13 Iconic Y2K Hairstyles

Recall all of your childhood Disney fashion icons’ hairstyles. They’re trending again! Don't sleep on them—it's time to embrace these Y2K aesthetics!

The Y2K hairstyles were the beginning of a new era— the beginning of bold styles, daring colors, and wild aesthetics.

Many of us fondly remember watching our favorite Disney shows in the early 2000s (we're not so old lol) and wishing we could achieve those standout looks. That's So Raven from 2003 is a perfect example—while we enjoyed the comedy, our hearts were truly captivated by the hairstyles.  From flipped ends to high spiky buns and butterfly clips, those styles were iconic.

As the years went by, we might have wondered why we once thought they were so cool. But now, in 2024, these hairstyles are back, and they’ve returned with even more flair and creativity.

Let's take you on a memory lane and list 13 Y2K hairstyles that were so iconic that they're back!

1. Retro High Ponytail

The high ponytail was a popular 00s hairstyle that never truly left. It remained trendy over the years, thanks to celebrities like Ariana Grande, who have worn it countless times.

You could say it’s become an iconic style– always chic with a modern touch. It means it could be your first choice if you want a combination of both, giving you a timeless elegance and contemporary flair.

Yet, that doesn't mean you can’t give the high ponytail a more Y2K feel. Accessorize with chains or clips. They will do the trick as the accessories surely don't miss.

2. Crimped Hair

A hairstyle that screams Y2K aesthetic is the crimped hair. The crimped hair is a worthy mention unfortunately, it didn't last as much as some other trends. Still, you can't talk of Y2K hairstyles without mentioning it.

The effect, the styling, and the volume were fabulous—undeniably nostalgic, possibly reminding you of Shakira or Tyra Banks and their iconic looks.

We're also stuck on their looks and more on the effect created on their hair. The zig-zag pattern has us fawning over it. So, we're glad it's back. This time, with more ways to rock it.

3. Deep Side Parting

One of the coolest things you could add to your hairstyle back in the day was a deep side part. The deep side parting usually gives a hairstyle a dramatic look and we were all for the drama.

So, now that Y2K hairstyles are back, why not wear a deep-side part hairstyle? You could rock it with a pigtail, or a ponytail. It's easy, fun and chic.

Achieve it by parting your hair by the side (give it a little curve) then flip to the other side. Next, add it to the rest of your hair and put it in a ponytail.

4. Spiky Bun

The spiky bun was a hot hairstyle that dominated the 2000s. It's no surprise it's a big hit after the revival of Y2K fashion. This hairstyle involves adding spikes to your updo by letting the ends of your hair stick out.

Celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid contributed to bringing back this style after they rocked it. And because of them, others are wearing it, adding their modern touches.

5. Y2K Chunky Highlights

Do you want a daring Y2K hairstyle no one can resist?  Try the chunky highlights. This bold look will surely leave a lasting impression on everyone.

You can create yours by choosing a stunning contrast. Whether you go for more vibrant colors or trending shades, you’re bound to look phenomenal regardless.

That's not a doubt since the chunky highlights remain a gorgeous 00s hairstyle you can confidently wear in 2024. So, take advantage of this and go for a unique style.

Pro tip: Whenever you want to slay this look, always use a heat protectant to keep your strands safe.

6. High Half Ponytail

Pull up to any event looking chic with the high half ponytail—it's sure to leave everyone in awe.

The high half ponytail is a must-mention when it comes to a versatile style that works for multiple occasions. This style combines elegance and ease, offering a polished yet playful look that can transition effortlessly from casual outings to more formal settings. But what makes it even more stylish is the flip you can add at the end of the pony. This single detail rewinds time to the 2000s while making it more sophisticated and elevated.

7. Beaded Braids

Y2K fashion never shied away from accessories. They were a strong part of the aesthetics, as seen in the beaded braids hairstyle. That’s because you either go all out or don't at all! We love that.

