The Top Haircut Trends Of 2022, According To Hair Experts
Are side bangs making a comeback?! Hold up—before we answer the big question, BTC Editors have been working hard to get you *the list* of every haircut trend that clients will be requesting in 2022. According to our trend radar (aka, our top celebrity stylist friends), you can expect: The bixie, boy band bob, the “octopus” (wtf?! 😉), layers and more.
Keep scrollin’ for our complete list of haircut predictions, plus expert advice AND the pro techniques you’ll need to nail every request!
1. ’90s Supermodel Layers
You can expect long, soft layers and classic shapes in high demand, says celeb stylist Drea Jaclyn (@dredrehair)—aka the owner of Beverly Hills’ cool-girl hangout spot, Bomane Salon, and Line One Hair Extensions. Add some spice by channeling ’90 icons like supermodel Cindy Crawford or Aaliyah’s face-framing layers.
Trend Cheat Sheet
- Long Layers: Head Diagrams & Steps
- Hair Roller Cheats For Styling Layers
- 10 Dos + Don’ts Of Cutting Long Layers
Photo Credit: Instagram via @bykileyfitz
Photo Credit: Instagram via @jennifer_yepez
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Photo Credit: Instagram via @rachelwstylist
Want to try Rachel’s go-to scissors?! Click here to check out the SYMMETRY 30/2 Reversible Blender!
Photo Credit: Instagram via @dredrehair
2. Airy Blunt Bob
“The iconic blunt bob is making a comeback,” Sally Hershberger (@sallyhershberger) shared with BTC Editors. “It flatters nearly every face shape and hair texture, making it a very versatile, easy-to-manage look.” The secret to 2022’s version of the staple cut: Remove bulky excess weight and maintain an element of softness within blunt lines.
Trend Cheat Sheet
- Avoid A Bulky Bob: 4 Techniques To Try
- Perimeter Cutting Mistakes + How To Fix Them
- 5 Tips For Cutting Bobs On Textured Hair
- How-To: Cut A Soft, Blunt Bob
Photo Credit: Instagram via @hirohair
Photo Credit: Instagram via @nikcabral
Photo Credit: Instagram via @hairbyadir
Photo Credit: Instagram via @yukistylist
Included in the BTC University online education membership: Learn how to cut a bob with @chrisjones_hair!
3. Soft, French-Inspired Shag
“Emily in Paris,” who? The French girl shag is softly layered with texturized ends, and often paired with fringe that splits to frame the face. So, it’s no surprise that our clients want that je ne sais quoi that makes a Parisian woman so effortlessly cool.
Trend Cheat Sheet
- Cutting A Shag: 7 Things To Definitely Do
- 3 Tricks For Cutting Texturized Fringe
- Layers: 3 Tips For Creating Maximum Texture
Photo Credit: Instagram via @salsalhair
Photo Credit: Instagram via @yukistylist
Photo Credit: Instagram via Moroccanoil® Global Artistic Director Kevin Hughes (@hairbyeleven)
Photo Credit: Instagram via @cecilialaulanee
Photo Credit: Instagram via IGK Hair Co-Founder Franck Izquierdo (@franckhair)
Photo Credit: Instagram via @hirohair
4. The Bixie
Over 100k of BTC’s followers want to know—what is a bixie?! Short answer: “It’s equal parts bob and equal parts pixie,” says celeb stylist and Wella Ambassador Briana Cisneros (@brianacisneros). Here’s what you can expect: Princess Diana’s famous ’80s haircut with a 2022 update—heavily layered, texturized and cropped!
Trend Cheat Sheet
Photo Credit: Instagram via @rowanblanchard
Photo Credit: Instagram via @mayziwang
Photo Credit: Instagram via @_hairbylaurie
Photo Credit: Instagram via @florencepugh
5. Are Side Bangs Making A Comeback?
When LA-based cutting expert Sal Salcedo (@salsalhair) posted on IG, “Should side bangs make a comeback in 2022?”—millennials everywhere felt it. What’s more Y2K than Von Dutch trucker hats and low-rise jeans? A side bang moment, but think less “Myspace vibes” and more natural, effortlessly-swept-over movement.
