Lisburn hairdresser Carol McClelland tells us why 2021 will have 'the fun factor' with hair

In our weekly hair styling column, hairdresser of over 20 years Carol McClelland tells us which old hairstyles are making a comeback this spring / summer.
Carol McClelland, Cutting Edge by CarolCarol McClelland, Cutting Edge by Carol
Carol McClelland, Cutting Edge by Carol

Now that Easter is over us, I am starting to get hopeful that we might soon see salons reopening.

Fingers crossed for the end of April or even the start of May. I have my eyebrow technician (Gemma Faulkner Brows) and my nail technician (Nailed by Lou) both on speed dial.

It has been a tough year for the hair and beauty industry, and now more than ever, we really need to support local salons.

Lisburn hairdresser Carol McClelland tells us why 2021 will have 'the fun factor' with hairLisburn hairdresser Carol McClelland tells us why 2021 will have 'the fun factor' with hair
Lisburn hairdresser Carol McClelland tells us why 2021 will have 'the fun factor' with hair

When salons reopen, why not get out and support your local salon. Lisburn has some of the best hair and beauty technicians in the business, so let’s get out when restrictions allow and show them our support.

Spring 2021 trends

We don’t need to be reminded just how awful 2020 was and so far, 2021 hasn’t been much different. As a hairstylist, 2020 for me was just about getting as many of my clients into my appointment book as possible when we weren’t in lockdown. It was getting roots covered and cuts to tide my clients over for as long as possible. It was the first time in my career that I wasn’t looking to see what haircuts and colours celebrities had, and what was coming down the catwalk, I wasn’t interested in trends.

But I am so excited going into spring 2021 to see new hairstyles and some old favourites making a comeback. From the mullet to colourful pixies, 2021 has that fun factor.

Lisburn hairdresser Carol McClelland tells us why 2021 will have 'the fun factor' with hairLisburn hairdresser Carol McClelland tells us why 2021 will have 'the fun factor' with hair
Lisburn hairdresser Carol McClelland tells us why 2021 will have 'the fun factor' with hair

The mullet

The 2021 mullet is a very cool haircut and has been made a lot more feminine with a softer shape. The mullet is a notorious classic that has become so versatile and can be adapted to suit a number of hair textures. Don’t think Rod Stewart when you think about the mullet, think Miley Cyrus!

Bangs

Clients love bangs because you can keep your length but yet change your style by adding a fringe, this is a great first step to the world of bangs. Wispy or blunt, there are a number of ways to choose from and your hairstylist will advise which best suits your hair.

Curtain bangs

Curtain bangs will continue to be popular this spring. They are fabulous for framing your face without a full blunt bang. When styling curtain bangs, blowdry straight down with a round brush then part into the middle. If you are feeling adventurous then I suggest colouring your curtain bangs a slightly different colour than the rest of your hair.

Centre parting

The 90’s favourite is back! Centre partings are a simple way to transform an existing haircut into a new style. Partings can easily change the whole look of a haircut.

The bob

The bob never really goes away. The classic chin length bob will always be popular because it works with all hair textures. On trend now is the ‘blunt bob’ with its clean lines, this is ideal for people who can’t get to the salon every six to eight weeks. The clean sharp ends help this style grow out while maintaining shape.

Colourful pixie

My personal favourite 2021 spring trend! What’s more drastic than a bold short style with an equally bold colour? Haircut maintenance is key to the perfect short style, as this style grows it can lose shape quite quickly. Colour maintenance is also key as bold colours will fade quickly if the correct homecare products aren’t used.

Spring colour 2021

Hair colouring is all about face framing and balayage this spring. This can be as bold or as natural as you want. Face Framing is a simple way to personalise a haircut, it doesn’t need to be dramatic to have an effect. Balayage is going to stay with us for some time yet as it is creates a more natural sun kissed colour effect. This technique can also be used to create more extreme results using fashion colours.

2021 is the time to be different, try a new style, colour or even both. Remember you can have the best haircut in the world but with the wrong colour placement you won’t see just how amazing the cut is. Trust the knowledge, skills and experience your professional stylist has.

About Carol

Carol has been a hairstylist for over 20 years, working in salons in Lisburn since she was just 13-years old.

Carol currently lives in Lisburn where she has lived ‘‘her whole life’’, and has one daughter, Sarah, who is 18-years old.

Carol explains: ‘‘I closed my salon at the start of the pandemic last year and I now rent a chair and run my business ‘Cutting Edge Hair’ from Bow Lane on Antrim Street.

‘‘Whilst I miss my salon, I enjoy the freedom chair rental brings, which has allowed me to follow my dream in qualifying to teach hairdressing. I use Alfaparf Milano products and recently completed my Master Colour Degree with them.’’

Carol now runs a weekly column in the Ulster Star and welcomes questions. Send them to: [email protected] with Hair Styling in the subject line.

Follow Cutting Edge Lisburn: @cuttingedgelisburn.