After questionable DIY Covid cuts and botched box-colour jobs, there has never been a moment where we have appreciated our colourists and hairdressers more.
“Covid has given women more confidence to have a change,” says celebrity stylist Anthony Nader at RAW Salon in Sydney, adding that time at home has also made us appreciate our hair’s own unique style.
“They enjoyed the texture they were naturally blessed with and working with it—not against it,” says Nader.
But that’s not all the au naturale ‘do that we’re exploring. According to Ian Michael Black, celebrity colourist and global artistic director for Aveda, we’re also embracing bespoke colour.
“We’ve seen everyone embrace the grown-out look during lockdowns and [it’s led to] a more relaxed feel to hair colour. There is not that pressure to always have a perfect look.”
Whether you want a big style or just an image refresh without losing too much length, find the must-have crop trends for winter 2022 below.
Main image via @gregoryrussellhair.
Bangs
A fringe is a good way to get an instant look update. But be prepared for the upkeep. “It’s important to prepare the client, as a fringe is a huge commitment,” says Richard Mannah, a New York-based celebrity stylist and global artistic director for Joico.
But what does he suggest? Well, Mannah wants us to consider inching our way up.
“Whenever I cut a fringe, I always leave it a little longer than what we discussed, then take it a little shorter until we are both super happy with it,” he says.
To keep your styling stress low each morning, Mannah says to ask your stylist for a simple cut fringe which is easy to blow-dry into place, suggesting that we “then apply a light-hold hairspray to keep it tamed all day”.
R+Co Bleu Featherlight Hairspray
Featherlight Hairspray by R+Co Bleu, $76 at David Jones.
The Shag
The shag is having a moment, but remember, it’s not for everyone.
“The shag is great for most hair types, however I would most likely avoid it if hair is super fine or super curly,” says Mannah.
In terms of length, the shag can be longer or shorter; the key is balance. “Whether you have a shorter or longer shag, you need to keep in mind the balance between the shorter layers and the length. Balance and proportion is everything.”
He also suggests adding movement and texture to a shag. “A curling iron to create a wave or even a round brush gives so much movement,” says Mannah, who recommends adding a volumiser to damp hair then, once dry, adding a texturiser.
Evo The Shag Beach Paste
The Shag Beach Paste by Evo, $38 at Adore Beauty.
Hair by Sam McKnight Cool Girl Texture Mist
Cool Girl Texture Mist by Hair by Sam McKnight, $54 at MECCA.
’90s Layering
Heavy layering with a polished finish could just be your next haircut. “The ’90s layering and styling is so on trend at the moment,” says Mannah.
Why? Because it works on most hairstyles and face shapes, he explains. “Once you have a good cut with some basic layers through the top and around the front, it’s then all about the blow-dry using the right products.”
To get hair picture perfect, Mannah suggests starting with a volumising product on damp hair before blow-drying and adding a finishing spray to block out humidity.
“The goal is to create volume and bend in the hair. Velcro rollers are perfect for this look.” Or try the new FabCurler: simply wrap hair around it for heat-free bends.
Joico JoiFull Volumising Styler
JoiFull Volumising Styler by Joico, $35.95 at OZ Hair and Beauty.
FabCurler Original
Original in ‘Pink’ by FabCurler, $49.95 at FabCurler.
Sliced Bob
Whether it’s a super-neat bob or a more undone version, this shorter style is a hair mainstay. “Bobs are such a classic look,” says Mannah, who says the length of your crop depends on your face shape.
“Avoid having a bob on or above the jawline if you have a round face.” He also suggests adding movement around the face, regardless of your length.
“I love a bob that has volume and bends in around the perimeter. It gives it a more expensive result.” Prep with a blow-out primer for smoothness, then finish with a frizz fighter, says Mannah.
Rahua Smoothing Hair Balm
Smoothing Hair Balm by Rahua, $40.55 at NET-A-PORTER.
Style
If you’re not ready for a big chop or colour change, a new style may be the answer. Jordan Robertson, celebrity stylist and Davroe ambassador, shows how to get anew look without scissors or foils.
Texture
Loosely textured, relaxed hair is still an off-duty go-to. For a tousled look, “use a dry shampoo on roots and root ends to add grit”, says Robertson. If you’re short on time, he suggests enlisting some heat just on the top layers.
“Going over the top with a tong or a hairdryer takes five minutes and it makes a huge difference—no-one sees the underneath anyway,” says Robertson, who advises spritzing on a heat-protecting spray before you tong or dry.
Got curly hair? He suggests boosting limp curls with a curl balm or oil dried-in with a diffuser, or left to dry naturally.
Curlicue Hydrating Hair Oil
Hydrating Hair Oil by Curlicue, $30.95 at Davroe.
Jaye Edwards Dry Texture Spray
Dry Texture Spray by Jaye Edwards, $49.99 at MECCA.
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