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As we’ve seen throughout time, hairstyles have inspired cultural movements, influenced identity expression, and defined decades. Just take a classic vintage look like the 60s beehive updo for example, which evokes memories of Diana Ross, Audrey Hepburn, and Aretha Franklin. Now in 2022, we’re pulling together a list of looks that have been making a statement throughout the year, and here to help are two celebrity hair stylists, educator Vernon François and craftsman Nunzio Saviano. Below, you’ll find an intriguing mix of looks that are bound to spruce up your style— whether you’re rocking curls, coils, waves, or straight textures—along with the products and tools that will help you to achieve them. Some of these trends embody a modern twist, while others have an old school flare.
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Sleek-Front-Loose-Back
The sleek-back is a look that we've all loved for a while now, and the good news is that it’s not going anywhere. There are many variations of this style, one of which is a “contrasting style where the hair is slicked-back at the front and loose at the back,” says François. If you’d like to try another look in this vein, experiment with a middle part and a top knot— a style that is taking social media by storm at the moment.
Y2K Tendrils
As the saying goes, history repeats itself, and this year we are witnessing the resurgence of one of the most popular hair trends of the early 2000s: tendrils. Inherently, tendrils have the potential to elevate any simple look. Take Lana Condor for example—these two strands instantly spice up her pulled-back hair.
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The Shag
“The shag— or super layered hair cut— is the trend,” says Saviano.“It works on almost every hair texture and length, and you can even style this look with or without bangs. It gives off a cool, low maintenance vibe, and truly brings out the best of natural hair texture, as the layered cut gives the hair movement.”
When styling the shag, a diffuser is always a great tool for a last minute touch-up.
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Top Knot
We marvel at everything Gabrielle Union does with her hair, and we’re especially obsessed with this bun look. Top knot buns are the definition of versatile. They’re uncomplicated, yet confident, and can fit any occasion. Whether you’re getting into the groove of an intense workout or spending a night out on the town, pulling your hair back is always the answer.
All Natural
“More and more people are finding the courage to explore their gray hair which I am a huge fan of, '' says François. One celebrity who is fiercely rocking her gray roots is Gwyneth Paltrow, pictured here in her natural element. “I also think that the notion of living one’s natural texture— whether kinky, coily, curly, wavy, or straight— will continue for many this year,” François adds.
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Copper Color
When Kendall Jenner transitioned from dark brunette to copper brown earlier this year, she joined the ranks of many others looking to make a bold color change. Especially since fall is quickly approaching, copper might just be for you.
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Soft Brown & Gold
Hues of brown have been taking over lately, which brings us to this fabulous photo of Kelly Rowland showing off a blend of soft brown and gold. We're here to say that this color combination will be floating around all year! Although you could try to achieve this color on your own, we would suggest visiting a stylist, as mixing colors can get tricky!
Pixie Haircut
"I think we will be seeing more of, TWAs or teeny-weeny afros, buzz cuts, and even pixie haircuts” says Francois. As seen on Zoe Kravitz, one way to style a pixie is to slick it down with gel for a polished look.
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Bangs
“Fringes are still on the rise, not that they were out to begin with, but people are re-introducing them and wearing them in different ways ~ like bottleneck, curtain, and asymmetric bangs,” says François. And Saviano agrees: “Bangs are trendy and in so many different ways, soft, textured, blunt or side-swept, and they’re a great way to update your look while still keeping the length.”
Kerastase Get The Look: Refresh Absolu Redefining & Restyling Spray
Kerastase Get The Look: Refresh Absolu Redefining & Restyling Spray
If you have textured hair, be sure to use a styling cream or spray, and gently wrap each group of hair strands around your finger to hold the shape in place . And if you have wavy or straight hair, you can use hair spray after blow drying for a light hold.
The Pamela Updo
Pamela Anderson's classic updo is one that will live in the hairstyle history books throughout time. And recently, pop culture icons like Kim Kardashian have been channeling their inner Anderson with an effortless messy bun.
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The Modern Day Rachel Cut
Inspired by Jennifer Aniston's character Rachel, from the hit TV show Friends, this cut is an iconic 90s look that celebrates blowdried layers. “The Rachel haircut is definitely making a comeback, “ says Saviano. But this time, with a modern-day twist: “The above the shoulder length with longer bouncy layers is an alternative look that it’s quite the opposite of the shag and a different new look from the lob.”