The Biggest Hair Trends for Spring 2024 — PBL Magazine (2024)

Tom Smith, dubbed “The Hairvoyant” of the hair industry has unpicked and predicted the “it” colour trends for the upcoming months. Tom is an international Artist in residence at Billi Currie, Artist at Olaplex and International Creative Colour Director at Evo, his passion for hair is both creative and cerebral, believing a mindful approach to hairdressing can empower and bring purpose to life, truly cementing identity.

Asymmetry and Indulgence are the themes of the season this Spring with various looks incorporating angled, parted and side-swept styles accompanied by intensely rich, luxurious and glamorous colour tones, oozing shine and vitality.

For those keen to keep their hair longer and play with versatility, there are multiple user-friendly options for styling longer or layered hair, while the leading haircuts fuse practicality with design for low maintenance, healthy and wearable styles.

The obsession with (cowgirl) copper gives way to bold tones of true red, while Spring firmly sets the foundations for 2024 being the year of the brunette as multiple tones of taupe, mushroom and burgundy offer a plethora of inspiration for those yearning for the deeper shades.

Crystal clear tones of blondes make a fantastic option for those with naturally grey or white hair (or those willing to undertake the higher maintenance platinum blonde processes) while the expanded Halo shape celebrates texture and curls in a regal and statuesque way.

Spring 2024 offers an indulgent selection of styles and shades that provide confidence and glow for the wearer with a real feeling of warmth and joy.

Side Swept Styles

Celebrity References: Jennifer Lawrence, Alison Toby, Candice Swanepoel, Addison Rae, Dakota Johnson, Adut Akech Bior

One of the most popular red carpet styles of late, side swept and asymmetric hairstyles have been seen again and again. The relaxed elegance of hair swept over one shoulder is extremely feminine, whilst looking undone and soft.

Ask your stylist: This is an easy to achieve style for all those with hair longer than shoulder length. If you find that your hair is so soft or silky that it doesn’t stay in place easily, prep the hair with a texturizing spray (Sam McKnight Cool Girl), a styling powder (evo Haze) or even simply a dry shampoo (Olaplex 4D).”

Deep Side Partings

Celebrity References: Em Rata, Florence Pugh, Gigi Hadid

Partings seemingly oscillate between central and side every season, but this spring we see a firm push towards deep side partings, for short cuts, bobs, longer styles and even fringes too. Intrinsically connected to the vibe of the side swept styles of longer hair, the deep side parting gives a drama to any style.

Ask your stylist: This is a great option for those who prefer one side of their face over the other or who feel they lack facial symmetry. Similarly to the side swept styles we see on longer hair, the use of a styling powder (evo Haze) through the parting will give the wearer maximum control and invisible hold to the style.

Feathered Layers

Celebrity References: Beyonce, Camilla Cabello

One of my earlier predictions for the entire year, feathered layers are sure to persist throughout the majority of 2024. The flattering face framing they offer, combined with their practicality for trimming and keeping the more delicate hairline area tidied up make them a perfect choice for those wanting to maximise the appearance of fullness and health of their hair, whilst giving more versatile styling options.

Ask your stylist: Feathered Layers can be utilized to flatter and draw attention to your best features, so work with your hairstylist to determine the ideal shortest length – the hollow of the cheekbone or the chin work best in most cases. For those who tend to like very long hair, why not start with feathering from collarbone down to try the style out with minimal commitment.

Single Strands

Celebrity References: Vanessa Kirby, Jules Hough, Dorit Kemsley, Sydney Sweeney, Phoebe Dynevor

Continuing the theme of asymmetry this season, here’s another styling trend that almost anyone can jump on straight away. Incredibly simple, but it feels high fashion and directional in a way that retains softness and practicality, this works on anyone with hair longer than lip length. When combined with a middle parting, this look becomes a bit more noticeably ‘designed’ while if done in combination with this season's popular side partings you’ll find the look feels more effortless and incidental.

Ask your stylist: If your hair is shorter, test out this style by tucking most of your hair behind both ears, pulling out one strand from one side of the front of your hair, either from beside a central or side parting.

