2018 is official the year of dimension if the latest Instagram trends are anything to go by. More people than ever are avoiding flat colours like the plague, opting for midlights, balayage, ombrè and more to get depth of colour. But it’s not all about highlights, you know.
Shadow hair
According to Allure, ‘shadow hair’ is growing in popularity, and involves adding natural-looking shadows to your hair to make your colour look seamless, and save you in trips to the salon. “‘Shadow hair’ is a new hair-colour trend that mimics the ombré of yesteryear,” explainsNikki Ferrara, colourist atSerge Normant at John Friedain NYC. Combine shadow toning with babylights and balayage to create a “soft, organic root” and you can actually go 4-6 months without retouching them – sign us up!
Coffee balayage
There’s a new balayage in town and we’re loving the concept! Coffee balayage mimics the usual technique but using coffee colours from the dark espresso to the soft latte shades, combining to make this glossy bob a tonal dream.
Gem roots is the current Instagram-trend fulfilling our crystal-obsessed dreams. From magenta to pastel shades of green and pink and silvery blonde ends, it sounds like it shouldn’t work but OH, it does.
Fruit Juice Hair
Another trend that will have brunettes jumping for joy, the latest colour style dubbed ‘fruit juice hair’ is total hair goals. Coined by hair guru Alisha McAlister, she explained: “I’m not sure what to call this! It’s a mix of blended fruit colours.
I started this hair colour thinking I was doing a simple base and tone. Then my amazing client surprised me! She said, “I want something different! ” So yay for stylist choice night! ”. We think it’ll be a big hit this summer.
Rose Brown
Finally! A pastel trend that brunettes can get involved with! The rose gold trend isn’t done just yet, as rose brown is gaining traction on Instagram. Instead of having to dye your hair bright blonde to achieve the look, this works with darker hair colours. Created by hairstylist Thi Thao Tu, it’s done by using a combination of bleach, Olaplex treatment, and brown and red dyes. We’re SO into this!
Oversized braids
We’re almost at the end of fashion month, and it’s fair to say that this season hair was kept simple on the catwalks – we’ve seen a lot of side partings, tousled waves and low ponys. But at the Simone Rocha show oversized braids took centre stage, tied with a black velvet ribbon, the romantic ‘do is perfect for the colder months.
Ghosted hair
This gorgeous look has nothing to do with the dating term, but rather what’s hiding in the shadows of the gorgeous hue. Why’s it different from platinum or silver? It’s the addition of carbon, quartz and oyster white that you don’t see at first glance. First crafted by Jason Hogan of Josh Wood Atelier on this wavy short hairstyle, it’s definitely going to be a biggie this year.
Statement middle parts
Changing your part can change your life (well, your hair look at least). This year it’s all about splitting it straight down the middle. The more dramatic, the better.
Find out if a middle part will suit you.
Straight up luxe
We’re going back to 2001 when ghd first launched and the only way to wear your hair was super straight.
Need a new tool to do the job? Here are 13 of the best hair straighteners to suit every budget.
Ballerina buns
Ballerina buns are back, only this time we’re keeping them smaller (RIP donuts), sweeter and slicked back. Add a braid to your lengths before twisting into a bun for a little something extra.
Love a good ‘updo? Check out our favourite hair updos of the season
Wet-look waves
Finally, a look that won’t be ruined in the rain! But it does take some talent to perfect – start by curling your hair in different directions, then run a generous amount of treatment oil through your lengths and finish with a soft wax for hold and shine. Try Frizz-Ease Nourishing Oil Elixir £9. 99 John Frieda with Styling Wax £4. 39 V05 Andrew José for SALON SCIENCE® haircare predicts the wet look will making many red carpet appearances in 2018.
Soft fringes and undone layers
Is it just us or did all the Victoria’s Secret Angels immediately head to the hairdresser after Tokyo to have a fringe cut? We’re looking at you Taylor Hill and Romee Strijd… but we all know Vanessa Moody (pictured) got there first.
Need more fringe-spo? Take a scroll through the best celebrity fringes of all time.
Choppy punk fringes
A little more edgy and a little less hair in your eyes. Both Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski rocked faux versions last year, but the truly badass will make it a permanent change.
Glossiness equals greatness
Want your hair to be as blinding as your highlighter? Amal Clooney and Kate Middleton have been giving us glossy blow wave envy for years, and it ain’t going to stop any time soon.
Here’s how to get your shiniest hair yet.
