I'm going to admit, even I'm a bit exhausted by all of the hair trends that have come our way in recent years. But I have good news, the hair trends of 2024 are proving easier to keep up with, less fleeting and more classic. While we have grown accustomed to micro-moments galore (like the ghost cut and linen blonde), 2024 is seeing a return to the classic styles that promote versatility and wearability. Just like the make-up trends and nail trends also dominating this year, the major hair trends lean into timeless styles that can be adapted for everyone.
To get to the bottom of what sorts of haircuts, hair colours and hairstyles are actually worth your time this year, I spoke with some of the world's leading hair experts—from hairdressers and stylists to colourists. Here are the 10 hair trends to have on your radar throughout 2024.
1. Bespoke bobs
I know, I know—bobs are everywhere. But 2024 has already seen a more bespoke bob come to light, in contrast to the more prescriptive styles we have seen previously. "2024 is about statement hair, chopped effortless styles [like] jaw-length bobs, which are versatile. Go for a consultation [for your stylist] to show you how the bob can work for you," says Dale Herne, hair stylist at Hershesons Fitzrovia.
The best thing about the 2024 bob is that you can wear it however you like. "Depending on your hair texture, you can really play around with the style. Wear it sleek or wavy and rounded—you can play around to create a lift in the hair where you need it. A chop like this is a great way to welcome 2024," says celebrity hairstylist and brand founder, Andrew Fitzsimons.
And as for styling your bespoke bob, you can do as you please. "A curly bob puts curls front and centre, offering a simple, yet elegant style," says Louis Driver, Senior Stylist at Bleach London. While Samuel Broadbent, hair stylist at Hershesons Fitzrovia says you can wear your bob "slicked back for an edgy look with a touch of class, or embrace a casual messy texture". The beauty of this cut is that how you wear it is entirely up to you.
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2. Texan blowouts
With the arrival of Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter, it's no surprise that we're seeing a hige resurgence when it comes to cowboy-inspired beauty and fashion looks right now. The most dominating of them all, however, is definitely the Texan blowout. Alicia Dobson, Bellissima hair ambassador and celebrity hair stylist reveals, "When describing Texan hair, I can’t help but using the words XXL or extra-long and voluminous. Forget the micro bob, long hair and hair extensions styled in a huge bouncy blow dry are back in.”
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3. Expensive hair
We've seen expensive-looking beauty edging its way onto the scene in recent months, and it's hit the mainstream in 2024. Forget undone, just-rolled-out-of-bed looks (that are actually very time consuming), this year it's all about luxe, polished finishes. "The whole idea of 'effortless', takes a lot of effort, but it's about having hair that looks super healthy, and shine is a major part of that. It's all about understated glamour," says Antoinette Beenders, Senior Vice President of Global Artistry at Aveda. And while this sounds high-maintenance, I can assure you it's not—it's just about asking for the right thing in the salon.
"Velvet hair is one of the most asked-for looks at present," says Maxine Heale, hair colourist at Hershesons Fitzrovia. "It offers the same things velvet offers: deep, rich and tonal, with a slight shimmer to create a luxe finish. It can be adapted for light blondes to your deepest brunettes." While this colour job requires expert hands to pick the right tones for depth and dimension, you're also going to find help in glosses.
The thing about maintaining expensive-looking hair? You've got to limit breakage, so strengthening masks are a must.
This clear, at-home conditioning gloss will give you the shiniest hair of your life.
4. Red alert
When it comes to colour, red is having a real moment. "Red is here to stay," says Louis. And it works for all hair types and styles. "It's one of the hottest trends for curly hair in 2024. Whether vivid or muted, it adds a fun, bold and dynamic look [through] enhancing texture, shine and volume."
Whether you fancy an apricot red, a copper red or a fiery red, the good news is you don't have to commit to something too permanent. "For the non-committal types, there are lots of semi-permanents available that you can play around with," he adds.
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To keep red tones looking their best, this shampoo is excellent.
5. Flash-shine hair
In similar vein to expensive hair, flash-shine hair also embraces all that high-maintenance, luxe-looking hair has to offer—only this time it's all in the styling products instead of the cut and colour. “As seen as Balmain SS24, the hair was freshly cleansed and then nourished to achieve super sleek ponytails with photoflash shine,” reveals hair stylist, Sam McKnight.
And it's not just on the catwalks we're seeing flash-shine looks, but out and about, too. Hair glosses have become a very popular treatment to achieve high-shine finishes, both in salon and at home. Antoinette explains, "There's another level of shine coming for 2024. I do a double gloss [after treatment]. I curated it myself, but if you want a really gorgeous shine, I take a colourless gloss treatment and do two applications on top of each other. If you want to, you can ask for a bit of gold or warmth to be added—you can get your stylist to customise the treatment to you."
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6. Adorned braids
Protective styles are definitely having a moment in 2024, according to celebrity hair stylist, Charlotte Mensah. "Braids are more in than ever. [They] have remained popular for decades because they give Black women a level of freedom through many styles," she says.
And this year, we're seeing braid adornments take centre stage. "From jumbo, micro, pencil size, extra long, knotless, rope twist to cornrows with adornments such as pearls and beads", Charlotte says we're seeing it all.
It's important to keep braids nourished and moisturised, and this hair oil is a cult favourite.
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7. Volumised layers
In further revolt against yesteryear's 'effortlessly undone' hair, we're witnessing a volume revival in 2024. "Volumising layers are making a splash in 2024," says Andrew. "What I love about these layers is that they naturally add volume throughout, depending on your natural hair texture, which is something that I am very passionate about people embracing."
And this trend couldn't be more apparent than it is with the current 'mob wife' hair trend. Where you want to go for a mob wife bob or something slightly longer, the key to that expensive-looking, 90s-esque style is all in the volumising layers.
Where your stylist cuts in the layers will make a difference to the final look. "Depending on your curl type, you can start your layers a little higher by your nose or lower by your chin—consult with your stylist to see what works best," he adds.
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8. Maple butter blonde
Okay, I vowed not to include a single food-related colour trend in this round up, but it seems I'd be missing something if I didn't mention maple butter blonde. Yep, this one is already everywhere. Also known as buttermilk blonde, maple butter blonde hair is proving a real hit this year. "As seen on Rihanna, this deliciously warm (but not too warm) colour, intertwined with ribbons of flaxen to add glossy dimension and reflection, allows for a look that suits the 'I like warm but not orange, please' lovers," says Marley Xavier, hair colourist at Hershesons Belgravia.
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9. Bow stacking
After analysing their search insights, Pinterest named bow stacking one of its biggest trend predictions for 2024, and it has already proved true. In fact, it was spotted far and wide both on catwalks and pavements throughout New York and London Fashion Weeks. The trend in short? Bows upon bows upon bows. It's forecast to be bows galore out there. "Ribbons are making a huge comeback in the world of hair," says Charlotte. "I've been adding a touch of elegance and playfulness to my hair with velvet, satin or grosgrain ribbons. They are perfect for any occasion."
10. 90s cuts
There's no way this trend report was going to finish without at least one mention of the 90s, was there? Yes, the 90s-mania trend has come for our hair, too. "The 90s return is massive," says Antoinette. "I was a hairdresser created in the 90s, in London. When I used to work in the salon, we all had short hair cuts—cool hair cuts. I think people are fed up of the squareness of a bob, and what's the opposite of square? Round – even bowl cuts."
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