While we look ahead to a new year, now is the ideal time for positive manifestation. We're already working with some strong astrological energy shifts, and if you're looking for a physical change to go along with them, a fresh cut and color might just fit the bill.
To help, we've rounded up some of the biggest hair trends that pros are predicting for the new year. Whether you're mulling over bangs (thanks to TikTok) or a softer, shag-inspired shape, peek through the gallery to see what's trending — who knows, you might even manifest your best hair ever in 2021.
Heavy Bangs
While the curtain bang peaked in quarantine, a blunter, slightly heavier style is primed to rise in the new year. Stylists from New York to L.A. are predicting that people may opt to maintain their quarantine grow out, but add a straight-across bang for a transformation that keeps the length at the ends, like this example by stylist Chris Hill out of L.A.'s Nova Arts Salon.
Blunt Chop
If you're envisioning a new style that practically screams 'refresh,' talk to your hairdresser about a razor cut. According to celebrity stylist Sally Hershberger, 2021 will see blunt chops aplenty. Whether a bob or a lob length, Hershberger explains that the cut should be "all one length, and read super blunt." For visual of the weight and aesthetic, bring this photo of fashion designer Anine Bing and her sharp jawline-skimming bob.
Shag Cut
Celebrity stylist Takisha Sturdivant-Drew says she's predicting more shag-inspired haircuts to trend in the new year. "This retro shaggy style will be all the rage in 2021," she tells us. "At this point, it's a classic shape, which can be personalized based on your curl texture." We're particularly inspired by this shag cut with gorgeous melted golden-blonde color brought to us by stylist Lindsay De Los Santos.
Pixie
Many stylists also agree that top-heavy pixie cuts will see a resurgence coming out of quarantine. "This short, close-tapered cut is timelessly sexy, and we'll definitely see more of them in the transition from winter to spring in 2021," Sturdivant-Drew predicts. Better still, a Halle Berry-esque pixie cut — like this one by curl pro Sabrina Ahmed — is like the no-frills jeans and a t-shirt type of haircut: chic and simple (a great vibe to bring into the new year).
Face-Framing Layers
If you're loving your longer hair and don't want to take it up a few inches or add bangs, Chicago-based stylist and salon owner Alex Brown says to pop in a face frame. "A lot of women have been growing their hair out during quarantine, and are surprised with the amount of growth and how healthy their hair feels," Brown explains. "The subtle face framing is a great way to spice up your long hair and give it some shape." For example, we're loving these long and subtly-layered curls on influencer Tara Marie.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
The best part about shopping after the holidays is that the stakes are low. You don’t need to pay an extra $12 for express shipping to make sure presents are wrapped and delivered by Christmas Eve, and at this point you might even have a nice little year-end bonus or Amex gift card burning a hole in your wallet, which makes it easier to treat yourself to a rather large Bath & Body Works order.
Plus, when your post-holiday shopping coincides with a really good sale, you’re winning all around — and that’s exactly what’s happening at Bath & Body Works: The day after Christmas, B&BW is dropping its blowout semi-annual sale, offering markdowns up to 75% off.
Starting Saturday, December 26th, the retailer’s much-anticipated semi-annual sale is happening in stores and online, with huge deals and major markdowns on everything from best-selling 3-wick candles to top-rated foaming hand soaps.
Whether you’re shopping for body care or home fragrance, you can stock up on the brand’s beloved seasonal scents from the Christmas vault, like Fresh Balsam or Winter Candy Apple. Plus, for all you longtime Bath & Body Works stans, the brand is also bringing back some of its most iconic retired fragrances — like Secret Wonderland, Honeysuckle, and Sensual Amber — for the duration of the sale period.
But no matter if you’re grabbing throwback body lotion that brings you back to middle school or an essential, like lemon-fresh hand soap (or sanitizer), you’ll want to shop this sale as early as possible — because the 75%-off offers are only good while supplies last.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
The same way that our quarantine fashion has largely been dominated by repeat loungewear sets punctuated by the rare dress-up occasion, nail-art trends have volleyed between easy, single-polish manicures and creative designs using bright colors and glitter. Suffice it to say the at-home manicure has become a choose-your-own-adventure of sorts, and it's only getting more interesting in 2021.
With WFH standards continuing into the first quarter, most of the trending nail designs are pleasantly approachable from a DIY angle, and can be upgraded with fun add-ons, like rhinestones or a smiley face. For a peek ahead at what's coming in terms of breakout designs, scroll ahead and find your favorite manicure to try in the new year.
"Indie Nails"
One of the most optimistic budding manicure trends, gleaned from recent Pinterest search analytics, is called "indie nails." Essentially, the look includes mismatched, emoji-inspired designs — a different one on each nail — like this visual by manicurist Hang Nguyen, who describes the style as "anything-goes art."
