The year 2016 was a vibrant time for hairstyling, bringing back classic looks with a modern twist and introducing fresh trends that remain timeless. From textured waves to bold braids and edgy cuts, 2016 hairstyles offered something for everyone, whether you preferred a sleek, polished finish or effortless beachy vibes. These styles captured the spirit of versatility and creativity, making them popular choices for fashionistas and everyday wear alike.
In this top 20 list, you will explore a diverse range of 2016 hairstyles that highlight both natural beauty and statement-making designs. Whether you are looking for inspiration for your next salon visit or a quick styling upgrade, these looks will help you channel the best of 2016’s hair trends. Get ready to discover your next favorite hairstyle!
Save your must-try looks now so you can revisit these iconic 2016 hairstyles whenever you need a style refresh!
1. Effortlessly Chic Half-Up Half-Down Blonde Hairstyle
The most striking feature of this hairstyle is the subtle lift at the crown created by gently teasing the top section of the hair and pulling it back. This technique adds volume and interest without overwhelming the sleek, straight, long blonde locks that cascade down naturally.
The light honey and ash blonde tones blend seamlessly, enhancing the texture and giving the style a radiant glow. This look perfectly captures the laid-back yet polished vibe that defined many 2016 hairstyles. It channels a casual elegance, making it ideal for both everyday wear and more special occasions. The half-up half-down style symbolizes balance: it keeps hair away from the face but still embraces long, flowing tresses. Paired with simple makeup and casual attire, it reflects the approachable, youthful spirit prevalent in 2016 fashion trends.
2. Who says casual can’t be chic? The effortlessly cool 2016 layered hairstyle with side-swept bangs
Ever wondered how to make layered hair look both natural and polished at the same time? This style nails it with long, flowing layers that frame the face gently, paired with thick side-swept bangs that partially veil one eye, adding a mysterious allure. The hair’s sleek dark brown tone shines with subtle hints of warmth under natural light, enhancing its healthy, smooth texture.
The overall look radiates a sense of laid-back elegance perfect for a busy day, whether commuting or socializing casually. Paired with oversized glasses, the hairstyle embraces individuality and sophistication – qualities that resonated strongly in 2016 trends, where effortless glam and personal style were highly celebrated. This hairstyle perfectly captures the essence of 2016, blending simplicity with subtle boldness and making it a timeless choice for many.
3. Effortless Charm with a Soft Layered Bob and Wispy Bangs
This hairstyle radiates a relaxed yet polished vibe, perfect for those seeking subtle sophistication. The soft layering of the bob adds movement and lightness, framing the face beautifully while maintaining a natural flow. Wispy bangs gently brush the forehead, introducing a playful element that softens the overall look.
The hair color, a warm medium brown with subtle highlights, complements the wearer’s eye color, enhancing the vibrant and fresh appearance. This style embodies a timeless elegance with a modern twist, capturing the essence of 2016 hairstyles that favored manageable yet stylish cuts. It effortlessly balances casual charm and refined beauty, making it ideal for both everyday wear and more formal occasions. This look underscores how simplicity combined with thoughtful details can create impactful style statements.
4. Effortlessly Chic High Ponytail for Everyday Glam
Ideal for those seeking a blend of casual comfort and bold style, this sleek high ponytail stands out with its smooth, shiny black locks pulled tightly back to accentuate the face. The hairstyle is both practical and fashionable, making it perfect for running errands or meeting friends.
Complementing the look, oversized tortoiseshell glasses add a quirky, intellectual edge, while glossy lips and a subtle silver chain necklace enhance the overall modern vibe. This style echoes the 2016 trend of combining sleek hairdos with statement accessories to create impactful yet wearable looks that balance simplicity and sophistication. The ponytail’s height and smooth finish highlight youthful energy and confidence, demonstrating the era’s affection for hairstyles that are both polished and approachable.
5. Elegant Locks of Sophisticated Black Dreads
The scene captures a woman seated calmly against a warm, neutral-toned background, her silhouette defined by sleek, meticulously styled black dreadlocks that fall gracefully over her shoulders. Each lock is perfectly uniform, embodying precision and care, with a subtle shine that catches the light, highlighting the texture and depth of the hair. Her polished look is enhanced by a glossy lip and a delicate choker necklace, which adds a touch of modern elegance.
