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The Biggest Haircut Trends You’ll Be Seeing in 2022

Grab your straightening iron — or don’t. Both sleek and untouched textures will be thriving in the new year.

BY ELIZABETH DENTON, WENDY SY , KALEIGH FASANELLA, AND MARCI ROBIN

December 9, 2021

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With salons seeing far more clients in 2021 than they did in 2020, an increasingly vaccinated population means 2022 will likely see even more of us visiting our favorite hairstylists with more frequency. But because things still seem precarious, it’s not unusual to want to seek change in some controllable way — like your haircut. “An external change can be a simple and easy way to signify a transition that is internally more complex and harder to articulate otherwise,” therapist Nikki Nachum explained to Allure. “A new hairstyle becomes almost like an announcement to both yourself and the outer world that something is changing in your life.”

That said, some of the biggest hair trends of the last year are seamlessly flowing into 2022 — perhaps a sign of sticking to the comfort of what we know. “It has been a crazy year trying to recover from the pandemic,” says West Hollywood-based hairstylist Kamara Brown. “It’s no secret that many women are looking for ways to get the longest wear out of their hairstyles.” And whether you’re seeking a dramatically different new style or you just want some minor trendy touchups to your current look, top stylists are eager to share their visions of what the trends in hair salons will look like over the next few seasons — and they don’t always agree. 

Chris Appleton, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez’s go-to stylist, tells Allure that after all the effortless and natural looks of the last two low-key-beauty years, “people are ready to try a little harder and add some extra ‘oomph,'” by switching to sleek, straight styles and tight ponytails and braids. But Brown sees things differently: “There’s going to be a lot of ditching the traditional pulled-back look,” she says, believing there will be plenty of untamed texture in 2022.

People will also be ditching a lot of length, according to Los Angeles-based hairstylist Erinn Courtney. “The types of hairstyles I predict will be big in 2022 are short cuts — anything from chic bobs to big chops,” she tells Allure. “Coming out of the pandemic, I think everyone wants to be their healthiest self, and that includes their hair.”

While scrolling through this list, keep in mind what features on your face you want to enhance — instead of your face shape — says hairstylist Wes Sharpton, who works out of New York City’s Hairstory Studio. “You and your stylist can create a game plan to make sure these things are framed in the right way,” he adds. “We need to make it a positive experience and celebrate you, which is the most important thing at the end of the day.”

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• 1/17
• Classic Bob
• When it comes to short-hair trends, both Fekkai founder Frederic Fekkai tell Allure they anticipate a huge bob moment in the coming year. “I predict that short bobs with or without bangs for straight hair will be big for 2022,” Fekkai says. Selena Gomez is clearly leading the charge, recently returning to the classic chin-length look, and other stylists are singing the praises of specifically the sliced bob, which is a tiny bit longer in front. “If you have finer hair, this helps create a cleaner line,” Harry Josh explains.
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• Wispy Bangs
• Curtain bangs aren’t going anywhere just yet, and blunt ones are more than welcome, but if your temptation to try fringe comes with a reluctance to go too heavy, you’ll welcome the wipsy-bangs trend. Alex Brown, stylist and owner of Chicago’s Space by Alex Brown, anticipates this ‘90s-esque look will be big in 2022. “We will see lots of wispy bangs with layers around the face, creating more movement and texture,” she says. Think: Elizabeth Olsen’s look here. “Wispy bangs can add amazing softness and movement to long, thick hair.”
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• Braids
• Nearly every stylist Allure asked about hair trends was eager for a big braid year. “People who have never considered braids are wanting to experiment and have low-maintenance hair,” Courtney says. Brown agrees, saying Zoe Kravitz-esque wavy braids are definitely in style — and Zendaya’s long, box-braid look is a perfect example of how the braids can be dressed up or down. 
• “Easy, carefree braids make a great addition to your style arsenal,” says Gina Scipioni, director of education for Neuma, who says they’re perfect for both workdays and date nights. But if you aren’t ready to commit to a full head of pretty plaits, Scipioni recommends working one into whatever you’ve already got going on. “Just add an accent braid and you’ll be all set for 2022.”
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• Natural Waves
• Wavy-haired friends, it’s your time to shine — and we don’t mean by flat-ironing your hair into reflective oblivion. This will be the year to air-dry and fly. “Hair in 2022 is about celebrating your natural texture. It’s no longer about hot tools to straighten or curl hair,” Fekkai tells Allure. “Embrace what you already have.” Because what you have doesn’t need to be straightened by a flatiron or defined by a curling wand to be gorgeous — it already is, as exemplified by Natasha Lyonne’s incredible texture.
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• Choppy Bends
• Delray Beach, Florida, stylist Chloé Swigert tells Allure that her clients have been increasingly asking for an easy way to add texture and movement to their long, straight hair. Her answer: a much shorter layer with pieces that pop out a bit when waved. And there’s no need to go wild with your curling wand to make it happen. Just a flick here and there creates an “effortless, natural, beachy texture,” like Jennifer Aniston’s.
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• Sleek High Ponytail
• Appleton is all about putting in a little extra effort this year, which means retiring the messy low ponies and opting for the sleek, high ponytails he often creates for Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian. “Many people are looking for something a little more structured and ‘fancy,'” he tells Allure, and a high ponytail with perfectly smooth base achieves that without doing an elaborate updo.
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• Accessories Galore
• No matter your chosen 2022 hairstyle, one hair trend will rule them all: accessories. “If it can go in your hair, it should,” Scipioni tells Allure. “Anything from headbands, clips, and scarfs to even hair bows were seen through Fashion Week and on the red carpet, helping us know exactly how to style for 2022.” We give most of the credit to Lizzo for really igniting this look, as she regularly adorns her hair with barrettes, butterfly clips, and designer doodads that add sparkle to her constantly-changing hairstyle.

