The Biggest Haircut Trends of 2024
BTC Trend Report: The Top Haircut Requests This Year
It’s officially our favorite time of year. BTC editors have spent the start of 2024 catching up with the industry’s top hairstylists to get the hair trend predictions that will carry us through the rest of the year. But more importantly, we’ve done the busy work of breaking down all of those buzzy client terms into haircut guides you can study up on, before the requests come flowing in.
“Old Money” Bobs, “Bardot” Bangs, “It Girl” Layers—at the end of the day, they’re all just haircuts that will require you to tap into the basics and refine with a few modern touches.
What you’ll find in this trend report:
- What clients are asking for vs. the foundational cutting skills you’ll need to execute the haircut flawlessly
- Key elements, pro hacks, go-to scissors and tip guides from the best haircutters in the business
- A wide range of inspiration photos to guide your client consultations
PSA: 2024 Is The Year of The Bob
Sharpen your scissors, bestie—everyone’s cutting their hair into a bob. While the bob haircut has been a resident cool-girl staple (and let’s be real, an entire personality trait) for clients over the years, here are a few reasons behind the buzz resurgence:
- Versatility: It’s suitable for event client and face shape and has the power to create an “instant face lift” by contouring facial features
- By trimming the dead weight, the bob emphasizes fullness with a soft, but strong perimeter and reveals natural hair texture
- When cut properly to suit your client’s lifestyle, it’s easy to wear air-dried, blown-out, curly or straight
Learn how to cut and style a bob from #ONESHOT Bob/Lob Winner @chrisjones_hair—click here!
1. The “Old Money” Bob
Old Money, Quiet Luxury, Expensive—what does this actually mean in our approach to a haircut? Key elements: A soft, swishy bob with a strong, refined perimeter and minimal external layering. Timeless and simple in shape, styling is key: Finish with a cushioned, voluminous blowout that exudes subtle sophistication.
Photo Credit: Instagram via @hair.by.suzi
“I cut the bob just below chin length, so that when it is styled it frames around her face,” says London-based stylist @hair.by.suzi. “I cut a long bang in around the face that sits just below her cheekbones and when this is styled it bounces up and opens up her cheek bone area to show off her beautiful features.”
For clients with a rounder face shape, Suzi recommends cutting the fringe just below the chin. “If your bangs are cut too short they open up the jaw area which can in fact make your face appear wider,” she adds.
Photo Credit: Instagram via @keyslayshair
Photo Credit: Instagram via @issyquinnxo
Photo Credit: Instagram via @slickback_buttahtoast
Photo Credit: Instagram via @greg_gilmore
Photo Credit: Instagram via @hair.by.suzi
2. The ’90s Bob
After a year or two of ’90s supermodel layers, the natural trend progression led us to a blown-out glamour bob á la Christy Turlington. Worn with a strong parting, and beveled blowout, we’d argue that styling this bob is as equally important as the cut.
The Key Elements:
- Strong Shape: The signature strong shape makes the hair appear fuller, combined with a soft, blunt perimeter and intentional texturizing
- Personalize: Add flair with dramatic side parts, middle parts or paired with fringe
- Length: Whether jaw-skimming or grazing above the collar bone, this cut elongates the neck for natural elegance
- Creating the cut is half the battle: Styling and creating “the bend” is key to enhancing the signature bevel without losing volume at the crown
- Read this: Complete Guide to Cutting & Styling The ’90s Bob
Photo Credit: Pinterest
Photo Credit: Instagram via @khkris
Photo Credit: Instagram via @rachelwstylist
Photo Credit: Instagram via @instadocabeleireiro
Photo Credit: Instagram via @lydiafowler
Photo Credit: Instagram via @julia.kammerer
Photo Credit: Instagram via @dimitrishair
The ’90s Bob: 30+ Haircut Looks For Client Inspiration
3. Soft & Contoured: From Midlength Lobs to Micro Bobs
Let’s step out of the buzzy “client terms” for this one—because, well it’s a bob. From midlength collarbone-grazing lobs to jaw and cheekbone-skimming micro bobs, it’s your job as the professional to tell the client what’s most suitable. Your consultation will make or break this service, so scroll for a few quick tips and advice for bob first-timers.
