One of the most exciting aspects of the professional hair industry is the rate at which hair trends come and go. Even amid a pandemic, people enduring global lockdowns turned to social media to stay on top of the latest “it” hairstyles and eagerly requested them once salons began to reopen.

“The 2021 Hair Report” from Cosmetify breaks down the most searched hair trends over the past 12 months.

1. The Mullet. According to the report, the mullet was the most searched hairstyle in the past year, with more than 15.5 million searches, which is a 142% increase from the previous year.
2. Waves. Thought to be the answer to excessive lockdown hair growth, waves received just under 15 million searches, which is a search increase of 16.5% over the previous year.
3. Wings. This haircut, made popular by singer Harry Styles, saw searches grow by 17.5% for a total of 13.1 million searches.  
4. Curtains. Popular for both men and women, searches for curtains increased by more than 50% to reach 12.9 million searches.
5. Extensions. Outranking many natural hairstyles, extensions saw searches increase by 32% to reach 12.8 million searches.

​5 styles with the biggest search increase

1. Curtain bangs
2. The new pixie
3. Layered locks
4. Modern mullet
5. Middle parting

Our hair is one of the most important areas of our bodies, and also one that takes the most care to maintain. As such, hair care products and brands are big business. In fact, the global hair care industry is estimated to be worth $94.92 billion in 2021.
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With hundreds of huge hair care brands out there, the 2021 Hair Report will reveal the biggest brands right now, as well as the hottest hairstyle trends across the world and the most popular ‘hairfluencers’ on social media.

Thinking it’s about time to switch things up, hair-wise? Guys, if you’re still getting that dated undercut or the same quick once-over with the hair clippers – yes, we think you’re definitely in need of a hair makeover and perhaps should consider going to a hair salon instead of the barber.

Want a 'do that will up your style cred, as well as get you the right attention? Look to the heads of South Korea’s most popular idols and celebrities for inspiration. They’re setting the biggest hair trends for men in Asia, if not the world, according to Readen Chia, associate director of Chez Vous Hair Salon.
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CNA Lifestyle got him to pick out four “oppa” (older brother) hairstyles that a regular guy can also successfully try, and explain what goes into their making – whether they require a specific cut, hair product, hairstyling tools and techniques that, we assure you, won’t be too tough to execute.

This hairstyle is all about the bangs, which can be parted at the centre or on either side of the hairline (best done in a 3:7 ratio) – no surprise why it takes its name from the drapes hanging over your windows.

Obviously, a longer fringe is requisite for this look. At the same time, it requires some level of volume and texture – in other words, you’ll probably need a perm or, in lieu of that, decent DIY hairstyling skills.

Chia noted that this hairstyle is usually worn with wavy, permed hair. “Unfortunately, this oppa hairstyle may scream ahjussi (uncle) for some, because not everyone looks good with wavy hair. In fact, some of us may look older than we actually are after a perm,” he said.

Want a preview of how it will look on you? Chia suggested asking your hairstylist to create a temporary wave for you with hairstyling tools before you take the plunge.
Chia also advised those with thinning hair or very fine hair to stay away from curtain bangs. “This hairstyle requires good hair density and thickness, otherwise, the parting will look overly wide and sparse,” he explained.

Once you have a perm in place, it’s not too complicated to finesse the look at home.

Here’s what to do:

1. Apply hairstyling mousse on damp hair.
2. Blow-dry hair in the opposite direction of where you want it to fall on your head to create volume.
3. ​Shape and add definition to the fringe and rest of the hair with a light hair wax, then set the hairstyle with hairspray.

This year’s trendiest hairstyle for men is, admittedly, not easy to accept for the average Singaporean gent. But that’s what trends are – they are not meant for everyone, but those with the requisite attitude to pull them off, and definitely jobs that do not have a strict dress code.

Most people think of G-Dragon when the mullet is mentioned, but there are actually many other subtler takes on the hairstyle besides the extreme versions seen on the Korean rapper. In fact, Chia thinks that it can be a very versatile hairstyle for men.

“The mullet can be customised to suit different hair types, and there are so many variations on the style. You can wear it longer at the back and with micro bangs for a punk-rock vibe; with a side fringe part or comma fringe (described below) for a K-pop-idol-inspired look; or not quite so long at the back and with a permed top and fringe for a preppy-ish look,” he explained.

To achieve the version of the modern mullet you desire, Chia advised to go to your hairstylist with reference pictures, since it can be hard for the layman to describe or distinguish between the many different components of the hairstyle’s multiple variations.

“Take note that the back of a mullet can grow out of shape quickly, so it may not be ideal for those with uneven hair growth or a slanted hairline at the back, and probably those who dislike making frequent trips to the salon for haircut maintenance,” he added.

A pro of having a mullet is that it is easy to style at home, says Chia.

Here’s what to do:

1. Use a thickening spray on hair that is damp, and then blow-dry hair.
2. Shape and add definition to hair with hair wax, and spray on a texturising spray

Named after the punctuation mark because of the curled-inwards fringe, this hairstyle has been popular among male Korean idols since a few years ago and, according to Chia, is still in fashion now.

