The 11 hair trends we're already loving for 2024 - from chic bobs to low-maintenance styling

From luxe-looking bob cuts to the revival of nostalgic styles and colours, the 2024 hair trends are providing non-stop inspiration for your next 'do...

While 2023 saw a lot of hair trends, from the butterfly bob and French girl hair to "Cowboy" copper, the next few months are already shaping up to bring a whole host of new styles to the forefront. As well as the reinvention of several timeless cuts, including bob hairstyles and fringes - many of which we'd once written off entirely as outdated hair trends.

So, whether you're looking to debut a new, statement shade, or add a few face-framing layers - to subtly refresh your look - we've spoken to some of the industry's leading hairstylist to get their predictions for the key styles we’ll be seeing everywhere...

Tom Smith

Tom Smith is a hairstylist, trend forecaster and Olaplex artist, as well as the International Creative Director at Evo, who has shared expertise and predictions for the hairstyles and colours set to take 2024 by storm.

Anita Rice

Anita Rice is the co-founder and Director of London's first sustainable salon, Buller and Rice and has over 24 years of hairdressing experience. Thus, Anita has shared predictions on what hair trends we can expect to see in the months ahead...

Mason Josh

Mason Josh in an Advocate stylist at Josh Wood London, who is renowned for his effortless styling - especially when it comes to thee oh-so trendy "grown-out bangs" look. Now, Josh has shared expertise and predictions on what cuts and colours we're set to see everywhere in the coming months...

The 2024 hair trends we'll be seeing everywhere

Now, before we dive into all the styles heading our way in 2024, we're already dubbing this as the year of haircare. So, be sure to check out our conditioning, shine-boosting essentials - before you peruse the trend list...

1. Oxblood red

While copper tones dominated the 2023 trends, hairstylist at Billi Curie and trend forecaster Tom Smith predicts that statement "Oxblood" red is the natural progression.

He says: "As a non-naturally occurring shade, Oxblood Red tones are great for those who like to push the boundaries of their fashion and appearance." Smith also notes that this burgundy-like hue is a great option for those who want vibrancy and a high shine.

This colour had been out of beauty zeitgeist for years but thanks to the likes of Dua Lipa (who has recently debuted the bold look) Smith adds, "I feel sure that this is something that's going to continue to grow, throughout this year," - especially during the spring months.

2. Dramatic side parting

This might divide some readers, but according to the experts, the side parting will make a dramatic return in 2024. In fact, it's already made a few appearances on the red carpet, modelled by the likes of Florence Pugh.

Tom Smith explains that the overarching theme for this year's trends is asymmetry and while we seem to oscillate between side and central partings every year, this spring will see a "firm push towards deep side partings, for short cuts, bobs, longer styles and even fringes." 

The beauty of a parting trend is its versatility and accessibility. Regardless of whether you have curly hair or a short bob cut, you can easily play and experiment with where your hair falls.

3. The single strand

If you're looking for a straightforward hairstyle to add to your 2024 repertoire, allow us to introduce you to the single strand. As the name suggests, the look sees one, intentional strand of your hair steal the spotlight. 

Seen on the likes of Vanessa Kirby and Kirtsen Dunst, this simple strand adds a hint of effortless, Hollywood glamour to your look. It's "undone" but so chic and can again, be adapted to an array of hair lengths.

As Smith explains: "It feels high fashion and directional in a way that retains softness and practicality - this works on anyone with hair longer than lip length."

4. "Shag" haircuts

According to Mason Josh, Advocate Stylist at Josh Wood London, very layered "Shag" style haircuts will continue to dominate this year. "Shaggy hair is super, super in," Johsh quips, adding: "I'm seeing lots of shags [cuts], mullets, fringes and soft bangs - anything layered basically."

5. Mid-length bobs

Bob hairstyles really dominated the hair trends space in 2023, and we can probably expect that to continue next year. "A bob will always be in fashion, but one or two versions of it will always lead the way," says Smith.

"In 2023, we saw extremes in bob length, with very short and even more elongated bobs, so it’s likely we’ll be seeing more around the mid-length in 2024."

6. Face-framing, feathered layers

Smith notes that face-framing, feathered layers will be big in the months to come. "Using a large round barrel ceramic brush is the best way to achieve this [look]," he says. "Big enough that the hair doesn’t curl or flick, but rounded so that the feathered ends can be seen.

"For a soft, more natural look, a curling iron can also be used, keeping the ends a little straighter, which will help to show off the feathered edges but retain a modern look."

7. The mushroom bob

On the subject of mid-length bobs, this rounded style is set to be popular into 2024. "The mushroom bob is a versatile haircut, which can add fullness to finer hair," Anita Rice, co-founder of Buller and Rice.

"When the hair is cut all one length it always optimises a thicker result. If you’re going for a smooth look, use a large, round brush to create a soft bend on the ends, which is surprisingly easy with this length." 

8. Soft parted fringes

Fringes are a timeless addition to hairstyles, but we'll be seeing a shift towards softer takes in 2024. "Another big trend is we're still seeing a big range of bangs," says  Mason Josh. Think very, very soft curtain bangs.

"When I say range, I don't mean full-blown fringe. What we're seeing is very soft, grown-out, parted fringes. It's not a block; it's always parted and it's always soft."

9. Jigsaw layers

Jigsaw layers are those with a kind of "disconnected" feel to them. "The more extreme the result, the higher the impact," says Rice. "We love cheekbone ledges, then dropping to below the chin with a final dramatic drop to nipple length. The haircut definitely works best on thick, straight hair, however, you can have a lot of fun with wavy and curly textures."

Dakota Johnson isn’t quite as dramatic an example of jigsaw layers, with a softer, grown-out shag vibe, but you can see the layers throughout. 

10. Ultra low-maintenance highlights

Low-maintenance hair will continue to be popular in 2024, both in terms of people opting for natural styling and colour that requires fewer appointments to keep it looking fresh. "In terms of colour, we're also seeing highlighted hair is a routine look," says Mason.

"Now what [colourists] do is they highlight the hair and they then drop the roots, which basically means when [the hair] grows out there's no heavy line, it always grows out very soft.” In other words, "hair that grows out very soft and seamlessly and may only need two touch-ups a year."

11. Halo silhouettes

This describes soft layering around the head, AKA a "halo" effect. "Halo silhouettes are rounded, they work best on those with square long or angular face shapes due to the softening effect," says Tom.

"Those with very rounded face shapes, or who have soft curved features, may prefer to wear the silhouette on much longer hair to balance the overall proportions. Another good trick is to incorporate asymmetry, like a side parting, which can give contour to an otherwise round face shape."