Nothing quite spells new beginnings like a fresh hairdo. The year 2023, thus far, has been all about dramatic dos perhaps, in part owing to post-pandemic fatigue. The need for bigger and bolder styles translated into trends like sharply cropped fringes, big blowouts and platinum blondes. However, with 2024 just around the corner, we’re seeing a shift towards softer styles that enhance the hair’s natural texture and hue. We spoke to experts, and they agree that it’s time to befriend your natural hair with subtle styling and a whole lot of self-love.
‘IT’ COLOURS
Your new hair colour moodboard should certainly include tones like honey browns, caramels,deeper mahogany and magenta reds, according to Inas Kagalwala, hair specialist, Mary Cohr. “Indian hair is warm-toned, so these colours blend in beautifully. Cooler blonde tones may look jarring and don’t even last very long on our hair,” she explains. As far as colouring techniques are concerned, balayage will continue to dominate. “Balayage is very versatile and customisable — it can be done with bright blonds, browns and reds. We can also make it as subtle or bright as the client desires,” Inas adds. Melissa Hughe, national technical head, Schwarzkopf Professional, points us at trends like foilayage melt and face-framing and dual application: “These techniques enhance a seamless blend and showcase fluidity and movement.”
A CUT ABOVE THE REST
Bringing back some vintage charm is the iconic bob, albeit in a new avatar dubbed the lob (long bob). The style — sported by celebrities like Margot Robbie, Selena Gomez and Kylie Jenner — is a great option if you’re looking for something textured and volumising. Placid Braganza, owner and creative director, Placid Salon, considers this one of his favourite classics with a twist. “The lob makes the hair look thick and healthy and draws attention to the bone structure while framing the face. As the length is maintained around the face, it also creates a silhouette that flatters all face shapes,” he says. The next hottest styling trend — bangs in all shapes and sizes. “We’re going to see side swept bangs, wispy bangs and even curly bangs as people want to maintain their real texture,” notes Kagalwala.
CURLS AND WAVES FOR THE WIN
Another one of our collective hair obsessions after length has been poker straight hair. Fromin-salon treatments to questionable DIYS, we’d go to any lengths (pun unintended) for long, lustrous tresses. According to Savio John Pereira, CEO and creative director, Savio John Pereira Salons, curls are back because people are ready to make a statement with texture, volume and movement. “It’s high time that we had a visual change. The perm is back — there are many new innovative hair perming techniques with permanent and semi-permanent products like curl primers, creams, mists, gels and sprays,” he says. He believes we’re on the brink of a transition period and will see more curls and waves in different lengths, which will also offer versatility in styling.
TIME FOR TLC
Focus on natural textures has also put the attention back on restorative treatments. Deepak Jalhan, creative director, Looks Prive and ambassador, Schwarzkopf Professional swears by the Fibre Clinix treatment that employs the tri-bond technology, which internally restructures hair, enhancing its strength and health. “This treatment is suitable for all hair types, especially chemically treated and processed hair. The effects can last for a significant period, depending on individual hair care practices,” he suggests.
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