Social media has opened a revolving door of hair trends that can change as quickly as the weather. One day, a style will dominate your social feed, and the next, it's quickly replaced by something new or even rebranded with a new name. But what if we shifted our focus from fleeting trends to the larger movements shaping the industry? Because understanding the underlying patterns and the timeless styles behind these changes is what truly keeps hairstylists ahead of the curve.
Understanding the Bigger Picture of Trends
The conversation around trends vs. timeless looks has been circulating for a while, questioning what makes a hairstyle relevant. The good news is that most trends evolve from larger movements of iconic shapes such as the shag, the bob, and even the mullet. They are then reimagined and reinvented with slight changes to the details, making them feel “new.”
The Timeless Shapes That Continue to Trend
The Shag: Movement + Effortless Layers
Rising to fame in the 70s, the shag continues to trend because of its adaptability. Opt for tousled, sleek, or casual—it works on all hair types. And because it can easily be updated with styling techniques, it’s a perfect example of how timeless styles can evolve with modern techniques and finishes.
The Bob: Classic + Precise
The classic bob has continuously resurfaced through decades, each time with a new spin. From the polished shape of Coco Chanel’s signature style to Anna Wintour’s iconic angle to Zendaya’s modern (even faux bob) adaptations, this shape consistently finds its place in the spotlight.
Reimagined for today, the variations include textured ends, asymmetry, changes in length or even organic finishes.
The Mullet: Individuality + Rebellion
With roots in warrior cultures from the Celts to the Vikings, the mullet has re-emerged as a statement cut, celebrating nonconformity and breaking gender norms. Making it more than just a cut—it’s evolved into a movement reflecting self-expression and cultural shifts.
Why Hair Movements Matter
Trends are still important to watch as they signal cultural and societal shifts. And understanding how trends evolve can only help you stay relevant. Tracking consumer behavior patterns, recognizing culture shifts and emerging beauty values all play their own part.
And while most trends we see today are a modern adaptation of something that has come before, the secret lies in finding where the influence is coming from and reimagining it for fresh, modern looks today.
Solid Foundations Create Future Trends
Fundamental knowledge gives you the power to separate yourself as a trend-setter. While some cuts come and go, foundational skills—like precision cutting, layering techniques, and texturizing—will remain. And these are the skills that allow stylists to transform classic shapes into those modern masterpieces.
Understanding the why behind a haircut gives you creative freedom to reinterpret and personalize styles rather than just replicating a trend.
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Shags = Movement & Layering
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Bobs = Precision & Graduation
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Mullets = Disconnection & Edge
Tools & Techniques to Stay Relevant
If there’s one truth in hairdressing, it’s that learning never ends. When you stay in your comfort zone, you’ll lose sight of creativity. Instead, staying curious and continuously honing your craft will keep you relevant and inspired. In addition to attending hands-on workshops, beauty shows or in-salon training, having the right tools makes all the difference in creating both classic and modern looks. Be sure to stock your kit with the tools you need to create the latest shapes, enhance texture and create foundational structure.
Top Suggested Tools:
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Swivel shears for ergonomic ease in cutting precision lines.
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Long shears for dry cutting and texturizing.
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Blending and texturizing shears for removing bulk and enhancing movement.