This hairstyle is a vivid representation of 2016’s embrace of natural textures with a polished edge, combining traditional dreadlocks with contemporary glamour. The visual appeal lies in the balance between strength and softness: the boldness of black dreads softened by the careful grooming and styling. It speaks to confidence and style evolution, where cultural heritage meets high fashion in a way that feels both personal and universally striking.
6. 2016’s Bold Fusion of Straight Lengths and Striking Streaks
While many hairstyles in 2016 favored relaxed waves or simple straight cuts, this style takes a daring shift by mixing ultra-straight hair with vivid, contrasting streaks that add depth and personality. The smooth, jet-black strands are beautifully complemented by highlighted sections of ash blonde, creating a striking visual interplay that elevates the entire look beyond ordinary. The layered bangs frame the face softly, offering balance to the bold color contrasts. This hairstyle symbolizes a fearless embrace of individuality and modern edge that was trendy in 2016, capturing the decade’s experimentative spirit perfectly.
The combination of sleek texture and dynamic coloration gives a polished yet playful appeal, ideal for anyone looking to stand out with an effortlessly cool vibe reminiscent of this vibrant year.
7. Platinum Blonde Ponytail with Edgy, Voluminous Texture
The standout platinum blonde shade shines brightly in this bold hairstyle, setting a striking tone from the very start. The hair is styled into a high ponytail placed toward the crown, which adds height and drama while creating a sense of movement and energy. The ponytail itself has a fluffy, voluminous texture that contrasts beautifully with the sleek, straight strands framing the face.
These straightened front pieces soften the look and bring balance while emphasizing the sharpness of the color. This particular combination of polished and tousled elements embodies the adventurous spirit of 2016 hairstyles, where bold color choices met with textural play. It’s a confident and youthful style that can easily transition from casual days to nights out, demonstrating the versatility and flair that defined much of the hair trends in that year.
8. Bold Braided Expressions: The Power of Intricate Box Braids with a Twist
For those looking to make a striking statement while enjoying the versatility and low maintenance of braided hairstyles, this style delivers perfectly. The look combines thick, textured box braids in blonde shades with subtle pops of burgundy, creating a vivid contrast that draws attention. One individual’s hair is styled half-up with twisted braids forming a top bun, offering a trendy yet practical way to keep hair off the face.
The other’s braids cascade down freely, highlighting the natural flow and length. Both wear edgy accessories and sportswear that complement the hairstyle’s urban, youthful vibe. This style embodies the 2016 trend of embracing individuality through braids, melding both protective styling and bold visual appeal, making it a cultural and fashion-forward statement from that year.
9. An Intricate Cascade of Braids Perfect for 2016 Trends
At first glance, the complexity of this braided hairstyle captures attention with its interweaving strands that form a stunning texture and dimension. Multiple braids start from the crown and are skillfully merged down the back of the head into a singular, thick braid.
The light blonde hair perfectly showcases the intricate pattern, adding brightness and a sun-kissed glow that enhances the natural beauty of the style. This hairstyle embodies the 2016 trend of embracing detailed, handcrafted looks that combine elegance and casual sophistication. Its visual appeal lies in its balance of structure and softness, making it suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions. The design symbolizes a modern twist on traditional braiding techniques, reflecting the year’s fascination with hairstyles that stand out through artisanal skill and artistic flair.
10. Chic Simplicity with a Modern Twist
This hairstyle radiates a confident, effortless vibe that perfectly blends casual comfort with sleek sophistication. The hair is styled long and straight, shining with a natural gloss that reflects careful maintenance. What stands out is the creative top knot positioned high on the crown, adding a playful yet polished element to the overall look.
Soft, curtain-like bangs frame the face delicately, enhancing the wearer’s features and balancing the boldness of the top knot. This style’s minimalistic yet eye-catching nature symbolizes a fresh take on everyday elegance, making it an ideal choice for the 2016 fashion scene. It showcases how combining simple textures and shapes can produce a striking effect, perfectly aligned with the year’s focus on mixing classic and contemporary aesthetics in hairstyles.
