in a zig-zag pattern down the middle (or slightly off-center if you’re feeling edgy) and boom—instant volume at the roots. The irregular part disrupts that flat, sleek look and gives you way more lift than a straight part ever could.
This one works especially well if you’re wearing your hair down and wavy. The zigzag adds visual interest without you having to do anything else. Is it giving 2003? Absolutely. Does it also look surprisingly fresh? Also yes.
3. Butterfly Clips Everywhere
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If you told 2015 me that butterfly clips would make a comeback, I would’ve laughed. But here we are, and I’m literally wearing them as we speak.
The thing about butterfly clips now is that we’re not just using them for function—they’re a full statement accessory. Cluster a bunch of mini ones on one side, use jumbo ones to pin back sections, or scatter them throughout space buns. The key is wearing them like you meant to, not like you grabbed whatever was in your bathroom drawer at 7 AM.
They come in every color, finish, and size now (holographic! tortoiseshell! neon!). Matchy-matchy with your outfit is cute, but honestly, the more chaotic and colorful, the better. It’s giving main character energy, and I’m here for it.
4. Super Sleek Low Ponytails
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Nothing says Y2K like a poker-straight, super tight low ponytail. Very Aaliyah. Very “I have my life together even though I definitely don’t.”
The sleek low ponytail is having a moment because it’s simultaneously polished and effortless. You just need a good straightener (or blowout), some smoothing serum, and a hair tie that won’t leave a dent. Center part or side part—both work. The goal is glass-like shine and zero flyaways.
Pro move: Wrap a small section of hair around the hair tie to hide it. Takes 30 seconds and looks exponentially chicer. Some people are adding a pop of color with a thin ribbon woven through, which is very cute if you’re into that early 2000s preppy vibe.
5. Crimped Texture (But Make It Subtle)
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Full-head crimping? Maybe leave that in 2002. But strategic crimped pieces for texture? Actually kind of brilliant.
The updated version of crimped hair is all about adding dimension and volume without going full Lizzie McGuire. Try crimping just the underlayers of your hair, or small sections throughout for a textured, lived-in look. It gives your hair that “I woke up like this” vibe while also providing insane volume at the roots.
You can use an actual crimper (yes, they still make them, and they’re way better now) or braid damp hair overnight for a more natural crimped effect. Either way, the key is not crimping everything. We’ve evolved, people. Mix crimped sections with smooth pieces, or crimp the roots only and leave the ends straight. It’s about texture, not looking like you stuck your finger in an electrical socket.
6. Thin Braided Headbands
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Remember when everyone had those tiny braids across their hairline? They’re back, and they’re actually the perfect lazy-girl styling trick.
A thin braided headband (just a small braid along your hairline or behind your bangs) adds instant detail to literally any hairstyle. Wearing your hair down? Braid. Messy bun? Braid. Half-up? You guessed it—braid. It takes maybe two minutes and makes you look like you put in way more effort than you did.
The best part is you can do this with your natural hair or add in small colored extensions for a pop. Some girls are doing multiple thin braids scattered throughout, which gives serious boho-meets-Y2K energy. Either way, it’s a no-heat, no-fuss style that actually looks intentional.
7. Space Buns
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Space buns were THE hairstyle of the early 2000s, and they’re having a full renaissance right now—probably because they’re cute, easy, and work on basically everyone.
Space buns are just two buns sitting high on your head, but the vibe can go so many directions. Keep them sleek and tight for a sporty look, or make them messy and textured for festival season. You can position them high and centered (very Sailor Moon), or lower and to the sides (more casual, less anime).
Styling hack: Don’t stress about making them perfect. The slightly undone, lived-in space bun actually looks better than the super polished version. Pull out a few face-framing pieces, let some flyaways do their thing, and add those butterfly clips we talked about earlier for extra Y2K points.
8. Pin-Straight Hair with Flipped-Out Ends
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This one is SO specific to the early 2000s, and yet it’s everywhere on my feed right now. You know exactly what I’m talking about.
The pin-straight hair with flipped-out ends look is pure nostalgia. Hair is completely straight from roots to about chin-length, then the ends flip out in that signature Y2K way. It’s very “I just left the salon in 2003” but in the best way possible.
To get this, you’ll need a flat iron and either a round brush or you can just twist the iron outward at the ends as you straighten. Some people are doing this with shoulder-length hair, others with longer cuts—both work. The key is that contrast between the sleek hair and the playful flipped ends. It’s quirky without trying too hard, and it frames your face in the cutest way.
9. Zig-Zag Pigtails
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Pigtails already feel young and fun, but add a zigzag part and suddenly you’re serving major Y2K vibes.
Zigzag pigtails combine two trends we’ve already talked about (zigzag parts and, well, pigtails) for maximum nostalgic impact. The irregular part adds volume and visual interest, while the pigtails themselves can be styled however you want—high and perky, low and sleek, messy and textured.
This look works especially well if you have layers or face-framing pieces because they’ll fall out naturally and soften the whole vibe. You can keep them smooth and polished with a straightener, or add some waves with a curling iron for a more romantic take. Either way, it’s playful, it’s fun, and it definitely says, “I’m not taking myself too seriously today.”
10. Chunky Highlights (Yes, Really)
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Okay, hear me out on this one. Chunky highlights are back, but we’re doing them ironically… and also unironically? It’s complicated.
The chunky highlight trend is probably the most divisive Y2K hairstyle comeback, but Gen Z is fully embracing it. Think thick, contrasting streaks of color throughout your hair—blonde on brown, platinum on darker blonde, even fun colors like pink or blue mixed in.
The key to making chunky highlights look intentional in 2025 (and not like a DIY disaster) is placement and tone. Work with a colorist who understands the assignment. The chunks should be thick enough to make a statement but placed strategically to be flattering. And honestly? The slightly chaotic, imperfect nature of this look is part of the appeal. It’s giving “I don’t care what you think” energy, which is very Y2K and very now.
The Bottom Line on Y2K Hair
Look, the early 2000s gave us some questionable fashion moments (low-rise jeans, I’m looking at you), but the hairstyles? They were actually onto something. These Y2K hairstyles are fun, experimental, and refreshingly playful compared to the ultra-polished, Instagram-perfect hair we’ve been seeing for years.
The best part about this whole revival is that we’re cherry-picking the good stuff and leaving behind what didn’t work. We’re taking butterfly clips but skipping the over-gelled spikes. We’re bringing back face-framing highlights but making them wearable. We’re embracing the fun, nostalgic energy without looking like a literal time capsule.
Whether you’re fully committing to zigzag pigtails or just adding a couple of butterfly clips to your usual routine, there’s a Y2K hairstyle here for everyone. And honestly? In a world that takes itself way too seriously, a little early-2000s playfulness is exactly what we need. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some crimping to do.