Halo Curls

Celebrity References: Kerry Washington, Anok Yai, Louista Cash, Tracee Ellis Ross

Another key theme for all of 2024, ‘Halo silhouettes’ describe the ethereal, curved expanded or face framing angle of any hairstyle. This spring, we see the most dramatic version of this silhouette in the form of natural textured and curly hair halo-cuts. This crown like shape is a statuesque, regal and confident shape which celebrates texture and volume. While ideal on more textured hair, smoother hair types can get a similar shape with rounded layers and voluminous blow-drying/curling.

Ask your stylist: Achieving this shape on naturally textured hair involves the correct hair prep and a visual approach to the cut, while on straighter or wavier hair types a very technical layering technique is required.

Hydro Bob

Celebrity References: America Ferrera, Charlize Theron, Hailey Bieber

Reminiscent of last springs ‘Boy Bob’ this style is an androgynous and editorial look that is drenched in gloss and moisture and incredibly practical to achieve. The shape can be tailored to the individual, working with their features to create a length that sits between lips and the mid-neck and then the use of styling product to give definition and hold makes it a great haircut for those who like their hair to feel controlled and refined. Tucked behind one or both ears this can be combined with springs popular side partings or single strands.

Ask your stylist: While nourishing leave-in creams such as Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother are ideal for the definition and hydration this style requires, a great trick for those who don’t find the time to do weekly masks or treatments is to simply style the hair with your favourite moisture mask. This will give the semi-wet-look effect and allow your hair to soak in goodness at the same time.

Oxblood Red

Celebrity References: Dua Lipa, Cardi B, Valentina Zenere

I’ve been talking about the importance of the progression from copper into red for months now and we continue to add to the body of celebrity references to pull from with these deeply vibrant, cherry red tones. As a non naturally occurring shade, Oxblood Red tones are great for those who like to push the boundaries of their fashion and appearance. The great thing about intense red tones are they are incredibly shiny which makes them a great option for those who wish to show off the health and vibrancy of their locks or who prefer polished or high-shine finishes.

Ask your stylist: When it comes to non naturally occurring shades, the question of suitability is less around eye colour and skin tone, and more about the confidence and attitude of the wearer, combined with their fashion and makeup choices.

Taupe Brown

Celebrity References: Mimi Keene, Halsey

As I predicted towards the end of 2023, this year will hero brown and brunette shades in the same way 2023 did for coppers. With monochrome dressing in fashion at an all time high, and tonal browns as popular now as they were in the early 00’s this taupe and mushroom inspired brown shade is a great option for those wanting to play with brunette shades but keen to keep away from warmth, red or chocolate tones. This is a whisper of brunette rather than a shout and connotes innocent, purity and minimalism. Best combined with a stripped back style and healthy, shiny styles this combined well with the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic that remains popular.

Ask your stylist: When the required shade is deeper than your natural colour or current starting point, this cool/neutral tone is easy to achieve. However, if your hair is natural or currently dyed darker this will require a professional colour correction to achieve this specific tone. Hair will almost always fade warmer over time, and so colour protecting products and especially those which top up tone (evo Fabuloso Cool Brown) are a necessary tool for homecare between salon visits.

Burgundy Brunette

Celebrity References: Anne Hathaway, Billie Piper, Rachel Brosnahan

With Red being the statement-makers shade of the year, it makes sense that a more subtle and ‘natural’ version become popular for those wanting to keep things softer. Burgundy Brunette oozes richness, shine and gloss while reflecting red tones in the light. Great on all bases from mid to darkest brown, health and vibrancy is a welcome characteristic of this particular shade.

Ask your stylist: On naturally deeper or dyed brunette hair this is a simple tone shift. In the cases of lighter or previously highlighted hair the good news is this tone is ideal for long lasting depth and a healthier look for those wanting to transform their look to something deeper and moodier.

Syrup Blonde

Celebrity References: Rihanna, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lawrence

Intensely sticky and sweet, Syrup Blondes are the most indulgent shade for those who prefer to wear their hair lighter. With undertones of gold, caramel and vanilla this is the most delicious shade. Warmer tones always appear brighter, healthier and shinier and so this tone direction is a fantastic choice for those who’s blonde may be feeling a little lack-lustre.

Ask your stylist: Adding a toner to your usual highlighting or blonding appointment is all that is required to achieve this shade. Have you colourist go as warm as possible without tipping into ‘strawberry blonde’ territory and keep the blonde as light as possible with minimal darker shadows or low lights.