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• Lots of Layers
• “In 2022 I have a feeling I’ll be adding a lot more layers to the hair,” Brown says. “This haircut has much shorter layering around the face — think a longer curtain bang — as well as shorter layering throughout.” Kaia Gerber’s cut is a prime example, though straighter her is not the only texture that works with this look. “This style is beautiful when worn with natural textures and is very easy to maintain,” Brown adds, noting that it’s a great way to noticeably change up your style without chopping off all of your hair. 
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• Intricate Cornrows
• We’ve already established braids are going to have a hell of a year, but it’s beautifully detailed cornrows that will make this an epic year for hairstyles. “Another style that I think will be a huge trend in 2022 are small and intricate cornrow styles,” Courtney tells Allure. “We’re just beginning to see the artistry that is cornrows, and I predict that it’ll boom in the next year with all kinds of crazy shapes, styles, and colors.” Rihanna helped drop the hint that this was coming when she wore a maze-like design that — yeah, we’re gonna say it — was a-maze-ing.
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• Middle Part
• We realize we may re-spark a generational war, but a middle part really is the currently cool way to split your hair. “Gen Z has already made it clear that side parts are out — and even go as far to say they’re ‘cheugy’ — and middle parts are here for 2022,” says Appleton, who is, in fact, a millennial. He says it’s specifically streamlined hair like Dua Lipa’s that he’s envisioning with the evenly divided style. “Sleek, straight hair has been out of the spotlight for a bit, and it’s ready to make a comeback.”
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• ’80s Curls
• If you, like us, have been waiting for the return of big, Taylor Dayne-esque ‘80s curls, 2022 is going to be an extremely satisfying hairstyle year for you. “There is going to be a revival of big ’80s hair,” Fekkai promises, and especially “big wand curls,” according to Brown. If, like Sarah Hyland, your own hair may not get voluminous enough on its own, you may want to consider extensions. “I used Russian virgin curly extensions using microbeaded individuals, which is a non-damaging technique using no heat or glue,” Violet Teriti told Allure about how she created Hyland’s look. “It can stay in her hair for up to three months, she can wear her hair up easily, she can wash and leave it air-dried and it will curl exactly as the hair is naturally.” 

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• Tendrils
• They’re not just for ’90s proms anymore. Tendrils, which are two pieces on each side of the part that hang out of an updo or ponytail, will be framing many a face in 2022. “They can be braided, straight, or slightly waved,” Brown says. “This adds a bit of style and chicness to any bun or second- or third-day dirty hair.” And clearly, Ciara is leading the charge.
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• Tightly Pulled-Back Braid
• Yep, yet another kind of braid will be front-and-center in 2022 — or rather, back-and-center. Both Fekkai and Appleton say a super glossy, pulled-back braid is due for trend glory. “The messy, boho braid trend has come and gone — it’s now time for the sleek and cohesive braid,” Appleton tells Allure, noting Kim Kardashian’s penchant for the clean, often extra-long look. “It looks very put-together and classy.”  
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• Big Chop
• “Whether it’s going from long lengths to a shag or even a pixie, people are ready to let it go,” shares hairstylist Christin Brown. Now, doing the big chop doesn’t mean you have to get rid of allyour hair. Here, Sanaa Lathan’s cut is a tiny bit longer at the top and tapered at the sides, instead of all one low length. “A nice amount of my clients this year went with big chopping their hair to either a pixie or a tapered look,” Brown continues, saying it can feel so liberating. Just be sure when you hit the salon chair, you speak to your stylist about what kind of pixie would look best for your face shape, she adds.
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• Mullets
• We’ve been seeing mullets everywhere lately. The modern-day version of the cut that defined the ’80s is a little more chill, though. “[We’re getting] a lot more of these, especially in slightly longer, less severe versions,” says hairstylist Bryce Scarlett. Look to Doja Cat’s 2021 Grammys mullet, which has a soft wave that frames her face beautifully. 
• And yes, any face shape can wear a mullet with confidence. “For a more full face, the modern mullet is the way to go,” notes hairstylist Sally Hershberger. “The hair framed around the face will perfectly complement this face shape.”

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• Modern Shag
• Taylor Swift wore the modern shag for all of 2020 and well into 2021 — and we’re ready for it to continue its reign. No one is happier about the return of the shag than Hershberger, though. “[It’s] been one of my longstanding favorite hair trends,” she says. But this cut isn’t for anyone who is scared of layering. “[It requires] a ton of layers, which help to create the texture for a cool, lived-in look.” 
• However, the cut is amazing for those who are all about embracing their natural texture. “Even for curly-haired girlswho might be too scared to go with adding bangs, this cut works with all curl,” says Julien Farel, creative director and owner of the Julien Farel Restore Salon and Spa at New York City’s Regency Hotel.
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