Latest Hairtyles For Spring 2022
An increasingly vaccinated population means 2022 will likely see even more of us visiting our favorite hairstylists with more frequency. And if there’s any time to freshen up your style, it’s at the start of a season that represents newness. “An external change can be a simple and easy way to signify a transition that is internally more complex and harder to articulate otherwise,” therapist Nikki Nachum previously explained to Allure. “A new hairstyle becomes almost like an announcement to both yourself and the outer world that something is changing in your life.”
That said, some of the biggest hair trends of the last year are seamlessly flowing throughout spring 2022 — perhaps a sign of sticking to the comfort of what we know. “It has been a crazy year trying to recover from the pandemic,” says West Hollywood-based hairstylist Kamara Brown. “It’s no secret that many people are looking for ways to get the longest wear out of their hair.” And whether you’re seeking a dramatically different new spring haircut or you just want some minor trendy touch-ups to your current look, stylists are eager to share their visions of what the trends in hair salons will look like over the next few seasons — and they don’t always agree.
Chris Appleton, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez’s go-to stylist, tells Allure that after all the effortless and natural looks of the last two low-key-beauty years, “people are ready to try a little harder and add some extra ‘oomph,'” by switching to sleek, straight styles, tight ponytails, and braids. But Brown sees things differently: “There’s going to be a lot of ditching the traditional pulled-back look,” she says, believing there will be plenty of free-flowing hair in 2022.
People will also be ditching a lot of length, according to Los Angeles-based hairstylist Erinn Courtney. “The types of hairstyles I predict will be big in 2022 are short cuts — anything from chic bobs to big chops,” she tells Allure. “Coming out of the pandemic, I think everyone wants to be their healthiest self, and that includes their hair.”
While scrolling through this list of cute haircuts and hair ideas, keep in mind what features on your face you want to enhance — instead of your face shape — says hairstylist Wes Sharpton, New York City-based hairstylist and Hairstory‘s resident hairdresser. “You and your stylist can create a game plan to make sure these things are framed in the right way,” he adds. “We need to make it a positive experience and celebrate you, which is the most important thing at the end of the day.”
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Long Layers
Not only does adding layers throughout long hair like Sofía Vergara’s eliminate heaviness — especially if you have thick hair — but it also adds extra interest. There’s no better time than spring for a cut to get rid of flat, pyramid-shaped hair with no movement, notes London-based hairstylist and salon owner Michael Van Clarke. “This style hangs beautifully wavy or straight, forward or back, edgy or polished, half-up or down,” he says.
- Courtesy Wes Sharpton
Ultra Short
Somewhere between a buzz cut and the “Big Cut” (more on that one later), there’s this popular look. “It’s short, sweet, and great for all hair types,” says Sharpton, who thinks it’s especially stunning on coily hair. “The face becomes the focus with this low-maintenance haircut.” If you’re looking for a wake-up-and-go kind of hair routine, this one’s for you. - Getty Images
Layered Lob
If there’s a theme to trending hairstyles this spring, it’s layers, layers, layers. “Long bobs have come and gone but without any layering, they’re often flat and boring after the novelty wears off,” says Van Clarke. “Layering keeps the essence of the bob’s clear outline but throws in a whole new dimension, too, giving movement and versatility so you can style a dozen ways.”
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The Bixie
Back in the ’90s, two iconic short haircuts came together and had a baby we now know as the bixie. Now, the cut is all grown up and modernized for 2022. “A bixie is equal parts pixie cut and a bob,” Los Angeles-based hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons previously told Allure. “It’s a shaggy bob with a mix of layers to add dimension and texture.”
Rowan Blanchard’s hair here is a perfect example of a bixie cut. Hers is slicked back and completed with a cheeky little flip at the nape of her neck. We’ve also seen Florence Pugh, Ciara, and Kelly Rowland try the cut, offering a smattering of styling options to add to your repertoire should you choose to take it on.
- Courtesy Wes Sharpton
Broken Bowl
For a remix to the iconic bowl cut, try this layered option recommended by Sharpton. It’s a great look for those with medium-wavy to straight hair, he notes. “Ask for your cut to be blunt around the perimeter, with soft, broken layers,” says Sharpton. “This is an easy air-dry so it’s great for those that want to skip excessive styling.”
- Courtesy Wes Sharpton
’50s Greaser
“This is a more modern take on the ‘50s greaser and works brilliantly on thick, textured hair,” says Sharpton. Why it’s so fitting for spring: it’s perfect for warmer, humid weather as it’s a real wash-and-go cut. “Ask your stylist for lean and soft sides with length and volume on top,” he says.
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Classic Bob
Hairstyling icon Frédéric Fekkai tells Allure he anticipates a huge bob moment this year. “I predict that short bobs with or without bangs for straight hair will be big for 2022,” Fekkai says. Selena Gomez is clearly leading the charge, recently returning to the classic chin-length look. The sliced bob is another take on the trend stylists love — that version is a tiny bit longer in the front. “If you have finer hair, this helps create a cleaner line,” New York City-based hairstylist Harry Josh explains
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Wispy Bangs
Curtain bangs aren’t going anywhere just yet, and blunt ones are more than welcome, but if it’s a lighter fringe you want, consider wispy bangs. Alex Brown, Chicago-based hairstylist and salon owner anticipates a 2022 revival of this ‘90s throwback. “We will see lots of wispy bangs with layers around the face, creating more movement and texture,” she says. Let Elizabeth Olsen show you how it’s done. “Wispy bangs can add amazing softness and movement to long, thick hair,” adds Brown.
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Choppy Bends
Delray Beach, Florida, stylist Chloé Swigert tells Allure that her clients have been asking for an easy way to add texture and movement to their long, straight hair. Her answer: a much shorter layer with pieces that pop out a bit when you run a hot tool over them. No need to go wild with your curling wand: Just a flick here and there creates what Swigert calls an “effortless, natural, beachy texture,” like Jennifer Aniston’s.