The best thing about it is that you don’t need a perm – all you need is to know how to produce a C-shaped curl with either a flat iron or a hairdryer. It’s not too complicated for a guy to learn – ask your hairstylist for tips on how best to recreate the look he or she has given you.

While comma hair used to be seen on Korean stars in a more precise, defined shape, these days, it’s more commonly worn in a slightly tousled, more-textured style. “Comma-ed” bangs are typically worn on the highly popular two-block cut, or its slightly mushroom-shaped cousin.

Get the haircut right and you’re set for hairstyling success at home:

1. Apply pomade (for a wet look) or hair wax (for a matte look) on damp hair, then part your hair.
2. Blow-dry your hair while using your fingers as a shaping tool. You can create the “comma” curls by picking up individual locks along your hairline and pushing them up into a C shape, then directing the hot air from hairdryer at it until it dries.
3. A flat iron can also be used – clamp it over a lock of hair and flick it inwards, towards your face, while running the styling tool through the hair. Work section by section until you achieve your desired look. You’ll need some practise for either methods, but eventually you’ll learn how to effectively control the hairstyling tool.
4. Set your hairstyle with hairspray.

A classic hairstyle for men, this style channels a smart, dressy vibe, which explains why Korean celebrities love to sport it when attending award ceremonies. Chia pointed out that you’d hardly see any guys with slicked-back hair on the streets in South Korea, however, because many of them actually consider it to be a dated hairdo that makes them look older than they really are.

“For most Korean men, a visible fringe is an important ‘tool’ for appearing youthful – a trait not found in slicked-back hair,” he added. Still, it’s an undeniable fact that the stars look great in the slicked-back look, and you can too. Their secret? Instead of pulling their hair from the front and straight to the back from the hairline, they go for a side-swept variation with a parting.

This hairdo will suit just about any type of hair, although it may look more modern if your hair is cut shorter on the sides and back of the head. “This is the easiest men’s hairstyle to style at home,” said Chia.

For an updated take, leave some strands of the fringe loose and tousled for a “carefree” look.
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1. Apply pomade on hair that has been 50 per cent blow-dried. If you’d like to create a wet look, put the product on wet hair. Alternatively, if you desire a matte look, put it on dry hair.
2. Part hair and comb it in the direction to create your desire look.
3. Set your hairstyle with hairspray.

Quality, experience and service—three keys to meeting men’s unique needs in the salon space, according to Vaughn Acord (@vaughnnewyork), founder of V76 by Vaughn.
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1. Laws of Attraction
Men want to know their stylist or barber has experience and expertise in working with men’s hair, and they want to feel comfortable in the environment, Acord notes.

WAHL Professional educator Kevin Nguyen (@yakuzabarber) agrees that men crave a combination of phenomenal service and top-tier cuts.

2. Trend Watch
Nguyen notes that some of the biggest men’s trends now involve textured hair and disconnections with fades. Meanwhile, Acord observes that men’s looks are leaning toward longer, looser locks—think variations of mullet shapes and shags, heavily ’70s-influenced. “I love this transition away from uptight hair, with more movement and touchability,” Acord enthuses. “Even guys with shorter hair are allowing their sides to be warmer and not skinned down to the scalp.” Much of this trend can be attributed to men visiting their groomers less often in pandemic times—but, Acord warns, that reality places even more of an emphasis on the quality of the cut.

3. Retail Redux
As stylists and clients alike cope with so many COVID-related changes at salons and barbershops, Acord notes that not all of them have been negative. “Now, everything is so much more focused and tailored for that client in the chair, with 100 percent attention,” he asserts. “Your products, tools, supplies—everything you’re using is geared to him, and you can ask questions about his routine, his challenges. You can really educate him on his specific needs and product solutions.”

Still, pandemic-era retailing remains challenging, with clients now accustomed to ordering online. “Because of that new dynamic, I definitely keep less in the salon for retailing,” Acord relates.

More often than not, it seems like we’re telling you to put more effort into your lifestyle. Get your suits tailored. Up your grooming game. Revamp your apartment. Upgrade your gadgets. Learn to drink like a classy bastard.

Just once, wouldn’t it be nice if we simplified things instead?
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Today we’re going to do just that, and tell you how rock dishevelled-but-dapper bed head hairstyles. It’s the best of both worlds: handsome as hell, but doesn’t try too hard to be that way. Keep these pointers in mind if your locks are ready for a new look:

The survey polled 2,000 men, where 20% said that if they could bring one popular hairstyle from a bygone decade back into fashion, it would be the ’80s mullet, ‘90s ‘curtain bangs’ (15%) and the 2010s undercut (10%).

OnePoll conducted the survey on behalf of Sport Clips Haircuts.
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“While we’re seeing a lot of longer hairstyles in our stores, the truth is that styling men's hair, no matter the length, can be more complicated than it may seem,” explains Stacia Kelley, Sport Clips artistic director and stylist. “Longer hair still requires regular trims, shaping and home maintenance with high-quality products, such as conditioners to avoid breakage or light-hold texture creams that can give the hair some weight and tact.”