Nowadays, these beaded braid hairstyles are one of the stunning styles to slay, with the beads contributing to that development. It's a fact that they accentuate the look, making it more colorful.

So, while braids alone are a great protective hairstyle, the beads elevate them by adding a playful and fun flare.

If you’d love to try out this look, choose from cornrows, knotless braids, or box braids to others. Each style is perfect for achieving an adorable look that will remind you of the vibrant, playful essence of Y2K fashion.

8. Butterfly Clips

Like other 2000-era hair trends, the butterfly clips are back with celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo and Hailey Bieber flaunting their creativity with them.

Perhaps the clip's rise to fame once again shouldn't be a surprise since they can be very flattering on one's hair. They can effortlessly combine style and fun, adding a playful side to any look.

Whether it's simple hairstyles to more difficult ones, the butterfly clips go with them. There's no limit to the hairstyles you can wear, making them a versatile accessory that brings a nostalgic charm to modern fashion.

9. Zig Zag Part

The zig-zag part is another Y2K hairstyle that is having its moment in the spotlight, and it seems to be doing that conveniently. Check out the zig-zag part for a 2000s vibe.

This part has become so popular all over TikTok with many new styles to wear with it. For example, you could slay a sleek bun, French braids, space buns, or even straight backs with it. Plus, you don't have to do too much. It is easy. Just create multiple turns in your parting to form a zig-zag before styling the rest of your hair. That's all!

10. Pinned Parts

Gen Zs might have taken hair pins as functional tools. But to millennials, they are more. They are accessories that can make a bold statement by placing them strategically in the hair. They can add color and style to one's appearance while being functional. With them, you could have a new look altogether.

One of the most iconic hairpin trends one could try back then was the pinned parts hairstyle. This hairstyle allows you to section your hair and hold it with pins. Right now, hairpin hairstyles are capturing our attention once more. So, if you'd love to rock the trend, try the center part and use the pins at the sides as a decorative piece.

11. Baby Braids

Amidst the revival of the Y2K aesthetic, another hairstyle that has garnered attention on social media is baby braids.

Baby braids have been a go-to style for an interesting look. They are the best for adding a subtle stylish touch to a hairstyle and can be very fitting for any look. You can easily adapt it to fit your hair texture and make it appealing regardless of your hair length.

Some styles we'll love you to rock are the sleek bun with baby braids, beach waves with baby braids, and mini bubble braids.

Try these styles of baby braids with your wavy, curly, or straight hair texture, and let us know what you think.

12. Claw Clips

If you ever doubt whether Y2K hairstyles will stick around a little longer, just look at claw clips. They've been back for some time now and are doing well. You can even find them in different shapes, colors, and sizes. And compared to the previous year, searches for them have increased by 300%. What can we say that they are proving to be a hallmark of the Y2K style?

Celebrities like Bella Hadid, Kaia Gerber, and Hailey Bieber have also shown their love for the accessory, rocking different styles and showcasing their approval of this revived Y2K aesthetic.

Why not jump on this trend too? The claw clips work for different chic styles, with no boundaries whatsoever.

13. Flicked Ends

Are you ready to take a trip back to the early aughts? Style the flicked ends hairstyle, and add your personal touch to it.

The flicked ends, also known as the flipped ends hairstyle is a popular aesthetic added to the ends of the hair for a dramatic style. What this creates is a gorgeous-looking effect like no other. It gives you a glamorous, classy, and retro look you can imagine.

The great part is these days, you can add the effect to different hairstyles— a half-up style, a ponytail, or even a bob. The results? A sleek, leveled-up, and exaggerated appearance. But we are all for that so we're loving its comeback.

The early 2000s gave us some incredible looks and we're glad to see some trending in the 2020s again.

Do you have any favorite Y2K hairstyles from our list or others that deserve a mention? Don’t let the conversation end here—let us know in the comments below!