The 6 outdated hair trends you need to ditch for 2024 - and the chic styles to get instead

2024 is signally something of a spring cleaning in the hairstyle department, as the experts have highlighted several now-outdated hair trends that we'll be retiring in the months ahead - in favour of altogether chicer and more low-maintenance styles...

Yes, it seems a few goodbyes are in order, as the 2024 hair trends feature several revamped cuts and colours - from stylish bob hairstyles to more "undone" styling and elevated natural shades - whilst leaving a few popular looks from the year gone by in the dust. But much like with our manicures and seasonal wardrobes, change can be a very good thing for those looking to refresh their image.

So, to help inspire your next 'do, we've enlisted the expertise of hairstylists Edward James and Mason Josh to shed some light on the outdated hairstyles already being phased out...

Edward James

Edward James is a celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of the retail platform The Hair Consult. As a hairstylist, James has worked with the likes of Cara Delevingne, Joanna Lumley and even a few members of the royal family – and has shared predictions for the hair trend we'll be leaving behind in 2024.

Mason Josh

Mason Josh is a hairstylist at Joshwood, who has shared predictions for the hair trends we'll be waving goodbye to in 2024.

The outdated hair trends to ditch in 2024 

Whether you're looking for a sleek look that can be perfected with the aid of your best hair straighteners or are ready to ditch high upkeep shades and cuts (we're looking at you full fringes!), this year's hair trends are already promising a ton of natural and texturized looks. Plus the reinvention of a few timeless styles, like the "Mushroom" bob.

But before we can delve into all the newness, we must first discuss the styles that we won't be seeing much of in 2024...

1. Ultra-Long Extensions

First up on our list of hair trends not making the cut for 2024 are ultra-long extensions. Edward James says: "The trend of excessively long hair extensions is waning. People are moving towards more natural lengths and textures."

Of course, when done well, extensions can look great but like with makeup in recent months, we're leaning toward more natural and subtle looks, like feathered layers and soft, French-style bobs.

2. Blonde face-framing

Advocate Stylist Mason Josh from Josh Wood London hopes to see the end of chunky blonde face-framing sections, saying as much when we quizzed: "Can we please leave the Dua Lipa face-frame thing - the heavy blonde face-thing - in 2023." You'll hear no arguments from us!

Towards the end of last year, we instead saw more subtle alternatives like money-piece highlights gaining momentum and this is set to continue throughout 2024. So, if you do love lighter tones around your face, perhaps try one of those more understated options.

3. Bold, Chunky Highlights

Speaking of chunky highlights, James predicts that these will also be joining the list of outdated hair colour trends in 2024, giving way to, "more subtle techniques," that can add dimension as opposed to creating a statement look.

4. Platinum blonde

While it's still set to be a popular hue, James predicts that "the high-maintenance icy platinum look is being replaced by warmer blonde tones which still have the brightness but are more natural looking." 

For us, 2024 is the year of hair health and using the best hair masks religiously. Sadly, while icy tones look great, the process can be very damaging to your hair and so can the upkeep. Instead, opt for warmer, more honeyed tones or blended highlights that allow your roots to grow through seamlessly - without the need for urgent touch-ups.

Hairstylist and Trend Forecaster, Tom Smith has also predicted the rise of the "Crystal Clear" blonde hair colour trend, which offers more of a creamy, neutral hue and is geared towards those with naturally greying roots.

5. High-maintenance roots

This one is a personal gripe of the woman&home beauty team. Our Digital Beauty Editor, Aleesha Badkar, says: "I would love to leave root colour styling in 2023. Highlights from the root need topping up wayyy too regularly for me, otherwise, you're left with that telltale rigid line where the colour changes from dark to light - especially if you're someone who tends to see fast hair growth.

"I’m all about lazy and low maintenance, so subtle balayage, blended highlights further down the hair. This way you can leave it for months without needing a top-up - as long as you keep it looking fresh with some colour-reviving products!"

6. Overdone Balayage

While balayage styles have had their moment, 2024 will, according to James, see the colour technique being phased out in favour of less extreme contrasts - allowing for regrowth and repair.

"The over-saturated balayage look is becoming less popular, with more natural colour transitions without extreme colour changes in the overall appearance of the hair colour."

Our 2024 haircare staples

And in case you're looking to get a jump on your 2024 haircare routine, we've rounded up a few of our team's go-to staples - from the best hair styling products and treatments to versatile hair tools...