Photo Credit: Instagram via @yukistylist
Photo Credit: Instagram via @jessinowo
Photo Credit: Instagram via @carinapranz
Photo Credit: Instagram via @slickback_buttahtoast
Photo Credit: Instagram via @styled_by_carolynn
Photo Credit: Instagram via @hirohair
3 Things To Discuss With Your Clients in the Consultation from @hair.by.suzi:
- Your haircut can change the shape of your face. Longer hair elongates your face and shorter hair can add width to your cheeks.
- If you feel like your ends are always wispy no matter how much they grow, then cutting your hair will give a thicker and fuller appearance.
- Editing apps are a great way to see what you would look like with shorter hair. If you’re worried you will regret the chop, try editing a photo of yourself to get an idea.
“The slightly longer length of the bob allows natural movement the best chance of forming, while the front is shorter to break the overall shape up just enough to frame the face,” says UK-based haircutting experts @thehairbros.
Photo Credit: Instagram via @thehairbros
Clients with thick hair? Create purposeful texture in key areas of the haircut, cutting into the hair to remove weight and soften from @rayvoltagebeauty:
- Removing hair at different elevations gives even lightness throughout
- By removing weight in the perimeter, it will be easier for the client to style their hair at home and feel lighter to the touch
- Follow the same approach in the fringe section, creating short to long hairs that help push the hair to sweep off to the sides
- Ray’s go-to scissors: ARC™ Scissors Paragon II 6”
Watch Ray’s full tutorial on IG—click here.
What is “Shear Shattering”? Learn how @styled_by_carolynn texturizes bobs and lobs on BTC-U!
4. Pushed-Forward Pixie Crops
Maybe it was the viral “bixie” last year that set this into motion, but we’re seeing an evolution into an expansive range of shorter chops that flirt with varying lengths with one standout feature: Texturized length on top that’s pushed forward toward the face.
There are a few decade references that come into play; specifically the ’60s, ’80s and ’90s-inspired cuts—think more androgynous shapes with movement on top, like the iconic nineties Leo cut, says Schwarzkopf Professional® Artistic Team Member @ashleenormanhair.
“The Leo” Androgynous Razor-Cut Styling Breakdown:
- Blow-dry with a boar-bristle flat brush to polish the mids and ends, using a thin nozzle to direct the hair down the cuticle for shine and polish
- Apply Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+ Glow anti-frizz serum liberally for a second-day vibe
- Finish with Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+ Freeze Strong Hold Hairspray
Or, we love this eighties moment from @thehairbros: “The perfect progression from a short crop into a new long hair chapter. We kept all of the base length of the hair. Chopped in a fringe and some shorter layers around the face. It’s super low maintenance and versatile,” they shared on Instagram.
Photo Credit: Instagram via @thehairbros
This mod pixie cut by Paris-based duo and haircutting experts @coiffeurstory is the quintessential sixties revival.
Photo Credit: Instagram via @coiffeurstory
Photo Credit: Instagram via @nubiarezo
Photo Credit: Instagram via @greg_gilmore
Related: Learn how to cut the viral bixie from @brianacisneros on BTC-U!
5. Grown Out Fringes
Whether your client is transitioning their fringe, or opting to start with longer seamless bangs (or “Birkin Bangs” á la Jane Birkin’s iconic fringe) that blend into the shape of their layers, this one’s for you. Here are a few key factors to consider from Moroccanoil® Global Ambassador @rachelwstylist:
- “Cutting in Motion”: Rachel uses the axis of my blade to cut to create a soft, razor-like finish for movement
- Customize and detail on dry hair. “You want the hair laying in its natural state to account for hairline cowlicks and natural hair shrinkage from wet to dry,” says Rachel.
- Avoid a heavy parting, so your client can easily change up their look.
Try Rachel’s go-to scissors for cutting fringe: ARC™ Scissors Phantom II 6”
Photo Credit: Instagram via @bonus.comm
Photo Credit: Pinterest
Photo Credit: Instagram via @mustafaserdarbekereci_
Photo Credit: Instagram via @jaeldorotan
Photo Credit: Instagram via @sophia_vanbragt
Fringe Radar: Bottleneck Bangs
Somewhere between a full fringe and grown out fringe, with the shortest point at the center pushing into longer pieces at the sides—this creates the “bottleneck” effect. This flattering fringe pairs with bobs, layers and one-length haircuts alike.
