23 Best Hair Trends of 2022, According to Celeb Hairstylists
Reminder: Switching up your hair is by far the easiest way to refresh your look. And the best way to choose a new color or cut? Trying one of the newest hair trends of 2022. I mean, sure, you might be the same ol’ you, but sometimes a few lil changes—like a new summer nail design, a fun makeup trend or, ahem, a whole new hairstyle (modern shag haircut, anyone?)—are the exact ~vibe~ changes we need. And to help you make your v important hairstyle choice, I connected with a lot of celebrity hairstylists to find all the prettiest hair trends of 2022.
“Everyone has gotten comfortable living in this free, effortless, ‘I don’t have to put effort into my look’ type of world,” says celebrity hairstylist and curl expert Nai’vasha Grace (which, yes, that’s my exact life rn). So for 2022, she predicts simple hairstyle trends that can easily become a whole look, like dressed-up ponytails and bangs. “Even if you let bangs grow a little bit, they still look ‘done,'” she says. “It’s like the red lip, but for your hair.”
New York-based colorist Felicia Dosso also adds that when it comes to hair colors this year, 2022 brings a lot of red (like copper and strawberry) and blonde (think: bright platinum). And styles you can expect to stick around? Bouncy, ’90s blowouts and curtain bangs. So basically, strap in, folks, because there’s a lot to chose from. And trust, once you’re through this list, you’ll have more than several screenshots ready to show your stylist. Now keep scrolling for the 24 newest and prettiest hair trends of 2022.
Dosso predicts platinum blonde will be everywhere, like this shade on Gigi Hadid. “Blondes will lean into more of a brighter, solid blonde,” she says. But platinum blonde isn’t exactly a low-maintenance color, so stock up on a purple shampoo to counteract brassiness and treat your potentially damaged hair to a deep conditioning treatment once a week.
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Dressed-Up Ponytails for 2022
Just want a touch of warm hues in your color this year? Opt for this strawberry highlight look, which Dosso says will be a major trend in 2022. It’s a soft change that won’t demand getting touch-ups every four weeks.
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Rubenstein and celeb hairstylist Marwa Bashir both say the ’90s will continue strong in 2022. First up: the mid-length bob. Longer than a short bob but shorter than a long bob, this haircut falls somewhere above the shoulder and below the chin and will be a hit for 2022, according to Rubenstein. “I’m seeing a mid-length, blunt, ‘90s-style bob,” Rubenstein says. “Think Kourtney Kardashian’s latest chop.”
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Bobs With Center Parts for 2022
But blunt ends aren’t all we’ll be seeing next year. Bashir says long ’90s layers will be making a strong comeback, too. A layered haircut is great for adding volume, movement, and shape, and framing the face, so if your current style could use a little bit of all of that, incorporate layers that suit your hair type and texture into your look.
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Bobs With Side Parts for 2022
According to Valles, 2022 will be less about the long, thick inches and more about classic medium-length to long-length hairstyles. Hairstyles will still feature lots of layers shown off by a blowout and heavy side part.
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Soft, Effortless Curls for 2022
Whether it’s French-inspired, effortless hairstyling or natural color, Bashir loves the idea of less is more for 2022. “Lots more color that feels natural but with an elevated gloss or natural highlight,” Bashir says.
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Long, Sleek Strands for 2022
“I’ve been seeing the 90’s blow out a lot,” says celeb hairstylist Laura Polko. “It’s ideal especially if you have shoulder-length hair.” Valles particularly loves curtain bangs with a really pretty blowout instead of beach waves. “Make room for your jumbo hot rollers,” she says.
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Slicked Back Strands for 2022
Valles says another big trend for clients will be hair extensions about 17 to 21 inches long (or if you’re not fluent in extension speak, that means hair that hits somewhere between your chest and waist). Since hair only grows half an inch-ish a month, the best way to get long lengths by 2022 is to make that appointment with an extensionist soon.
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One-Dimensional Color for 2022
“Life drastically changed after many months of quarantine and so did our habits, routines, and priorities,” Grenia says. “We’re learning to embrace our truest selves—this means embracing our natural color and texture.” With all of this in mind, Grenia expects people to be practical, natural, and faithful to their true colors next year.
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Side Bangs for 2022
According to Bashir, 2022 is also gonna bring out more healthy, shiny hair. To get amazing shine like this, try an at-home hot oil treatment or see your colorist for a hair gloss that enhances your natural color.
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Blunt Bangs for 2022
For the record, extensions aren’t just for length. Valles says a thick, short bob with a center part or heavy side part will be a huge hair trend for 2022, and if you don’t have a thick head of hair, use extensions to fake fuller strands. With the right cut, your stylist can blend the extensions into your bob to add natural-looking volume.
