If you haven’t gotten a haircut since The Before Times, you’re not alone. Thanks to our year-plus in isolation, longer hair is trending, and although salons are finally back in full swing (yay!), there’s a divide between those who want to keep their growth and those who are ready for a dramatic change. “It’s been interesting, and we’re actually seeing some people being more daring and favouring a shorter style,” says Ryan Trygstad, celebrity stylist and co-founder of Mark Ryan Salon in New York City. But the hard truth is that some hairstyles may require more than one haircut after all that time away. And for others, the longer hair has become the new normal.
If you are sticking with the length for the meantime (*raises hand*), the great news is that long hair has tons of versatility. “We’re absolutely loving shaggy layers for long hair,” says Trygstad. But don’t feel like you have to curl your hair to show off every layer. “It feels like we’re moving away from beachy waves and more towards early ’90s styles that are sleek and shiny,” says the stylist. But to achieve that glossy, healthy look, you’ll need a couple of products to help.
“At-home hair treatments are great,” says Trygstad. “I recommend that my clients use a hair mask once a week.”
The stylist also recommends using a clarifying hair treatment, which removes build-up from your hair and scalp while it conditions.
Keep scrolling for 14 celebrity long hairstyles to inspire your look.
Trygstad loves Ariana Grande’s signature high ponytail “for pool parties or going out.”
J.Lo’s longer-than-long hair isn’t for the low-maintenance among us, but go big or go home, right?
Ciara’s Instagram is a treasure trove of long-hair inspiration. Case in point: her recent sun-kissed locs.
Gigi Hadid recently dyed her hair a Queen’s Gambit–inspired shade of red and showed off the look with a 2000s-inspired style.
These snag-free elastics are just like the ones from back in the day but way less painful to take out.
Sarah Jessica Parker is showing off her curls and the SATC reboot is coming—we’re into all of it.
A curl cream reduces frizz and lets natural texture shine through without feeling crunchy. Ouai’s has the added bonus of smelling like a fancy perfume.
Zendaya put her own twist on “Cher hair” at the 2021 Oscars with her ultra-long, easy waves.
Proof Trygstad is correct in his prediction? Even Sofía Vergara, known for her signature waves, is sporting pin-straight hair as of late.
A heat protectant spray is your best friend if you often reach for the straightening iron.
Considering the new layered take on the shag cut? Look no further than Cara Delevingne’s cute style.
When in doubt, a high ponytail like Shay Mitchell’s never fails.
Long, flowing curls are a forever favourite. We love how Joan Smalls kept hers in place with a pretty headband.
This ruched Jennifer Behr headband would look just as great with a cocktail dress as it does with athleisure (as Smalls proves).
The middle part may be the official part of Gen Z, but Anya Taylor-Joy kept the side part very much alive with her glam look at the Golden Globes.
A tail comb will help you keep your part precise.
For a cool twist on the high ponytail, go for a wrapped braid like Riley Keough’s.
If you want a major change but don’t want to lose your length, remember bangs are always an option. Kacey Musgraves’s blunt style is unexpected and of-the-moment.
For medium-long haircuts, angled layers like Amanda Seyfried’s are subtler.
Up next: 7 low-maintenance hairstyles that are huge this year.
