In my job as a beauty editor, I speak to hairstylists on the daily to find out what hair trends are big news. And hairdressers and salons always deliver the best insights, whether it be autumn/winter hair colour trends that we need to know about, 2023's hair trends or the trending haircuts the the fashion set is booking in for.
While we might see hair trends crop up on social channels like Instagram and TikTok, they're not always reflective of the hairstyles that are really trending. Busy salons, however, see first-hand the haircuts and colours that people are actually booking in for.
What's more, choosing a new haircut can be an overwhelming task. You might want something low-maintenance, or maybe you're looking for some short-haircut inspiration. So I asked some of the top London salons and hairstylists to share the cuts that their clients are actually asking for. Read ahead to find out the haircuts that are taking London by storm right now, as well as the top hair products to maintain the look at home. Salon-worthy hair ahead!
The Amélie Bob
"The bob haircut continues to reign supreme as the It cut for 2023, where we will see the bob take on a Parisian feel with a statement fringe and wavy, undone texture," says Wella craft expert Jordanna Cobella. "Perfectly framing the neck and jawline, the Amélie bob helps to create structure and definition, flattering most facial shapes."
This haircut also makes a great in-between haircut if you're growing out a short hairstyle. "What's great about this cut is that it can be a transitional look, such as a grown-out Pixie or a statement cut from longer lengths," says Cobella.
The Amélie bob haircut looks great on all hair textures.
"The Amélie Bob is worn best with a slight wave and texture. Before blow-drying, spritz the hair with Wella Professionals EIMI Sugar Lift (£13)," says Cobella. "This lightweight styling spray creates hold and texture and allows you to create a 'lived-in' look that the Amélie bob needs."
A blunt cut creates a stylish shape.
Carefully placed layers allow movement and that covetable undone texture.
The French Bob
Similar to the Amélie cut, the French bob is another popular haircut that stylists are seeing requested in salons. "The most-requested hairstyle in my chair this summer has to be a French-style bob with retro bangs—it has been so, so popular," says Marz Cielen, senior stylist at Billi Currie. "So many of my clients have been willing to let go of their lengths and have been ready for a dramatic change. I know it's been said, but I really do think the pandemic changed people's approach so many things, and hairstyles are definitely one of them."
"This short, undone style is normally paired with a long fringe or bangs and heaps of texture. What I love most is its versatility; there are loads of variations of the cut, which makes it adaptable for all hair types and face shapes whilst still being super easy to maintain."
"For straighter hair types, the French Bob can look great slightly longer without a fringe. For wavy types, I would suggest taking it slightly shorter in length, as it makes it easier to style and gives that super-undone feel," says Cielen. "And for curly hair types, I think the shorter, the better, as you can really play with the hair structure to create more angular shapes, but you can also create a gorgeous French style with slightly more length, depending how you like to style your curls."
"For styling naturally curly, coily or wavy hair, I always recommend using Session Label The Mousse and The Define by Schwarzkopf Professional in towel-dried hair to prep. Then allow your hair to air-dry or gently diffuse—this combination won't disappoint," says Cielen.
A longer length looks particularly chic if you want to keep some of the length in your hair. Opt for a blunt finish to keep it feeling modern.
The "Je Ne Sais Quois" Blow-Dry
French women are known for their effortless style, and the same goes for their hair. If you wear your hair long, you'll want to work with your stylist to select some face-framing layers to create that just-rolled-out-of-bed hair.
"The Neville haircut, which oozes that je ne sais quoi French flair, is a great way to give your hair shape, movement and versatility, without losing length," says Jack Merrick-Thirlway, creative director of Neville Hair & Beauty. "The most important factor of any haircut is the shape that cuts around the face, as this determines whether the look suits or not. This haircut really is about the face framing layers that we then use to choose layer length and base length to create balance for the overall look," he adds.
A soft wave is a fail-safe way to tap into that effortless French-girl look.
Rounded layers pave the way for bouncy blow-dries, which look particularly good on second-day hair.
A couple of tactical face-framing layers can highlight your best features.
Wave hello to tumbling waves, which always look stylish.
French Hairstyling Essentials
Healthy hair looks expensive-looking, so keep your lengths in great condition by using a heat protecting spray. This one by Beauty Pie shields against heat without weighing hair down.
The French are very particular with their perfume. This scented hair perfume from Balmain leaves hair with a veil of scented mist that will have people chasing you to ask what scent you are wearing. It's ideal to mist through your hair after styling, and scent tends to last longer in the hair than it does on the skin, so it's a win-win.
Dry shampoo isn't just for those emergency days when you've skipped a hair washday. It can also help your hair volume, oomph and texture through the lengths. Klorane is a French favourite and is particularly gentle on sensitive scalps too.
I haven't met a soul who doesn't immediately fall in love with this scalp-purifying scrub, especially if you're prone to oily roots. It ploughs through grease, dead skin and product build-up to leave your roots cleansed and silky smooth.
For curl definition without the crunch or heaviness, this gel-cream hybrid is a winner to leave curls shiny, bouncy and defined.
Yes, this shampoo is pricey, but it's by far one of my favourites that I have ever tried. Not only does it make hair look healthy and shiny, but it also leaves hair feeling clarified, making it a great once-a-week detox to remove excess product build-up.
Hairstylist Zoë Irwin (who trained in Paris) recommended this iconic oil from Nuxe to add gloss and lustre to the lengths. As its a dry oil, it won't feel heavy or sticky in the hair—and it smells divine.
Up next, These 18 French Girls Always Have the Chicest Hairstyles
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