On the cusp of the New Year, it’s only right that we take a minute to talk about where we’ve been and where we’re going… in regard to our hair, that is. In 2021, we saw a return to salon-fresh style after a year of DIY haircuts and box dye, and the experts predicted as much. There was a revival of ’90s-inspired hair (flipped ends and slick single braids were everywhere) as well as a return to chunky highlights (à la Dua Lipa) and French fringe (a modern classic).
This year, experts say we can expect even more of the unexpected—think edgy and experimental styles. We agree. Maybe it’s because we’re a bit restless for change or maybe it’s because we have a desire to return to simpler times, but we’re ready to kick off the New Year with a new look. From “Jell-O hair” to statement color and ultra-long locks, keep scrolling to see the 11 biggest hair trends of 2022, according to A-list celebrity hairstylists.
Justine Marjan is a celebrity hairstylist whose clients include the likes of Kim Kardashian West, Kristin Cavallari, and Ashley Graham (among others). She predicts that “Jell-O hair” will be big in 2022. It’s all about “shiny, bouncy, and super-healthy-looking strands,” like this light-reflective look Marjan created for Nicole Scherzinger. To re-create “Jell-O hair” on our own, we’ll be stocking up on our favorite hair oils and masks (maybe even a few shine serums too).
One of our all-time favorite shine serums, this makes our strands look luminescent.
When it comes to hair color, Marjan predicts that warm shades of red, like copper and strawberry blonde, will dominate throughout the next year. “These colors fade fast, though,” she warns, “so use a warm tinted shampoo and conditioner to keep the color looking bright.” Celebrity hairstylist Kahh Spence, whose clients include Doja Cat, Winnie Harlow, and Kelly Rowland, agrees. He notes that shades of auburn red will be particularly trendy.
Overtone is our go-to brand for at-home color care. This daily conditioner is no exception.
Bronde is the halfway point between brown and blonde hair. While celebs like Hailey Bieber have been loving it for a while now, Marjan says it’s going to be even bigger in 2022. “Bye-bye, bright blonde, and hello, muted honey,” Marjan says. “This is great for natural blondes who want to take a break from highlights and go for more of a natural hue.”
This conditioner deposits subtle pigment to keep your color in check between dye jobs.
Throughout the past few years, we’ve seen icy platinum shades reign supreme, but it looks like it’s time to rebel against that in 2022 and go deeper and darker. “While they say blondes have more fun, we’ve noticed many are trying out darker tones and loving it,” Spence says. Expect to see chocolaty-brown and raven-black hair colors become the new norm.
Another color-depositing conditioner, this one is expert-approved for deep shades of auburn.
Biolage global ambassador and celebrity stylist Sunnie Brook, whose clients include Elizabeth Moss, Jared Leto, and Rita Ora, says statement hair color is the next big thing. It’s all about “statement tones that turn heads,” she says. “Think The Fifth Element red-orange, magenta, or Peri Purple.” Of course, there’s always Megan Thee Stallion’s turquoise blue…
A color-safe shampoo is a MUST to preserve the vibrancy of brightly colored hair.
Brook predicts bobs will be everywhere in 2022, but not the traditional bob we all know and love. No, this one will be even shorter and sleeker. “In 2022, I think we’ll see a lot of people taking their bobs shorter—at the chin or just below the cheekbone,” she says. Marjan coins this cut “the bixie.” It’s “the sweet spot between a bob and pixie,” she explains. “We love this short ‘do because it is light and elongates the neck.”
Spence says molding paste should be a key component of anyone’s shopping list.
It’s pretty clear that 2022 will be the year of dramatic hair transformations—either super short or, on the flip side, ultra long. Marjan says the latter will also be a defining trend for the upcoming year. “Extensions are your BFF if you are ready to embrace this trend. Try Great Lengths individual custom extensions for the most natural blend. Ask your stylist for face-framing layers to keep it looking modern and a V-cut in the back.”
If you can’t get to a salon, try clip-in extensions, like this seven-piece set.
Remember how we were saying that ’90s-revival hair was a major trend this year? We saw flipped ends, ’90s-supermodel updos, slick braids, and more. Well, it won’t be going away anytime soon. In fact, this year, we can expect to see an uptick in ’90s bombshell hair. That’s according to Marjan, who says, it’s “the ideal cut for Velcro rollers or a voluminous blowout. It’s a mid-length cut with lots of layers throughout and short layers that frame the face. Your stylist should make sure the ends are feathered for maximum volume.”
These Velcro rollers help lift the hair at the roots and set it for major ’90s-esque volume.
Next year’s flair for the dramatic even extends to hair accessories. All three experts agree that ornate and maximalist accessories will be the name of the game in 2022. For Marjan, it’s all about velvet bows, pearls, rainbow clips, and colorful monochromatic pins. For Spence, it’s all about bedazzled clips. For Brook, it’s all about designer logo accessories, sophisticated barrettes, statement bows, and scarves. “I’m all about the printed silk scarf that you can wear multiple ways but also use to give your hair a break from dry shampoo while disguising greasy or grown-out roots,” she says.
We love silk. We also love a designer logo. This Gucci scarf has both.
Calling all curly haired people. According to Brook, 2022 is all about a rounded afro and big ’80s curls. The latter combines scrunchy, defined curls, volumized roots, lots of body, and movement through the ends, as seen here on Camila Cabello.
Using a hair dryer that has a diffuser attachment can help boost your hair’s natural volume. It also helps to use a volumizing shampoo. Brook recommends Biolage Volumebloom Shampoo ($20) and Conditioner ($20). Both offer long-lasting volume and moisture.
Another 2021 trend that’s continuing into 2022 is the half-up hairstyle. “This could be a playful high pony, half topknot, hair slide, or barrette to pull hair away from the face—no matter the style, this look will be on repeat for 2022,” Brook says. We’re not mad. After all, this is a hairstyle that’s fairly easy to replicate, even for hairstyling newbies.
Keep your half-up, half-down hairstyle in place with a firm yet flexible hair spray.
