The 7 Most Exciting Hair Trends For 2022, According To The Experts

Northwood is also taking inspiration from Celine’s spring/summer 2022 show, where bobs were shorter at the front and sides, something he says “does wonders for the cheekbones” and is a great shape for thick hair. “I like to keep the edges broken and style with a wave – the result is a little punky and contrary, which feels in keeping with our times.”

Knotless box braids

“Intricate partings and patterns have always been popular in African culture,” says Charlotte Mensah. “Detailed cornrows will be popular in the new year, as well as knotless box braids in different sizes and colours – they are everything you want in a hairstyle. Not only do they look cool, but they are also versatile and flattering.”

Glossy blow-dries

For a while now, we’ve favoured hairstyles which appear artfully undone, low maintenance and effortless, but many hairstylists are predicting a return to the old-school blow-dry and a more finessed approach to the hair. “Think Adele in Vogue,” says hairstylist Syd Hayes. “Full bodied, glossy, glam hair.” Hersheson also notes that this classic ’90s blowout hair feels a bit “Upper East Side – very polished and luxe” and the rolled brush blow dry, which we used to think was a “bit naff” now feels right again. He has been creating this kind of sleek look for his celebrity clients, including Dua Lipa.

An easy route to creating the look at home is with a hair tool. Hayes touts the BaByliss 9000 Cordless Hot Brush as the tool to try to create a voluminous blow dry look at home, without having to worry about a hair dryer and brush. “It helps to smooth your hair, while adding body and movement,” he says. Meanwhile, Dyson’s AirWrap is also an excellent choice and the new Flyaway head can help smooth frizz if you don’t want to go the whole hog. This look works better on longer hair, says Hersheson, who warns that it can look old fashioned on shorter lengths.

An expensive finish

Even if you’re still not tempted by the glossy blow dry, one way to tap into the luxe-looking trend is with a polished finish to your hair, whatever your cut. Northwood is touting Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface as his polished-hair pin-up: “A professional blow dry is the ultimate way to achieve this polished, expensive-looking hair. But if you’re styling at home, seek out products that create that finish for you. He recommends his Moisturising Cream to smooth flyaways and add shine.

Accessories galore

You saw the big bows braided into hairstyles at Chanel’s recent Metiers D’Art 2021 and French influencer, Camille Charriere’s, delicate beaded wedding hair – both are a sign of things to come for the new year. Mensah predicts that hairbands, bows, barrettes, scarves and clips will be all the rage in 2022: “No matter what your chosen hairstyle is, hair embellishments are in!”

Curl-ready hairstyles

This year, hairstyles got given the ’70s treatment, with shags, choppy fringes and wild curls becoming ever-more popular as the year went on. That rock ‘n’ roll finish is going nowhere, which is a good thing as it also goes hand in hand with the continuing movement towards embracing our natural texture and bringing out the best in our curls. While Mensah says this will start off with a “big chop” to start afresh if you’ve been using hair relaxer, it will soon be a case of making the most out of your natural curls, coils and kinks: “In my salon, the rounded Afro is the most requested cut – it keeps your curls healthy and full of life,” she says. Hersheson and Hayes also say that layers, air-drying and body will be big.