A trend has the ability to flip the hair world upside down in the best way possible. In 2017, we saw a huge fringe resurgence, the return of the bob (and the lob), and shag cuts became so popular that it seemed like we somehow time traveled back to the '70s. While we're sad to see the year go, we know that the start of a new year brings endless possibilities for hairstyles and trends just waiting to be experimented with.
We sat down with a few industry experts, including Sam Villa, Redken global artistic ambassador; Lucie Doughty, John Paul Mitchell Systems editorial and digital director; Anh Co Tran, celebrity hairstylist; Ian Michael Black, Aveda global artistic director; and Shelley Gregory, colorist and educator, to get the inside scoop on their biggest trend predictions, trends they hope fade and ones they wish would stick around just a little bit longer. Here's what they had to say:
AS: What trends do you see carrying over from 2017 to 2018?
Lucie Doughty: Shorter lengths, ranging from mid-length, like Vanessa Hudgens and Bella Hadid, to short crops, like Serinda Swan and Zoë Kravits. Rich, coppery reds will also stay in demand, with a larger focus on more natural tones like Alexina Graham. Lastly, icy, tow-headed blondes are definitely here to stay.
Ian Michael Black: I think we'll see the vivid and shadow root trend roll over into 2018, but vivids will be a little more muted and smokey in their appearance.
Anh Co Tran: I see the lob staying on trend in 2018 and I also see grunge making a comeback in the coming year.
AS: Are there any trends you hope fade?
Shelley Gregory: I would probably say silver hair, just because it's very difficult for most types of hair to achieve and it's hard to pull off on most skin tones.
Sam Villa: I have no hopes of anything fading. Some people talk about how they wish braids would go away, yet, is the braid parade over? On the contrary, it's turned into a braid block party.
Ian Michael Black: I hope the trend for wanting to do everything at lightning speed fades. Too often, people want to do everything in the shortest amount of time rather than do it at the best quality.
AS: What's your biggest trend prediction for 2018?
Anh Co Tran: Collaboration on all aspects. 2018 will be the year of collaboration in music, fashion, hair and social media.
Sam Villa: We're moving towards a more lived-in feeling with haircuts and stepping away from the "fresh out of the salon" look. In terms of style, we'll be bringing out the rollers, tongs and diffusers as natural texture becomes prominent in 2018. Big, beautiful, feminine hair.
Shelley Gregory: I think individuality; taking what you were born with and accentuating it to have your own unique style.
Lucie Doughty: We are going to see a lot of designs within styling. Technique and skill will be at the forefront.
Ian Michael Black: A strong resurgence in warmer colors. Over the last few years, we've seen a lot of cooler tones, but we're just now seeing the return of vibrancy.