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Reminder: Switching up your hair is by far the easiest way to refresh your look. And the best way to choose a new color or cut? Trying one of the newest hair trends of 2022. I mean, sure, you might be the same ol’ you, but sometimes a few lil changes—like a new summer nail design, a fun makeup trend or, ahem, a whole new hairstyle (modern shag haircut, anyone?)—are the exact ~vibe~ changes we need. And to help you make your v important hairstyle choice, I connected with a lot of celebrity hairstylists to find all the prettiest hair trends of 2022.
"Everyone has gotten comfortable living in this free, effortless, 'I don’t have to put effort into my look' type of world," says celebrity hairstylist and curl expert Nai'vasha Grace (which, yes, that's my exact life rn). So for 2022, she predicts simple hairstyle trends that can easily become a whole look, like dressed-up ponytails and bangs. "Even if you let bangs grow a little bit, they still look 'done,'" she says. "It’s like the red lip, but for your hair.”
New York-based colorist Felicia Dosso also adds that when it comes to hair colors this year, 2022 brings a lot of red (like copper and strawberry) and blonde (think: bright platinum). And styles you can expect to stick around? Bouncy, '90s blowouts and curtain bangs. So basically, strap in, folks, because there's a lot to chose from. And trust, once you’re through this list, you’ll have more than several screenshots ready to show your stylist. Now keep scrolling for the 24 newest and prettiest hair trends of 2022.
1
This Red Hair Trend for 2022
“Different shades of copper hair are really popular right now,” says celebrity hair colorist Felicia Dosso. And the best thing about red, she points out, is that there’s a shade for every season. “As we go into spring and summer, we'll see those shades lighten up again. Instead of being deep auburn you’ll see strawberry red,” she says. And if Sydney Sweeney can’t convince you to go red, nothing can.
2
Platinum Blonde for 2022
Dosso predicts platinum blonde will be everywhere, like this shade on Gigi Hadid. “Blondes will lean into more of a brighter, solid blonde,” she says. But platinum blonde isn’t exactly a low-maintenance color, so stock up on a purple shampoo to counteract brassiness and treat your potentially damaged hair to a deep conditioning treatment once a week.
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3
Dressed-Up Ponytails for 2022
“Ponytails are such an easy trend, and not only that, but you can actually dress them up and embellish them—and they can look effortless,” says celeb hairstylist Nai'vasha Grace. “It can work for a red carpet look or for the bodega.” To get this super-straight ponytail like Winnie Harlow, prime your hair with a hair straightening cream before using your flatiron.
4
Sun-Kissed Balayage for 2022
“A sun-kissed balayage will be really popular for brunettes,” says Dosso. “It’s ideal for people who want a low maintenance, beachy style.” Think: beach waves. Ask your colorist for a rooty, blended balayage that will let you go for as long as you want between touch-ups. It’s so flexible—if you want to touch it up, you can, or you can just let it grow out and do your thing.
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5
This Pixie Cut Trend
This isn’t a trend for the commitment-phobes, but if you’re ready for a big change, the pixie cut is trending this year. “I recommend trying a 'pixie wig' cut first,” says Grace. “The pixie starts super short, but when you let it grow it turns into something even cooler. But it’s something you really have to commit to.”
6
Strawberry highlights in 2022
Just want a touch of warm hues in your color this year? Opt for this strawberry highlight look, which Dosso says will be a major trend in 2022. It’s a soft change that won’t demand getting touch-ups every four weeks.
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7
This Modern Shag in 2022
“I’m seeing a lot of variations on the modern shag haircut,” says celeb hairstylist Clariss Rubenstein. “You can modify it for your hair type, and I think it can be really flattering.” And if you need proof, peep this very cute curly shag hairstyle. The key to the perfect modern shag? Ask your hairstylist for lots of short layers to add the volume and choppy texture.
8
Mid-Length Bob Haircuts for 2022
Rubenstein and celeb hairstylist Marwa Bashir both say the '90s will continue strong in 2022. First up: the mid-length bob. Longer than a short bob but shorter than a long bob, this haircut falls somewhere above the shoulder and below the chin and will be a hit for 2022, according to Rubenstein. “I’m seeing a mid-length, blunt, ‘90s-style bob,” Rubenstein says. "Think Kourtney Kardashian's latest chop."
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9
Bobs With Center Parts for 2022
While we're on the topic of blunt ends, one of celeb hairstylist Weezy's top predictions is the blunt cut, on both short and long hair. If you want to give your hair a fuller, healthier appearance, Weezy recommends a haircut like this that's straight across and all one length.
10
‘90s Layers for 2022
But blunt ends aren't all we'll be seeing next year. Bashir says long '90s layers will be making a strong comeback, too. A layered haircut is great for adding volume, movement, and shape, and framing the face, so if your current style could use a little bit of all of that, incorporate layers that suit your hair type and texture into your look.
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11
Bobs With Side Parts for 2022
This next year, prepare to see a major return of an old favorite hair part: the side part. Celebrity extensionist Priscilla Valles predicts we'll be seeing lots of chic bobs with either a heavy side part, like the curly bob on Meagan Good, or a center part.
12
Mid-Length Layered Hair for 2022
According to Valles, 2022 will be less about the long, thick inches and more about classic medium-length to long-length hairstyles. Hairstyles will still feature lots of layers shown off by a blowout and heavy side part.
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13
Soft, Effortless Curls for 2022
Another one of Weezy's top picks for 2022 hair trends is light, soft, effortless curls. To get the look, Weezy uses a wider barrel hot tool so that it creates more of a soft wave, but you can also shop a similar look with a wig like the wig shown here.
14
Natural, Effortless Hair for 2022
Whether it's French-inspired, effortless hairstyling or natural color, Bashir loves the idea of less is more for 2022. “Lots more color that feels natural but with an elevated gloss or natural highlight,” Bashir says.
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15
Long, Sleek Strands for 2022
“I see sleek, long, and straight being very big in 2022,” Rubenstein says. If you've been dying to try out the dramatic straight hairstyle, make next year the year you finally do.
16
Bouncy Blowouts for 2022
“I’ve been seeing the 90's blow out a lot,” says celeb hairstylist Laura Polko. “It’s ideal especially if you have shoulder-length hair.” Valles particularly loves curtain bangs with a really pretty blowout instead of beach waves. “Make room for your jumbo hot rollers,” she says.
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17
Slicked Back Strands for 2022
If you like this wet-look hairstyle, do I have good news for you! As far as hair products that'll be trending for 2022, Aaron Grenia, cofounder of IGK Hair, says we can expect to see lots of gels and products for slicked-back looks like this.
18
Long Lengths for 2022
Valles says another big trend for clients will be hair extensions about 17 to 21 inches long (or if you're not fluent in extension speak, that means hair that hits somewhere between your chest and waist). Since hair only grows half an inch-ish a month, the best way to get long lengths by 2022 is to make that appointment with an extensionist soon.
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19
One-Dimensional Color for 2022
According to Weezy, one-dimensional color, like soft black, subtle chocolate brown, or warm ginger, will be knocking balayage off the top spot and taking over as the go-to hair color trend.
20
Natural Hair Color for 2022
“Life drastically changed after many months of quarantine and so did our habits, routines, and priorities,” Grenia says. “We’re learning to embrace our truest selves—this means embracing our natural color and texture.” With all of this in mind, Grenia expects people to be practical, natural, and faithful to their true colors next year.
Sami Roberts
Sami Roberts was the previous beauty assistant at Cosmopolitan. Keep up with her cat-filled life in New York on Instagram.
Brooke Shunatona
Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan.com.