The Hottest Hair Trends of 2025 Are Bold, Rebellious, and Undeniably Chic

Hair trends are constantly changing, which makes trying a trendy new winter haircut or dramatic color exciting—and a little nerve-racking. The Look Du Jour switches up year to year, season to season, and even faster on a micro-trend level. Last year saw waves of sleek updos, warm tones, choppy bobs, laid-back shags, and a renaissance of throwback styles from decades long gone. The 2025 hair trends are a marked rebellion.

The fatigue of constant changes in styling, cut, and color is sinking in, explains Rogerio Cavalcante, master stylist and founder of The Second Floor Salon. "There’s a growing shift toward embracing softer, more romantic styles, and long, flowing hair fits right in," he tells Marie Claire. "After years of bobs, lobs, and pixie cuts dominating, many crave the versatility and drama of long hair."

This year, long, luscious (healthy) locks, minimalist highlights, and some fresh takes on embracing your natural texture are coming to the forefront. Bob grow outs are getting a French, lived-in twist and you can expect to see gray hair appear on the red carpet.

In 2025, there is arguably a hair trend for anyone and everyone. We tapped four top hairstylists to share what's primed to dominate the hair scene this year. Keep scrolling for their expert takes.

Bob With Bangs Combo

"A trend that I’m a big fan of right now is a chin-length bob with bangs, specifically with dark or bleach blonde hair," says Laura Polko, celebrity hairstylist and brand founder. Before diving off the deep end, Polko explains that this cut is typically the most flattering for those with angular faces or strong jawlines.

"To decide if this hairstyle is right for you, think about which features of your face you love most," she says. "If you prefer your eyes over your nose, I would not recommend doing bangs. If you prefer your nose to your eyes, then I think bangs are great for you and something fun to add to any look."

Low-Maintenance Color & Embracing Natural Grays

"The term 'lived-in color' has been popular for years, referring to soft, seamless balayage," says Nessy Guardo, master stylist at Clementine’s Salon, Stanley Marketplace in Denver, Colorado. "This year, low-maintenance color will continue evolving into even more natural, root-blended looks that grow out beautifully. I love this trend because it’s more flattering and healthier for the hair."

Guardo has also seen a shift with her clients when it comes to embracing their natural gray hair and says many of them are ditching the permanent color for demi or semi-permanent color to soften grays instead of concealing them completely. "These techniques create a softer regrowth line while enhancing the hair’s natural tone," she explains.

Great Lengths

Bobs have been having a glorious moment this year (see: Gabrielle Union, Kerry Washington, and Kim Kardashian), but Cavalcante predicts the return of "long, harmonious hairstyles." However, he knows that it's not all about the length and says that flow, balance, and effortlessness play key roles, too. "I blame Demi Moore—she looked incredible on the Substance press tour and at the Oscars," he says. "Her sleek, waist-length hair at recent red carpets has reminded everyone how striking long hair can be."

Along with Demi Moore's influence, Cavalcante points to embracing more romantic styles. Long hair suits oval and heart-shaped faces, but it can work for anyone with the right styling and layering. The same goes for those with thin and thick hair, too. It all boils down to strategic layers for those with finer strands. "Long hair draws attention downward, elongating the neck and making the collarbone pop," he says. "Soft, face-framing strands can bring focus to the eyes, while a middle part can highlight symmetry."

Natural Air Dried Textures

Although air drying is typically more popular in the summertime for obvious reasons, Polko predicts stepping away from the blow dryer will transcend seasons this year. "Letting your hair air dry and be natural works for everyone," says Polko. "I think just letting your natural texture live, whatever that looks like, is something that will never go out of style and is perfect for anyone with any hair type."

This easy, breezy ethos rings true for anyone with tight curls or straight, flat hair. However, for those with curly hair she suggests trying out a curly bang to add to the look.

Scissor Happy Takeover

New year, new me is an easy way to explain an increase in haircuts at the start of the year. However, Guardo predicts regular cuts will also keep increasing throughout the year. "Many clients are realizing that freshly trimmed hair can actually be easier to maintain—especially with the resurgence of bouncy blowouts, voluminous layers, and soft texture," she says.

