2024's Biggest Hair Trends Are All About Throwbacks

Every year, the hair tide turns. 2023 hair trends overwhelmingly focused on slicked-back (sometimes headache-inducing) buns and ponytails, curtain bangs, and, love it or hate it, the return of the mullet. But with a new year in full swing, it's clear the wave of 2024 hair trends is moving in another direction.

“With so much innovation in haircare, healthier hair is on the rise,” Adir Abergel, celebrity hairstylist and Creative Director of Virtue Labs, tells Marie Claire. “Embracing natural textures with wash-and-go styles or color that has more bold placements is major for 2024.”  

In that vein, expect to see an emphasis on natural hair color and texture, plus a pivot toward cuts that seemingly style themselves. While bound to be controversial, the side part and side bangs are also poised for a big comeback. In fact, celebrities like Taylor Swift, Gabrielle Union, and Jessica Chastain have already hopped on board. 

That’s really just the start. The biggest 2024 hair trends recommended by top celebrity colorists and stylists span cuts, colors, and styling techniques. Read on for the hair trends worth trying this year: It's not too late for a new year, new me style, after all.

Haircut Trends

Baroque Bobs

Bobs started to take hold last year, with everyone from Hailey Bieber to Emma Stone chopping off inches of length. This year, said bobs are getting a Baroque-era spin. "These bobs have curls and volume that have a very classic, yet fancy feel," hairstylist Eric Vaughn says. The bigger and bouncier style you're able to achieve, the better.

Achieving a high volume bob requires prep work, hairstylist Jessica Gillam notes. "Start with a volumizing shampoo to clarify the hair." (Gillam loves MONDAY Haircare’s Volume Shampoo and Volume Conditioner.) "Then, blow it out with a round brush and a root lifter." Some of Vaughn's favorites to get the job done? Amika’s Plus Size Perfect Body Mousse and Brooklyn Bombshell Blowout.

Face-Framing Layers

Curtain bangs have been the biggest trend for roughly the past two years, but in 2024? It's the year for ‘70s-inspired fringe to finally grow out.

“We’re now seeing a lot of people growing out their curtain bangs and wearing longer, face framing fringes,” celebrity hairstylist Mara Roszak says. The relaxed, undone cut looks just as chic meticulously styled as it does air dried. “Adding these layers can have a big impact without a big change,” adds 901 stylist Natty Jackson. “Cutting angles can open up the face and add more variety to your go-to styling routines.”

All About the Bang

There’s going to be some mixed millennial emotions about this next one, but like it or not, the side bang is making a comeback. “This is a look that is flattering on so many face shapes and we’ll see it come back in the Spring,” Abergel says. It’s an easy way to grow out blunt or baby bangs and can actually bring a dose of Old Hollywood glamour to any style. (Taylor Swift and Gabrielle Union are already on board if you need further proof.)

Hair Color Trends

Warm, Honey Hues

Whether you fall into the blonde or brunette camp, you’re likely going to find yourself saying goodbye to icy, cool undertones and opting for warm, honey-toned finishes instead. “This color is classic, gorgeous, and works with almost any skin color or tone,” Hazan says. Just look at Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Keke Palmer’s latest hair transformations. “It’s natural and effortless with a happy, bright golden tone—just make sure to stay away from orange or brass tones.” If you want to bring some dimension into the fold, ask your stylist for light, creamy blonde highlights.

Rich Reds

The red hair trend isn’t going anywhere—at least for the first quarter of the year. While they require a lot of maintenance, their warm tones are a perfect match for the chilly transition from winter to spring. Red tones we’re seeing run the gamut, from Megan Fox’s bright, true red to Shay Mitchell’s newly adopted Cowboy Copper and Dua Lipa’s auburn tone.

Soft and Subtle

As fun as it is to be a faux red head or honey blonde, stylists predict that you'll see a lot less hair coloring this upcoming year. 2024 is the time for hair health, remember? “People are embracing their natural hair color—we’re going back to basics,” Roszak says. That motto in mind, people aren’t going to shy away from graying hair, either. 

If you do want color, consider opting for a clear or slightly tinted glaze. "Quiet luxury is a huge trend right now across the board. Hair color is trending towards softness and subtlety. If you’re leaning into the quiet luxury life, ask your colorist for more subtle dimension, and richer more natural tones," Vaughn recommends.

Hairstyle Trends

Brigitte Bardot Inspirations

"Brigitte Bardot hair is the ultimate tousled style that’s both chic and sexy at the same time," Vaughn says. "The volume in the style always makes you feel more done up than normal, while the texture makes it feel relatable."

