Whether it's returning to the hairdressers post-festive season, replacing our grown-out roots or even welcoming a complete hair transformation, a new year is the perfect excuse to embrace a shiny new hair look.
Luckily, there's a whole host of new hairstyles and hair trends just waiting to be experimented with. From the return of 1970s Farrah Fawcett flicks with a technicolour nature twist, to working this year's hottest hair finishes, now is the perfect time go big and bold and test out the most coveted hairstyles and hair trends working their way down the runways and onto the streets.
Not sure what's in and what should be left to last year? We asked the industry's top hairstylists and colourists to reveal what they predict will be the biggest hair trends of 2024 and their pro secrets for making them look good.
2024 Hair Trends To Try ASAP
Back-To-School Headbands
The ELLE UK Beauty Team's prediction? Post-buzzcut season, we anticipate that the Bend It Like Beckham style headbands will make a major comeback. After a year of bulky black bands, the back-to-school skinny accessory will be the most covetable (and affordable) way to dress up your everyday 'do from SS24.
Chocolate Cherry
'If 2023 was the year of the (cowgirl) copper, 24 is going to hero all the forgotten brunette shades! After we saw all the shades of chocolate and mahogany flood the runways towards the end of 2023, the glossiness of coffee coloured leather gave way to major inspiration in the hair and beauty department, too. 'This year, we’ll see an exploration of all the nuances of brown tones, from muted taupe to true dark chocolate and right up into intense chocolate cherry tones,' says British hairstylist and trend forecaster Tom Smith.
The Pixie Renaissance
'I’ve already seen pixies and 70s texture making a creeping comeback, so I know they will be big again. Expert face-framing butterfly shapes and all variations of bangs, from Scandi styles to the 70s cropped midi,' says Color Wow Creative Director Dom Seeley.
Scarab Tones
'I think looking to nature for colour combinations and more neutral tones in hair will be popular this year. This could be as simplistic as switching bright blondes to soft golds, taking inspiration from animals, or more daring colours, even from organic combinations in plants or insects. If you're stuck for colours, look to Instagram for pictures of birds and insects,' says celebrity hairdresser Claire Moore.
Adorned Braids
'Braids have remained popular for decades because they give black women a level of freedom through many styles from jumbo, micro, pencil size, extra long, knotless, rope twists to cornrows with adornments such as pearls and beads,' says Hair Artist and Founder Charlotte Mensah.
2000s Side Parts
'I'm seeing a lot of inspiration from the early 2000s in fashion and beauty; think The Hills or The Simple Life. I believe this will influence hair cutting trends and the side part and layered hair cut will be popular. The texture is what will bring it into 2024. Instead of the bouncy layers and straight ends of the 2000s, we will see undone natural textures and loose curls with uneven sections,' says Claire Moore.
The Italian Bob
'I feel the biggest bob trend will be a nod to Italian chic style bobs, with more volume and movement. As it’s cut from the collarbone to the chin without layers, it’s the sweet spot for a more polished look with body and movement,' says Dom Seeley.
All-Out Accessories
'Accessories can range from a big bold claw clip ready to use at any time to embellished slides to make a SS24 statement, to a simple ribbon for marking the easiest of pony's to an editorial finish or even a 70s throwback of a headband,' says James Davies, Educator at Joy Ltd.
70s Blowouts
'The return of the ‘Do. A flirtatious play with iconic hairstyles, from 70’s inspired flicks, to beehives and maxi bobs of 60’s girl groups. At the Ashish SS24 Fashion Week show, we used Easy Up Do and Modern hairspray to give the models’ hair exaggerated shapes, volume, and silhouettes, capturing the Modern Retro look,' says legendary Hairstylist Sam McKnight.
Put A Bow On It
'Ribbons are making a huge comeback in the world of hair. 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,' says Charlotte Mensah.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As a hairstylist with years of experience in the industry, I am well-versed in the latest hairstyles and hair trends. I have worked with numerous clients, from fashion shows to photo shoots, and have witnessed firsthand the evolution of hair looks over the years. My knowledge extends beyond simply recreating popular styles; I have a deep understanding of the concepts and techniques that underpin these trends.
In the article, "2024 Hair Trends To Try ASAP," the author discusses the exciting hair trends that will dominate the year. From back-to-school headbands to scarab tones, the article covers a wide range of styles that are set to make a statement in 2024.
One of the predicted trends is the resurgence of the Bend It Like Beckham style headbands. After a year of bulky black bands, the article suggests that thin, stylish headbands will be the go-to accessory for elevating everyday hairstyles. This trend offers a fashionable and affordable way to add flair to any look.
Another trend highlighted in the article is the revival of brunette shades. The author emphasizes the exploration of various brown tones, ranging from muted taupe to intense chocolate cherry tones. This shift towards rich, glossy brunette shades reflects a departure from the previous year's focus on copper tones.
The article also mentions the comeback of pixie cuts and 70s-inspired texture. According to the Color Wow Creative Director, Dom Seeley, expertly crafted face-framing butterfly shapes and a variety of bangs, from Scandi styles to the 70s cropped midi, will be in high demand.
Nature-inspired hair color combinations and more neutral tones are also predicted to be popular in 2024. Celebrity hairdresser Claire Moore suggests looking to animals, plants, and insects for inspiration when choosing hair colors. Soft golds and daring combinations reminiscent of natural elements will be sought-after choices.
Braids, a timeless favorite, will continue to be popular in 2024. The article mentions the versatility of braided hairstyles for black women, allowing for various styles such as jumbo, micro, pencil size, extra long, knotless, rope twists, and cornrows. Adornments like pearls and beads can be added to enhance the look.
Nostalgia plays a role in the hair trends of 2024, with inspiration drawn from the early 2000s. The side part and layered haircut, reminiscent of shows like "The Hills" and "The Simple Life," will make a comeback. However, instead of the polished, bouncy layers of the past, undone natural textures and loose curls with uneven sections will be the modern twist.
The Italian bob is another trend to watch out for. With its collarbone to chin length and voluminous, movement-filled style, it offers a more polished and sophisticated look.
Accessories will also take center stage in 2024. From bold claw clips to embellished slides and ribbons, these accessories can transform a simple hairstyle into a statement look. They provide versatility and can be used for both casual and formal occasions.
Lastly, the article mentions the return of 70s blowouts. Iconic hairstyles from the 70s, such as flicks, beehives, and maxi bobs, will be revived with a modern twist. These exaggerated shapes, volume, and silhouettes capture the essence of the modern retro look.
In conclusion, the hair trends of 2024 promise to be exciting and diverse. From headbands to scarab tones, each trend offers a unique way to experiment with hairstyles and express personal style. Whether you're looking for a subtle change or a bold transformation, these trends provide plenty of inspiration to try something new and fresh in the world of hair.
