Spring has (almost) sprung in Australia and quite frankly after the abysmal winter we have endured, we cannot be more excited for sunshine, longer days and a new look atop our heads. Of course, we aren’t just talking about hats and headwear – it’s time to unpack the spring hair trends for 2022! Whether you prefer a cropped bob or enjoy longer locks, there is a style for all as we head into a new season and look ahead to summer. Here's what the experts are saying.
Layered bobs
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It’s been the year of the chop, from French girl bobs to the more recent jellyfish cut that you’ve seen on everyone from your favourite TikTokkers to Nicole Kidman. Looking to spring, it’s time to reinvigorate your shorter locks with the layered bob, consisting of layered ends and a looser structure, a departure from the more blunt-cut ends to which we are accustomed. To achieve the look, apply a texturising shampoo or spray, introducing volume and movement to the style.
If the layered bob just isn't short enough for you, the pixie cut will also be having a moment, with Xin Twenty One owner, Xin Guo, saying the shorter style is making its comeback this season.
"I’m loving the pixie cut for short hair – it’s also one of the hairstyles from the 1980s and 1990s making a comeback," says Guo. "Pixie hair with a dark lip colour is the best combo. Stand out with this statement look.”
The Modern Shag
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Shades of the 1970s filter through with the retro shag haircut receiving a modern makeover for spring. This season, it combines elements of the original 70s do with shades of the 1990s, natural wave and movement the key to nailing the cut. The shag has versatility, with the likes of Billie Eilish and Zendaya a fan of the style. Grown out or curtain bangs are a simple way of achieving the look, and leaving it to air dry with the help of a creme and volumising spray will help cultivate the look.
Pink, purple and warm colours
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If colour experimentation is more your speed, pink and purple shades are the hues of the season. Following on from the neon trend domination of 2021, the affinity for living colours now manifests in the quintessentially feminine shades, with the demand growing for pink and purple makeovers. We’ve seen this look on the likes of Dua Lipa and aforementioned hair chameleon Billie Eilish.
Ali Holmes, co-owner of Wildlife Hair Sogo, says alongside pink and purple, copper will also be having its moment in the sun throughout spring, alongside peachy hues.
"There’s a copper that will suit every skin tone," explains Holmes. "[We're] definitely seeing people warm up their blondes with beige (cool warm) toners, right to the more adventurous people going for an all over copper. The coppers are still light keeping them in the blonde whelm. Think: strawberry blonde, peachy hues and salmons."
Full, rich colours are likely to be most popular going into the spring, and to support the longevity of your colour, ensure you are using colour-safe shampoo and conditioner.
Air-Dried Textures
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Aligning with the maintenance required for the shag (read: zero maintenance), air-dried textures are trending as we head into the warmer weather. While this is often the case as the sun remains in the sky for longer hours, less-is-more styling has become more prominent across the last three years. Kirby Lago, owner of Pelo by Lago and hairdresser to Miranda Kerr, says coming into spring, enhancing natural textures will be key.
"Coming into spring and summer we anticipate seeing more personalised cuts, shags, fringes and loads of face shaping," says Lago. "Styling will be embracing and enhancing your natural texture, whilst summer [and] spring colours will be bright and dimensional.”
Air-dried textures can work on all colours, yet works exceptionally well with bronde and balayage-coloured hair, tying into the undone aesthetic cultivated. Look to a texturising spray as your friend here.
The ’90s supermodel blowout
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Our love affair with the 90s isn’t slowing anytime soon, so why not allow your hair to enjoy the trend as well as your wardrobe? The supermodel blowout is reminiscent of the tousled, glistening locks seen atop the heads of Claudia Schiffer and Cindy Crawford, where volume reigned supreme. The OTT style has increased in popularity since the end of 2021, tying into the post-lockdown polished, party glamour filtering from runways to beauty campaigns. Gone is the messy bun and the undone, lank mane; more is more once again, and a thickening spray is your friend to achieve the look.
The Curly Fringe
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Those of us with natural curls, rejoice! The natural curl bang is the fringe of the moment and one of the spring hair trends in 2022. Look into having a custom cut, which shapes each individual curl to perfection and transforms the appearance of your hair – the key is to always cut curls longer than you think you need as short hair shrinks. Thicker hair won’t need as much hair to be trimmed into shape, however those with thinner strands would benefit from a more generous portion.
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