Photo Credit: Instagram via @salsalhair
Photo Credit: Instagram via @bagriyaleksandr
Photo Credit: Instagram via@chrisappleton1
6. Shoulder-Length Bob—Aka “The Lob”
If you want to be the most interesting to look at take Kourt K’s lead with a shoulder-length lob. According to her stylist Andrew Fitzsimons (@andrewfitzsimons), the statement haircut will reign supreme in 2022.
“I’m seeing lots of restorative measures being taken,” adds Joico celeb stylist Jared Henderson (@jstayready_), whose clients include Doja Cat, Saweetie and SZA. Whether that’s chopping off dead hair into a chic bob or lob OR tucking the hair away and getting extensions or wigs, this will give their hair a break before summer!
Trend Cheat Sheet
- Shear Shattering: How To Texturize Lobs
- Transition A U-Cut Into A Lob—Here’s How!
- Lob-Cutting Cheats For Clients With Fine Hair
- 3 Bulk Removing Tips For Lobs
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Photo Credit: Instagram via @andrewfitzsimons
Photo Credit: Instagram via @salsalhair
Photo Credit: Instagram via @chrisjones_hair
Cut seamlessly from wet to dry with the PARAGON II from ARC™ Scissors—click here to try!
Photo Credit: Instagram via @styled_by_carolynn
7. Long Hair with Barely-There Layers
Wondering what trends Olivia Rodrigo’s stylist predicts for 2022? “Good 4 U” we asked Clayton Hawkins (@claytonhawkins) himself… and he said: Long hair! Our internet girl crushes like Olivia, Dua Lipa and Megan Fox have brought “Cher hair” back into the mainstream—think minimal layers, texturized ends and EXTRA length!
Trend Cheat Sheet
- 3 Things That Will Mess Up A Blunt Perimeter
- Long Layers: 3 Tips For Visible Texture
- Watch: Long, Layered Dry-Cutting Technique
Photo Credit: Instagram via @claytonhawkins
Photo Credit: Instagram via @hairbyruslan
Photo Credit: Instagram via @lacyredway
Photo Credit: Instagram via @vernonfrancois
8. ’90s Boy Band Bob
Your ’90s crushes like Leo and Nick Carter are NOW on your clients’ haircut inspo mood boards. Flash forward a couple of decades, we predict that curtain cuts—or “the boy bob”—will have a moment in 2022. “Shorter cuts that play with both the feminine and masculine are all in the lineup for 2022,” says celebrity stylist and Virtue® Creative Director Adir Abergel (@hairbyadir). “They can be a major win for a face if cut with the intention to enhance your facial structure.”
Trend Cheat Sheet
Photo Credit: Instagram via @hannahkleit
Photo Credit: Instagram via @lacyredway
Photo Credit: Instagram via @matt.swinney
Photo Credit: Instagram via @emmalouisecorrin
8. Micro Bobs
This version of the classic bob hits somewhere between the chin and the cheekbone. Lately, it seems like EVERYONE—even fashion designer and blogger Anine Bing—is rocking the super sexy, super short crop. We predict that this versatile length will continue to blow up this year.
Pro Tip: How To Navigate When Clients Request A Trend
French, boy band, blunt, micro—we know all of these bobs require the same technical cutting techniques. When clients request a specific trend or version of the classic cut, they’re looking for an overall look and the way it’s styled. That’s why it’s KEY to identify the specific elements they love about their inspo pics.
Trend Cheat Sheet
Photo Credit: Instagram via @lisasatornhair x @ninezeroone
Photo Credit: Instagram via @stanleyman001
Photo Credit: Instagram via @donovanmillshair
Photo Credit: Instagram via @brianacisneros
Watch @bescene teach how to cut a blunt micro bob on BTC University!
10. Y2K + ’90s Hair Trends: Layers Galore!
The MTV era of glossy, feathered and retro beauty looks will continue to influence hair trends this year. “We will see lots of wispy bangs with layers around the face, creating more movement and texture,” says celebrity stylist Alex Brown (@alexbrownhair).
Trend Cheat Sheet
- How To Cut Texturized Layers
- Meet TikTok’s Favorite Cut: The Wolf Cut
- Video Quickie: Interior Layering Technique
So… What Is The Octopus Haircut?!
