Spring 2020 Hair Trends: The Definitive Guide to the Season’s Prettiest Styles and Hues

From pearl-studded updos to bold colors and major hair accessories, spring 2020’s hottest hair trends are playful, polished, and totally wearable.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach
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Spring 2020 is here, and with it comes a lineup of bold new hair trends—from vibrant colors and artful accessories to classic braids and effortless, glossy finishes. Straight off the runways and embraced by top influencers, these hair ideas are perfect for anyone looking to refresh their look. Whether you gravitate toward cutting-edge colors or prefer subtle upgrades, the trends of this season offer something for every hair type and personal style.

1. Bright, Unapologetic Hair Shades

This spring, bright hair colors are dominating Instagram feeds and city streets alike. If you’re ready to make a statement or simply want a temporary pop of color, there are more ways than ever to play with vivid hues this season.

  • Denim Blue: Vibrant blue shades are hitting it big, from icy azure to rich sapphire. For a bold all-over transformation, salon dye is your go-to. For something more temporary, try a semi-permanent at-home color treatment or blue-tinted conditioner to get the effect without commitment.
  • Rose Pink: Pink hair continues to shine, moving from festival staple to everyday perfection. This trend works best on lighter hair shades, but even brunettes can get in on the fun with balayaged ends or a playful pastel glaze. Rose pink is especially forgiving and washes out gracefully if you want to switch it up for summer.
  • Apricot Red: Mixing copper, apricot, and strawberry blonde, this warm blend makes blue eyes pop and offers serious springtime vibrance.
  • Bronde: For those who crave the perfect balance between brunette and blonde, bronde gives dimension and a sun-kissed edge. It’s low-maintenance and flatters nearly every complexion.

Pro Tip: If you’re trying bright shades at home, always do a strand test first and invest in color-protecting shampoos to keep hues vivid.

2. The Pearl Effect: Modern, Luxe Accessories

Pearls have taken a surprising and gorgeous detour from traditional jewelry. This spring, hairstylists are incorporating pearls into everything from tight cornrows to classic chignons, elevating everyday styles to editorial status.

  • Pearl Spin Pins: Add pearls to your updo with easy-to-use spin pins or bobby pins encrusted with pearls for an instant upgrade.
  • Pearl Barrettes: Slide one or two pearl-adorned clips just above the ear, or line several along a side part for a statement look.
  • Strands and Strings: Run thin strings of pearls along sleek ponytails or braid them into fishtails for runway-inspired glam.

Style Note: Pearls bring polish to even basic braids or buns, making them a versatile pick for both dressy events and daily wear.

3. Major Hair Pieces: From Accents to Statement-Makers

Moving on from last year’s minimal clips, hair accessories in spring 2020 are bold, attention-grabbing, and endlessly creative.

  • Jewel-Encrusted Flowers: Large, blingy blooms pinned into styles channel garden party chic. Experiment with fabric flowers or jeweled versions for high-impact flair.
  • Crystal Partings: Adding a string of crystals along your part instantly boosts glam and works especially well with center parts and slicked-back styles.
  • Gemstone Pins: Mix and match silver and pastel-toned gemstone bobby pins to create your own unique arrangements—stack them for maximum effect.
  • Knotted Headbands: Textile headbands in bold prints and colors remain a favorite for quick style, perfect for covering roots or second-day hair while still looking fashion-forward.

Trend Hack: You don’t need to spend a lot—mix bargain finds with high-end pieces for a luxe look on a budget.

4. The Return of the Slicked-Back Look

Slicked-back hairstyles were a highlight at the Carolina Herrera Spring 2020 show, presenting a clean, powerful aesthetic that works across bobs, lobs, and long lengths.

  • Wet-Look Shine: Achieved with generous amounts of gel or styling pomade, this version looks freshly stepped out of the shower. Ideal for showing off face structure or statement earrings.
  • Sleek Roots: For a subtler take, keep roots slicked and allow the rest of the hair to fall naturally, tucked behind the ears for elegance.

Whether worn across the entire head or just at the crown, this style lends a cool, effortless edge. It’s also ideal for taming frizz in humid spring weather.

5. Playful Braids and Grown-Up Twists

Braids are the spring staple you’ll want to try in every variation. Loose, textured, glossy, or accessorized, the sky’s the limit for how to integrate a braid into your day-to-day spring look.

  • Messy Fishtail Braids: Pair these with your favorite bright hair color or with pearl pins for a casual-yet-fashionable finish.
  • Classic Cornrows: For tight, graphic styles, cornrows embellish beautifully with pearls, metallic threads, or crystal accents.
  • Textured Plaits: Add volume mousse for an undone finish, or keep braids smooth and shiny for a polished result.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Two-braid styles, mixed textures, and braided fringe are all on-trend and allow for tons of personalization.

6. Blunt Bobs and Luxe Long Bobs (Lobs)

Crisp, geometric cuts are big this spring. The blunt bob brings an instant update to your style, while the long bob or “lob” offers a little more flexibility for those who crave movement.

  • Blunt Ends: This ultra-clean cut works especially well with straight or slightly wavy hair. It’s a statement in itself, so minimal styling is needed.
  • Textured Lobs: Adding layers or waves keeps the look from feeling too severe and brings out natural texture for a relaxed, breezy vibe.

The best thing about these lengths—they’re flattering across ages and face shapes, making them one of the most wearable trends of spring 2020.

