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.

https://www.allure.com/gallery/best-spring-haircut-hairstyle-trends

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.

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."

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.

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. Just be sure to use products suited specifically to naturally wavy hair, like Aussie's Miracle Waves Conditioner.

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.

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. The key to such a flawless look: hairspray — try the Best of Beauty-winning R+Co Bleu Featherlight Hairspray — and a toothbrush to spot-treat flyaways.

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 doodadsthat add sparkle to her constantly-changing hairstyle.

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.