You may hear the new buzzy internet trend—the “octopus haircut”—and wonder, what is THAT?! Spoiler: It’s a shag. TikTok users are characterizing the look by its top-heavy shape, choppy layers and longer lengths that give it that “tentacle” vibe. Our recommendation? A lot of terms are thrown out on the internet, so find out exactly what clients are actually looking for in the consultation.
Photo Credit: Instagram via@artdr3am by @doubleqnyc
Photo Credit: Instagram via @daniellemarcan
Photo Credit: Instagram via @billieeilish
Photo Credit: Instagram via @yukistylist
Need a reference? Throw it back to Sally Hershberger’s iconic layered haircuts!
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Master the shag with Sally Hershberger—now included in the BTC University online education membership!
11. French Bob
The French bob is about to be EVERYWHERE this year. Whether it’s worn beveled, naturally wavy or straight—this romantic haircut pairs best with a full fringe and soft, blunt lines that sweep the corner of a client’s lips or cheeks.
Trend Cheat Sheet
Want a full step-by-step French bob tutorial? Moroccanoil® artist Mariska Schutten @mariska_sc has it covered.
TAP here to learn how to razor-cut a French bob!
Photo Credit: Instagram via @erickinvisible
Photo Credit: Instagram via Schwarzkopf Professional Artistic Team Member Linh Phan (@bescene)
Photo Credit: Instagram via @frannfyne
Photo Credit: Instagram via @erickinvisible
13. Long, Eye-Sweeping Curtain Bangs
Last year was defined by shags and curtain bangs—so, where do we go from here? Naturally, clients will move into a grown-out fringe that sweeps the eyes and frames the face. “Wispy bangs can add amazing softness and movement to long, thick hair,” dishes Alex Brown.
Trend Cheat Sheet
- 5 Tips For Cutting Curtain Bangs On Any Client
- The Best-Kept Secrets For Styling Curtain Bangs
- Fringe Tips For Soft, Natural Bangs
Photo Credit: Instagram via @chelseahaircutters
Photo Credit: Instagram via @zendaya
Photo Credit: Instagram via @bel_pipsqueekinsaigon
13. Shaggy Bob
Hello? Debbie Harry called—she wants her iconic shaggy bob back! According to celeb stylist and Matrix ambassador Greg Gilmore (@greg_gilmore), tousled ’80s-inspired bobs that hit right above the shoulder are all over the trend radar.
“Think statement cuts with a retro vibe,” adds Sally Hershberger, who shagged Debbie’s hair in the nineties.” If you’re looking to make a change, consider blunt fringe or shaggy layers. Nothing flatters wavy or curly hair like a classic shag.”
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Trend Cheat Sheet
- 5 Tips For Cutting A Shag On Short Hair
- Razor Cutting: Fix These 3 Mistakes For Better Results
- Shags: Why Corners Are Crucial
Photo Credit: Instagram via @hairbyadir
Photo Credit: Instagram via @hirohair
Photo Credit: Instagram via @slickback_buttahtoast
Photo Credit: Instagram via @peterbutlerhair
Shaggy Bob How-To: Watch @jacobhkhan on BTC University now!
14. Midlength Layers
This is your sign: Start booking appointments for midlength layers NOW. This type of service is the answer for your clients who want cool-girl, texturized hair without losing too much length. Plus, we know these “barely-there” or “invisible” layers actually require a lot of work, and you can charge accordingly.
Trend Cheat Sheet
Photo Credit: Instagram via @sierrakener x @ninezeroone
Photo Credit: Instagram via @claytonhawkins
Photo Credit: Instagram via @hairbyruslan
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15. Layered Pixies
“Pixies will be in, but maybe we’ll start to see some lengthier ones with lots of layering, or we’ll see a few [’80s-inspired] pageboy shapes,” says Greg Gilmore, who recently gave “Euphoria” star Storm Reid a dream pixie. We love to hear it!
Trend Cheat Sheet
Learn how to cut AND style a pixie from celeb stylist Greg Gilmore himself! Click here to watch: This course is included in BTC-U’s membership ✨
Photo Credit: Instagram via @greg_gilmore
Photo Credit: Instagram via @hairbyruslan
