Seeking out a major transformation for the new year? We’d argue that all change starts with your hair – which is why we’ve enlisted the help of some brilliant and stylists to find the biggest hair trends for 2024. Read on for some inspiration.
The Biggest Hair Trends For 2024
Glamour and fun will go toe-to-toe in salons next year, as we veer between classics (glossy curls and 90s layers) and bold statements (bobs and colour blocked tresses). Intrigued? These are the hair trends to tune into come 2024:
Top Trends At A Glance
- Checkerboard Hair
- Red Wine
- 90s Layers
- Mid-Length Layers
- Coiled Bangs
- Homemade Scalp Rubs
- Velvet Tresses
- Evolved Updos
- Bespoke Extensions
- Mega Volume
- Baroque Bob
- Mini Bob
- Lived-In Locks
- Warmer Blondes
1. Checkerboard Hair
Can’t choose just one colour? You won’t have to, with the checkerboard trend. ‘I’ve seen some creative hair colour ideas being showcased by a few big names in the hair world on social media in the past few weeks – especially two toned, colour block looks that alternate on either side of the parting,’ says Phoebe Friend, a hair stylist at London-based salon SHAG!. ‘A lot of stylists are calling it checkerboard hair. It’s a really fun look and feels like an evolved version of the E-girl trend that everyone went wild for a couple of years back.’
View this post on Instagram
2. Red Wine
And while blonde may have dominated in 2023, it’s another colour that’s set to be big next year. ‘I think that a rich red wine colour will be a top contender come 2024,’ says Phoebe. ‘Dua Lipa and fashion influencer Marj Moore are rocking it, showing that the shade is a great option for people with darker natural bases – and in some cases it can be done with little to no bleach, meaning you don’t have to compromise the health of your hair to achieve it.’
View this post on Instagram
3. 90s Layers
It’s safe to say that we’ll also still be in our throwback era in 2024, with many of us still holding a soft spot for 90s aesthetics. ‘There’s no doubt that the timeless classic that is the 90’s layered look donned by Rachel and Monica from Friendsstill remains popular – it was the most requested haircut in my books during 2023,’ highlights Phoebe. ‘I feel that things are likely to be similar in 2024. Think long layers and curtain bangs with soft, textured edges paired with a bouncy blowout, as well as the addition of a big bow or pearly hair accessory to really make the look feel elegant and luxurious.’
View this post on Instagram
4. Mid-Length Layers
And the nostalgia doesn’t stop for the men either. ‘For shorter haircuts and styling, I’m predicting a resurgence of the mid-length layered look that feels very Leonardo DiCaprio in the mid to late 90s (I’m thinking during his role in Romeo and Juliet),’ confirms Phoebe. ‘I’ve seen it’s a go-to style for Heartstopper star Kit Connor, so I’m sure it’ll be in popular demand in salons and barbers across the globe from his influence alone.’
View this post on Instagram
5. Coiled Bangs
When it comes to shorter hair, Phoebe predicts that curls are the way forward: ‘I think we’ll see a boost in shorter cuts for curls too – think rounded layers with shorter coiled fringes and bangs. I’ve seen a model on Instagram that has the perfect example for this, and the results are extremely cute. Across the board I think things are looking romantic, purposeful and polished.’
View this post on Instagram
6. Homemade Scalp Rubs
Scalp care continues to be a big talking point in 2024, as more people turn to easy-to-make home remedies. ‘I think in the new year we will see a rising trend in homemade scalp scrubs,’ confirms Phoebe. ‘With the help of TikTok, we’ve learned the benefits of natural ingredients like rosemary oil and have a better understanding of the importance of scalp care when it comes to promoting hair growth. Scalp scrubs can be made with a few natural, inexpensive ingredients such as sugar and coconut oil, and when massaged onto the scalp can stimulate blood flow and aid regeneration of skin cells – in turn enriching both the hair and scalp.’
