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The trench coats are out and we’re even more serious about sunscreen. It’s officially spring and with it comes the strong urge to change things up.
If you’ve already rearranged your bedroom furniture and revamped your skincare routine, it might be time to consider a new haircut. From the butterfly lob (a long bob with sweeping layers) to the kitty cut (a softer, more feminine iteration of the shaggy wolf cut), we’ve been spoiled for choice lately. But if you’re looking for something different, look no further.
Previously, we asked some of London’s top hairdressers for their predictions for spring haircut trends, and there’s something for everyone.
The ‘Hydro’ Bob
The “boy” bob is the perfect cut to try the wet look, she says Tom Smith, hairstylist and trend forecaster. “Tucked behind one or both ears, it can be paired with spring’s popular side parting or single strands,” says Tom, as this look from a hairdresser Jacob Rosenberg. Put down the hair gel for a moment – it’ll make your lengths feel heavy and crunchy. Instead, Smith recommends a leave-in cream Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother, which she says is ideal for providing the definition and hydration this style requires. Similarly, a hydrating hair mask will create a “semi-wet effect” with added moisturizing benefits, says Smith. Try it Amika Soulfood Nourishing Mask the Not Your Mother’s Matcha Green Tea & Wild Apple Blossom Nutrient Rich Butter Masqueif you prefer to spend less.
Barely There Layers
Layers can feel like a chore to style without the right tools but long layers — or “barely there,” according to Joel Goncalvessenior stylist at Nicola Clarke x John Freida Salons — is pretty minimal. Invest in a paddle brush to dry your hair straight and maximize your shine with a leave-in cream Amika Supernova Moisture & Shine Cream.
The Side-Swept Bob
The side bob is versatile and easy to style, says Stéphane Ferreira for him Experience the real London and FULL. “The cut sits anywhere between the chin and the shoulder,” explains Ferreira. “Just pull your hair into a side parting and fix it with a little hairspray or texturizing spray,” which will add volume and hold. We love this cut on the digital creator Bella Sabo. To achieve similar movements and waves, try this Shark FlexStyle 5 in 1 Air-Styler and Hair Dryer.
Bouncy Bob
Also referred to as the “bubble” bob, this style features long layers that cover the face and create a rounded shape, like this cut from Kirsty Anne Sekulla-Sage. “It’s made a comeback lately,” he says Francesca Spiritostylist at Neil Moodie Studio. “It’s so flexible, it works for everyone.” Wear your natural and flip it to the side for big volume or blow it straight with a heated brush like Amika Blowout Babe Thermal Brush.
Big Hair
This trend follows the biggest fashion moves of late: think shoulder pads and baggy jeans, she says Eugene Smithstyle director at John Frieda salons. “There’s a freedom to it,” says Smith. “We have gone [beholden] in sleek hair for so long; this is big, bold and audacious.’ Sure, it’s about embracing all the beautiful shades of curly hair — including frizz. Look at this multi-level cutting posted on Instagram by award-winning foam and textured hair expert, Michelle Thompson.
“Uncut” Bob
If you have split or curly hair and find the bob too high-maintenance, try the “uncut” cut instead, she says Michael Antigasignature stylist at Gielly Green. It has the same blunt, thick ends that remind you of your typical bob, but it’s a little longer and features softer layers throughout the mid-lengths, which encourage your natural hair pattern to do its thing – all without the need for heat. Love me this cut to the digital creator Jennifer Garcia. For styling, Antiga recommends using a sea salt spray to improve texture, sanding the ends and simply letting your hair air dry. Try it Ceremonia Guava Beach Waves Hair Texture Spray the BondiBoost Sea Salt Texture Spray.
The Ultra-Choppy Mullet
Kristen Stewart in Love Lies Bleeding is the inspiration behind the highly volatile mullet, says Ferreira. It works on straight hair, but is especially stunning on curls. If Stewart’s choppiness is a little too retro for you, opt for a softer version like this posted on Instagram by New York hairstylist, Kiyotaka Tsutsumi.
Feather mattresses
Feather layers aren’t going anywhere fast, but this season, they’re puffing in, not out, as this style from a hairdresser Dennis Correa. Invest in a handy brush like BabylissPRO Nano Titanium Professional Hot Air Dryer Brush or if you blow dry, grab a ceramic brush. Prices R29 ghd Ceramic Ventilated Round Brush. Smith advises working with your stylist of choice to determine the shortest length you’re comfortable with, whether the initial layer ends at your cheekbones, chin or collarbone, for example.
The ‘Halo’ Cut
According to Smith, “halo silhouettes” are perfect for those with curls. The trend incorporates shorter layered haircuts, either around the face for a framing effect or slightly higher, where they give a crown or halo look. Get inspired by this curly cut posted on Instagram by Michelle Thompson.
The Classic Lob
The classic lob, or long bob, will dominate this spring, Antiga says. It’s especially good for those with thin hair: It usually sits on top of the shoulders and lifts ever so slightly, giving the illusion of thicker length. This cut on Anastasia hits the nail on the head.
The Soft Crop
“It’s a soft, grown-out pixie cut with feathery layers,” says Ferreira, who predicts we’ll be willing to go a little closer after our recent obsession with jaw-grazing bobs. Take a cue from this slightly sloppy crop with voluminous curtains, posted on Instagram by the stylist Katsutoshi Nabu.
Natural Shapes
Fall marked the rise of the super short afro. this spring, the shape is a bit more grown-up and rounded this look in the model Londone Myers. “Embracing natural hair is always in,” says Spirito. Invest in a deep moisturizing conditioner such as Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Conditionerthe Camille Rose Algae Renew Deep Conditionerif you want to spend less.
Sharp Bob
Models Hailey Bieber and Anya Rubik they’re poster girls for the choppy bob: a subtly graduated cut that’s shorter at the neck and somewhat longer in the front. “It’s cut with a blunt, slightly chewed line,” says Goncalves. Wear your poker like a model Tiffany here or natural with a drop of hair oil to give them a slightly “unwashed” look, advises Goncalves.
The Textured Pixie
The pixie cut 2.0 trumps all hair types and textures, says Antiga. Your stylist is likely to use a technique called point-cutting to add lots of texture and movement, just like this style from a hairdresser @livelifemichxoxo__ on Instagram. A razor that cuts hair also achieves a similar effect. Enhance shine with a hair oil such as Kérastase Mini Elixir Ultime Hydrating Hair Oil Serum.
The Flick of the 90s
“If you have long hair and feel like it’s too bold to go shorter, remember: this is a style that grows out beautifully,” says Spirito of the ’90s flick. Thanks to the thin layers, Cut here with Ryenne Snowthis is practically two hairstyles in one: a jaw-skimming bob and a shoulder-sweeping lob. “Use a round brush or a warm tool [like straighteners] to create movement at the ends of your hair,” says Spirito. R29 rates it ghd Chronos hair straightener. “I think this style will evolve into a mid-length look,” adds Spirito, “so it’ll look great even when the bob grows out.”
The Nirvana Cut
Occupying a comfortable space between soft and blunt, the messy bob has a new name, says Antiga — enter: the “Nirvana,” which is a subtle nod to Kurt Cobain’s iconic ’90s chop. Fashion he has already called itbut if you need a little more convincing, Gigi HadidThe new wispy bob is the ultimate celebrity inspiration.
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