But undone is equally fun
Lazy girls, we got you. Matte, textured, “I don’t give a shit” hair is the look we’ll all be spending 20 minutes trying to make it look like it took us only two to whip up. Think bed hair in a bun – simple!
Check out these effortless top knots for more inspiration.
Bringing back the bowl cut
If Zendaya can do it, you can do it. Despite what you might think, a bowl cut can been adapted to suit any hair type and face shape. “It can be classy or edgy, it can be androgynous or ultra-feminine – it’s all about choice. ” says Melissa Timperly, owner of Melissa Timperely Salon in Manchester.
After shaving her head last year, Cara Delevingne will be one to watch for this trend.
Embellish a little
Add a little glitz and glamour to your ‘do with hair jewellery, perfect for pixie cuts. Pop some bling in your braids, sparkly studs in your hair updo or simply slide in a headband for easy elegance.
Here how the A-list wear hair accessories.
Beach waves, always
Have your sea salt spray and curling tongs at the ready because beach wave hair isn’t going anywhere. You don’t need to live by the sea to look like a bronzed beach goddess, just add some fake tan and you’re good to go.
Cool coppers
We adore red hair, whether it’s bright and fiery or a muted strawberry blonde. And this year, Charlotte McKenna predicts we’ll all be adding a little warmth into our hair colour, “Most will abandon granny chic in favour of warmer pallets. 2018 will see more and more copper tones, from brunettes and golden copper balayage to full on vivid coppers. ”
Ready to go red? Here are our favourite red hair colours to inspire you…
Go for gold
Blondes in particular will be steering away from silvery platinum tones and going back to their golden roots.
Keep it classy, not brassy by popping one of these blonde toning shampoos in your shower.
Crimped and primped
Crimped hair has been biding its time in the style sidelines, but we’re ready to welcome it back with open arms. Those with thin hair will find it particularly handy for creating volume and the illusion of thicker hair. Andrew José recommends prepping with Thickening Serum £15 Salon Science to hair before styling for extra bounce.
Touch me texture
A little texture here, a little kink here and a freshly washed finish that’s hard to fake. Those who are lucky will be able to wash and wear, but for the rest of us: blow-dry straight, but leave your lengths slightly damp. Twist and pin into place while you finish getting ready, and then release just as you walk out the door.
Need a good texturising spray? These guys will help you nail the perfect tousle.
80s perm
Curls, curls, curls. Big like the 80s, but tighter tendrils and more frizz control thanks to today’s smoothing products.
Got a serious case of the frizz? Try taming your strands with these shampoos.
New wave
Not straight and not quite curly, but something in between. This new wave isn’t overly styled, but isn’t messy either. Kaia Gerber is leading the pack with this one.
70s vibe
Get your groove back with by chanelling your inner hippy. “70s hair is going to be a huge trend for this year. The loose, bouncy curls with dishevelled edges that made the decade so memorable, have now returned and are guaranteed to be seen everywhere. ” says Andrew José.
Here are 6 of the best curling tongs for nailing that tousled wave.
Sleek low ponytails
The perfect second or third day hairdo, channel J-Lo’s effortless ombre hair. Use your natural oils to sleekly comb back your strands and tie tightly at the nape of your neck. Smooth your ends with a serum for an extra glossy finish.
Need some new products in your hair wardrobe? Here are 11 of our favourite styling heroes.
High retro ponytails
Sleek in the front and volume in the back. The higher and more voluminous you can make your ponytail for this look, the better. It’s an ideal style for getting extra wear from your curls or blow-dry.
Want more inspiration? Here’s how your favourite A-listers wear a sassy pony.
Rose gold is here to stay
The hair hue we all fell in love with in 2017 is still making our hearts race. And because we’re also 70s obsessed, super hair stylist Larry King predicts pinks and rose gold colours will be appearing more as a muted wash in 2018 – reminiscent of an old polaroid photo. Glamour tried the
rose gold hair trend and the results were amazing.
Natural curls
More and more curly haired queens are moving away from weaves and relaxers to embrace their natural curls. Whether yours are big and bouncy, frizzy or kinky – they’re all beautiful!
Charcoal
Silver and light grey hair have been huge hits on Instagram in the past, but Katie Williams, Senior Stylist at Code Hair predicts we’ll darkening this shade to more of a charcoal in 2018. “By taking the grey deeper, the hair will look more glossy, nourished and healthy. Moving on from light grey and silver balayage, charcoal grey is a soft transition and at the same time, really striking. This trend is perfect if you’ve spent hours in the salon to achieve lightened hair but want something different for the New Year. ”
