Hair Trends 2025: short shag haircuts, wrestling hairstyles & toddler braided hairstyles with beads for a stylish, modern look.
When it comes to hair trends in 2025, three unexpected but exciting styles are stealing the spotlight: short shag haircuts, wrestling hairstyles, and toddler braided hairstyles with beads. Whether you’re looking for a casual, edgy vibe, a performance-ready athletic style, or an adorable yet protective kids’ look, these trends offer something for everyone.
This year’s hair trends combine functionality, individuality, and bold self-expression. The runway, social media, and real-life street style are all buzzing with creativity, and the fusion of practical styles with fashion-forward aesthetics is stronger than ever.
Before diving deep, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what we’ll explore.
Hair fashion is having one of its most diverse and exciting years yet. The beauty of 2025’s trends is their adaptability—styles are not bound to one age group, culture, or gender. Short shag haircuts offer an effortlessly cool look, wrestling hairstyles bring a blend of practicality and power, and toddler braided hairstyles with beads showcase charm while protecting delicate strands.
This shift toward versatile, easy-to-maintain hairstyles reflects modern lifestyles: busy schedules, increased physical activity, and the desire for bold self-expression without daily salon visits.
Why 2025 Hair Trends Are About Practicality and Personality
The three trending hairstyles share two key qualities: they perform well in everyday situations and they reflect personal style.
Practicality: Shag cuts require minimal daily styling, wrestling hairstyles stay put through workouts or competitions, and toddler braids protect hair while reducing morning prep time.
Personality: Whether it’s the tousled layers of a shag, the fierce symmetry of braided wrestling styles, or the colorful beads in toddler braids, each look allows for customization.
This year, hair is not just about looking good—it’s about fitting seamlessly into how you live and who you are.
Short Shag Haircuts: The Comeback
The short shag haircut is making waves again in 2025. Its layered, choppy structure creates volume and movement, making it ideal for fine or limp hair. Popularized in the 70s and revived by rock stars and Hollywood icons, this cut has evolved into a more polished, versatile version.
Modern updates include:
Softer layers for a less choppy finish
Blunt bangs or curtain bangs for added framing
Feathered ends for a breezy, youthful effect
Celebrities like Zendaya and Florence Pugh have been spotted rocking short shag variations, cementing its spot on this year’s trend list.
Origins of the Shag Cut
The shag haircut has its roots in the 1970s, when hairstylist Paul McGregor famously cut Jane Fonda’s hair into layered, feathered pieces for the film Klute. This rebellious look quickly became a symbol of individuality and nonconformity, embraced by musicians like Mick Jagger and Joan Jett.
The short shag variant evolved later, giving a lighter, more playful spin to the original. While the 70s shag was often wild and textured, today’s short shag combines modern precision cutting techniques with strategic layering to flatter more face shapes and work with various hair types—from stick-straight strands to naturally wavy textures.
Why Short Shag Haircuts Suit All Ages
One of the biggest strengths of the short shag haircut is its adaptability.
For teens and young adults: It delivers a cool, effortlessly stylish vibe perfect for streetwear or festival fashion.
For midlife professionals: Its structured yet laid-back appearance blends seamlessly with both casual and corporate looks.
For older adults: The movement and volume can create a youthful lift, especially around the face.
Short shags work for oval, heart-shaped, and square faces and can be tailored to add height, slim the jawline, or frame the eyes.
Styling Tips for Short Shag Haircuts
Keeping a short shag looking fresh doesn’t mean hours in front of the mirror.
Air-drying with a texturizing spray brings out the natural wave.
Blow-dry with a round brush for a smoother, more polished version.
Add curls with a small barrel iron for retro rock-star vibes.
Finger comb instead of brushing to maintain volume and avoid flattening layers.
Tip: Invest in a lightweight volumizing mousse for roots and a dry texture spray for the mid-lengths to ends.
Color Trends for Shag Cuts in 2025
Hair color trends are also fueling the short shag revival:
Soft balayage for a sun-kissed, natural effect.
Copper and auburn tones for a bold, statement-making look.
Face-framing highlights to accentuate bangs and layers.
Peek-a-boo streaks of vibrant blue, pink, or green for a rebellious twist.
These color choices enhance the movement and depth of shag layers, making them appear fuller and more dimensional.