Top Five Best-Looking Hairstyles for Men

1. Undercut           3.18
2. Curtain bangs   3.15
3. Shag                 3.11
4. Pompadour       2.97
5. Long/Man bun   2.94

Top Five Celebrity Hair Inspirations for Men

1. Jason Momoa             40.10%           
2. Harry Styles                36.45%
3. James Dean                35.20%
4. David Beckham           35.00%
5. Drake                           31.75%

​from BeautyLaunchpad

One in Five American Men Want the Mullet to Be Back in Style, According to Survey 

Fifty-five percent of men surveyed admitted they want to change up their look but are afraid to try something new

It's synonymous with parties for a reason: one in five American men are ready for the mullet to make an official comeback.

In a survey of 2,000 men, 20% said that if they could bring one popular hairstyle from a bygone decade back into fashion, it would be the classic '80s mullet, followed by '90s "curtain bangs" (15%) and the 2010s undercut (10%).

But even those polled admit that the infamous bi-level look isn't for everyone; in a ranking of various hair trends, respondents found undercuts, curtain bangs and the '00s "shag" haircut to be more universally flattering 'dos.

And even though 39% of men have dabbled in adding highlights to their hair — making it the most popular color technique among those polled — it was also the least-liked hair trend of the entire survey, ranked just under the infamous "frosted tips" look.

It's not surprising that men have tried out some fads they ended up hating later; 55% admitted they want to change up their look but are afraid to try something new, while another 47% don't know what hairstyles would look good on them.

However, of the two-thirds of men who've experimented with a hair trend they were later embarrassed by, only a third said they regretted it afterward.

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Sport Clips Haircuts, the survey also revealed that men are experiencing a lot of similarly intense emotions about their post-pandemic haircut.

Not surprisingly, "relief" topped the list for 36% of men, while 32% also described themselves as "excited."

During the shutdowns and social distancing measures of the COVID-19 pandemic, 75% of men chose to forgo professional hair maintenance.

One in four men instead tried cutting their hair themselves — despite the fact that 55% don't think they do a good job at self-cuts — while 27% enlisted the help of a friend or family member.

With the increase of social distanced safety protocols and vaccine distributions, however, men are rediscovering more options for hair care.

Of the half of respondents who've already visited a barber since the pandemic first began, 85% cited it as a positive experience, with 27% describing it as "amazing."

In fact, one in three respondents said getting a new haircut makes them feel "smarter," while one in four admitted to feeling like "a better person" afterward.
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Twelve percent even said they feel more inspired to ask for a raise after a haircut.

We know, we know…everyone is getting tired of thinking about and talking about and hearing about the pandemic. But it’s still a thing and it’s still affecting our daily lives and our behaviors – in particular, our hair! Sport Clips Haircuts recently talked to 2,000 men in the United States, and 32 percent said that before the pandemic, they had their hair cut by a professional every two to three weeks. Fast forward to 2021, and 24 percent of the men cut their own hair at home last year. I mean, we all remember how terrible those corona cuts were, right?

It just goes to show that you should leave the haircutting to the pros – like the stylists at Sport Clips. Now that things are almost, pretty much back to normal, more than half of the men we talked to have made their way back to their favorite stylist or barber and the majority say they had a “good” experience on that first visit back. In fact, most reported feeling “relieved” to finally get that first post-lockdown trim.

And then there were the guys – 22 percent of them, in fact – who chose to let their hair grow out. Those long, luscious locks may seem easy to maintain, but they require more care than most guys realize. “Long hair requires regular trims, shaping, at home maintenance with a quality shampoo and conditioner to avoid breakage, and an appropriate styling product,” explains stylist Brittany Fitzgerald, a Sport Clips Artistic Team member and North Texas Area Coach.

For others, emerging from lockdown and kicking of 2021 has them ready to try a new style, but a majority of the men surveyed said they were “afraid” to try something new because they don’t know what kind of style or cut would look good on them. Are you sure you can rock the long Jason Momoa locks? Do you have the right face shape to pull off Harry Styles’ look? This is where the expertise of a stylist can really help. “Your stylist can look at your face shape, your hair texture, and figure how to style or cut around a cowlick to make sure you get a haircut that flatters you best,” says stylist Dorian Curtis-Likens, Sport Clips Artistic Team member and Area Coach. “Stylists can also help you establish a new look with a routine of regular trims and the products that will help you confidently style and maintain your cut when you leave the store.”

Ultimately, a haircut should make you look good and feel good. Most of the men surveyed said they have a “surge of confidence” for four-to-six days after a fresh haircut. Many of them say they feel better about themselves and some even say they feel “smarter.” We’ll take their word for it on that one.
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Men who shared their opinions in the survey conducted by One Poll ranged in age from 18-56+, varied in relationship status and were from all parts of the United States.

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