As we countdown the days to the end of year, in the beauty industry our focus shifts to 2025 and what trends are on the horizon.
BD spoke exclusively with key winners of the Australian Hair Industry Awards 2024 and Australian Beauty Industry Awards 2024 to find out what their trend predictions are for the year ahead.
Keep on reading to find out what is in store hair and beauty wise for 2025...
STEVIE ENGLISH – AHIA MEDAL OF HONOUR – COLOUR SPECIALIST
Stevie English Hair, NSW
I think the hair colour trends for 2025 will be bold and beautiful. A few of the key ones will be:
Pastel power – Pastel colours have been a hit for the past few years, and in 2025 they’re going stronger than ever. Soft, shades such as lavender, baby pink, mint green, and periwinkle will dominate as the appeal lies in their versatility—they can be applied to highlights, balayage, or all-over colour for a delicate yet bold statement.
Bioluminescent hues – Think electric blues, greens, and purples that mimic the glowing nature of deep-sea creatures. This trend is not for the faint of heart but is perfect for those who want to experiment with otherworldly shades and be more adventurous.
Eco-conscious colour – Sustainability is at the heart of many trends in 2025, and hair colour is no exception. Eco-friendly dyes made from natural ingredients, as well as water-based and cruelty-free formulations, are gaining popularity. This movement also includes zero-waste packaging and vegan colour options, allowing consumers to experiment with their hair without compromising on the environment.
Rich brunettes – Brunettes will see a resurgence in 2025, but with a twist. Think deep chocolate tones, espresso shades, and rich auburns, with hints of copper or gold to add dimension and warmth. These multi-dimensional hues offer a modern take on the classic brunette, offering depth and sophistication.
Golden blonde with a twist – While platinum and icy blondes have been the go-to for a while, 2025 will see a return to warm, golden blonde tones. These hues, inspired by everything from honey to butter, provide a sunlit glow that’s softer and more inviting than their cooler counterparts.
SAM JAMES – AHIA AUSTRALIAN HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR 2024
SJ Establishment, SA
I’m loving that the Pantone colour for 2025 is Mocha Mousse. This will be huge for me in my 2025 education where we will be focusing on transforming blondes to brondes. There is a definite lean towards more warmth in all colours across blondes, brunettes and of course strawberry blondes. Also watch out for ‘glow lights’ which can lift a dark base to a multi-toned effect and lighten areas around the face.
There will also be so many big blow outs primed for movement. This will be huge with clients wanting lots of volume and impact with voluptuous round shaping. The key here will be an expert cut with seamless layers and lots of hair, whether natural or from extensions. While DIY blow dries will always be an option, people will be wanting that expert touch that means they will last and last.
And finally, more bobs. We have seen this for a while and it isn’t going away any time soon. For those already sporting bobs they are loving them and sticking with them a bit longer and we are also seeing those who held out finally ready to give it a try.
SHARLENE LEE – AHIA AUSTRALIAN SALON OF THE YEAR 2024
Circles Of Hair, WA
We are the home of the hair transformation and so many of our clients come to us at the start of the year wanting an entirely fresh look. This year we expect them to be visiting us to get;
Voluminous, feminine waves a la Sabrina Carpenter. Sabrina has totally captured our core demographic and they love her sultry platinum shade as well as her signature side bangs. These are a softer and easier way to play with a fringe. It’s in keeping with the curtain bangs trends but a little more styled and dramatic.
Bobs, bobs and more bobs. I think we will keep seeing more of these, whether people are being more adventurous with a newer microbob or sticking with something more expected but adding a fringe or some flicked out ends.
Finally, there is a return of layering with the most extreme version seen with the jellyfish cut. Think a cut which resembles the look of the sea creature, with at least two bluntly cut layers - often a short and blunt top-layer bob with longer hair underneath.
BROOKE CLARKE – ABIA EDITORIAL MAKE-UP ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2024
As we step into 2025, the makeup world is set to embrace a spectrum of styles, offering something for everyone.
First, we’ll continue to celebrate skin, but this time with an even greater emphasis on health and radiance. Think luminous, dewy complexions enhanced with plenty of blush swept across the apples of the cheeks. Celebrities like Sabrina Carpenter and Lindsay Lohan have already championed this look, making fresh, natural beauty a cornerstone of the year’s aesthetic. It’s about looking effortlessly healthy and lit-from-within – perfect for everyday and editorial alike.