"Cutting dry, damaged ends is the ultimate reset," she explains. "Hair that’s weighed down with breakage won’t hold color well or maintain a fresh, healthy shape after styling."

High Shine Hair

This year, Cavalcante sees everyone amping up the shine to flaunt healthier-looking strands. "This style works well on all hair types and colors, but it particularly stands out on darker hair, where the shine is more noticeable," he says. "It’s ideal for those who want to showcase their hair’s natural health and vitality."

He loves that this trend focuses on how important haircare and maintenance are with a luxe twist. "Glossy hair enhances the overall appearance of the hair, making it look sleek and polished," he says. "It also draws attention to the hair’s texture and movement, creating a luxurious, high-end look."

Laminated Ponytails and Buns

If you thought you were done with the "clean girl" slick back, you're wrong. This laminated ponytail style is just a more playful family member. Go for the middle part, and you'll be right on trend.

"Add extra personality to this style by braiding your ponytail or wrapping it in a bun," says Tiffanie Richards, master colorist at Louise O’Conner Salon in New York. "This sleek look is classic and very put together. Just about anyone can rock a slicked-back pony with the right product help. Griff is constantly seen wearing these slicked-back hairstyles, and she is a pro at putting her own twist on it."

Shag Cut with Modern Layers

"The shag cut is making a comeback with a modern twist, featuring softer, more blended layers compared to its '70s counterpart," says Cavalcante. "This cut is versatile and works well with various hair textures, making it a favorite for those looking for a low-maintenance yet stylish look."

For anyone with this look on their inspo boards, just know that this cut emphasizes texture and volume, and Cavalcante notes that this modern shag draws attention to the eyes and cheekbones. "This cut is particularly flattering for those with fine to medium hair, as the layers add volume and movement," he says.

Triple Barrel Waves

Effortless waves aren't just for a day at the beach, and Polko sees this playful look going places in 2025. "Another favorite of mine is the triple barrel wave, which creates an effortless beachy and crimped texture that I’m obsessed with right now," she says. "I definitely do not see this trend going anywhere in 2025."

She loves that this style is great for all face shapes and explains that it gives just the "right amount of texture, volume, and a bit of messiness to balance out a fun and playful look."

Bombshell Bangs

"Paired with a simple hair color, these bangs aren't going anywhere," says Richards. "We're seeing them married to long or short hairstyles. Depending on how short you're willing to go, there is a length for everyone."

She loves how versatile they are and points out that depending on your face shape you can wear these bangs thicker or thinner. You can even add pops of color with strategic highlights. Richards advises adding highlights that flow down to the ends, starting with the longest pieces of these bangs. "This will create a low-maintenance and lived-in look," she says. "Daisy Edgar Jones wears it beautifully."

Color Analysis & Customized Color

2025 might just be the year that people lean into their own personal hair journey vs clinging to trends that might not necessarily work for them. Guardo has seen more of her clients prioritizing personalized color. "Instead of bringing in reference photos, I’m noticing an increase in people asking, 'What do you think?'—which I love!" She continues, "as hairstylists, we study color theory extensively, and it’s exciting to see more clients trust our expertise."

She also points to a growing interest in color analysis, like seasonal color theory, and thinks that in 2025, more hair colors will be tailored to each person's natural undertones. "Think cooler blondes for those with icy complexions, warm honey tones for golden skin, and richer brunettes that enhance natural eye colors," she says. "Expect to see more customized color placements that work with a client’s features rather than against them."

Minimalist Highlights

"It sounds contradictory, but I'm seeing this quite often this year," Richards says of the "no highlights, highlights" trend. This color trend shows off a natural, barely there highlight. "Like the sun could have come through the winter clouds and 'beach' bleached you," she says.

She nails this look for her clients by doing a traditional or ombre-type highlight first before toning it back down to the client's natural color. "This creates brightness and depth without looking like you've been sitting in a salon chair for three hours."