Photo Credit: Instagram via @_hairbylaurie @sabrinacarpenter
Photo Credit: Instagram via @mustafaserdarbekereci_
Photo Credit: Instagram via @rachele.santoro
Photo Credit: Instagram via @yukistylist
Photo Credit: Instagram via @salsalhair
Why Do Curtain Bangs Never Seem To Lay Flat?!
If you’re getting heavy, bulky results instead of naturally texturized curtain fringe that lays nicely, follow these key pointers from Ulta Beauty Design Team Member @ahappyjustin:
- Texture/Blending Scissors: “Removing weight, intentionally, is key when cutting curtain bangs, especially on a client who’s getting them for the first time. We need to remove bulk and start to train the hair to flow a different direction and the techniques in this video [below] work great.”
- Authentic Beauty Concept Airy Texture Spray: “This product is the perfect finisher for layers, bangs and any hair type that feels heavy or flat!”
- Read next: How To Cut & Style Long Curtain Bangs
Tap to watch the full tutorial from @ahappyjustin.
Try Justin’s go-to scissors: ARC™ Scissors Symmetry 28/4 Reversible Texturizer!
6. Face-Framing Volume Layers
2023 may have been the year of the viral butterfly haircut, but don’t expect heavy face-framing to go anywhere. Remember: Bouncy layers don’t have to mean sacrificing length. Add this “moneymaker” haircut to your service menu and watch those paychecks rack up—this will turn those “just a trim” clients into lifelong regulars.
Follow this quick sheet for volume layers:
- Supermodel ’90s Layers Gallery: 30+ Looks To Save For Clients
- 4 Secrets For Styling Butterfly Layers
- Layers & Bangs Are Trending—Do You Know How To Style Them?
Photo Credit: Instagram via @byjustinrevenge
Photo Credit: Instagram via @martafeschuk
Learn @ahappyjustin’s viral Butterfly Haircut on BTC University, plus pro layer styling secrets!
Photo Credit: Instagram via @ahappyjustin
Photo Credit: Pinterest
Photo Credit: Instagram via @salihtunbulofficial
Photo Credit: Instagram via @andreahenty
Master “The 6-Figure Haircut” from @matt.swinney and earn more—watch the class on BTC University.
7. The New Rachel: ’90s “It Girl” Layers
This one’s been on our radar for awhile now, and picking up momentum into full swing this year. With throwback noughties references like Rachel Green in “Friends” and Cameron Diaz, this midlength texturized cut with layers galore is ultra-wearable.
“I’m personally loving the way clients are embracing layers and movement throughout the haircut. The ’90s vibes don’t seem to be going anywhere,” says BTC Team Member and New Orleans-based stylist @ericmichaelhair.
Photo Credit: Instagram via @hair.by.suzi
Photo Credit: Pinterest
Photo Credit: Instagram via @meredithmickelson
Photo Credit: Instagram via @thehairbros
Photo Credit: Instagram via @salsalhair
8. Bardot Bangs (& Shags Galore!)
Sabrina Carpenter, Lana Del Rey—the list goes on of A-listers nodding to the sixties icon Brigitte Bardot, and more specifically her sultry fringe. The key elements: Thick, swept bangs that create fullness and softly frame the face into cascading layers. Keep reading for pro tips that will help you execute the cut with ease.
Photo Credit: Instagram via @rachelwstylist
Photo Credit: Instagram via @franckhair
Photo Credit: Instagram via @hollygirldoeshair
Photo Credit: Instagram via @victoria.hairart
Photo Credit: Instagram via @owengould
Pro Tip: Detail and trim “Bardot Bangs” on dry hair.
“This is how you see the hair in its natural state, and you can truly see what needs to be trimmed, detailed and weight removed,” says @rachelwstylist. “The [Phantom 6”] will always be my go-to scissors because they are designed to not only cut on wet and dry hair, but also it was designed to cut on the axis of the blade.”
Photo Credit: Instagram via @rachelwstylist
The Bardot-Inspired Shullet Breakdown:
“Cut dry using my ARC™ Scissors Curve, we used her existing fringe as a guide and heavily carved layers into her hair with the intention of fullness in the ends with a highly textured face frame,” says #ONESHOT Cut Transformation Winner @victoria.hairart.
Photo Credit: Instagram via @victoria.hairart
Learn how to cut a shag from celebrity hairdresser Sally Hershberger—watch the full course now!
