As barbershops and salons across the UK open up again, we’re certain that you’re very busy welcoming back your clients. We can only imagine the backlog you’ll be facing as well as welcoming new faces.
You’ll likely be faced with dodgy lockdown haircuts to fix and hair that’s had months to grow out. But have you thought about what could be in store for 2021 regarding men’s hair trends?
As the UK has faced a year of sporadic lockdowns, it’s not far-fetched to predict that your clients will want to step out of their comfort zone and try a new style.
Unlike women, men tend to stick to their trusted haircut – but times are changing! We’ve been noticing more and more variations in style that are gathering popularity, and we have some 2021 predictions that could be coming to your barbershop. Read on to discover the biggest men’s hair trends set to take 2021 by storm…
The mullet
Yep. That’s right. The iconic 80s hairstyle is making a comeback, so get ready for the mullet requests! It’s not up to us to judge, we don’t make the rules.
The traditional mullet is coined as a short style towards the front, becoming distinctly longer in the back for an overall shaggy appearance.
As you know, there are many different avenues you can take with a mullet. The styles we predict will be coming to your chair are mullets with a featured skin fade on the sides and the ‘modern mullet’.
Mullet with skin fade sides
We believe this will be a favourite for clients interested in getting a mullet. A mullet featuring skin fades on the side will allow you to create a contrast to your client’s hair. This style will also allow you to create versatility, as it’ll work well with all variations of fades. This hairstyle will be for clients who are looking for an overall edgy appearance.
Modern mullet
The modern mullet is an adaptation of the traditional style and can be considered more “office friendly”. Your client will still be left with a fuller body of hair towards the back, but more of a medium-length cut towards the front as opposed to the original mullet which tends to be shorter.
Compared to the original mullet, the finished look of the modern mullet is less extreme. Think less eye-catching – but still a mullet. This cut also doesn’t need as much maintenance as the skin fade mullets, so your clients will be happier for longer.
BaByliss PRO Cordless Skeleton Trimmer
The buzz cut
The good old buzz cut. We don’t think this style will be going anywhere in 2021!
Other than going completely bald, a buzz cut is the shortest you can go and it’s just the one length all over. We think this will maintain its ranking as one of the most popular styles, especially for those who live an active lifestyle or just prefer a rugged look.
Contrary to popular belief, the buzz cut is surprisingly versatile and will suit an array of clients. It’ll suit most face shapes and once finished, it’s a very low maintenance hairstyle. We think you’ll have a few clients who are fed up with their grown-out hair and will want the whole lot chopped off.
It’s worth mentioning that there are always different ways to incorporate a personal touch with this style. We predict there will be more requests for signature arced lines or clean-cut edges loaded with precision to spruce up the finished look of the classic buzzcut.
All the fades
In our opinion, it’s going to be a long time before fades are a thing of the past. Arguably fades are one of the most highly requested haircuts for men, and we don’t think that’ll change anytime soon.
We predict this still being a ‘when in doubt’ haircut for your clients in 2021, but there are two styles of fade haircuts we predict will become the most popular. These are the high fade and the drop fade.
High fade
The beloved high fade will not be going anywhere (we think!) and it’s the easiest way to get your clients feeling cool and trendy again in 2021.
A high fade includes a sharp finish across the head, above the midsection. The sides will be left short, with emphasis and dimension created on the top – appearing fuller. Your client will love the added volume this cut creates to the top section, and it’ll suit any hair texture.
Drop fade
The drop fade is a variation of the ‘classic fade’. What makes it different? The fade itself drops behind the back of the head and the ear, creating an interesting arc-shape design.
This style will require a clipper expert, as to nail this look you’ll need a steady hand and a keen eye for detail. Creating drop fades offers your clients a more interesting take on their beloved fade hairstyle, and it can create the illusion of having thicker hair due to adding natural dimensions.
Another reason why we predict an increase in drop fades – it’s easy and versatile to style! You can slick back the hair back if you want to look professional, or wear natural and messy if you’re relaxing or wanting to add texture. There’s no doubt your clients will feel fresh after getting the drop fade.
The grow-out
Some clients will have grown fond of their grown-out locks, no matter how misshapen it may be after months of neglect.
After all, the lockdown was a unique opportunity to allow hair to grow without anyone having to see that awkward middle phase. We predict you’ll have clients who aren’t ready to say goodbye to their long locks. Instead, a tidy up will suffice.
We also think you’ll see your clients take a heightened interest in the product ranges you have in stock for hair care. This makes sense, as the more hair your clients have – the more they’ll want to take care of it. Prepare for growth in men’s hair care products in 2021. Feel free to check out our range if you need to stock up!
Icy tones
We anticipate an influx of men wanting to transform their hair colour, and we think it’ll be on the icy side. Think bold greys and striking silver tones.
After spending many months hidden away, we predict more risks will be taken in 2021. It’s more than possible that your clients may have become bored during their increased time at home and started experimenting with hair colour.
There seems to be a new consensus that younger (and older) men who can rock a silver hairstyle are trendsetters. The dreaded greys used to be feared, and now it’s transforming into a fashion statement. By taking what used to be insecurity amongst men, and making it the hair colour of choice – that says a lot about a man’s confidence.
The eBoy
Making a comeback from the 90’s era, the curtain-style bangs are back. Also known as the eBoy, the haircut is growing in popularity amongst the Gen-Z.
Curtain bangs are parted down the middle, with hair that sits approximately around the ear in length. It doesn’t matter if you have bone straight hair or tight curls, curtain bangs can be cut on any texture of hair. We predict that the eBoy haircut is here to stay in 2021!
This is a great haircut for men who want to frame their faces, as it’ll add a little definition. If your client wants to keep up with the latest trends, recommend the eBoy!
We hope that we’ve helped shed some light on what could be in store for you in 2021. If we’ve learnt anything from the past year, it’s to expect the unexpected. So take our predictions with a pinch of salt, time will tell!
Shop barbering products at Salons Direct now.
Don’t forget to check out our blog for more barbering advice and other articles on the Salons Direct blog…
What Do You Need to Create The Sharpest Skin Fade? | Essential Accessories Every Barber Needs| The Top 6 Beard Care Products to Retail to Your Clients Between Visits
