2017 brought white-platinum locks, high ponytails, shag, blunt ends, and Cher hair. Pave the way for 2018; things are switching up a bit. Rather than the ever-popular lob making its way down the runway, prepare for new styles and trends to rock salons around the country. From color to cut, this year is going to shake things up.
Blunt Bob with Bangs
Some lobs will transform into bobs several inches shorter with blunt bangs to complete the picture frame. Kerry Washington is just one of the celebs who dove into this new, fun shape to start off the new year. Stylists should be prepared for requests of a blunt bob with a few long layers, and blunt bangs that are slightly longer on the sides than in the middle. This shape is conducive to harsh flat-ironing day after day; hair masks and deep conditioning treatments are going to fly off the shelves. You might also shape up your curl defining game for clients who have naturally textured hair and want to rock the look without the extra heat processing.
Curtain Bangs
These babies are coming in hot. Results for images of them are up 600 percent on Pinterest (hyperlink). These bangs are fairly straight and smooth, parted down the center, and fairly lengthy, as bangs go. Style them by using a chunky round brush to curl them under, toward the face. You may also consider using a lighter serum to tame any flyaways. For clients with pronounced cowlicks, a straightening technique may be enough to coax their new bangs into submission.
Long Pixie
Lots of celebrities and women of the general public chopped off long locks into pixies during 2017, which means that many are growing them out at the beginning of 2018. Understand that clients may be navigating bangs, hiding odd layers, and avoiding a mullet shape. Longer tops may leave room for more styling options, while colors, ombres, and bayalage may yield a welcome distraction from the grow-out game. Encouraging accessories like clips, pins, and headbands may also be a helpful and appreciated tactic.
Continuing Trends
Platinum, long bobs, swept-back bangs, and ribbon highlights didn’t end abruptly on January 1st. You’ll see clients wanting to extend their 2017 styles into the new year. Knowing how to freshen these classic looks with new bangs, fresh highlights and low lights, and an array of new color hues will help to keep these styles versatile for 2018.
Whether your clients are coming to see you for a new cut, color, or style, knowing which trends are pronounced in 2018 will give you a starting point for inspiration to suggest the finest. Blunt bobs, curtain bangs, longer pixies, and continuing trends from 2017 are sure to make their way into your chair at the Academy of Hair Design sometime soon.