Wrestling Hairstyles: From the Ring to the Runway
Wrestling hairstyles are no longer limited to sports arenas—they’re making appearances on runways and Instagram feeds. Known for their durability, sleekness, and bold style, these hairdos are designed to stay intact during intense physical activity while still looking sharp.
The most popular choices in 2025 include:
Dutch braids for a secure, streamlined look.
Space buns for a playful yet functional style.
Warrior braids (multiple small braids leading into a bun or ponytail) for an edgy, powerful effect.
Fashion designers have started pairing wrestling hairstyles with athleisure collections, merging sport and style.
Popular Wrestling Hairstyles for 2025
Double Dutch Braids with Undercut – Combines sleek braiding with edgy shaved sides.
Braided Mohawk – Tight cornrows leading to a voluminous central braid or bun.
Bubble Ponytail – Sections secured with elastics, giving a bold, structured look.
Triple Rope Braid Pony – Three thick braids joined into one power ponytail.
These styles balance function and flair, making them suitable for both competitive sports and street style.
How to Keep Wrestling Hairstyles Intact During Activity
Athletes and active individuals rely on strong-hold products and strategic techniques:
Use silicone-coated elastics for grip without damage.
Apply light styling gel to tame flyaways.
Secure ends with clear elastics and conceal them within the braid for a sleek finish.
For buns, cross-pin with bobby pins in an “X” shape for maximum hold.
Sweat-resistant hairsprays have become a staple for maintaining neatness throughout intense matches or workouts.
Men’s Wrestling Hairstyles
Men in wrestling often opt for styles that combine masculinity with practical edge:
Fade with Braids – A skin fade on the sides with cornrows or twists on top.
Viking-Inspired Braids – Long hair braided tightly for a fierce, historical warrior look.
Half-Up Bun with Braids – Keeps hair off the face while leaving some length loose for style.
These styles also translate well to everyday wear, blending athleticism with modern grooming trends.
Toddler Braided Hairstyles with Beads: Cute Meets Cultural
Toddler braided hairstyles with beads have been cherished for generations, combining practical hair protection with vibrant, expressive style. In 2025, these hairstyles are more popular than ever, thanks to their versatility, durability, and the adorable aesthetic they bring.
For toddlers, braids prevent tangling, reduce breakage, and encourage healthy hair growth. Beads add a playful and personalized touch, making each style unique to the child.
Popular reasons parents love them:
Long-lasting—styles can hold for 1–3 weeks with proper care.
Low-maintenance—less time spent detangling in the morning.
Creative freedom—endless color and bead combinations.
Cultural Importance of Braids and Beads
Braids and beads hold deep cultural and historical significance, particularly in African, Caribbean, and African American communities. For centuries, braids have served as a form of identity, storytelling, and artistry, often indicating tribal affiliation, social status, or milestones.
In African cultures, beads carry symbolic meaning—colors can represent prosperity, health, or spirituality. Passing down these styles to younger generations is a way of preserving tradition while celebrating individuality.
How to Choose Beads for Toddler Hairstyles
When selecting beads for toddlers, safety is the priority.
Material: Use lightweight plastic or wood to avoid strain on delicate hair.
Size: Ensure beads are large enough to prevent choking hazards but small enough to look proportional to the braid size.
Attachment: Secure beads with elastic bands or bead stoppers to prevent slipping.
Colors: Bright, cheerful hues are toddler favorites, but color-coding can also help children develop early learning skills.
Best Braided Styles for Toddlers in 2025
Cornrows with Colorful Beads – Classic, neat rows finished with rainbow beads.
Box Braids with Pastel Beads – A protective style that can be worn loose or tied up.
Halo Braid with Pearlescent Beads – Perfect for special occasions like birthdays or weddings.
Double Pigtail Braids with Bead Accents – Cute and easy for active play.
Each style can be adapted with different parting patterns—zig-zag, heart-shaped, or geometric—to add an extra fun factor.
Maintaining Toddler Braided Hairstyles
Even with long-lasting braids, maintenance matters:
Night protection: Use a silk or satin bonnet to reduce frizz.
Scalp care: Lightly oil the scalp with coconut or jojoba oil to prevent dryness.
Gentle washing: Dilute shampoo in water and squeeze over the scalp rather than scrubbing.
Check bead security: Ensure beads remain tightly fastened to avoid choking hazards.