11. Sleek Ombre Waves with a Side-Swept Flair
A subtle touch of golden honey highlights gracefully frames the face before cascading into rich chocolate waves, creating a striking ombre effect that draws attention instantly.
This elegant hairstyle, characterized by its deep side part and flowing curls, blends warmth with softness while adding an alluring dimension to the hair texture. The gentle waves reflect light beautifully, emphasizing movement and volume without overwhelming the natural hair body. This look captures the essence of 2016 hairstyles, where multi-tonal color techniques and effortless glamour were celebrated. The style’s balance between polished and relaxed vibes makes it versatile for both casual outings and more formal events. The carefully crafted side-swept bangs also add an air of mystery, subtly obscuring one eye and enhancing facial features with a playful yet sophisticated finish.
12. Bold Glamour with Soft Waves and Statement Accessories
This hairstyle exudes confidence and allure with its sleek, voluminous waves that perfectly frame the face. The soft curls at the ends add a gentle bounce and movement to the long, dark hair, while the subtle caramel highlights infused towards the tips elevate the overall dimension and depth. A standout feature is the precise side-swept baby hairs styled smoothly against the forehead, a signature trend from 2016 that celebrated intricate edge work.
The glam vibe is further enhanced by the bold, thick lashes and carefully groomed eyebrows, complementing the hair’s polished effect. The addition of delicate hair clips brings a retro yet chic flair that was a hallmark of 2016 hairstyles – balancing between playful and sophisticated. This look captures the essence of 2016, where blending dramatic makeup and elegant hair details created unforgettable style moments.
13. Bold Cornrow Braids for a Striking and Timeless Look
The standout feature here is the precision and neatness of the cornrow braids that frame the face and extend into two long thick braids. This style works beautifully because it blends traditional African braiding techniques with a modern edge, giving a strong and confident visual appeal. The tight cornrows not only keep the hair sleek and controlled but also emphasize facial features in a flattering way.
The simplicity of the styling, paired with the intricate braiding pattern, reflects a hairstyle that was highly celebrated in 2016 for its versatility and cultural significance. It symbolizes empowerment and pride in heritage while being fashionable and practical. This look was popular among celebrities and everyday wearers alike in 2016, making the cornrow braid style a durable trend in the year’s hairstyle repertoire.
14. Effortless Elegance with Cascading Chestnut Waves
Have you ever wondered how to combine natural beauty with a touch of sophistication? This hairstyle showcases long, chestnut brown tresses styled in loose, flowing curls that carry a soft yet voluminous texture. The top section is gently twisted and pinned back, creating a half-up, half-down look that balances casual ease with a polished finish.
The warmth of the rich brown hair color glows under the sunlight, enhancing the dimension and movement within each curl. This style embodies the 2016 trend of embracing natural waves without heavy teasing or over-styling, favoring an organic look with subtle structural accents. Ideal for outdoor events or romantic occasions, it captures a timeless femininity that feels both relaxed and refined, perfectly reflective of the hairstyles popular throughout 2016.
15. Effortless Vibes with Sleek, Long Hair and Bold Bangs
The vibe here is casual yet confident, perfectly capturing the spirit of youthful 2016 hairstyles. The style presents long, silky straight hair that flows down past the waist, showcasing a healthy shine and smooth texture.
What sets this look apart is the dramatic side-swept bang that partially covers one eye, adding an element of mystery and attitude. The deep black color enhances the sleekness and highlights the hair’s natural luster. This hairstyle speaks to the trend of the time, where straight, glossy textures were beloved for their polished look, yet the playful choice of bangs brought individuality and edge. The combination of relaxed confidence and meticulous grooming makes this style a memorable statement from the 2016 hair scene.
16. Effortless Waves with a Voluminous Twist for Natural Glam
Perfect for those who embrace their natural texture but want to elevate it for a casual day out or a laid-back social event, this hairstyle showcases beautiful, wild waves that cascade wildly over the shoulders. The design emphasizes volume and movement, achieved through loose curls that add depth and dimension to thick, dark hair.
