London’s calling, with all the hair inspiration you could possibly need for this year. From octopus cuts and mixies, to vintage bobs and mullets, there are plenty of innovative hair trends taking the UK by storm right now. Some of them give modern updates to classic styles from the past, while others are entirely new looks (here’s looking at Dua Lipa’s tie-dyed locks). While there are lots of different trends popping up, British hair stylists are predicting that bobs will be especially big this year, whether textured, carved, bi-level, or European.
Thanks to the influencers, TikTokers, and celebrities rocking these cool cuts, it looks like they’re here to stay in London’s top salons. Everyone from Adele to Olivia Dean has been spotted rocking sweet new hairstyles or color lately, and we’re big fans of these star’s hair transformations. In honor of their statement styles, we’re taking a look at some of the biggest hair trends in the UK this year and taking plenty of notes. Get ready to book your next hair appointment!
1. Dua Lipa
When it comes to hairstyles, Dua Lipa is the queen of mixing it up. The British-Albanian singer’s hair evolution has produced hit after hit, including many top hair trends in London. From the chin-length bob she wore during the ‘New Rules’ era to her signature Dua Lipa blonde hair and the chunky platinum blonde highlights debuted for ‘Future Nostalgia’ in 2019, Lipa’s hair never stays the same for long. The star has also been spotted with a retro beehive, fiery orange wig, and long, shiny black waves in 2021. During lockdown, she dyed her E-girl bangs a variety of playful shades, including pastel pink.
To start off 2022, Lipa shared a picture of tie-dye hair on her Instagram. The creative hairstyle features the singer’s classic two-tone color, with a bleached blonde layer over her natural dark brown. Colorful orange and green swirls are placed over the blonde to create a unique, psychedelic tie-dye effect. The photo currently has over 4,000,000 likes on Instagram, and shows all the signs of starting one of the year’s hottest hairstyle trends. If you feel like getting creative with your look, head to the hairdresser for some tie-dye swirls and Dua Lipa hair.
2. Simone Ashley
Bridgerton is officially back and we are already obsessed with the Sharma sisters! Especially with Kate Sharma’s enemies to lovers storyline with Lord Anthony Bridgerton.
The entire Bridgerton cast is giving us so many enviable hairstyles to pin this year but nothing beats Ashley’s simple and regal updo. This sleek updo reflects the practical nature of her character and appears effortless and sophisticated.
You can add extra fullness to your bun with a hair bun extension and achieve some soft romantic tendrils with a curling wand for that regency core vibe.
3. Adele
While promoting her latest album, 30, Adele debuted beautiful long, cinnamon-blonde tresses. The new look features a middle part and blonde, face-framing highlights to brighten up her face, along with Rapunzel-approved length. To get Adele’s hair color, start by dyeing a few pieces of hair around your face a lighter shade. This is a subtle way to brighten skin and make facial features pop, making it one of the top hair trends for 2022.
Over the years, Adele has made plenty of hair statements. At the start of her career, the British singer wore her auburn locks in retro, ‘60s-inspired styles with lots of volume at the crown of her head. (You can use our velcro rollers to get the same voluminous look). After gradually lightening up her hair with honey tones, she wore everything from glamorous old Hollywood waves to tousled bobs. In 2020, she took her hair to new lengths for a performance on SNL, which got everyone talking. While Adele’s locks are reportedly au naturel as the singer spent time growing out her hair during quarantine, you can easily use hair extensions to achieve the same amazing length in 2022.
4. Lily Collins
When you think of Lily Collins’ hair, long, glossy brown waves might be the first thing that comes to mind. However, the Emily in Paris star has a few other hair looks up her stylish sleeves. From an icy blonde pixie cut to a short and sweet bob, the actress is a true hair chameleon.
Most recently, Collins debuted trés chic bangs while promoting the new season of Emily in Paris. The new eye-catching fringe style (nicknamed ‘French bangs’) is from hairstylist Gregory Russell, who also works with stars like Anna Taylor-Joy and Hailee Steinfeld. Kelly Rowland was also seen sporting the romantic hairstyle on Instagram. Collins’ long and thin bangs are super flattering for a variety of different face shapes and hair types, making them sure to be one of the most popular hair trends in London. Plus, thanks to the way these bangs are cut, they will grow out quickly and you won’t be stuck with the style for long. If you still aren’t ready to make the commitment to bangs just yet, you can always try out clip-in bangs first to see how the style looks.
5. Olivia Dean
Named Amazon’s Breakthrough Artist of 2021, singer Olivia Dean has a bright future ahead of her. The East London native’s soulful songs are quickly gaining a large fan base and she’s set to have a busy year of making music and touring. In addition to her jazzy tunes, Dean is also known for her cool hairstyles. Her Instagram is filled with amazingly long ponytail braids that reach well beyond the floor, as well as pretty box braid styles with gold hair clips. For her latest EP, Growth, Dean wears her braids swept into a show stopping updo, decorated with bright flowers and greenery.
For 2022, box braid updos are set to be one of the hottest hair trends, especially box braid buns. Stars like Alicia Keys, Keke Palmer, Zendaya, Beyoncé, Zoe Kravitz, and Amandla Sternberg have all been spotted rocking a version of this protective style.
6. Amal Clooney
While Amal Clooney is known for her signature polished blowout and bouncy brunette waves, the British-Lebanese barrister still knows how to switch things up every once in a while. Just take a look at the romantic lob cut she wore to the Venice International Film Festival in 2017 with her husband, George Clooney. The timeless hairstyle features a deep side part and elegant curls. The star also wore a tousled lob to a red carpet premiere in 2016, with a loose front curl.
