Blunt bobs, copper curls and ‘old money’ blonde dominated 2024’s hair scene, with celebrities from JLo to Kendall Jenner sporting the trends.
Whilst new takes on timeless classics were big this year, leading celebrity hair stylists predicts micro cuts and voluminous lift will be big for 2025.
Inspired by 2024’s biggest stars such as Sabrina Carpenter, “lots of volume & classic old Hollywood styles are here to stay,” says says New York celebrity stylist Jess Elbaum.
From fresh fringes to hair jewellery, here are the best cuts and styles to sport in 2025.
The micro bob
The ultra-short bob is starting to be coined the ‘Bieber bob’ after shooting to popularity when model Hailey Bieber chopped her long locks in favour of a more manageable cut.
“The bob trend continues into 2025, but is taken to new heights with even shorter, chin-skimming cuts that are simple, sleek and modern,” explains celebrity stylist and Bristows ambassador Desmond Grundy.
“The micro bob or ultra-short bob is at its best after a really good haircut, thicker hair types should opt for an ultra-layered cut,” Grundy suggests.
To style this cut, Grundy says it’s all down to the blow-dry, “use a barrel brush to create lift and body, then I think a simple tuck of the hair behind one ear looks extra sleek and shows off the face’s proportions, whilst keeping one side free can create some theatre and shape around the face.”
Shark SpeedStyle Pro FLEX 4-in-1 High-Velocity Hair Dryer System, £169.99 (was £199.99), Boots
Bristows Sol Fiesta Heat Protector, £2.99, Amazon
The wispy fringe
The fringe is either the ultimate friend or ultimate foe. Sabrina Carpenter had a fresh take on curtain bangs this year with her bleached and bouncy fringe, but for 2025, the wispy, barely there fringe is coming back for some Nineties nostalgia.
“Requiring much less commitment than full, heavy fringes, the softer, wispy fringe is quick and easy to style and can even be tucked away for days when you’re not feeling it,” says Grundy.
To style the wispy fringe à la Nineties Jennifer Aniston, “wrap [it] around a Velcro roller to create natural shape, before setting in place with a light hold hair spray that allows for some natural movement and isn’t sticky,” says Grundy.
Vintage hairstyles have been trending for the past two years, with special interest being shown to one decade in particular: the Nineties.
We’ve seen a 55% increase in search interest for ‘Nineties hair’ since 2022 according to a recent report by Cloud Nine. This retro revival isn’t just reserved for women though – ‘Nineties guy hair’ is currently being searched on average 1000 times per month – as men attempt to channel Hugh Grant’s floppy locks.
If you’re feeling more daring, “Micro bangs are making a bold comeback, adding edge to various cuts,” says founder of Kayleigh Jane Extensions and Timely ambassador Kayleigh Clark.
Kitsch Recycled Plastic XL Thermal Rollers 4 Piece Set – Terracotta, £9 (was £12) Look Fantastic
Fudge Professional Skyscraper Extra Hairspray, £5.99 (was £9.99), Superdrug
Retro revival
It’s not just bangs that are influenced by the Nineties style revival, this decade is predicted to influence the majority of 2025 hair styles.
“Today, celebrities like Timothée Chalamet and Harry Styles are influencing the rise of textured, natural looks,” says Master Barber at Murdock London, Miles Wood-Smith.
When it comes to styling “the classic Rachel from Friends-inspired cut, baby bangs, and the bouncy blow-dry are all on the cards,” says Cloud Nine Ambassador and salon owner Mathilde Heather.
For this retro look, volume is key, so incorporating root lift spray before blow-drying alongside weightless shampoos and conditioners is essential.
Colour Wow Raise the Root Thicken and Lift Spray, £21.50
Au naturel colour
The year 2025 is when we move away from bright blondes and unattainable colour the experts predict.
“I’ve noticed a shift in people going back to highlights, and I think 2025 will see people opting for a more soft, blended look using fine highlights to the root,” explains hair stylist and founder of Wiig haircare, Anna Wiig. “Think ‘sunkissed and soft highlights’, whilst leaving a lot of your natural colour in there.”
Wiig believes this is down to the boom in hair health and people’s awareness surrounding at-home haircare. “There has been a real shift in people wanting to care for their hair at home in between salon visits,” explains Wiig, “looking for multifunctional products that can do it all rather than various products on the shelf!”
Philip Kingsley Pure Blonde Booster Colour-Correcting Weekly Mask, £21 (was £30)
Hask Keratin Smoothing Deep Conditioner, £3, Amazon
Jewelled hair accessories
Whilst 2024 saw the rise of the hair bow, 2025 is the year of more ostentatious hair accessories.
“We will be seeing a lot more hair jewellery next year,” says Elbaum, “the more the better to create statement looks.”
From pearls to gold to diamonds – glamorous clips, claws and hair ties will be the most coveted accessories for some New Year’s sparkle.
Stradivarius Set of 2 Contrast Metal Scrunchies, £8.99
Braid & Bow Set of 5 Statement Pearl Hair Clips, £9
Next Gold Tone Organic Hair Claw Made With Recycled Zinc, £12
