New Year, New Hair. This is a reinvention that we can get on board with.
And let's face it, no-one knows what's around the corner in 2022. Hair might just be one of the few things we do have control over. As such, we've asked hair experts to share what they think will be big next year. Save these trends, pin them, share them with friends. This lot is not to be missed.
The Glossy Blowdry
Syd Hayes, BaByliss ambassador and celebrity hairstylist, says it's all about the resurgence of the big blow dry
"I’m envisaging there will be a return to the glossy blow dry, moving away from the loose and beachy waves we’ve seen over recent months. Think Adele in her latest album cover - full bodied, glossy glamour."
Syd's tool of choice to create this look? The BaByliss 9000 Cordless Hot Brush.
"It's a multi purpose tool, that helps to smooth your hair while adding body and movement. You can even use it as a brush. The bristles are specially designed with a unique, rigid bristle configuration to prevent tugging or tangles, making the whole experience seamless from root to tip. It allows you to get as close as possible to the root of your hair to prevent tangled knots."
The Blunt Cut
The blunt cut - one that's a single length, with no layers - is one that Hayes calls 'uber chic', especially when it's 'long, straight, sleek, and shiny.' For Syd, 'there is a feeling of power and sophistication that comes with blunt, straight hair when it's poker straight and centre parted.'
We can take heed from Shiv Roy, à la Succession: consider her blunt, straight cut the hair equivalent of a power suit. Opt for no layers to get a truly immaculate, no frills, you-mean-business finish.
The Modern Beehive
That's right: the beehive is back, baby. Case in point? Anya Taylor-Joy's up-do's for Last Night in Soho, and even Adele's volume is reaching beehive heights. Celebrity hairstylist Frédéric Fekkai muses its return.
"Volume came back in a big way in 2021, and in 2022 we’ll be seeing in up-do's and half-up ‘dos like Adele and Anya Taylor-Joy have been wearing. This softer version of the ‘60s style is a fresh, modern take on a timeless trend. The finish is smooth but still touchable.”
A top tip from the man himself? "For extra body before styling, mist a volumiser like Fekkai Full Blown Volume Dry Texturising Spray on with your hair flipped over. Hot rollers tucked in at the roots will add even more lasting lift to reach the heights this look calls for."
If you're not quite on board yet, take inspo from Jodie Comer's beehived ponytail. Baby steps...
The Return of Money Piece Highlights
Thanks to celebs from the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, we're seeing a resurgence of money piece highlights. Hair stylist Tom Smith tells us that they're more than just that, though: come 2022, they've evolved into 'hair contouring'.
"A hair contour uses a softer contrasting, lighter shade, painted around the face in a soft colour block, incorporating all the hair directly around the face including the shorter baby hairs.
This is a great technique for those who flip their hair over or push their hair back away from the face. The softer contrast between hair colour and skin tone lifts and brightens the complexion. It's also reasonably lower maintenance because there is less contrast with the colour over the parting of their hair, which tends to look more obvious as it grows out."
Bottleneck Bangs
Ever wanted a fringe, but fear you won't suit one? Smith says bottleneck bangs might be something to consider at your next salon appointment.
"These bangs take inspiration from the neck of a bottle: starting slim and shorter in the middle, curving longer around the eyes, and then longest following the line of the cheekbone. This allows the length and angle to be adjusted, depending on whether you want to make your cheekbones appear wider or stronger. Maybe you’d prefer to slim and narrow a wider face, drawing focus to your eyes and lips instead.
Bottleneck bangs are exceptionally good at framing the face. Many people don't suit a classic fringe - one that is a solid, horizontal line across the face. In this case, though, most people can use bottleneck bangs to add softness to their face and flatter their features.
Bottleneck bangs also give softness when tying your hair up into a bun or ponytail as you can leave out this flattering frame."
(Very) Chunky Highlights
Feeling brave? Take one look at Miley Cyrus' Instagram and note her chunky highlights. This colour contrast isn't for the faint-hearted: she's opted for a jet black against her Hollywood blonde.
RREAD MORE: 20 Short Afro Hairstyles To Inspire Your Next Trip To The Salon
READ MORE: The Tinsel Hair Of The 2010s Is Making A Comeback And TikTok Is Obsessed