9 big hair trends for 2019, as predicted by the experts

From Harper's BAZAAR

In 2018, we embraced experimental new shades, tried 'baby bangs' and saw the buzz cut revolutionise the red carpet. In 2019, as individualism booms, these are the hair trends we are seeing soar, as predicted by the experts.

1.Blunt bobs

Inspired by the '70s revival and popular celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Karlie Kloss, a new shorter length is set to be the standout hairstyle for 2019.

“I think we will see a move away from shattered and layered hair towards a blunter, sharper finish", says influential stylist and Ghd ambassador Zoe Irwin. "I envisage it being a shift away from the mid-length boyfriend bob, which was so popular last season, to something more precise and above the shoulder, roughly halfway between your ears and the nape of the neck."

She says this blunt cut suits all face shapes, "because the length can be adjusted to flatter the face, while the bluntness can help thicken up thin hair and soften thick hair depending upon the way it’s styled". In fact, done correctly, "it will do wonders for your bone structure and is often the gateway to an even shorter 'do." But, if you’re going for a drastic cut from long to short, ask your hairdresser to show you the different ways of styling your new hair, she advises.

2. Grey hair

Age-inclusivity has finally blossomed in the beauty industry, which means individuals are not only dying their hair a fashion-forward silver but are embracing their natural grey hairs too. As Pinterest searches for 'going grey' increased by 879 per cent this year, Redken's global creative colour director Josh Wood explains how to manage the transition in 2019.

"Work with a colourist to try to get the hairline as light as your natural grey. If the eye sees the lightest colour against the face it will give the appearance of being totally grey." Then, use a glossing service like the DIA Richesse service at L’Oréal Professionnel salons nationwide, to subtle decrease any patchiness.

You might also want to consider cutting your hair, as "the shorter you go the more any existing colour you are using will be cut out, thus exposing more of the natural colour and grey", says Wood.

3. Super-straight

If you cast your mind back to the early noughties, you might recall the army of woman who embraced poker-straight hair. Now, love it or loathe it, it's back - according to Frankie Moody, senior hairstylist at Jo Hansford Salon.

"I'm extremely sure straight hair will be back in for 2019 – curls and waves are out, so make sure your straighteners are up to the challenge," she says. Bazaar recommends Ghd's Original Styler (but we also recommend embracing your natural texture, whatever the trends!).

4. Adult accessories

From the humble hair clip to more statement bows and ribbons, hair accessories have stolen the hair limelight in recent months. Irwin predicts a sophisticated version will only grow in popularity.

“It really started over the summer months where the heat was extreme and so people were wearing their hair up and accessorising. Although all of the accessories differ in shape and style, they all can be adapted to a multitude of looks which is why I think it will be key for 2019.” She recommends Syd Hayes' high-fashion pins and Ashley Williamson's diamante clips.

5. At-home colour

In times gone by there was a certain dishonour to dyeing your hair at home, with colourists having to fix so many dye jobs gone wrong that they probably recoiled in horror at the mention of a box kit. With the release of better at-home colour ranges this year though, including Josh Wood's Ultimate Hair Colour System, it will be much easier (and successful) to touch up your roots in-between salon appointments throughout 2019.

“We are finding in salon that women are time starved and are looking for a different value option,” agrees Wood. “If they are usually looking to colour their hair every three or four weeks they are retouching their roots themselves at home and then coming in every eight weeks or so.” You can find out how to get the best results in our guide to at-home hair colour.

6. Modern top-knots

Top-knots used to be the hairstyle of choice only if you had three-day old hair or weren't leaving the house, but then Chanel's Fall 2018 ready-to-wear show happened. The models appeared on the runway as if they had literally just thrown their hair up into the up-do and suddenly 'undone' hair was cool again.

The trick to the perfect 'imperfectly perfect' bun, is to tie your hair into a ponytail before twisting it into a bun, so that the ends remain loose and messy. Then, for added texture use Hair by McKnight's Easy UpDo and Modern Hairspray - just as was used backstage at the show by celebrity hairstylist Sam McKnight.

7. Glossy hair

The impossibly smooth and super shiny 'glass hair' finish trended on Instagram towards the latter end of this year, and in 2019 it's set to make it mainstream.

Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton suggests blow-drying your hair with Color Wow's Dream Coat Spray to lock out frizz, before rubbing in a few drops of shine serum - like Kérastase's Elixir Ultime Oil Serum. A round brush will also help smooth out your tresses, although the blunt bob, as detailed above, is probably the easiest way to achieve that all important clean finish.

8. BIG volume

A lack of volume is one of the most common hair concerns for woman and the reason why there are so many volumising shampoo formulas on the market. It's no wonder then that our personal fascination with adding body to our tresses has triggered a trend for extreme volume come next season.

Your greatest inspiration comes from the Versace pre-fall 2019 runway where Guido Palau used super-long extensions to add gravity-defining height at the roots. "The big hair was inspired by Pierpaolo Piccioli, he wanted to have some extravagance in the hair and we were looking at old '60s Diana Vreeland Harper's Bazaar and Avedon shoots," said Palau. For a more practical nod to the trend, add volume by prepping your hair with Redken's Guts, before liberally applying lots of Bumble & bumble's Strong Finish Hairspray.

9. Lilac makeovers

Bid adieu to millennial pink as a new pastel hair trend has emerged, with searches for lilac tresses increasing by a staggering 1077 per cent in 2018. If you want to start experimenting but still look like a grown-up, follow our temporary hair colour guide and use L'Oreal Paris' Colorista Hair Makeup in Purple sparingly through your roots.

Or, book in at Bleach London for a hair colour appointment that's dedicated to perfect shades and limited damage.

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