On the other end of the spectrum, bold, alternative styles are having a moment. Artists like Chappell Roan are inspiring a wave of unapologetically colorful and daring looks. From neon accents to playful graphic eyeliner, expect to see more people stepping outside their comfort zones and embracing creative self-expression through makeup.
Finally, 2025 will be the year of eyebrow experimentation. Gone are the days of ultra-thick, laminated brows; instead, we’ll see skinnier shapes like Gabriette’s, or even bleached brows, as seen on Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga. These trends reflect a shift toward individuality, allowing people to redefine their features in bold, unexpected ways.
DANIELLE RENEE – ABIA AUSTRALIAN BEAUTY CLINIC OF THE YEAR (5 ROOMS OR MORE) 2024
Bobbi Charles, QLD
As a dermal therapist, I believe that personalisation will be at the forefront of skincare, with AI technology enabling clients to access tailored routines that address their unique concerns and goals.
One exciting treatment gaining traction is exosome therapy, which promotes cellular communication and rejuvenation – perfect for those looking to combat the signs of ageing. We also anticipate a rise in non-surgical facelifts like thread lifts and ultrasound therapies, offering skin tightening without surgery.
In the realm of injectables, preventative Botox is likely to become more common among younger clients aiming to delay the signs of ageing. Additionally, oxygenation treatments will be sought after for their ability to enhance skin vitality and glow.
Finally, there’s a growing interest in microbiome-friendly products that support overall skin health by nurturing the skin’s natural barrier.
AMBER BULLOCK – AHIA COLOUR SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR 2024
Bond Hair Religion, ACT
Soft highlighting around the face with freehand and highlighting throughout to achieve a balayage effect. This one is for lovers of the long-lived-in look and it isn’t going away any time soon.
I’m also loving rosy copper blondes blended with a soft face frame. This is such a wearable colour and the perfect entry point for someone looking for something a bit different to a traditional blonde.
We will also be moving away from grey/overtoned blondes towards more warm, buttery tones. I think this is a really natural and flattering look and there will be focus on care products to make sure the blonde is really well maintained.
Finally expect a big rise in requests for rich, earthy reds. Rather than strawberry blondes and softer shades, clients will be wanting bold solid colours with incredible shine that comes from high quality colours and hairdresser expertise.
SCOTT SLOAN – AHIA NSW/ACT SALON OF THE YEAR 2024
Sloans of Lane Cove, NSW
Having worked backstage at Paris, Milan and London Fashion Weeks for the last couple of years creating hair for the shows including Dior, Chanel, Isabel Marant, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Fendi and Gucci it’s been amazing to play a direct role in creating these trends. A few of my favourites that we will be creating in the salon from the SS25 shows are;
The flicked out bobs from Carolina Herrara. A nod to cute Parisian style and the escapist style of Emily in Paris this is a fun way to play with a traditional bob in a fresh way. There will also be plenty of microbobs as well as they were seen on multiple runways.
Bedhead waves were seen at Coach and Ralph Lauren and will be a big go-to. These tumbling waves are a little messier and undone than usual with plenty of texturiser to give them that really gritty and textured finish.
Finally accessories were huge. From exaggerated tassles at Prada to feminine flowers and intricate flowers at Alice & Olivia to delicate clips at Simone Rocha.
KRISTIN ROSE – ABIA DERMAL THERAPIST OF THE YEAR 2024
Peachy Skin Clinic, WA
I think we are seeing a steady transition from a focus on the more holistic phase towards a more results driven approach. While there will always be a mix of both – clients are becoming more accustomed to more invasive and dramatic treatments which require more downtime but less treatments. Surgeries will rise, as will injectable treatments.
A huge focus for us at the moment, and into next year, is the Venus Viva which is a professional skin resurfacing and skin tightening device. An alternative to microneedling and fractional laser treatments, it delivers exceptional results with low downtime and is safe for all skin types and allows operator control of ablation and coagulation for enhanced efficacy in resolving mild to severe skin damage.
And Korean skincare is here to stay! They are just so advanced with their formulations and approach and where it was once a hidden, cult purchase it is now a mainstream part of so many skincare routines.
All winners are available for exclusive tips, tricks and comment. Contact Kristy at Lily Blue on kristy@lilyblue.com.au to arrange.
Image credit: @stevieenglishhair, @sjestablishment, and @circlesofhair.