Blending Trends: Short Shag Meets Beads or Braids
Creative stylists are experimenting with trend fusion—think short shag haircuts with braided sections accented by beads. This hybrid style merges the edgy movement of a shag with the cultural artistry of braiding.
Similarly, wrestling hairstyles are getting bead upgrades, especially in festival and performance settings, where functionality meets bold decoration.
Celebrity Inspiration for 2025 Hair Trends
Hailey Bieber spotted in a tousled copper short shag on Instagram.
Bianca Belair continuing her signature long braided pony in wrestling events.
Blue Ivy Carter showcasing toddler-friendly braided styles with beads alongside her mother Beyoncé.
These public figures are driving demand for both everyday wear and statement-making looks.
Haircare Products for 2025 Styles
With rising demand for eco-friendly and multi-functional products, here are top picks:
Sulfate-free shampoos for gentle cleansing.
Leave-in conditioners for braid hydration.
Matte texture sprays for short shag volume.
Sweat-resistant hair gels for wrestling styles.
Pro tip: Choose products with natural oils like argan, coconut, or avocado for both nourishment and shine.
DIY vs. Professional Styling for These Trends
DIY: Great for simple shag trims or basic braids at home—saves money and allows for personal experimentation.
Professional: Best for precision shag cutting, complex wrestling braid designs, and toddler bead installation for safety and neatness.
Salon visits may cost more, but longevity and polish often justify the investment.
Accessories that Complement These Styles
Short Shag Haircuts: Minimalist hair clips, patterned headbands.
Wrestling Hairstyles: Sweatbands, metallic hair cuffs.
Toddler Braids: Themed beads, satin ribbons.
These accessories add both style and function, enhancing the look while keeping hair in place.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Each Trend
Short Shag Haircuts: Over-thinning layers, leading to limpness.
Wrestling Hairstyles: Using rubber bands that snap hair.
Toddler Braids: Over-tightening, which can cause scalp irritation.
Avoiding these pitfalls ensures longevity, comfort, and healthy hair growth.
Social Media Hashtags to Follow in 2025
#ShortShagCut
#ShagHair2025
#WrestlingHair
#AthleticHairstyles
#ToddlerBraids
#BraidsWithBeads
#ProtectiveStyles
These hashtags are not just trend trackers—they’re inspiration boards for your next salon visit.
How to Transition Between These Styles
From short shag to braids: Grow out the layers slightly for better grip and braid security.
From braids to wrestling styles: Remove beads, moisturize hair, and re-style into tighter sport-ready designs.
From wrestling hairstyles to shag cuts: Trim off ends damaged from frequent tight styles.
Seasonal Adaptations for These Hair Trends
Summer: Lighter layers for shags, high buns for wrestling styles, and brightly colored beads for toddler braids.
Winter: Deeper, richer hair colors for shags, braided ponytails under beanies, and bead tones in warm, earthy shades.
Best Salons Specializing in These Styles
Short Shag Experts: Sally Hershberger Salon, NYC
Wrestling Hairstyles: The Braid Bar, Los Angeles
Toddler Braids & Beads: African Pride Hair Studio, Atlanta
Many of these salons offer Instagram portfolios to browse before booking.
The hair trends of 2025—short shag haircuts, wrestling hairstyles, and toddler braided hairstyles with beads—prove that beauty and practicality can go hand in hand. From the retro charm of a choppy shag to the athletic edge of wrestling braids, and the cultural vibrancy of toddler bead styles, these trends offer endless possibilities for self-expression.
As the year unfolds, expect to see more hybrid styles, eco-friendly products, and social media-fueled creativity shaping how we wear our hair. Whether you choose one of these looks or blend them, 2025 is all about making your hair work for you and speak for you.
FAQs
Are short shag haircuts high maintenance?
Not at all—most shags are designed to air-dry beautifully with minimal effort.
Can wrestling hairstyles damage hair?
If done too tightly or too often, yes. Loosen tension and take breaks between styles.
How long do toddler braided hairstyles with beads last?
Usually 1–3 weeks, depending on activity level and care.
Do beads add weight to toddler braids?
If chosen correctly (lightweight plastic or wood), the weight is minimal and safe.
Can I mix wrestling hairstyles with beads for adults?
Absolutely—many festival looks combine tight braids with decorative beads.
Is balayage good for short shag haircuts?
Yes—it enhances texture and creates the illusion of volume.
