Want a jumpstart on 2024 hair trends? We've got the top hair stylists involved and tapped them up for their expert predictions. The good news is, there are no rules – because experimentation is in. “I think we will see more and more creative ways that hair is incorporated [into a look],” says celebrity hair stylist, Jay Birmingham, whose clients include Sofia Richie. And bold cuts are on the menu. “I would love to see more daring, short cuts in contrast to the usual super glam Hollywood waves. Iris Law does this so well,” Jay adds.
Some familiar trends remain (looking at you, layers), but they'll be getting a little update – and one accessory in particular will be everywhere. “In 2023 we saw a lot of modern takes on classic looks, this will continue well into 2024 with edgier spins,” reckons celebrity hair stylist, Andrew Fitzsimons, who counts the Kardashians as clients. “I also anticipate that accessories will become bigger, more vibrant and more fun as a continued way of self expression through hair,” he adds.
Here's the 2024 hair trends set to hog the spotlight this year…
Hair bows
Before we even begin with cuts, we have to address the accessory in the room. Hair bows are big, both in size and in influence. If you didn't already jump on the trend as it took off in 2023, no worries – 2024 is your moment. The pretty addition can level-up an ordinary outfit with a little extra interest. We love them wrapped around ponytails, braids, buns and half updos. Classic black velvet will never go wrong, but we expect to see them in all different fabrics (organza, silk, metallic) and all different shades.
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Frame layers
One trend that's only going to increase its impact in 2024 are layers, with an emphasis on face-framing. Hence: frame layers. “As a theme, so many of the trending cut shapes for 2024 will incorporate some ‘Rachel-esque’ face framing and feathered layers. This can work on various hair lengths or silhouettes and thanks to the finer, more delicate nature of the hair around the hairline, utilising this haircut element will also help your hair look fuller and healthier,” confirms top hair stylist and trend forecaster, Tom Smith.
It's a great shout if you want to keep your length without things feeling limp. “If you opt to keep your hair on the longer side – don’t let your hair wear you. Hair that’s not tailored can swamp your features. I would always encourage face framing tendrils and soft movement to open the facial features. It adds volume, body and interest to hair,” explains celebrity hairstylist and ColorWow international creative director, Dom Seeley. “If you don’t want to add layers through the internal sections of your hair, then layering the perimeter (face framing) will add dimension, which makes for easier cool-girl styling,” he adds. “We’re going to see less blunt, straight chops, and more wispy layers,” agrees Andrew. “If you have hair that is more on the textured side, I recommend a shorter look as it enhances your curls and can be shaped depending on your curl type,” he says.
Within the face-framing and layered hair camp though, there's plenty of room to play around. Butterfly layers offer a hybrid between two of 2023's biggest trends. "It’s a marriage between the curve cut, rounded haircuts and the butterfly cut," explains Dom. “It will leave the length and really open up the face, giving you a ton of movement and layers,” he says. “The wolf cut hits differently on curly hair,” says Louis Driver, senior stylist at Bleach London. “Inspired by the ’70s, it works well showcasing all of the texture,” he adds. The hush cut “is a really soft wispy, feathery haircut. It’s a much softer take of the shag but it’s within that family,” says Adam Reed, pro hairstylist and editorial ambassador for L’Oreal Professionnel. The Rachel 2.0 is going strong – “it offers a strong external, shape, shattered into for a more modern edge and soft blunt face framing layers shaping a crescent around the face,” says Adam. And invisible layers are the barely there addition that melt into hair but give longer length texture and body.