The slightly tousled crown, where the model casually lifts her hand, brings an element of effortless chic and attitude. This look symbolizes confidence in natural beauty and a carefree spirit that was a strong trend in 2016 hairstyles. The relaxed yet stunning effect aligns with the era’s embrace of authenticity and easy glam, making it a timeless option for anyone wanting to highlight their natural locks while keeping a stylish edge.
17. Luxurious Waves with Bold Side Swept Bangs
Standing close, you catch the glossy sheen and the perfect bounce of these cascading black waves, tumbling effortlessly over the shoulder and ending in voluminous curls.
The striking feature is the dramatic side swept bangs that cover the eyes, adding an air of mystery and allure to the overall look. This hairstyle is a dreamy blend of polished sophistication and casual glamour, with the smoothness of the top giving way to soft, hypnotic curls below. It symbolizes confidence and boldness, a popular theme in 2016 hairstyles that favored statement styles. The deep black color complements the layers, making each curl more pronounced while reflecting light beautifully. This style not only highlights hair length and health but serves as a fashionable nod to the allure of classic Hollywood waves with a modern twist that defined many 2016 red carpet moments.
18. Sleek High Ponytail with a Modern Edge
While traditional ponytails might settle low or mid-level for a casual vibe, this hairstyle elevates it to a sleek, high-positioned ponytail that exudes confidence and sophistication. The hair is pulled back tightly, creating a smooth finish without stray strands, highlighting the sharp, defined baby hairs artfully styled along the hairline. The long, straight strands cascade down from the high ponytail, combining simplicity with a polished look that became a hallmark of 2016 hairstyles. This style conveys both youthful energy and meticulous grooming, appealing to those who want a clean yet bold statement.
Paired with the casual Raiders hoodie and a casual setting, it balances sporty and chic, demonstrating how hair trends in 2016 embraced versatility with a distinct flair for sleekness and edge.
19. Playful Volume and Youthful Charm in Sectioned Ponytails
Warm chestnut brown hair gleams with a glossy finish, styled into two high ponytails that cascade in segmented bubble shapes. The hair is divided with elastic bands at regular intervals, creating rounded puffs that add dimension and a playful bounce to the look. Soft face-framing tendrils soften the style, giving it a relaxed and approachable feel. This style captures a youthful energy, blending both structure and freedom in its design, making it a perfect reflection of 2016’s reimagining of playful, yet polished hairstyles.
The gold hoop earrings and layered delicate necklaces complement the hairstyle, enhancing its trendy and approachable vibe that aligns with the era’s affinity for mixing casual with chic details. This bubble ponytail style represents a fresh, fun take on classic pigtails, popular in 2016 for adding volume and texture without much fuss.
20. Sleek Side-Parted Waves with Sculpted Baby Hairs for Effortless Glam
Achieving a polished, modern look that feels both chic and easy to maintain is made simple with this hairstyle. The deep side part creates an elegant asymmetry, while the long, flowing waves provide movement and softness. What makes this style stand out are the precisely sculpted baby hairs along the hairline, which add a delicate yet impactful finishing touch.
This attention to detail elevates the overall hairstyle by framing the face beautifully and showcasing skillful styling techniques. The glossy, jet-black hair color further enhances the shine and smooth texture, giving off a radiant and youthful vibe. Popular in 2016, this blend of sleek edges and voluminous waves perfectly reflects the era’s trend of mixing natural texture with refined styling for a versatile, everyday glam look.
Choosing a hairstyle that resonates with your personality and lifestyle is the key to feeling confident and stylish. The 2016 hairstyle trends provide a wonderful mix of daring and classic options, allowing you to experiment and find the perfect fit for any occasion. Remember, hair is a form of self-expression, so have fun trying out these looks and making them your own.
Pin your favorites from this collection to your Pinterest board and keep the inspiration handy whenever you want to switch up your style! Sharing these ideas is a great way to spread the joy of great hair days with friends as well.