As a beauty editor, I can say with full confidence that the bob haircut has been *the* most popular hairstyle of the past 12 months. Every hairdresser I speak to says that salons have been inundated with requests for just about every type of bob haircut. Having seen celebrities such as Zendaya and Hailey Bieber go for the chop, it's perhaps no surprise that many of us (including some of the Who What Wear UK team) have also been tempted. And we've seen myriad bob haircuts surface, from the Italian bob to the box bob, stacked bob and butterfly bob—you name it, it's been a thing.
"The bob has had such a major resurgence this year because of trends like '70s curtain fringes along with shaggy layers. I find with my clients, once they've exhausted shaggy, layered styles, there often seems to be a moment of 'what shall we do next?'," says Jonathan Eagland, senior stylist at John Frieda Salons. As a result, he explains, many gravitate towards bob-length styles. "Throughout the ages, the bob has been considered a haircut that has given massive confidence to women. It's a timeless and chic look that will never die!"
However, just like the nature of any beauty trend, haircuts come and go, and hairdressers are already beginning to see the decline of bob requests in favour of other styles. Ahead, Eagland shares the haircut trends he thinks will be big news in 2024.
Bob Haircut Alternatives to Try in 2024
1. Long Hair Revival
Eagland predicts we'll see the return of long hair again. "Coming into 2024, I can see long, layered hair making a comeback, executed in a very chic, minimal way," he says. "Think classic runway hair: a slinky, barely tonged ripple of polished waves in a middle parting."
Long lengths are ideal for showcasing loose, face-framing waves.
Long hair looks so elevated with a soft bend through the lengths.
Growing out your hair? This growth serum has incredible reviews.
I've seen amazing results from these hair gummies—they really work to encourage healthy hair growth.
To add a soft, chic bend to the hair, make a large curling wand your go-to tool.
2. Floating Layers
"We have noticed an uplift in clients asking to maintain their length, however, we are still incorporating layers into these looks; whether visible or not," notes Eagland. "At the salon, we have been working on various techniques, one of those being ‘floating layers'; a way of layering the hair underneath in small sections to create masses of movement and ultimately, volume where necessary," he says. "Long, slinky, tousled, layered looks that quite literally float in the wind when you're walking down the road—like slow-motion hair."
Floating layers are a great way to add definition and shape to curly hair textures.
Floating layers give longer lengths so much movement and body.
The key to getting hair that floats effortlessly in the wind is to use a clarifying shampoo. This one leaves roots lifted and lengths shiny. It's expensive-looking hair in a bottle.
Keep layers looking healthy with a regular glossing treatment. This one from Ouai leaves hair so shiny.
To enhance those layers, a hot brush is a great way to add volume and bounce.
3. Pixie Cut
"I believe that we are exposed to so many ideas all of the time now, whether that be via celebrity, film or fashion," says Eagland. One haircut that we're seeing everywhere right now? The pixie cut. It's a timeless haircut that we see resurface time and time again. Eagland notes how these moments come about.
"Myself and my colleagues at the salon draw a lot of inspiration from film, whether old or new; classic images where the hair references immediately take your mind to your clients at the salon who want to re-create [the look of] those characters," he says. "There are classic looks that will always exist, [adapted] every year and season for a multitude of different people and personalities to find [the] look they feel suits them best," he says.
Whilst it may have been a wig moment, we can't stop thinking about Charithra Chandran dipping her toe into the pixie haircut trend.
Could there be a more fitting hairstyle for Pixie Lott?
Adds definition and texture to choppy pixie cuts.
Hershesons' Almost Everything Cream really is a multi-tasker. Use it to smooth, add texture and define wave and curl patterns.
This is cool-girl hair in a bottle.
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