While the actress has always served as a beauty inspiration, her signature volume is getting extra attention in recent weeks. Miley Cyrus, Lana del Rey, and even Beyoncé have teased up their hair in Brigitte's style. "Big hair is impressive because you know it’s not a wash and go. It’s an ode to a different time when looks took effort and skill," hairstylist Jessica Gillan explains. And Bardot isn't the only inspiration, she adds: "Period specific shows and movies like Priscilla and Griselda pay homage to a more voluminous set and styled look."

Hi-Shine Health

“I believe that 2024 is going to be the year of the hair health journey, giving your hair the foundation it needs to thrive,” Roszak says. “We’re going to see people paying more attention to curating a routine that supports their hair in whatever style they want to achieve.”

As a side effect of healthier, stronger hair, high-shine styles are going to dominate the red carper. “Healthier hair finishes with glossy, sheen and movement will be a big thing,” Abergel notes. “My secret weapon for this look is Virtue Healing Oil which has a blend of hydrating oils and the brand's reparative powerful Alpha keratin 60ku protein.”

Side-Swept

In the same way that side bangs are being declared the cut of the new year, so too are other side-swept styles. “There’s some noise around side parts coming back, which I’m into,” Roszak notes. “The side braid trend of the early aughts is also going to see a resurgence. I’ve personally never fallen out of love with a whimsical side braid.” While the side-friendly mentality might inherently remind you of the early 2000s, rest assured this renaissance will be sleeker and chicer.

Bouncy Blowouts

This year’s motto goes as follows: The bigger and bouncier your blowout, the better. “Voluminous, runway hair is definitely here to stay,” Roszak says. While you can achieve sky-high volume with great hair prep (try the Santa Lucia Styling Oil), a blow dryer, and a round brush, a hybrid blow dry brush is an easy, beginner-friendly way to try the look.

Jackson confirms that the tool is a "foolproof way to create long-lasting volume, smoothness, and shine. For a blowout that lasts all day, “Use the blow-dry brush to smooth out each section and roll the ends under as you go, creating that in-demand, bouncy finish.”

Coquette’s the Status Quo

Bows entered the fashion week scene back in September 2023, but rest assured the sweet accessory is not going anywhere in 2024.

“Bows are back—and not just for the holidays,” says Jackson. “You can really channel your inner coquette girl this year.” Attach little bows to updos or tie your hair back with a ribbon—the options are endless.

Meet the Experts

Eric Vaughn

Eric Vaughn, Rev Salon's owner in Houston, holds 14 years in beauty. Renowned for Miss Texas USA and Miss Texas Teen USA collaborations, he styles contestants for national stages. He has been featured in Modern Salon, Beauty Launchpad, Elle, Allure, and more, showcasing his artistry. a mentor fostering talent. In his salon, he cherishes roles as husband to Tony and dad to twins, Harlow and Monroe. Eric’s industry excellence matches his dedication to family.

Jessican Gillin

Jessica began her career assisting Sally Hershberger, later working at Marie Robinson and Serge Normant. She assisted Orlando Pita's Fashion Week Team for 16 seasons. Jessica specializes in meticulously undone and effortless haircuts and is an extension specialist.

Adir Abergel

A visual artist first and foremost, Adir Abergel fuses the boundaries between fashion, art and celebrity in a way that few Hollywood hairstylists have managed to do. Using hair as his principal medium, Adir challenges red carpet conventions to exquisite effect, integrating beauty and originality into a single expression. He is the creative force behind some of the most memorable moments in celebrity hairstyling, and has been instrumental in constructing the distinctive styles of such influential talent as Rooney Mara, Kristen Stewart, Marion Cotillard, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kirsten Dunst, Anne Hathaway, and Reese Witherspoon.

Adir’s work is characterized by the ingenuity of his approach and the strong interpersonal relationships he shares with his clients. His greatest gratification comes from fostering confidence in women and helping them embrace the idiosyncrasies of their beauty. Entrepreneurial in all aspects of his career, Adir is often uniquely positioned at the helm of the broad visual aspects of image making, including art direction and creative collaboration. 

Rita Hazan

Rita Hazan is a hair colorist known for her work with celebrities, and is the owner of the Rita Hazan Salon in NYC.

Mara Roszak

Growing up in the Laurel Canyon area of Los Angeles, Mara Roszak was exposed to a broad range of aesthetics. Mara's mother was a sculptor and encouraged her to explore all forms of visual art. At the young age of 15, Mara began her hairstyling education, and within two years she was working with some of the most celebrated talents in the entertainment industry. The expansion of her career into the editorial and advertising arena soon followed.