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Short Layers
“In 2022, I have a feeling I’ll be adding a lot more layers to the hair,” Brown says. “This haircut has much shorter layering around the face — think a longer curtain bang — as well as shorter layering throughout.” Kaia Gerber’s cut is a prime example, though hers is not the only texture that works with this look. “This style is beautiful when worn with [naturally wavy] textures and is very easy to maintain,” Brown adds, noting that it’s a great way to noticeably change up your style without chopping off all of your hair.
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Big Chop
“Whether it’s going from long lengths to a shag or even a pixie, people are ready to let it go,” shares hairstylist Christin Brown. Now, doing the big chop doesn’t mean you have to get rid of all your hair. Here, Sanaa Lathan’s cut is a tiny bit longer at the top and tapered at the sides, instead of all one low length. “A nice amount of my clients this year went with big chopping their hair to either a pixie or a tapered look,” Brown continues, saying it can feel so liberating. Just be sure when you hit the salon chair, you speak to your stylist about what kind of pixie would look best for your face shape, she adds.
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- Getty Images
Modern Mullet
This modern-day take on the mullet is far less… severe than it was in the ’80s. “[We’re getting] a lot more of these, especially in slightly longer versions,” says bicoastal hairstylist Bryce Scarlett. Look to Miley Cryus’s 2021 mullet, which has a soft wave that frames her face beautifully.And yes, any face shape can wear this cut with confidence, especially if you have a fuller face, as hairstylist Sally Hershberger notes. “The hair framed around the face will perfectly complement this face shape,” she explains.
- Jordan Avery Z
Soft-Serve Mullet
Kansas City-based hairstylist Jordan Avery Z‘s take on the mullet is proof that the otherwise grungy hairstyle can look pretty. “The soft-serve mullet is great for someone who wants to add a little texture and volume to their style with a delicate edge,” she tells Allure. “It’s a bi-level cut that focuses on the contrast between the disconnected silhouette and soft perimeter.” This type of mullet relies on texture to make it look just a tad more romantic.
Bonus: It grows into a beautiful, long-layered shag over time. But be sure to communicate with your stylist to find a shape and a product routine that suits your vibe and daily reality, she says. Ready to give it a go? “You can ask for soft, tailored bits around the ears and face with shortness through the crown.”
- Instagram/@taylorswift
Modern Shag
Taylor Swift wore the modern shag for all of 2020 and well into 2021 — and we’re ready for it to continue its reign. No one is happier about the return of the shag than Hershberger, though. “[It’s] been one of my longstanding favorite hair trends,” she says. But this cut isn’t for anyone who is scared of layering. “[It requires] a ton of layers, which help to create the texture for a cool, lived-in look.”
However, the cut is amazing for those who are all about embracing their natural texture. “Even for curly-haired girls who might be too scared to go with adding bangs, this cut works with all curl,” says Julien Farel, creative director and owner of the Julien Farel Restore Salon and Spa at New York City’s Regency Hotel.
- Jordan Avery Z
Full-Fringe Shag
If you want a new cut but aren’t too keen on losing your already-long hair, Avery Z suggests the “full fringe shag,” like the one she created here. Think of it as the XL version of the modern shag. “It’s great for a person who wants a transformation without committing to anything drastic pertaining to length, and it’s great for anyone who wants to wear their hair up while still having some shape to frame the face,” she explains. Ask your stylist for something with lots of layers, volume, bangs, face-framing, and length — that’ll send the message that you’re looking for a shag like this. But as always, be sure to bring along a visual reference, too.
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- Instagram/@traceeellisross
Rounded ‘Fro
“Natural curls and coils are taking the world by storm and the shape of the hair is what helps make the best impact,” says Annagjid “Kee” Taylor, Philadelphia-based hairstylist and salon owner. “The rounded ‘fro is one of the most popular looks. The cut will keep your coils healthy and your curls full of life.”
There are many ways to cut curly hair, but Taylor recommends the rounded shape or the “lion cut,” which is “cutting or trimming hair to shape natural curls into the roundest form possible. A lot of women’s hair naturally grows in this shape, but some have to be cut and formed.” Tracee Ellis Ross, who has her own hair-care line, looks modern and gorgeous here with her full curls.
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Edgy Undercut
An undercut, like the one Scarlett Johansson sported in 2015, is on its way back in style — just ask Halle Berry, who recently wore debuted one at the 2022 Critics Choice Awards. Whether you choose to shave the sides or the back, it’s “badass with a feminine twist,” says Los Angeles-based hairstylist Clariss Rubenstein, who notes that the undercut can be worn with short or long hair. “First things first, decide which look you’re going for,” she says. “Have your stylist use clippers to undercut your hair so that the short part is perfectly even and that the rest of the hair is a flattering length and style for your face shape.”
- Instagram/mizzchoi
Mid-Length Cut
Can’t decide between short or long hair? Go for a mid-length haircut that hits around the collarbone. This is ideal for a shorter feel without losing all the length, says Beverly Hills-based hairstylist Cherin Choi of Roil Salon. “Spring is the perfect time for a fresh chop, especially if your hair has been dry or damaged over the winter months and needs a reboot,” she says.
- Adam Federico
Cropped Layers
“Specifically for spring, we’re forecasting a shorter-hair comeback,” Los Angeles-based hairstylist Adam Federico tells Allure. He’s seeing a lot of shorter hair with longer, varying, textured lengths through the top. “I like to call this haircut ‘the shift’ because of its versatile styling options, from something edgy and raw to extremely polished and sophisticated. The idea with this is that the haircut can be finished to suit the individual’s personality and meet them for who they are on t