Lobs, which are longer bobs typically hitting at or above the shoulders, are perfect for people who want a change without going too short in length. This 2022 hair trend flatters everyone, regardless of face shape, hair texture or length, and you won’t have to go through an awkward grow-out phase. Straight, wavy, or curly, lobs always look effortlessly chic. If you’ve had a lob on your mind, now’s the time to make a chop!
7. Annabelle Hoy
If you’ve been wanting to grow out your curtain bangs, you’re in luck. One of the top hair trends in London for 2022 is long, ‘70s-inspired drapes, just like the ones worn by British model and content creator Annabelle Hoy. Vintage fringe styles like this have been quite popular in recent years and it looks like they are here to stay. The retro, face-framing pieces make cheekbones pop and can be worn parted in the middle or to the side, depending on your preference. Drapes are super versatile and work well with longer layers or ponytail styles if you want to tie your hair up. Whether you have short or thin hair, or just want to transform your look, our curly ponytail extension collection is a great option.
Other ‘70s-inspired looks to watch out for this year include massive volume, feathered bangs like the ones made famous by actress Farrah Fawcett and long, shiny hair inspired by Cher. Embrace your inner flower child and opt for one of these carefree hairstyles this year.
8. Michaela Coel
From textured waves and buzz cuts to pastel colors and slick bobs, Michaela Coel can truly do it all. The I May Destroy You star has a long list of iconic hairstyles under her belt, many of which broke the internet and launched popular trends. Since she rose to fame in the series Chewing Gum, the British actress, writer, and director has become known for mixing up her fashion and beauty looks. Who can forget the slicked back bob she wore to the 2021 BAFTAs or the Bantu knots and twists she rocked? Coel also famously shaved her head to draw attention to the lack of representation in romantic roles of dark-skinned women with short hair.
One of Coel’s most show-stopping looks was when she served up afro perfection for Garage Magazine in 2020. The actress also sported an afro in the past for red carpet looks and award ceremonies. Classic afro cuts like Coel’s are predicted to be back in style for 2022, and we couldn’t be happier. This style is relatively low-maintenance and easy to take care of, plus it’s super stylish for any occasion. Just be sure to give your locks plenty of moisture to stop frizz in its tracks. Products like Manketti oil and deep conditioning masks are good options.
9. Sophie Turner
Actress Sophie Turner may be known for her signature blonde locks, but she warmed up to a fiery red color in 2021. The Game of Thrones star was spotted rocking copper hair when out at a baseball game with husband Joe Jonas, and later in a Louis Vuitton ad on her Instagram. Game of Thrones fans might remember Turner with red hair during her time playing Sansa Stark on the show. Turner dyed her blonde locks to match Sansa’s auburn hair.
Turner is not the only one seeing red these days. Vibrant shades of red are expected to be one of the top color trends for 2022, especially for those hoping to stand out from the crowd. If you’ve been wanting to mix things up and go for a bold new color, take notes from Hadid and book an appointment with your colorist. We also have hair extensions for redheads, so you can still take your styles to great lengths with your new color.
10. Gemma Chan
Bobs of all shapes and sizes are predicted to be on-trend for 2022, especially British actress Gemma Chan’s effortlessly chic bob with bangs look. As much as we appreciate ultra-long locks and flowing waves, chin-length styles are having a major moment. One of the most popular bob styles this year is the bi-bob, which features heavier lines and silhouettes to highlight eyes and cheekbones. To style, you’ll want to give hair a straight and flat finish, but make sure it doesn’t look too perfect (take some styling cues from Chan).
Other short and sweet bobs popping up include carved and textured versions of the style, as well as the boy bob, which is slightly shorter than the average bob and has a masculine edge (get inspired from your favorite ‘90s boy band). There’s also the European bob, which is a short cut that reaches to about lip level. Incredibly versatile, it looks great on all face shapes and requires minimal styling. And since it’s meant for air drying, you can easily cut back on your heat styling and prevent damage like frizz and breakage.
11. Maisie Williams
Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams proves that the modern-day mullet is here to stay with her cool cut from Bleach London hair salon. The actress rocks a layered chop with face-framing pieces that make her eyes pop. In the past, Williams has switched things up with a chic brown bob, pink hair, and even bleached eyebrows, making her almost completely unrecognizable from her Arya Stark.
While you may have thought this rebellious hairstyle was only worn by bikers and aging rockers, badass celebrities like Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, Irina Shayk, and Billie Eilish have all taken the mullet for a spin and given it a modern update. Today’s mullet is more low-key and wearable, with shaggier sides and full fringe. Plus, it doesn’t take much styling to make it shine. Simply add some texturizer or pomade and you’re ready to rock. If you’ve grown bored of your beachy waves or go-to look, a mullet is the perfect way to mix things up in 2022.
12. Iris Law
Want a fresh start? Take inspiration from British model Iris Law and try out a punk-inspired buzz cut. In 2021, the star debuted a beautiful, bleached buzz cut in British Vogue, and the trend-worthy look caused quite a stir. Later, she shaved a heart design into one side. Now, the buzz is back for 2022, with tons of celebrities going for super-short cuts. Cynthia Erivo, Zoe Kravitz, Saweetie, and Jordan Alexander are just a few of the many stars who keep their hair buzzed close to the scalp.
Shaving your head might sound scary, but this style works for all hair textures, pesky receding hairlines, and is actually a super liberating experience. Not to mention that it makes it super easy to try out new hair colors and make-up looks, and makes your natural features shine. Ready to reach for those clippers? It’s best to first cut your hair as close to the scalp as possible with scissors before shaving. This will stop hair from getting caught in the clippers. Then, grab your clippers and start shaving! You may need the help of a friend or stylist to help ensure that the cut is even on all sides. To take your buzz to the next level, use it as a canvas for some fun color or add artistic designs like Law.
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