We love a throwback, and right now our socials are flooded with the 2016, 10-year-throwback and the reminders of how we styled ourselves in our “heyday.” When it comes to hair, 2016 was pretty influential.
We’re continuing the nostalgic posts with a throwback to 2016 hair trends.
2016 Colour Confidence
The year colourists truly pushed boundaries. Red hair made a strong comeback after the Rhianna-red trend in 2011, moving on from your 6.66, formulas turned to more rich coppers and vibrant auburns.
Meanwhile silver and grey tones emerged as a statement rather than something to cover. Achieving clean, wearable silvers became a technical challenge and a trend that signalled the industry’s growing confidence in advanced colour work.
At the same time, softer blends like bronde bridged the gap between blonde and brunette, offering a natural, low-maintenance option that suited a wide range of clients.
For those craving something bolder, vivid colours took over social feeds, with pastel panels and hidden pops of colour becoming a creative playground for hairdressers. The perfect year for Colour World to be born!
Cool Cuts
If one haircut dominated 2016, it was the lob. Long enough to feel versatile but short enough to feel fresh, the lob suits almost everyone and worked seamlessly with the 2016’s love of movement and texture. Bangs and fringes also surged in popularity, often paired with lobs to create strong yet wearable looks.
Texture Over Perfection
2016 marked a shift away from over-polished finishes towards hair that felt natural and lived-in. Texture became key, with styles designed to move rather than sit perfectly in place. Even updos softened, with relaxed buns replacing structured looks.This is when we realised how much effort goes into effortless.
Why We’re Still Talking About It
It’s reassuring to know my hair met the 2016 brief: a blonde lob, often in a messy bun to show-off my bangs.
As throwback posts continue to flood our feeds, one thing is clear… Many of today’s most-loved looks such as bronde blends, textured lobs and bold colour statements can trace their roots back to 2016. Some trends fade, others evolve!
For more of the latest industry news, click HERE.
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