Red French
While the cherry-red manicure has been everywhere this holiday season, in the new year we'll see a fusion between the seasonal tone and the most timeless design: the French manicure. The end result is a look that mixes modern with elegance, as evidenced by Boston-based nail artist Aline.
Rhinestone Accents
For a look that feels understated but still slightly extra, consider rhinestone accents. Channel this design — as seen on hand model Antonia Cheri — by starting with a sheer nude or light-pink polish, then adding a few tiny gemstones for a twinkly manicure that you'll want to wear well past New Year's Eve.
Tinsel Tips
Another festive design veering into early 2021 is the tinsel tip. As nail artist Shelley shows, the style is a spin-off of the French manicure, but instead of a single stripe across the tip, you orient skinny vertical lines running from the tip down towards the center of the nail using an assortment of color and metallic shades.
Chocolate Marble
Celebrity nail artist Queenie Nguyen recently designed this neutral chocolate-brown manicure with gold marble detailing for Camila Coelho, calling it "warm and cozy vibes with a touch of holiday" — and we can't wait to bring the same energy into early January.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Looking back, 2020 has been the year of the dramatic haircut. Throughout the near 10 months of collective quarantine, we’ve seen so many celebrities (who are currently on a break from touring or filming) try a range of unexpected looks, from pink hair to ultra-long extensions. But the one star we didn’t predict getting a major makeover? Britney Spears, who has rocked some variation of long, blonde waves for years now.
The 39-year-old singer just shared a photo of her dramatic new look: a choppy blonde lob that takes us right back to the year 1999. “Cut my hair,” Spears captioned her most recent Instagram selfie. “You know what they say …. out with the old …. in with the new.”
However, we can’t help but note that this specific hairstyle — very blonde and super layered — feels like a direct throwback to Spears in her ‘Oops!…I Did It Again’ era.
Britney Spears visited the MTV Studios in New York City during TRL to help promote her new album, ‘Oops!…I Did It Again’ on May 16, 2000. Photo by Scott Gries/ImageDirect
Of course, two decades later, this look is definitely not a carbon copy of the bouncy, highlighted haircut made famous by Rachel Green and Spears on TRL. In comparison, Spears’ most recent iteration is definitely a little more shaggy than glossy, but it goes to confirm our suspicion that late ’90s haircut trends are definitely back — through we don’t recommend trying them at home.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
At the end of the day (fashion event or performance), Musgraves always reverts back to her signature look: long, jet-black hair with ’70s curtain bangs. However, this winter, the star has made a permanent hair change, dyeing her glossy black hair a soft brunette shade and leveling up her feathered fringe to a blunt, heavy statement bang.
In a recent Instagram Story, Musgraves posted a selfie showing off her new cut and color, crediting Delgado for both parts. While Musgraves seemed to add a subtle filter to the reveal photo (and is wearing huge ski sunglasses that cover half of her face), it’s clear that her bangs are fuller and fall over her eyebrows rather than a curtain part, and her color is discernibly lighter.
The fresh new look fits into two of the budding hair trends we’re tracking for 2021: winter highlights and bangs. Plus, thanks to Musgraves, we can now confirm that both trends look great styled with a hoodie and shiny puffer coat.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Making a surprise guest appearance on CNN this morning, Meghan Markle delivered a virtual address to the American public. The Duchess of Sussex appeared on the cable network’s ‘Heroes’ series to speak about the COVID-19 pandemic and the inspiring acts born out of these challenging times.
Not only did her monochrome lilac look prove to be a refreshing change of pace in this gloomy season, but it also showed a distinctive break from Markle’s signature makeup aesthetic, which typically veers toward neutral black and brown tones over colorful pastels. Moreover, it highlights another example of Markle moving past traditional British royal beauty codes, which historically dictate lighter, more subtle lip colors.
However unconventional, the lavender tones complemented the uplifting message of Markle’s address to the nation, honoring those who’ve selflessly offered a helping hand to those in need throughout this pandemic. “I’m inspired by the stories of compassion in our communities,” Markle said. “Across the country, people have put their own needs aside to come together to support the collective wellbeing of those around them.” Markle among them.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
An at-home holiday doesn't have to be void of festive cheer. Keep in mind, Pillsbury still makes slice-and-bake sugar cookies in the shape of reindeer, and Netflix has Christmas movies aplenty. But if you're still feeling kinda Grinch-y about the absence of an IRL bartender serving you an overpriced cranberry vodka, it might be time to break out the glitter.
That doesn't require digging into your closet for something heavy with sequins (or even changing out of sweatpants). All you need is a sparkly nail polish and a can-do attitude to test drive this season's most festive nail-art trend: snowflakes. Yes, like velvet nails, snowflake designs are everywhere right now, ranging from chic and minimalist with pinks and nudes to bright red and studded with crystals. To find your favorite one — and source this weekend's DIY project — scroll through the gallery, ahead.