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And we have all the inspo…
The Italian bob
Bobs are staying put, with one in particular capturing everyone's attention. “For me, bobs will reign supreme, going chicer and more Italian (heavy, chunky and rounded with volume)," says Dom. “The Italian bob has more of a glamour to it, it's more voluminous and polished but with body and movement,” he adds. “Inspired by the legendary Sophia Loren and emulated a million times over this is a classic,” concurs Adam, though he points out, “this years take is softer, more youthful and slightly more romantic over a classically sexy finish.” Also referred to as the ‘baroque bob’: “I really think this shape will have its moment well into 2024,” says Andrew. “It is a chin-length bob with beachy waves and can be super versatile to suit any face shape. Zendaya has been rocking this look recently, and I love it,” he says.
As for how to get it right, “the sweet spot for this type of bob is to cut it somewhere between the chin and collarbone, but without layers,” says Dom. “We are seeing a blunt, fuller cut that has a weight to it,” he adds.
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‘Long enough to tie up, yet short enough to turn heads.’
Modern midi
The midi offers the best of both worlds: it's short enough to feel fresh and styled, but long enough to give versatility. And turns out, it's pretty darn stylish, too. The midi has seen a comeback in recent years since it works well against the shag, the wolf cut and even the ‘90s Rachel, but “for 2024 the cut is becoming more refined and polished – it’s a more sophisticated cut that’s less layered but still has some layering” says Dom adding that the modern midi is “cool, effortless and more versatile due to the softness in the internal layers.”
“Adding some long layers to keep it fresh with a regular trim is best for a midi cut, to keep it simple but looking clean and healthy,” agrees Jay. "And if you are feeling adventurous, maybe change the colour up a bit. Khloe Kardashian recently rocked this look,” Andrew says.
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Halo hair
Want dreamy hair to rival an angels? You'll need to know about the halo haircut. “A halo silhouette describes the shape of your haircut (whether it’s the shape that frames your face or the actual outer silhouette of the haircut). Rounded ‘halo’ like silhouettes are going to be a huge overarching theme for haircut shapes in 2024,” says Tom. The halo haircut features “a rounded shape but can have layers and a fringe so it’s perfect for if you wear your hair natural,” agrees Dom. “This cut can be embraced by all hair types to varying degrees and will hero natural curls and textured hair the most. Straighter hair types can also embrace this trend by working with curved bangs, rounded face framing, and gentle mid-length layers,” Tom adds.
For curly girls, it's all about embracing the shape, fullness and texture in its entirety," says Louis. “Have a shape and dry cut (if you wear your hair natural and always curly) as this can breathe life into coils and curls and give it style. You want balance and fullness, as curly or coily hair can fall into a triangular shape,” says Dom. “You want to round off the shape, giving height and volume while maintaining length,” he adds.
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Short chops
In the mood to lop the lot off? “I see shorter hairstyles making a huge revival for 2024. The last half of 2023 saw so many women brave the chop and it’s got an elevated chicness to it. The shorter haircuts of 2024 will have so much variation. I’ve already seen pixies making a creeping comeback. Taylor Hill is currently wearing a version of it that's so modern, fresh, and feminine,” says Dom. “The 2024 pixies will be soft, feminine and rounded with curls and texture rather than razored and androgynous, which we have seen. It’s well-cut around the perimeter but has weight, softness, and length throughout to really allow you to wear and play around with so many styles,” he adds.
“I absolutely love a textured pixie cut. This look allows you to embrace your natural texture without requiring a lot of styling, and you can wear it however you want. I personally love a slicked-back textured pixie,” says Andrew. “To ensure it stays in place, I recommend using the Andrew Fitzsimons Hard Strong Hold Hairspray,” he adds.
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Fringes
A fringe is the easiest way to update your look and there are two versions that our experts have pinpointed for 2024. “The Birkin fringe is the ultimate cool girl update, this really is the most copied hair ever,” says Adam. “Nonchalant and undone, it's heavy with a soft feathered edge,” he adds. Meanwhile, Andrew is on team baby bangs, which see the length lopped off above brows. “I definitely think we will see the return of baby bangs in 2024. Curtain bangs made a comeback recently, and I believe we will see that trend continue on to shorter baby bangs this year,” he says. You heard it here first.
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