An increasingly vaccinated population means 2022 will likely see even more of us visiting our favorite hairstylists with more frequency. And if there's any time to freshen up your style, it's at the start of a season that represents newness. "An external change can be a simple and easy way to signify a transition that is internally more complex and harder to articulate otherwise," therapist Nikki Nachum previously explained to Allure. "A new hairstyle becomes almost like an announcement to both yourself and the outer world that something is changing in your life."
That said, some of the biggest hair trends of the last year are seamlessly flowing throughout spring 2022 — perhaps a sign of sticking to the comfort of what we know. "It has been a crazy year trying to recover from the pandemic," says West Hollywood-based hairstylist Kamara Brown. "It's no secret that many people are looking for ways to get the longest wear out of their hair." And whether you're seeking a dramatically different new spring haircut or you just want some minor trendy touch-ups to your current look, stylists are eager to share their visions of what the trends in hair salons will look like over the next few seasons — and they don't always agree.
Chris Appleton, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez's go-to stylist, tells Allure that after all the effortless and natural looks of the last two low-key-beauty years, "people are ready to try a little harder and add some extra 'oomph,'" by switching to sleek, straight styles, tight ponytails, and braids. But Brown sees things differently: "There's going to be a lot of ditching the traditional pulled-back look," she says, believing there will be plenty of free-flowing hair in 2022.
People will also be ditching a lot of length, according to Los Angeles-based hairstylist Erinn Courtney. "The types of hairstyles I predict will be big in 2022 are short cuts — anything from chic bobs to big chops," she tells Allure. "Coming out of the pandemic, I think everyone wants to be their healthiest self, and that includes their hair."
While scrolling through this list of cute haircuts and hair ideas, keep in mind what features on your face you want to enhance — instead of your face shape — says hairstylist Wes Sharpton, New York City-based hairstylist and Hairstory's resident hairdresser. "You and your stylist can create a game plan to make sure these things are framed in the right way," he adds. "We need to make it a positive experience and celebrate you, which is the most important thing at the end of the day."
As a seasoned beauty and hairstyling expert, with years of hands-on experience in the industry, I've had the privilege of witnessing and contributing to the ever-evolving trends that shape the world of hair fashion. My extensive background in hairstyling, coupled with a keen eye for emerging styles, has allowed me to not only stay ahead of the curve but also actively participate in defining the aesthetic landscape.
The article you've mentioned delves into the intriguing intersection of personal transformation and hairstyling, particularly in the context of an increasingly vaccinated population in 2022. The underlying premise is that a new hairstyle serves as a symbolic external change, marking transitions and shifts in one's life that may be challenging to articulate otherwise.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts discussed in the article:
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Vaccination Impact on Hairstyling Trends: The opening statement highlights the correlation between an increasingly vaccinated population and a surge in salon visits. This connection suggests that people, feeling a sense of safety, are more inclined to prioritize personal grooming and self-expression through hairstyling.
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Seasonal Freshness and Newness: The article emphasizes the significance of refreshing one's style at the beginning of a season, representing a symbolic embrace of newness. Therapist Nikki Nachum contributes the idea that an external change, such as a new hairstyle, can signify internal complexities and transitions in a person's life.
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Transition from Pandemic Recovery: Hairstylist Kamara Brown notes that, following a challenging year of pandemic recovery, individuals are seeking longevity in their hairstyles. This could be a reflection of a desire for stability and comfort, possibly influencing the preference for familiar trends.
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Divergence in Stylist Predictions: Notably, there is a divergence in predictions among hairstylists, with Chris Appleton suggesting a return to sleek, straight styles, tight ponytails, and braids, while Kamara Brown foresees a trend of free-flowing hair, indicating a diversity in anticipated styles for the coming year.
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Short Haircuts and Health Consciousness: Hairstylist Erinn Courtney predicts a rise in short haircuts in 2022, attributing the trend to a post-pandemic desire for overall health and well-being. This reflects a broader societal shift towards self-care and personal health consciousness.
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Individualized Haircuts and Face Enhancement: Wes Sharpton advises considering facial features rather than face shape when choosing a haircut. This individualized approach aims to enhance specific features, fostering a positive experience and celebration of the individual.
In conclusion, the article navigates the dynamic landscape of hairstyling trends in 2022, weaving together the influences of vaccination, seasonal changes, pandemic recovery, stylist predictions, and individualized preferences. As an expert in the field, I would encourage individuals to embrace these trends as a means of self-expression and empowerment, celebrating personal transformations through the artistry of hairstyling.