If you're comfortable making a salon appointment, consider upgrading your routine dip-powder manicure with a snowflake accent, like this look styled on influencer Liz Heart.This asymmetrical design, by Letty of Austin's The W Nail Bar, includes five different shades from OPI's new sparkle-filled holiday polish collection.Consider a glossy candy-apple red base topped with crisp, white snowflakes, like this festive design sourced from Instagram artist Nails by TT.Nail tech Alina proves that rose-gold glitter polish is always a good idea.There's something about a gently-squared tip — like UK-based manicurist Bryony Howell's take, inspired by artist Cole Ava — that transforms a snowflake accent design from cutesy to chic.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
For most of us, 2021 can't come soon enough. While we've all managed our expectations — understanding that the end of 2020 doesn't equate to the end of COVID-19 — at the very least, the new year is symbolic of new beginnings, transitions, and brighter, happier times ahead.
So, over the next few weeks, we mood board and manifest all the positive changes and personal gains for the shiny, clean slate to come. For you, that could mean organizing your closet or your finances. But we prefer to tackle the fun stuff first, like mapping out our 2021 haircut and color.
Starting with the latter — because highlights take more forethought than a simple refresh trim — we've laid out the three biggest tones pros are predicting will trend in the new year. Find your inspiration, ahead.
Sand Tropez
Colorist Karissa Schaudt turned us onto a trending golden bronde tone she's calling "sand tropez," which marries cool brown and warm blonde tones. "Mixing highlights and mid-lights creates this multi-dimensional shade of warm sandy and cool beige tones," explains Schaudt.
Plus, this visual, provided by NYC-based colorist Madison Rae Garrett out of SoHo's Spoke & Weal Salon, proves that sand-gold highlights are the perfect complement to cozy Zoom loungewear (which we'll still be wearing in 2021).Another reference, this one by way of L.A.-based colorist Bianca Hillier, shows the sand tropez tone applied via balayage for a color that can withstand a few months between touch ups.
Rouge
Blame The Queen's Gambithype, or the fact that people are channeling major color changes for 2021, but statement red — or "rouge" tones, as Schaudt calls them — will trend in January. "It's a true red, meaning deeper than a copper, but lighter than auburn," Schaudt explains. "In most cases you'll achieve this color in one appointment, but I suggest keeping this as a single-process, as adding highlights would decrease the intensity." For shade, we're referencing this sophisticated red styled by artist Torin Ashtun.If you're looking for something a bit softer that still feels vibrant and rich, try a rouge tone that skews more strawberry, like this example by Redken colorist Max Gourgues.
Hazelnut
If you're a natural brunette, consider a hazelnut tone, which is all about brown-on-brown dimension. "A lighter brown highlight just breaks up an ordinary brunette," explains Ryan Trygstad, colorist and owner of Mark Ryan Salon in NYC. "It's dark, but not black, and reads very natural, like a golden brown or a reflective hazelnut." L.A.-based colorist Sierra Kener shows a closeup of a hazelnut highlight, proving its tonality.Brian Hawthorne, a colorist out of NYC's DevaChan Salon, tells us that his approach to achieving natural-looking brunette highlights is to use Pintura highlighting. "I think hand-painted highlights, such as our Pintura technique, is the best way to add natural-looking dimension without creating a stripe-y look," he explains. Colorist Carolyn Long shows a stunning example of hazelnut color on natural curls, achieved with a deep golden Pintura highlight.If you're thinking of trying a protective hairstyle in the new year, you can still get a two-toned hazelnut color. Just opt for warm-brown extensions for your braids or twists, like influencer Rahel Brhane.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
When it comes to innovation in topical skin care, the expectation is that as science evolves, brands will harness novel ingredients and create advanced formulas that will make skin look better, clearer, and glowier.
That's why it makes sense to shop, or at least explore, the latest skin-care launches, because there's a good chance that a hyaluronic acid serum developed and brought to market in the year 2020 — when ingenuity was essential — will be an upgrade to whatever's currently sitting in your medicine cabinet.
For an easy shopping experience, we bring you the best and top-rated skin-care serums that launched this year. Shop the winners of Refinery29's 2020 Beauty Innovator Awards, ahead.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Oil-Infused Serum
Combining an essence, serum, and face oil all in one, Fresh's newest oil-infused serum gives you everything your stressed-out winter skin needs right now — namely, extra hydration.
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Oil-Infused Serum, $, available at Fresh
Furtuna Skin Porte Per La Vitalità Face & Eye Serum
Furtuna's Face & Eye Serum features the brand's propriety Splendore Anchusa Complex of wildly potent, nutrient-dense plants sourced all the way from Sicily. The lightweight elixir absorbs instantly, delivering an optimal balance of moisture and nutrition to your delicate eye area or your entire face (depending on how fast you want to drain the chic glass bottle).
