The second month of the year has arrived, and I'm already thinking about which hair trends we'll look back on at the end of 2024 and note were BIG. It'll come as no surprise that last year paved the way for short haircut trends, with many of us (read: pretty much the entire Who What Wear UK team) flocking to the salon to chop our lengths into every iteration of a bob haircut going, from blunt bobs to the Italian bob and inverted bobs. And there's no doubt about it—a quick scroll of Instagram confirms that short hairstyles are here to stay well into this year. From a colour perspective, salons were inundated with requests for red hair, from cowboy copper to cherry cola red, as one of the year's biggest hair colour trends of the year.
So, what hair trends lay in store for 2024? From trending haircuts to the hair colours we'll see everywhere I asked Jason Crozier, art director at Neville Hair & Beauty, for all the insights on the hair trends we'll be wearing in 2024.
The Biggest Hair Trends of 2024
1. Barqoue Bob
Just when we thought we'd seen all the possible types of bob haircuts, another iteration has entered the chat. The "baroque bob" is set to be a big hair trend in 2024, according to Crozier, which lends itself well to those with natural curls or longer bob haircuts that have grown out. "Baroque-inspired curls bring an air of opulence, with Versace’s runway as a prominent example," he says. "In 2024, the trend will evolve with a contemporary twist. 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."
If you're not blessed with natural curls, curling wands are your go-to for creating volume and body with your bob.
Shop the Trend:
Hershesons' new Wavemaker creates the bounciest waves and curls.
If you're already blessed with curls, then this conditioner will provide them with shine and definition.
The OG for creating salon blowouts and smooth, sleek styles instantly.
2. Elevated Updos
With our love of all things old money showing no signs of slowing in 2024, you can expect to see more classic updo hairstyles dominating in 2024. However, these sculptural styles will have an undone element that makes them all the more wearable. "In 2023, we saw elaborate updos taking centre stage on runways, inspired by designers like Valentino," says Crozier. "Now, in 2024, the trend will evolve with a touch of nature, reflecting a desire for understated elegance and sophistication," he says. Think updos with tendrils and natural texture shining through.
Shop the Trend:
This styling spray gives hair just enough grip to keep updos in place all day and night.
From taming flyaways to creating sleek buns, this pomade gives a smooth finish.
You can never have too many hair pins, right?
3. Velvet Hair
Healthy, shiny hair resembles luxurious fabrics like velvet and silk, which have a lustrous glimmer and movement. In essence, treating your hair as a luxury fabric can elevate your look, whether it be through good at-home haircare, glossing treatments or in-salon colour that leaves a multi-dimensional shine. "The appeal of velvety hair with glossy finishes is on the rise, influenced by high-end fashion," notes Crozier. "In 2024, the trend will evolve to include otherwordly iridescent pigments. Designers like Gucci continue to champion this trend, and [we're seeing] celebrities embrace the magic of iridescent tresses," he says.
Shop the Trend:
If you want shiny, swishable lengths, this hair gloss delivers.
Designed to counter brassy tones, this hair mask revives dull hair colour, lending it a new lease of life.
This clear conditioning gloss adds serious lustre to lengths.
4. Volume
Volume is something that a lot of us want to achieve in our hair, and it's a key characteristic we'll see in general across 2024's hair trends. "In 2023, volume was already a key player in high-end fashion. In 2024, [we will] embrace the ‘bigger is better’ philosophy," predicts Crozier. "Designers like Schiaparelli have featured voluminous hair on the runway, with Kendall Jenner showcasing the art of mega volume," he says. "Achieve [it] by using volumising products, teasing techniques and high-quality extensions to create dramatic, voluminous hair."
Shop the Trend:
A blowdry brush like this viral one from Revlon is key to unlocking bouncy volume.
This texturising foam creates lift, volume and texture.
I love this mousse for lending definition to curls whilst hydrating, leaving hair bouncy.
5. Mini Bob
Our current penchant for shorter lengths means many more of us will be getting braver in the salon chair, opting for cuts like the "mini bob", which can fall anywhere between the cheekbones to the jawline. "Enhance precision in short bob cuts by combining soft and bold elements, allowing for versatile styling options," says Crozier, who recommends experimenting with blunt cuts that can also be softened with waves and curls, or worn super sleek. "Mini bobs can switch between bold and soft looks, highlighting their adaptability for various occasions," he says.
