New year, new you? Meh. New year, new hairstyle? For sure. Whether you’re ready to totally switch up your cut (the time to go short is now!) or you’re just after some cute new ideas to try the next time you go out, stylists say these six looks are going to be huge in the coming months. Keep reading for more on the top hairstyle trends for 2022, including whom they work best for, how to achieve the look, plus some great inspo images.
2022 Hairstyle Trends
The Bixie
As the name suggests, this is a hybrid between a classic bob and a pixie cut. “The Bixie is more textured than a bob, but not as cropped as a pixie,” explains celebrity hairstylist and UNITE Ambassador, Graham Nation. “It’s messy and free, with less shape and more texture.” It’s a fun option either for those who want to go shorter — but still have lots of movement and styling versatility — or for those who want to add a modern twist to their current bob or pixie.
For styling purposes, adding lots of volume and texture is key, says Nation. Prep hair with a volumizing spray pre-blow-drying; we like Color Wow Raise The Root Thicken and Lift Spray ($24; amazon.com). Finish with a texture spray to enhance the piece-iness and add a bit more lift. Try Tresemme Dry Texture Finishing Spray ($8; target.com).
Supermodel Blowout
After years of laid-back hairstyles, big, bouncy blowouts are back. “The ’90s supermodel blowout is a classic.” says Nation. What’s unique about this style, he adds, is that although the hair has been blown out, it appears a bit messy or lived in. Plus, this extra voluminous take is also the perfect way to showcase layers of any length, and looks especially pretty if you have some cheek-grazing, face-framing pieces.
The key to styling success? A lightweight mousse, which will impart tons of volume throughout the roots and mid-lengths of the hair, add just enough hold, but still keep the look soft and movable, which is important, notes Nation. One to try: UNITE Elevate Mousse ($28; amazon.com). Work it through damp hair then blow-dry with a round-brush and set with Velcro rollers.
Rope Waves
Consider this the 2022 version of those oh-so-quintessential beachy waves, says celebrity hairstylist and beauty expert David Lopez, adding that it’s a nice way to change up your look if you have long hair and lots of layers. “Rope waves are a very organic and easy finish to your traditional curling iron style,” he says.
Curl your hair as you normally would, but as you unclamp each section, begin twisting the hair and pulling it downward, so that it looks like, you guessed it, a rope, he suggests. Once you’ve done your whole head, continuing to pull downward and shake out your hair to release the waves a bit more, finishing with a lightweight texture spray. Our pick: Living Proof Full Dry Volume and Texture Spray ($32; sephora.com).
Shoulder–Length Lob
It may feel a little basic, but celebrity stylist Ayano Jinnouchi says the shoulder-length lob is still big for 2022. Going a bit longer than a classic bob allows for way more options when it comes to styling; go super straight and sleek or add waves or curls, it looks good no matter what. One way to make it feel fresh? Wear an exaggerated part, as demonstrated above. The best part: No matter how you choose to style it, a shoulder-length lob is an incredibly easy cut to manage, Jinnouchi adds, choice for those who want to just wash-and-go on busy mornings.
ZigZag Part
Yes, we’re talking about that zigzag part from your middle school days. It’s back. “I love this because it’s a simple way to make any style look unique,” says Jinnouchi, from a ponytail to a half-up, half-down look. In order to create the desired effect, making sure the hair is sleek (so that the part pops) is most important.
Jinnouchi recommends prepping strands with a styling cream, like the Unite Smooth & Shine Styling Cream ($27; amazon.com) and blow-drying straight. Use the tip of a fine-tooth comb to zig-zag the part, starting at the hairline and working your way as far back as you want. The final step: Spritz a lightweight hairspray, like the Nexxus Weightless Hold Ultra Fine Hairspray ($10; amazon.com), on your palms and smooth them over the part and top of your head to smooth down any errant frizzies or flyaways.
Antennae Fringe
Move over curtain bangs, this is the type of fringe to sport in 2022. They too play off the nostalgia theme: “Y2K is coming back and these front pieces are definitely a reflection of that,” says Lopez. And speaking of curtain bangs, “they’re a great option for anyone who is growing out curtain bangs or any other kind of fringe,” he adds. Antennae fringe works well on all hair textures and can easily be incorporated into your look, no matter whether you’re wearing your hair up or down, he points out. All you have to do is leave the two front pieces loose.
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