From the new look ‘wolf cut’ the 90's-inspired glossy ' blow-dry. The boy bob and uber-sleek strands are back. Here are the hair looks making a mega return, in 2022, says editor Trudi Brewer.
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The glossy blowout
2022 is the year of the tiger. Strong in the face of adversity, a tiger will never back down from a challenge, and are persistent and determined, according to the Chinese zodiac. So, with the promise of normality and loads of optimism, it's time to check back into life with a new hair look. Enter the glossy blow-out. According to Babyliss ambassador Syd Hayes. "We'll be moving away from the loose, beachy waves to full-bodied, glossy, glam hair," says Syd. From a deep side-part or flipped-over like Adele's wearing her hair right now, 2022 is all about volume, high shine, with a smooth salon-looking finish.
To get the look at home: Hayes says the shortcut that won't make your arms ache is a hot brush like the BaByliss PRO Rotating Hot Air Brush, $170. Use it on dry hair to give your style polish and effortless, smooth, bouncy hair.
The wolf cut
Combining the shag and the mullet, in 2022, the 'wolf or octopus cut' will be the style to give that rockstar edge. Matrix brand ambassador Sharon Spellman says, "It's a gender-neutral haircut that can be customised in many different ways depending on your preference." Inspired by the '70s shag and '80s mullet, it's a mash-up of both - once customised to suit any hair type - prepare to have layers and lots of them. If your hair is naturally curly or wavy, this cut is perfect for emphasising texture. If you have straight, fine hair, you may need the help of some volume-boosting hair products to get that tousled look.
To get the look at home: Dry shampoo is ideal for adding texture and grit. Coming mid-Jan, new from CoLab Dry Shampoo + Overnight Renew, $12, that works while you sleep to detox your locks while boosting volume - genius.
Boy Bob
If one haircut dominates trends every year, it's the bob. But in 2022, it's going to be classic," says top UK hairstylist James Earnshaw. The one thing that excites us about this perennial style is that there are many different ways to wear it. With this bob, your natural texture can roam free, and when it comes to length, anything from chin to the collarbone, with or without a fringe, is on-trend. "Soft texture added to the sleek bob gives me all the haircut goals for this year," says Earnshaw.
To get the look at home: Volume and shine are your goals with any length bob. Try ghd Body Goals, $39. Apply a few pumps on towel-dry hair, then comb from the roots to the ends and heat style.
Sleek strands
Dust off your hair straighteners, girls, because they're about to see a lot more action, says celebrity hairstylist and Tangle Teezer brand ambassador Liam Curran. "The '90s are back, with a focus on super straight and sleek strands," says stylist to stars who tends to the hair of Lana Del Rey, Cara Delevingne and Lindsay Lohan, to name a few. Curran credits millennials and Gen-Z's for the return of poker straight styles. "A big trend for me has to be the uber-chic, Y2K long sleek, shiny hair." Babyliss ambassador Syd Hayes agrees. "It's all about length but also healthy-looking, glossy hair," he says. "There is a feeling of power and sophistication that comes with straight hair whether its poker-straight and centre-parted, side-parted with a wet look edge or short and sleek."
To get the look at home: "Gently press the hair rather than holding the straightener tightly and dragging it down the hair section – this way, you don't lose any of the hair's shine," says Syd. Try the new BaByliss Cordless Hair Straightener, $260.
A grown out-looking fringe
"There's a fringe for everyone, but not every fringe fits every face," says Luke Hersheson, "It's not so much about the shape of your face, but you need to take your forehead into consideration." According to Luke, if you have a long forehead, you can get away with every type of fringe, including a thick, full style. However, if you have a short forehead, then the closest you want to get is a grown out-looking curtain bang or something a little longer than doesn't cover your whole forehead." Go with a long-looking, almost grown-out fringe if you're unsure, especially if your hair has a natural wave, remember it will bounce up a few inches when it's dry.
To get the look at home: Arm yourself with a round brush to smooth out your fringe even on those days when you're not washing your hair. We adore the Moroccanoil Ceramic Brush Round - 45mm, $49. It’s a styling essential.
Safe, volume-boosting, brow dry extending, here the clean beauty buys.