7. The Money Piece Highlight

Enter the money piece: a face-framing highlight technique used in balayage, where lighter sections around the face mimic the effect of natural sunlight. This style instantly brightens the complexion and frames the features, making it a favorite upgrade for those looking to refresh their color without a full overhaul.

  • Soft Blonde, Caramel, or Pastel: Opt for softer hues for a subtle glow or a more dramatic pop in vivid colors for a bolder look.

Ask your stylist for tailored placement to suit your haircut and face shape.

8. Rich and Dimensional Brunettes

Chocolate browns have a fresh twist this spring. Shades like “blushed chocolate,” with subtle touches of blonde or caramel at the ends, and “glossy mocha”—deep and shiny—are trending for their richness and light-reflective brilliance.

  • Gloss Treatments: Enhance shine and maintain vibrancy with salon gloss treatments, especially beneficial for brunettes coloring at home.
  • Soft Balayage: Use freehand painting around the ends and face for a barely-there, sunlit effect that grows out gracefully.

Brunette hues this spring are all about multidimensional, healthy finishes in place of flat one-tone shades.

9. The 80s Comeback: Hair Combs and Retro Finishes

Spring 2020 continues fashion’s love affair with the 80s, serving up hair combs and vintage-inspired details.

  • Brushed-Back Texture: For this look, create a deep side part, then sweep back each side and secure with a decorative comb for an instant retro-chic edge.

This style spotlights your natural texture and works gorgeously on both straight and curly hair. Add a touch of hairspray for hold and to keep the volume up.

10. Twisted and Half-Up Hairstyles

Updos are loosening up this season. The half-up topknot and twisted styles add just enough edge while still being easy to create (and forgiving if you’re styling in a hurry).

  • Half-Up Buns: A great go-between for lazy hair days or when you want to show off natural waves while keeping hair out of your face.
  • Loose Twists: Twist sections of hair loosely and pin at the back, then finish with a decorative hairpin for instant personality.

This trend is all about balance—letting some hair hang loose for softness while keeping enough structure for a pulled-together vibe.

11. Gloss and Shine: Healthy, Polished Finishes

Whatever your style or cut, healthy hair with maximum shine is the ultimate spring accessory. Glossing treatments are trending, from high-gloss sprays to salon-level conditioning masks that amp up shine and reduce frizz.

  • Brazilian Blowouts: These treatments condition hair, seal the cuticle, and enhance manageability—a boon for color-treated and frizzy hair types as humidity returns.
  • At-Home Shine Products: Sprays and serums made for shine give a quick, high-gloss finish before you head out the door.

Remember: healthy, shiny hair never goes out of style and works beautifully for every trend covered this season.

Quick Reference Table: Top Spring 2020 Hair Trends

TrendDescriptionHow to Try It
Bright ColorsVivid hues like denim blue, rose pink, apricot redSemi-permanent color treatments or salon dye jobs
Pearls in HairPearl pins, barrettes, and string accentsClip in accessories or braid pearls into styles
Statement AccessoriesJewel flowers, crystals, gemstone pins, bold headbandsMix and stack accessories for unique looks
Slicked-Back HairWet-look and sleek roots for a polished styleUse gel or pomade and a fine-tooth comb
Money Piece HighlightLight face-framing highlights via balayageAsk stylist for custom placement
Blunt Bob & LobGeometric, sharp cuts—bob and long bobSuitable for straight to slightly wavy hair
Glossy BrunetteRich, light-reflective shades with subtle highlightGloss treatments and soft balayage
80s Hair CombsBrushed-back, parted styles with retro combsSecure sides with decorative combs
Braids & TwistsLoose, fishtail, and textured braids; playful twistsTry pearl pins or soft, messy finishes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I maintain bright hair colors during spring?

A: Use color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, wash hair with cool water, and protect from sun exposure. Add a weekly color-refreshing treatment to keep your hue vibrant.

Q: What is the “money piece” trend?

A: The money piece is a highlighted section of hair framing the face, typically applied with balayage or foil, designed to mimic sunlit hair and brighten facial features without a full head of highlights.

Q: Can I use pearl accessories on any hair type?

A: Yes, pearl accessories work beautifully on straight, wavy, and textured hair. Simply adapt the pins and clips to suit the thickness and style you’re wearing.

Q: What’s the easiest spring trend for a beginner?

A: Statement hair accessories—especially headbands, barrettes, and pearl clips—are effortless ways to capture the season’s mood with zero styling skills required.

Q: Are slicked-back hairstyles suitable for curly or coily hair?

A: Absolutely. Using the right moisturizing gel or styling cream, you can achieve a clean, slicked-back look on curly and coily hair. Accessories like pearl pins can add extra hold and polish.

Expert Tips for a Stress-Free Spring Hair Transformation

  • Test-drive bold colors with temporary or semi-permanent formulas before doing a drastic dye.
  • Mix accessories (pearls, gems, fabric bands) for a unique look—don’t be afraid to layer multiple trends.
  • Embrace your hair’s natural texture—most spring trends celebrate movement, texture, and personality.
  • Seek regular trims and conditioning treatments to maintain shine and healthy ends, especially if styling with heat or color.
  • When in doubt, consult with a reputable salon stylist for professional advice on how to best wear the season’s top trends for your individual hair type and lifestyle.

Whether you embrace one trend or try them all, Spring 2020 is the perfect time to experiment and refresh your hair with playful, polished, and creative new ideas. Let your style take flight and enjoy every vibrant, beautiful day ahead.

Sneha Tete
Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete