16 Easy Ways to Rock the Y2K Hair Tendrils Trend

The new millennium was marked by a desire for all things futuristic, from metallic clothing and eyeshadow to hyper-styled hair. An easy example? The tendrils trend, a face-framing detail that, though present throughout decades past, hit its stylized stride in the ’90s and early ’00s.

“I actually adore this look and love that it’s making a comeback,” says hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons, who frequently favors duets of tendrils when working with the Kardashians. “It works for any hair type and face shape, which makes it super versatile and trendy.” One of Fitzsimons’s preferred means of styling the look in throwback fashion begins with a ’90s supermodel bombshell blowout (aided by a round brush and his Body Volume Blowdry Spray), a pinned-back updo, and rolled front sections. After 20 to 30 minutes, “Take the rollers out and set the curls loosely around the frame of your face for a modern ’00s tendrils look!”

Related: Here's Everything You Need to Know About Y2K-Inspired Layer Braids

For hairstylist Evanie Frausto, the appeal is all down to easy elevation—and the updated take is best left slightly undone. “I feel like it’s a good way to spice up lots of different styles—whether it be a half-up, ponytail, etc. — leaving out those little pieces just kind of helps to change up the vibe,” he says. Frausto adds that while the ‘90s and early ‘00s featured front sections bumped up with the aid of intentional curls or waves, the new take on tendrils features a more natural texture, almost like it just slipped out of your hairstyle. That said, a little styling never hurt. “You can accentuate them with product to give them a sleekness,” he says.

Meet Our Expert

• Andrew Fitzsimons is a celebrity hairstylist who works with Jennifer Lopez and the Kardashians.

• Evanie Frausto is a global artistic ambassador for Bumble and bumble and a celebrity hairstylist who works with Dua Lipa and Kali Uchis.

From super sleek to air-dried, curled to plaited, these tendriled styles will help to inspire your early-aughts mane moment. 

Sleek Sections

Dove Cameron has fully embraced the tendril trend, frequently relying on face-framing pieces to lend to her semi-futuristic aesthetic. “When it’s a super slicked look, it feels very stylized to have pieces out,” says Frausto. To get the look, part your hair at the center and leave the front sections loose before combing the remainder of your mane into a sleek midi ponytail. Apply a styling cream, like Bumble and bumble Styling Creme, to ensure that the updo is sleek and frizz-free.

Contemporary Tendrils

Hailey Bieber has mastered the art of taking a throwback trend and carrying it off in a modern way. An easy and elegant finger-raked updo is softened by the release of two small front sections, the natural bends lending to the effortless appeal. “It kind of brings a different energy, like you kind of pulled your hair together in a really soft, quick way,” says Frausto.

Piecey Pieces

Though the tendrils come in twos, loosening a little more hair results in a romantic style. Kendall Jenner’s red carpet-ready updo hinges on the face-framing strands, pulled to frame her face in a piecey guise that prevents the hairstyle from appearing too done.

Related: The 7 Best Updo Hairstyles for Short Hair

Slicked Sections

Rihanna is all about a slicked and finished moment. A duet of sharp strands elevates her midi braid and provides a flattering frame to her red-lipped look. Though this style can be recreated with any mane texture with the right products and a taut pony, flat ironing the front sections will keep things sleek.

Bohemian Bangs

The tendrils trend works with full bangs, too! Make like Selena Gomez and further your updo by allowing your fringe to cascade into soft tendrils styled with a barely-there curl and left long enough to skim shoulders.

Two-Toned Frame

Face-framing strands are a great way to show off a multi-tonal look. FKA Twigs exemplifies the point, her loosened tendrils offering a microcosmic glimpse of her rooty, neon mane. The option is ideal for those who want a new way to make a statement with their already subversive lengths.

Up-Down Hybrid

Emily Ratajkowski makes a case for front sections so generous that your hair packs the appeal of being worn down and tied up all at once. The trick to this approach is to be generous with your tendrils, pulling enough hair to allow the section to extend to the temple.

Softening Frame

A slight curl creates a gentle frame for Laura Harrier’s softly adorned face. “The softer pieces feel a lot more romantic and sleek to me,” says Frausto. Use a curling iron to add barely-there bends to your front tendrils for a sweet, demure moment.

Y2K Cosplay

The new millennium was a wild time in terms of aesthetics, and Bella Hadid’s updo provides a worthy encapsulation. Reach for your favorite gel or hairspray and comb hair into a wispy updo, leaving two tendrils gelled sharply around the face.

Face-Framing Plaits

Who says tendrils are limited to updos alone? Margot Robbie’s soft, straight blowout receives a sophisticated touch of bohemia via gently woven, face-framing braids. The simple last-minute addition instantly elevates a look—and feels relatively timeless, too.

Braided Tendrils

Those with manes of braids need only leave two (or several) plaits loose around the face to try the tendril trend. Tessa Thompson is a master of the approach, and this space bun iteration is especially Y2K-inspired.

Tiny Tendrils

This style proves that “less is more” can apply to tendrils, too. The teensy sections left out from Camila Mendes’s sleek half-up hair take the look from simple to stylized, particularly when the freed strands are touched with an equally tiny amount of product.

Romantic Ringlets

A face framed by natural curls oozes Old World glamour, the sort associated with royalty and the Renaissance. Make like Lori Harvey and let loose a few soft ringlets, the better to transform a would-be simple topknot into something entirely more romantic.

Related: 10 Expert-Approved Tips for Taking Care of Curly Hair

Glossy Bends

Olivia Rodrigo’s long, glossy bends offer a decidedly chic take on this trend. As with Bieber’s interpretation, the tendrils team with Rodrigo’s updo for a style that feels entirely of the moment—even when coupled with a retro-futuristic ensemble.

Fashionable Flyaways

She’s come undone! This look from Riley Keough is made more memorable for its messiness, “The more modern version of it to me is if you leave a few natural pieces out,” says Frausto. Though the stylist would likely suggest a touch of product to keep things neater, the windswept look feels perfect for daytime events and warmer months.

Polished Pieces

Kim Kardashian’s piled-high updo becomes even more luxurious with the help of two thick and polished pieces, bent in at the ends. “Don’t be afraid to add a bit of volume and curl them towards the face,” says Fitzsimons. “It gives the look a different dimension while still enhancing your facial features.”

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