Hydrated Bouncy Curls & Waves

This year, Guardo predicts people will be less reliant on heat styling to over-manipulate hair and, instead, work with what they already have. "There’s been more focus on working with natural texture rather than against it," she says. "Whether it’s curls, waves, or movement in the hair, clients are looking for ways to enhance their natural pattern without excessive heat styling."

She notes that when it comes to textured hair, hydration is the key to unlocking a defined, frizz-free texture, and products that provide lightweight moisture will be go-to picks. "Techniques like diffusing and curl-enhancing products are being used more frequently to achieve a more controlled, polished look without completely altering the hair’s natural state," Guardo says.

Classic French Bob

French beauty isn't going anywhere this year, and the never-ending obsession with classic French bob proves it. "The French are known for less is more, which is exactly what this bob is," says Richards. "Minimal to zero layers paired with a monotone hair color." She emphasizes the importance of a monotone hair color with this cut and says that "highlights typically do not marry well with a classic bob." They can make a classic French bob look heavy and diminish its natural movement. The only exception is a "face frame of very natural highlights," which can be complementary. "Gracie Abrams wears this style impeccably while throwing a 90s spin on it," she says.

Going Bronde

It's true. Brondes do have more fun! At least they will be in 2025. Bronde, a mix of brunette and blonde, is going to be everywhere this year, according to Cavalcante. "It's a perfect middle ground for those who want a sun-kissed look without going fully blonde," he says. "This color is low-maintenance and grows out gracefully, making it a practical choice for many."

Cavalcante loves the versatility of bronde as it suits a wide range of skin tones, from fair to medium. "It works particularly well on those with warm undertones, enhancing their natural glow," he says. "This color adds dimension to the hair, making it look healthier and more vibrant. It also highlights facial features like the eyes and lips, giving a fresh, natural look."

Why Trust Marie Claire

Jamie Wilson is a beauty editor and writer with nearly a decade of experience in the beauty industry. She has words in Harper's Bazaar, Glamour, ELLE, Marie Claire, and more, focusing on print and digital features, trend stories, and shopping roundups. She spoke with four hair experts to compile this roundup of 2025 hair trends.

Marie Claire is also a leading beauty expert, having produced content about various hairstyles, cuts, and colors. We're constantly scanning and reviewing new hair launches and keeping a pulse on what's trending in this hair space.

Meet the Experts

Nessy Guardo

Nessy has been a hairstylist for 11 years, starting her career in West Palm Beach, Florida, where she specialized in blonding.  After moving to Denver, Colorado in 2020, she shifted her focus to lived-in color and cutting to embrace and enhance natural texture.  She loves creating effortless looks for her clients and teaching them to recreate it themselves at home.  "In my chair, it's healthy hair over everything."

Rogerio Cavalcante

Originally from Brazil, Rogerio moved to NYC over 15 years ago and quickly made a name for himself as a master colorist and dry-cut expert. Specializing in natural highlights and balayage, he has also perfected the art of the blunt cut—his personal favorite.

Three years ago, Rogerio founded The Second Floor Salon with a vision: to create a chic, private, and relaxing escape from the hustle of the city, where clients could truly unwind while getting their hair done. Now, he’s taking his expertise even further by launching his own haircare line—coming soon!

Tiffanie Richards

With over 20 years of experience, Tiffanie has made a name for herself as a blonde specialist. Based in New York City, she believes in a “less is more” approach to color, always putting hair health first. Tiffanie's work has been seen on several celebrities such as Carrie Coon.

Laura Polko

Laura Polko is a highly sought-after celebrity hairstylist based in Los Angeles, California. Born and raised in Ohio, Laura has built up her clientele over 15 years working in both New York and Los Angeles, with some of the industry’s top names and most stylish It-girls. Known for her signature “chic cool girl hair”, Laura has worked with countless A-list celebrities including Alix Earle, Maren Morris, Hailee Steinfeld, Madelyn Cline, Alex Cooper, Charli D’Amelio and Dixie D’Amelio. Her work has graced the pages of top fashion and beauty publications such as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, ELLE, Cosmopolitan, GQ, and many more.