Is 2026 the New 2016? A Throwback to Iconic Black Hair Trends

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(Picture: Pinterest) If social media is anything to go by, “2026 is the new 2016” is the mood right now. Across Instagram and TikTok, people are reminiscing about who they…

blonde jumbo box braids 2016 Black hair trends FroHub

(Picture: Pinterest)

If social media is anything to go by, “2026 is the new 2016” is the mood right now. Across Instagram and TikTok, people are reminiscing about who they were in 2016, the fashion, the music, the confidence… and of course, the hair.

For the Black community, 2016 was a defining year for Afro hair, protective styling, and self-expression. It marked a time when natural hair became more visible, braids were unapologetically bold, and Afro hair thrived both online and offline.

Let’s jump onto the trend and look back at the 2016 Black hair trends that we all loved.

2016 Black Hair Trends

Lace Front Wigs

2016 was when lace fronts really started popping off. What used to feel like a celeb-only thing suddenly became part of everyday hair culture. They offered versatility, convenience, and a protective way to switch up your look without manipulating natural hair too often.

Middle-part, bone-straight wigs were everywhere, alongside deep wave and body wave textures. While installs weren’t quite as flawless as they are now, the confidence was still unmatched.

brown lace frontal FroHub

black lace frontal FroHub

burgundy lace frontal FroHub

chocolate brown lace frontal

(Pictures: Pinterest)

Jumbo Box Braids

Jumbo box braids had us in a chokehold in 2016. The bigger the braid, the better. Long, bold, and low-maintenance, they were perfect for busy schedules and still looked good weeks later.

Jumbo box braids were often styled waist-length and finished with a clean middle or side part. They weren’t just practical; they were fashionable and empowering. And judging by how popular they still are today, this is one trend that never really left.

brown jumbo box braids FroHub

black jumbo box braids FroHub

ginger jumbo box braids FroHub

black jumbo box braids FroHub

(Pictures: Pinterest)

Bold Colours

2016 was not the year for playing it safe with colour. Bold hair colours took centre stage as many experimented with vibrant shades to express individuality and confidence.

From blonde and ginger to burgundy and purple, colour was worn proudly. Colour became a way to stand out and express personality, whether it was on natural hair, wigs or braids. It was all about having fun with your look and not worrying too much about the rules.

purple box braids FroHub

burgundy box braids with gold cuffs FroHub

purple ombre box braids FroHub

burgundy box braids FroHub

(Pictures: Pinterest)

Gold Hair Jewellery

If your braids didn’t have gold cuffs or beads, were they even finished? Hair jewellery was everywhere in 2016 and instantly levelled up any style.

Whether subtly placed or fully loaded throughout the hair, gold hair jewellery elevated even the simplest styles and became a defining detail of 2016 Afro hair trends.

black box braids with gold hair jewellery 2016 hair trends FroHub

(Pictures: Pinterest)

Crochet Braids

Crochet braids had a major moment in 2016. For anyone who wanted a quick and affordable protective style, crochet braids were the way to go. They were easy to install, easy to maintain and gave maximum volume with minimal effort.

Curly crochet styles were especially popular, and for many people, crochet braids was the go-to style when you needed something cute but low stress.

black curly crochet braids FroHub

curly crochet braids FroHub

black curly crochet braids FroHub

(Pictures: Pinterest)

Pixies

2016 also gave us the confidence to go short. Pixie cuts became more popular, showing that Afro hair doesn’t need length to make a statement.

Whether styled sleek, curly or with finger waves, pixie cuts were giving grown, confident and carefree energy, and they still are.

straight pixie FroHub

red pixie FroHub

curly pixie FroHub

blonde pixie FroHub

(Pictures: Pinterest)

Whichever one of these trends you swore by, we can definitely say 2016 was a moment for Black hair. And as we see these styles creeping back into the spotlight, it’s clear that Afro hair trends never really disappear; they just evolve. But remember great hair isn’t just about following trends – it’s about culture, confidence and slaying in whichever hairstyle you feel good in.

For more hair inspiration, expert tips and easy how to guides on Afro hair care, explore our Afro hair tutorials and keep your hair looking its best all day, everyday.

Is 2026 the New 2016? A Throwback to Iconic Black Hair Trends