Furtuna Skin PORTE PER LA VITALITÀ Face & Eye Serum, $, available at Blue Mercury
Epi.logic Master Plan Collagen Renew Growth Factor Serum
Plastic surgeon Dr. Chaneve Jeanniton designed this topical serum to include over 300 high-quality human stem cell-derived epidermal growth factors and active proteins to promote skin-cell turnover and collagen production. In simpler terms: It's the next best thing to Botox.
epi.logic Master Plan Collagen Renew Growth Factor Serum, $, available at epi.logic
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Face Serum SPF 60+
A sunscreen serum is innovative in and of itself — normally, you need to layer an SPF moisturizer on top for protection. So when you find a serum with SPF 60+ built in, and it's a less-than-$20 add to your next Ulta order, you add to cart.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Face Serum SPF 60+, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
The appeal of velvet is tactile, first and foremost. It's the smooth and silky touch of luxe velour that makes you spend half of your November paycheck on a party dress that you know full well you'll wear once a calendar year, if that. But the second, and often less appreciated, glamour of velvet is the unique soft-silk shine, which is being replicated in the (much more affordable) holiday nail-art trend taking over Instagram.
An upgrade from routine glitter or metallic polish, the velvet manicure is all about the way the light bounces off the fingernails, giving the illusion of a velvet-y finish (but with a smooth, non-fuzzy feel). For a visual — best captured on video — scroll through the chicest examples of the nail-art trend. From festive green to pale gold and silver shimmer, there's a velvet look that will speak to your pre-holiday aesthetic.
We were first tipped off to the manicure trend by nail artist Amy Le, after this post of her green velvet nails went viral.Following her initial post, Le remodeled her velvet shimmer manicure, only this time in a champagne tone. She said she plans to share the full how-to guide (including polish details) on the Pro level of her Patreon, where she drops monthly nail tutorials.Nail artist Michelle Won shared a similar velour-inspired manicure. Hers was also in a shade of forest green, and she says she achieved it using a nail polish by Japanese label Ice Gel.You can't go wrong with a silky sliver, like this look by nail artist Christine Doan.If you're wearing long acrylic tips, give them the trending velvet treatment with a two-toned black-and-green color play, modeled after this custom manicure, also by Won. (Scroll for the action shot.)
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Earlier this fall, Selena Gomez shared her entire morning beauty routine From moisturizer to mascara, the star gave fans a first-ever peek into what’s actually inside her medicine cabinet and makeup bag. What we missed, however, was any mention of her likely-impressive nail polish stash.
We have to assume it’s extensive, because Gomez always has her manicure on point. Whether she’s presenting at an award show or exercising her civic right to vote, the Lose You To Love Me singer’s long, almond-shaped nails are glossed in some chic and trendy shade, the most recent of which is the winter-perfect tone of candy-apple red.
On a recent photoshoot for the cover of China’s CR Fashion Book, Gomez was styled in a statement sequin gown designed by Richard Quinn, which was aptly paired with a glossy bright-red manicure that practically screams festive chic.
Celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik — who works with Gomez on the regular and was tapped for this editorial spread — shared some behind-the-scenes photos, including a closeup hand shot of the light bouncing off the star’s crimson-glazed fingernails (which might actually upstage the multicolored sequins).
Then in his photo caption, Bachik did us one better, calling out the exact brand and shade of nail polish: CND Devil Red, a $14 Shellac formula that he claims to be almost “too good.” While we can’t say for sure if Gomez actually has this exact bottle in her own collection, or if Bachik brought it from his kit, we’d venture a guess that after wearing the perfect winter red for a few hours, she probably asked to take it home.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
For Bath & Body Works loyalists and candle hoarders, today is your Super Bowl. That’s right, the annual Bath & Body Works Candle Day has arrived, and this year the blockbuster event is bigger and better than ever.
Today, Friday, December 4th, every single jumbo 3-wick candle available online at Bath & Body Works.com has been marked down to just $9.95 — which is the lowest price tag you’ll see in a calendar year and a full 60% off, saving you almost $15 per jar. So, it goes without saying that today is the most opportune time to stock up.
Important note before you start anxiously clicking to add candles to your virtual cart: You must use the promo code ‘Candle’ at checkout to receive the 60%-off savings, and there’s a limit of 18 candles per single order. If you’re looking to fill an entire hallway closet with scented candles, you’re going to need to enlist a friend, mom, or brother to help you.
Better still, this year’s Candle Day becomes Candle Weekend, including a never-before-seen sale extension into Saturday and Sunday. While the current online offer is exclusive to Friday, if you miss it or would simply prefer to shop for your candles in person (please just do so safely and with a mask), the offer extends in stores through Sunday, December 6th, with many retail locations opening early to accommodate the demand — because as we well know, Candle-Day hype is very real.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
