The Biggest 2018 Hair Trends, As Predicted By The Experts

New year, new hair? We spoke to some of London's tress trendsetters to find out what cuts, colours and textures will be in if you're planning on switching up your style, or simply want to nod to the trends.

#1: 80s Glam

Predicted by Tegan at Not Another Salon:

“When predicting trends, you have to understand the zeitgeist. We're currently living in such a Netflix obsessed world, it will no doubt impact trends in 2018.

“Two of the most popular series have been Glow and Stranger Things; both set in the 80s. We're seeing a massive rise in retro cuts and styles. From the bouffant and beehives used in Chanel’s latest collection to the slicked back hair used in the last Jason Wu show, not to mention the massive rise in the popularity of mullets, big curly blowouts and perms on the salon floor. I think it's safe to say we've moved away from 90s grunge and on to the 80s glam!”

#2: Air-dried Texture 

Predicted by Hari's Creative Director, Craig Taylor:

“Air-dried hair looks effortlessly cool, enhancing the hair’s own texture and movement that will give any cut or style the right vibe for 2018. No products or tools are needed for this one, it will be about leaving it natural.”

Related article: 7 Ways To Keep Your Hair Fresh In-Between Washes

#3: Low, Loose Ponytails

Predicted by Hari's Creative Director, Craig Taylor:

“Low ponytails will be back, but they'll be loose and informal with the hair being roughly tied with ribbons and cords, and random braids incorporated. The centre parting will still be prevalent, though not perfectly parted and texture will be full of natural movement be it straight or curly.”

#4: Precise Haircuts

Predicted by Hari's Senior Creative Colourist, Francesca Dixon:

“I’m predicting a return to super neat and precise haircuts. Strong outlines cut using clippers will become the norm for creating the sharpest line possible.”

Related article: The Best Beauty Looks of 2017

#5: Rooted Blondes

Predicted by Gareth Williams, Headmasters Artistic Ambassador:

“As seen on Selena Gomez, rooty ice blonde is a great example of how you can go from natural brown to blonde without bleaching and stripping the hair so that it's pure ice white. The treatment deliberately adds a root to your colour, allowing the hair to look ‘lived in’. We use the L'Oreal Professional DIA Light Semi Permanent Hair Colour to blend the colours allowing them to look natural and healthy.”

#6: Golden Blonde

Predicated by Norman at Not Another Salon:

“2018’s gold hair is literally golden; think of a first-place trophy, glistening and proud.

“My top tip is to use an image when talking about golden warmth [with your colourist], it helps dispel any bad associations and open the eyes to a dazzling new colour.”

Also predicted by Jack Howard at Paul Edmonds London:

“The recently launched Majirel Metal range from L’Oréal Professionnel has really clever technology which means that the colour is 90% reflect giving a high-shine finish to the hair. I particularly like the gold and champagne tones in the new Majirel Metal range, which have a very chic, sophisticated appeal. I think in 2018 more women will adopt beautiful blonde shades with a more metallic hue.”

#7: Ultra Violet Colour

Predicted by Siobhan Jones, Headmasters Colour Ambassador:

“It has recently been announced that The Pantone Colour of The Year for 2018 is Ultra Violet. What is great about this colour trend is that you can be as bold or as subtle as you like. L’Oréal Professionnel’s #colorfulhair range of direct dyes can give gorgeous pastel washes that can be intensified or softened very easily. My favourite is the electric purple.”

Related article: This Treatment Will Save Your Hair From Damage and Breakage

#8: Speedy Colour Services

Predicted by Adam Reed of Percy & Reed:

“I think 2018 will be all about faster, bespoke colour services. In the salon, I notice that time is so important for women and many don’t have the luxury to sit in the salon chair for hours. Google searches for ‘balayage’ increasing by 518% over the past four years, with over 11 million searches means I only see this increasing into 2018.

“This February sees the launch of something really exciting from L’Oréal Professionnel called Instant Highlights which is going to revolutionise salons next year and we can offer services such as ‘Insta-lights’ and ‘Insta-pop’.”

This article originally appeared on Harper's BAZAAR UK