Top 7 Must-See Hair Trends to Look For in 2024

The year 2024 promises to be a vibrant and exciting time for hair fashion.

The industry is set to be a melting pot of inspiration, drawing from the past, embracing the present, and boldly stepping into the future.

With a blend of retro influences, innovative techniques, and bold colours, the hair trends of 2024 will offer a diverse palette of styles for everyone to explore.

Whether you’re a fan of classic elegance or avant-garde creativity, there’s a trend waiting for you.

Let’s dive into the top 7 must-see hair trends to look out for in 2024.

Retro Influences

The cyclical nature of fashion ensures that what was once old becomes new again, and hair trends are no exception.

As we kickstart 2024, we’re set to see a significant resurgence of retro-inspired hair trends, harking back to the glamour and sophistication of the 1920s and 50s.

One of the key retro trends making a comeback is voluminous waves.

This style, reminiscent of the Hollywood sirens of the 50s, exudes a sense of timeless elegance.

The waves are soft and full, creating a look that’s both glamorous and sophisticated.

Pin curls, a staple of the 1920s, are also set to make a big comeback.

This technique involves curling small sections of hair and securing them with a pin while they cool, creating tight, well-defined curls.

The bob is a classic hairstyle that never truly goes out of fashion, but in 2024, we’re set to see a return to the sleek, polished bobs of the 1920s.

These bobs are cut to one length and styled to be ultra-smooth, creating a look that’s both modern and retro.

This style is perfect for those who want a chic, low-maintenance look that still makes a statement.

Balayage

Balayage, a French word meaning ‘to sweep’ or ‘to paint’, is a hair colouring technique that’s been embraced by hairstylists and clients alike for its ability to create natural, sun-kissed highlights.

As we look forward to 2024, balayage is set to continue its reign as a top hair trend, offering a versatile and flattering look for all hair types.

The magic of balayage lies in its application.

Unlike traditional foil highlights, balayage is hand-painted onto the hair, allowing for a more natural, graduated colour effect.

This technique gives the stylist the freedom to apply the colour where it will be most flattering, creating a bespoke look for each individual.

The result is a soft, sun-kissed glow that looks as if you’ve spent time in the sun, rather than in a salon chair.

One of the key reasons for balayage’s popularity is its low maintenance.

Because the colour is applied in a way that seamlessly blends with your natural hair colour, regrowth is less noticeable, meaning you can go longer between salon visits.

This makes balayage a great option for those who love the look of highlights but prefer a more relaxed approach to hair maintenance.

Contour Cutting

One hair trend that’s set to revolutionise the industry is contour cutting.

This innovative technique, which involves cutting the hair to enhance and complement the shape of the face, is akin to contouring with makeup.

It’s a bespoke approach that promises to deliver a flattering, personalised look for every individual.

Contour cutting is a technique that requires a deep understanding of face shapes and hair textures.

Much like an artist sculpting a masterpiece, a stylist utilising contour cutting will carefully shape the hair to highlight the client’s best features and soften others.

This could mean adding volume in certain areas, reducing bulk in others, or creating lines that elongate, shorten, or widen the face as desired.

The result is a hairstyle that’s not just trendy, but also uniquely tailored to the individual.

One of the key benefits of contour cutting is its ability to create a look that’s truly flattering for the individual.

By considering the client’s face shape, hair texture, and personal style, a contour cut can enhance their natural beauty in a way that a one-size-fits-all hairstyle cannot.

This level of personalisation can boost confidence and ensure that the client feels truly seen and understood by their stylist.

Innovative Hair Accessories

As we look forward to the hair trends of 2024, one area that’s set to see a significant evolution is hair accessories.

Moving beyond the traditional hair ties and clips, the future of hair accessories is all about innovation, glamour, and fun.

One of the standout trends for 2024 is jewelled headbands.

These aren’t your average headbands – they’re adorned with sparkling gems, intricate beadwork, and even precious metals.

They’re perfect for special occasions, but can also add a touch of luxury to everyday looks.

Another trend to watch out for is statement hairpins.

Expect to see hairpins adorned with pearls, shaped into unique designs, or even personalised with initials or words.

These hairpins can be used to secure a bun, tuck back loose strands, or simply add a decorative touch to any hairstyle.

Perhaps the most innovative trend of all is hair jewellery.

These pieces can be woven into braids, draped over loose hair, or used to adorn updos.

Butterfly Layers

Named for their fluttery, light-as-air quality, butterfly layers are a cutting technique designed to add volume and movement to the hair.

This trend is particularly beneficial for those with fine hair who are looking to add some oomph to their look.

The butterfly layers technique involves cutting layers into the hair in a way that creates a sense of volume and movement.

The layers are cut in a way that they appear to ‘flutter’ – much like the wings of a butterfly.

This technique can be adapted to suit different hair lengths and styles, making it a versatile option for those looking to update their look in 2024.

For those with fine hair, butterfly layers can be a game-changer.

Fine hair often lacks volume and can appear flat.

The butterfly layers technique adds much-needed volume, creating the illusion of thicker, fuller hair.

The added movement from the layers can also give fine hair a boost, making it look more lively and dynamic.

While butterfly layers can add volume and movement to the hair, the effect can be enhanced with the right styling techniques.

Hailey Bieber-Inspired Bobs

As we look forward to the hair trends of 2024, one style that’s set to make a significant impact is the Hailey Bieber-inspired bob.

This chic, modern hairstyle has been turning heads and is poised to inspire a wave of similar styles in the coming year.

Characterised by its short, blunt cut, this trend offers a bold, versatile look that’s perfect for those who want to make a statement.

The Hailey Bieber bob is a modern take on the classic bob hairstyle.

It’s characterised by its short length, typically ending at the jawline, and its blunt, even cut.

This style is both sleek and edgy, offering a look that’s sophisticated yet daring.

The simplicity of the cut allows the focus to be on the face, highlighting the wearer’s features.

One of the key appeals of the Hailey Bieber bob is its versatility.

This style can be worn straight for a sleek, polished look, or styled with waves or curls for a more relaxed, casual vibe.

It’s also a style that works well with a variety of hair textures, from fine to thick, and straight to curly.

Bold Colours

Moving away from the more traditional hues, the future of hair colour is all about being unapologetically fun and expressive.

Bold colours are not just about changing your look, but about making a statement and standing out from the crowd.

One of the standout colours for 2024 is electric blue.

This vibrant hue is not for the faint-hearted – it’s a colour that demands attention and turns heads.

Electric blue can be used all over for a bold, monochromatic look, or used as highlights or lowlights to add a pop of colour to more traditional hair colours.

This shade is perfect for those who are bold, confident, and not afraid to express their individuality.

Another colour set to make waves in 2024 is fiery red.

This colour is all about passion, energy, and drama.

Fiery red can range from a bright, true red to a deeper, more intense shade.

This colour can be incredibly flattering, adding warmth to the complexion and making a bold statement.

As we move into 2024, these top 7 must-see hair trends promise to shake up the world of hair fashion.

Whether you’re a fan of retro styles, innovative techniques, or bold colours, there’s a trend for you.

So, get ready to update your look and embrace the exciting world of hair trends in 2024.