Biggest Haircare Trends in 2024 According to Experts
In 2024, haircare trends are moving boldly forward, showcasing a mix of classic elegance and daring new styles. Leading experts like Tyler Moore and Robbie Purves have identified key trends including the rise of cool tones like Pearlescent White, the natural and textured looks of New Dimensions, and vibrant colors like Capri Blue. This year is also about embracing unconventional choices, from Cowboy Copper to Streaky Strands, along with evolving cuts like Mega Crops and Mixies.
What’s the latest in colour?
Pearlescent Whites
While warm-toned shades like honey and caramel are traditionally fall favourites, but in 2024 we’re expecting a big rise in cooler tones and shades of blonde like bright Pearlescent White.
Expert hair stylist at Live True London, Tyler Moore says, “To get this look bleach is painted all over the hair to make the hair one shade. The hair will need to be lifted very brightly and may take 2-3 or more sessions. Depending on the condition of your hair, it may not be achievable as it is an extremely bright shade.”
“Ask your stylist for an icy platinum all over colour, but make sure to bring reference images. Your stylist will advise you on the process of achieving this colour, but it could be a big commitment and take a long time to get that bright. You could also achieve this look with highlights, that will bring a bit more dimension.” Explains, Tyler.
New Dimensions
2024 will be all about embracing natural colour and texture. Robbie Purves, FFØR expert hair ambassador explains, “I am seeing more and more clients ask for dimensional colour - in balayage this means a more broken up placement of natural tones that are taken through to the hair ends and taking blonde highlights slightly away from the root to allow for a softer effect, as often worn by Emilia Clarke.”
Cowboy Copper
Reds and coppers will be continuing their reign well into 2024, with the cowboy copper being the latest trend to hit salon chairs, characterised by its versatile and warm leathery tones. Robbie continues, “I predict that clients are going to opt for deeper red tones, moving towards plum red and even violet hues, to echo the style worn recently by the likes of Zendaya Coleman.”
Robbie finishes, “With more clients opting for a relaxed and lived in colour, next year there will also be an increased emphasis on prioritising hair health, in particular salon treatments that help to reinforce and strengthen.”
Vibrant Capri Blues
For those looking to make a bold statement going into the new year, Vibrant Capri Blue is for you! Seen at NYFW, Vibrant Capri Blue is set to be one of the key colours for 2024 says Pantone Fashion Color Trend Report.
“This colour can be achieved by either all over bleach or highlights. Your hair will first be lifted and then a vivid colour will be applied. As always, bring reference images for your stylist so they know exactly what tone to go for.” Explains Tyler Moore. “This colour will be easiest to achieve on those who already have light hair, as the darker your hair the brighter you will have to lift it first, and the more likely it will turn warm as you do so. This can involve colour correction and be a longer process. Blues like this will also stay in the hair a lot longer, but are still high maintenance.”
Streaky Strands
Continuing to be a strong colour trend are chunky highlights… but not as we know them! Not only will we continue to see highlights framing the face, but we will see streaks of bright blonde/white placed randomly throughout the rest of the hair.
“This look is achieved like chunky highlights, with thick strands painted where desired. The look works best against the stark contrast of dark hair with no other colour in it, so we suggest pairing this look with a darker all over tint, but make sure to bring reference photos for stylists.” Shares Tyler.
Which cuts & styles can we expect to see?
Mega Crops & Mixies
Live Ture predicts the continued reign of short hair, with an emphasis on crops like the Mixie (mullet pixie) and other short and choppy cuts. These are ultra-cool but less intimidating to wear than you would expect, plus are low maintenance to style.
“The mega crop is achieved with no layering, just a sharp crop across the chin. This look works well for everyone, although the more textured your hair the more styling it will take to create a more sleek look. For curlier hair, we’d recommend trying this with some layering to prevent it from looking too triangular”, shares Tyler.
Slicked and Set
During NYFW, we saw a focus on wet look hair as well as sleek lengths and ultra-shine which are both fairly easy to achieve. Robbie Purves explains, “Simply start by adding in some extra moisturisation after you have conditioned. Follow by applying a split end hair treatment to smooth and seal any unruly or frizzy ends and blow dry hair straight in sections. For an extra high-shine, finish with a spritz of a shine mist”.
He adds, “Alternatively for a more dramatic and wet look, apply a generous amount of the gel to damp roots and comb back before drying with a diffuser head to create a ‘fresh out the shower’ look. The perfect way to add some edge to your party look.”
XL Braids
We’re seeing box braids get chunkier and longer, and we’re loving it. These XL Braids are impactful and unapologetic.
Tyler explains, “When creating braids section is key, you want to ensure that you are splitting the hair into two clean sections, ensuring the hair is all detangled. The bigger the section, the bigger the braid will be. Ensure that you are using a gel or pomade to lock the style. Start by taking your initial section as you would braid normally and start working your way back. Finish off with a styling spray to tame fly-aways and make sure to lay the hair nice and flat.”