Shop the Trend:
From smoothing to curling, you can't beat GHD's original hairstyler for styling your bob haircut.
This lightweight serum won't weigh down lengths and imparts a healthy shine.
Short hair can be prone to becoming greasy quickly. A good clarifying shampoo will leave hair feeling light and swishable.
6. XL Lengths
Whilst short styles won't be going anywhere, longer lengths are making a comeback again, with Crozier predicting that extensions will be popular in 2024. "Custom-made extensions are gaining popularity, allowing clients to enjoy perfectly matched hair," he says. "In 2024, the trend will evolve to embrace individual textures and personalised styling, catering to the desire for a unique, luxurious look."
Brands such as Ruka look after textured hair, allowing seamless matches for all curl types, and salons such as Neville Hair & Beauty offer professional bespoke extension services that allow you to experiment with different lengths and colours to update your look. And if you're looking to grow your hair out long, there have never been more targeted treatments to help encourage healthy hair growth.
Shop the Trend:
Ruka's hair extensions cater to a wide range of curl patterns and textures.
Everyone I know swears by these hair gummies for hair growth—they really work.
Price shown is members' price. This kit has everything you need to grow longer, stronger and thicker hair, addressing hair growth from the inside and out.
7. Hair Bows
Everywhere we look right now, hair ribbons and bows are tied into ponytails, secured in buns and adorning hair accessories. And the data backs it up. According to Clearpay, searches for bows, hair ties and hair ribbons are up over 100%. Not only do they look chic, but adding these to your hair is the easiest way to elevate your style without having to put a tonne of effort in. Opt for plush velvet bows that pin into the hair, or buy a reel of grosgrain ribbon to tie into a ponytail—it couldn't be easier. Look for luxe textures such as velvet, satin and ribbon for an elegant finish.
Shop the Trend:
Make your hair look expensive in an instant.
Perfect for tying into ponytails.
A timeless hair accessory that will see you through season to season.
8. Bambi Blonde
Bambi blonde has been taking off, and we can only expect to see more of this warm, buttery and multi-tonal hair colour in 2024. Speaking to Who What Wear UK, Zoe Irwin, creative director at John Frieda salons, says: "It’s a layering technique which does away with painstaking highlights in favour of thicker slices of honey, caramel, beige and gold tones that blend seamlessly," she says.
Shop the Trend:
Helps to brighten highlights in blonde hair in between salon visits.
Keeps brassiness at bay.
Adds an expensive lustre to lengths.
9. The Kitty Cut
If 2023 was the year of the butterfly cut, the kitty cut is 2024's version. Featuring a cropped, collarbone length cut with blown-out, face-framing layers, we're expecting this feline style to take off this year.
Shop the Trend:
Creates a salon-worthy blowdry at home.
Price shown is member price.A large round brush paired with your hair dryer is an easy way to style the rounded, bouncy layers of the kitty cut.
A heat protector is a must if you're styling your hair often to help keep hair in top condition.
Next Up: According to an Expert, These Short Hair Trends Will Be Everywhere in 2024
-
I Asked a Top Hairstylist Which Bob Would Suit My Round Face Shape BestThis is what they recommended.
-
Leave It to Zoë Kravitz to Provide Endless Hair Inspo—5 Styles to TryThey're too good.
-
The Internet Is Obsessed With Emi Jay—My 10 Fave Hair Accessories From the BrandIt puts the "fun" in functional.
-
9 Hair Trends Celebs and Fashion People Will Be Wearing Nonstop This SpringWe can't wait to try them.
-
Your Hairdresser Is Over Bobs—3 Haircuts They Want You to Ask for InsteadThe next trends to try.
-
The Baroque Bob Just Entered the Chat—Hairstylists Say It'll Dominate in 2024It's giving 17th-century chic.
-
Move Over, Bobs—The "Kitty Cut" Is Set to Be 2024's Biggest Haircut TrendThere's a new cut in town.
-
For Gen Z, '90s Beauty Trends Still Reign Supreme—Here's WhyWhat a throwback.
