With every New Year comes a multitude of new trends to experiment with. From the clothes we wear, to the shoes on our feet and the handbags we carry, even the way we take care of our skin and apply our makeup often requires an updated approach. This coincides well with the ‘New Year, new you’ philosophy by allowing us to mix up routines, try new looks and feel inspired by the year ahead.
When it comes to personal appearance, one of the best ways to embrace a new you in 2017 is to revamp your hair – be it colour, cut or new styling techniques. In terms of trends, next year looks set to be one of fuss-free and low-maintenance looks which is great news for those short on time (who isn’t?). ‘Organic’, ‘natural’ and ‘lived in’ are just some of the terms associated with emerging hair trends and there will be a strong focus on protection too. To find out more, BD asked some hair experts to share their advice on what to try when January rolls around.
From day to night
When it comes to the everyday, healthy-looking hair, it should be left undone, explains Papas and Pace salon global artist Justin Pace. “Less curls and sleeker, softer styles are emerging this season,” he says, “We're also seeing a lot of softer fringes and shaping around the face too.” Brands like are making this easier than ever with their ceramic straightener that comes in the form of a hairbrush.
creative director Joey Scandizzo agrees, explaining that hair should be more or less left alone. “Try embracing your natural texture more. By using hydrating shampoos, conditioners and leave-in treatments, your natural style will keep looking fresh.” Some great go-tos for hydration are Hydrate-Me Wash collection, 02.32 Hydrate Infinity Leave-in Mask or Hydrating Coconut Oil and Shea Butter Treatment that will keep hair supple and frizz-free.
trichologist Simone Lee says that a focal point for 2017 will be organic texture, movement and transitional hair design. The latter, she explains, will be key for taking a look into the evening. “Unravelling structured braids worn during the day will allow for a swift transition into voluminous evening coiffure. This technique minimalises the need to use curling irons or heated appliances typically required to bodyfy hair.”
retail selling specialist Hannah-May Buckley also believes we should embrace evening styles that don’t look too overdone. “Anything that looks tousled, effortless and soft. Back to side partings are in at the moment. Glam waves have been out for more than a year but people still love them. They can be used for a night look in up-styling too.”
Embrace embellishment
The experts are eager to see additional decoration incorporated into relaxed evening looks as 2017 looks set to be the year of the hair accessory. Pace would like to see us embrace all manner of adornments including scarves, clips and headwear and says it’s also great news for brides who can, “add lace elements and floral blooms to the hair for a really special look.”
Lee is also looking forward to seeing scarves worn creatively saying that, “Silk fabrics or hair bandanas will become the must-have hair accessories for 2017 and can be interwoven into the hair for ultimate decoration.”
For something simpler Buckley says that the invisible hair bobble will continue to grow in popularity next year. Lady Jayne award-winning clear style guards will do the trick.
The ‘cool girl’ haircuts
When talking more radical updates to hair, something permanent like a new cut will really help to transform an individual’s look. To ensure the look is current, Lee suggests opting for a shorter haircut – the GEO bob – that is essentially a classic style updated with precise edges and defined angles. “Geometric parameters and textural interiors for shorter haircuts will reign supreme in 2017,” she says.
Scandizzo outlines the hair health benefits of getting a bob, explaining that, “By getting the chop you will lose any split ends and add more volume and bounce to your hairstyle, perfect for 2017’s natural hair trend.” Another option he recommends for people with thick hair is a textured fringe that will instantly update a tired cut.
If the GEO bob sounds a little severe, Buckley recommends the Lob – or long bob – that next year should be shaggy in order to provide a soft frame for the face. If in doubt, look to the ‘70s for inspiration she advises. L'Oréal Paris Elvive Fibralogy thickening collection or a quick spray of I Want Body Volume Spray will also help achieve the fuller bodied hair she’s referring to.
Modern colour ways
Blonde is back in 2017 according to the experts. Says Buckley, “Foiled blondes are making a comeback. Super fine micro foils (and lots of them) are being used to give a more natural look with a more intense covering of colour and light ends.” Scandizzo agrees, predicting there will be less platinum blondes and more women with highlighted hair, while Lee will also be recommending micro foils because of their ability to enhance textured looks.
All agree that whatever the colour, the look must be natural. Buckley says this can be achieved by, “…going for a softer twist on ombre to more of a colour 'pop' rather than a fade. This refers to the ‘lived in’ trend, achieving that ‘cool girl’ hair colour that looks so natural it’s as if it hasn't been coloured at all.” Toning the hair after colouring will also provide a more natural look so try Hybrid Cream Hair Colour that will soften the colour and encourage shine.
Pace believes that product will play a part in achieving modern colour that lasts, “Bond protecting technology such as pH-BONDER, that is designed to protect the bonds in the hair during and post professional lightening and colouring services now allows us to push the hair beyond what we've done in the past. We're able to play with more pure tones, as we're working with a pristine, light base that is healthier and more resilient.”
Game-changing products
There is an abundance of other protein bonding products on the market right now which is good news for those who suffer from dry hair and split ends as a result of colouring. Buckley explains that Olaplex, Snaplex and Cureplex can be added to salon colours (bleach in particular) and will all play a part in helping to rebuild bonds during the process.
When it comes to day-to-day maintenance, products such as Protein Hair Treatment or the Enhance Leave-In Treatment Nutrient Booster will improve the condition of the hair in preparation for, or after styling and colouring.