7. Velvet Tresses
Glossy locks is also high up on the list when it comes to 2024 hair trends. ‘In 2023, the appeal of velvety hair with glossy finishes was on the rise, influenced by high-end fashion,’ says Jason Crozier, hairdresser at Neville Hair and Beauty. ‘But for 2024, the trend will evolve to include iridescent pigments, reflecting the futuristic and otherworldly. Designers like Gucci continue to champion this trend, and celebrities like Zendaya have embraced the magic of iridescent tresses.’
View this post on Instagram
8. Evolved Updos
If you’re a fan of a ponytail or bun, you’ll want to try your hand at their popular 2024 renditions. Jason predicts that sculptural updos will be refined by organic textures and subtle, natural accents: ‘We saw elaborate updos taking centre stage on SS23 and AW23 runways, inspired by designers like Valentino. Now, in 2024, the trend has evolved with a touch of nature, reflecting a desire for understated elegance. Celebrities like Margot Robbie embrace this trend, embodying a harmonious blend of sophistication and natural beauty.’
View this post on Instagram
9. Bespoke Extensions
‘Custom-made extensions were gaining popularity in 2023, allowing clients to enjoy perfectly matched hair – and next year,the trend will evolve to embrace intricate textures and personalized styling,’ says Jason. ‘Celebrities like Ariana Grande opt for this level of personalization, and designers like Louis Vuitton incorporate extensions into their collections, catering to the desire for a unique, luxurious look. I’d recommend going beyond colour and length customization, opting for extensions with intricate textures and innovative styles tailored to individual personalities.’
View this post on Instagram
10. Mega Volume
As they say, go big or go home – especially when it comes to your hair. ‘Volume has already been a key player in high-end fashion, but in 2024, the trend will evolve to embrace the “bigger is better” philosophy,’ predicts Jason. ‘Designers like Schiaparelli have featured voluminous hair on the runway, with Kendall Jenner showcasing the art of mega volume. This trend brings a sense of amplified glamour, making a bold statement in the world of high-end hair and fashion.’
View this post on Instagram
11. Baroque Bob
The bob, in all its various forms, has been a crowd-pleasing hairstyle in recent years – but in 2024, the emphasis for short hair will be glamour and glossy curls. ‘Baroque-inspired curls have brought an air of opulence to the fashion world, with Versace’s runway as a prominent example. But now, the trend is set to take on a contemporary twist,’ emphasises Jason. ‘Celebrities like Zendaya continue to embrace voluminous curls, but now with a hint of avant-garde geometric shapes, offering a combination of timeless beauty and modern artistry.’
View this post on Instagram
12. Mini Bob
And speaking of bobs, they’re set to get shorter and shorter in 2024. ‘Pixie cuts, a hallmark of sophistication, will evolve to embrace both precision and versatility,’ suggests Jason. ‘Celebrities like Charlize Theron are known for their chic short cuts, but now, they can switch between bold and soft looks, highlighting their adaptability for various occasions. You can enhance the precision of short bob cuts by combining soft and bold elements, allowing for versatile styling options.’
View this post on Instagram
13. Lived-In Locks
While high-maintenance glamour remains a go-to on the runway, at home the emphasis will be on casual styles for the everyday. ‘In 2024, get ready to embrace the allure of “lived-in” beauty,’ says hair stylist and co-founder ofBarnet Fair London, Charlotte Clark. ‘Balayage and root shadows continue to captivate, proving that the artful play on colour is here to stay – and that it can still be used to elevate your style with effortless sophistication.’
View this post on Instagram
14. Warmer Blondes
Will we ever escape blonde? Probably not, if 2024 has anything to say about the hair trend. ‘The shift towards warmer tones and the rise of golden and creamy blondes in recent years has been a noticeable trend in the world of hair fashion,’ notes colour specialist and co- founder ofBarnet Fair London, Jazz Paris. ‘With advancements in hair colouring techniques and a growing appreciation for natural-looking hues, more and more individuals are opting for these shades to enhance their overall appearance. The allure of brighter, shinier and richer hair is undeniable, and it’s no surprise that the golden age of blondes is here to stay. As people continue to embrace this trend, we can expect to see even more stunning variations and innovative styles in the years to come.’
View this post on Instagram
Featured image: Raphael Lovaski, Unsplash
