I Tried a Y2K Spring Curly Hairstyle—Here’s What I Did

Nothing says hello to spring like butterflies, fresh curls, and a pop of color.

My Journey to Spring Y2K Style

Add nostalgic flair to your curls with this easy Y2K-inspired look.

When I started brainstorming for this hairstyle, I was searching for a way to celebrate the spring with some curly hair love. That winter was freezing, so I didn’t get to style my hair as often as I wanted.

Once those spring temps hit, I knew it was time to get creative with a fun spring hairstyle.

What was I looking for? A vibrant, and expressive natural hair look. I took to Pinterest and explored around for some spring inspiration—tagging lots of ideas to my Natural Hairstyles Board.

Suddenly, I found it. Inspired by all things Y2K, I fell in love with butterfly clip curly hair looks.

I couldn’t resist trying this style with my natural hair for a nostalgic and playful spring vibe. After gathering butterfly clips, rhinestones, and flower hair accessories, it was time to bring the look to life.

Step #1: Give your curls some love.

What to do: Split your hair with a rat tail comb into four sections parting down the middle and from ear to ear. Spray hair with water, and slowly detangle from ends to roots. Massage in your favorite curly styler and/or oil as you go.

When I started styling, my hair needed some refreshing, so I took time to detangle and rehydrate using Tangle Teezer's Wide Tooth Comb and Naturally Curly Brush. These tools shortened my detangling time while still treating my hair gently.

What I used: My hair loves coconut products, so I used OGX Quenching + Coconut Curls Frizz Defying Curl Styling Milk.

After you detangle the back section of your hair, braid it in large sections to prep for your braid out look.

What I did: I like large wavy curls, so I did 4 chunky braids in the back of my hair.

Watch on Pinterest to see this style come together.

Step #2: Make it sleek.

What to do: Use your rat tail comb again to part hair from your front sections to make two braids that frame your face. Tie off the braids with rubber bands, leaving curls at the end. Slick down the rest of your front sections with a brush and gel. Pull back the front slicked sections into a low ponytail.

What I did: I used Wetline gel to slick my hair back and finger-coil the ends of my braids.

Step #3: Fluff + Accessorize

Undo the back braids once dry and fluff them out. Then go wild with the accessories! I used butterfly clips on the sides, flower clips in the braids, and added rhinestones for sparkle.

Why This Look Is Great

It’s fun, simple, and expressive. My curls felt healthy, refreshed, and ready to celebrate spring in style.

The butterfly clips give that trendy Y2K flair of course, but this style’s also a cute nod to the season.

I felt like a spring garden wearing this look. It’s cute look for a fun day out enjoying the season. There’s so many possibilities for ways to accessorize!

Overall, this style is:

• Cute & creative: Feels like spring in hair form

• Customizable: Switch up clips, colors, or placement

• Low-maintenance: Quick to set and touch up as needed

Want more cozy spring vibes? You deserve to feel your best this season, inside and out.
Head to the Style section for fresh looks and seasonal inspiration, or check out the Spring Adventure Guidebook for more ways to bloom and thrive this season.

Originally posted on alexisrenaemedia.com in April 2023. Updated for Explore by Lexi readers.