As the year 2024 unfolds, the world of hair fashion is seeing a dynamic shift, blending classic styles with contemporary flair. To provide an expert perspective on this year’s top trends, we spoke with Shaun Chia, a veteran hairstylist and director at Chez Vous: Private Space, one of Singapore’s premier salons. Here’s a look at the most exciting hair trends of 2024.
Straight Hair Takes Center Stage
While luscious curls and playful waves have long been staples of K-beauty, 2024 is witnessing a resurgence of sleek, straight hair, popularized by the K-pop sensation New Jeans. This year’s trend is all about “liquid hair”—characterized by a silky, smooth texture and a glass-like finish without the wet look. This style not only offers a youthful appearance but also highlights the cyclical nature of hair trends. The trend, embraced by Gen Z, marks a shift from the curl-centric styles of previous years, reminiscent of the changing popularity of accessories like ankle socks.
Chez Vous’s innovative Liquid Hair Treatment is designed to help enthusiasts achieve this modern and sophisticated look effortlessly.
The Return of Layers
Korean hairstyles are undergoing a transformation, with layered cuts making a significant comeback. This evolution moves away from the heavy, minimally layered styles of the past, embracing lighter, more dynamic layers influenced by the Y2K fashion revival. Notable styles include the Butterfly Haircut, Hush Cut, and C-shaped Haircut, which incorporate forward-facing, face-framing layers. These cuts mark a departure from the neatly coiffed, pageant-like curls of previous decades, favoring instead a more natural, textured appearance.
The Hush Cut, which features layered lob or bob styles with airy bangs and face-framing layers, is gaining popularity among Korean celebrities such as Shuhua from Le Sserafim and Wendy from Red Velvet. It offers a subtler alternative to the more dramatic Wolf Cut, appealing to those seeking a controlled, yet modern look.
Influences from Celebrity and Social Media
Celebrity hairstyles continue to shape hair trends, with K-beauty and K-pop maintaining strong influence in Singapore. However, the Chinese social media platform XiaoHongShu is also playing a significant role in popularizing new styles and techniques. This platform’s impact is evident in the rise of Chinese-style hair trends, which are tailored for East Asian features and are gaining traction among salon clients.
Color Trends: Foggy Non-Bleach and Reverse Ombre
Color trends in 2024 highlight the shift towards less damaging techniques. The “foggy non-bleach hair colour” trend involves one-tone hues with a subtle, ashy or greyish appearance, achieved without harsh bleach. This method reduces hair damage and offers a chic, understated look.
Reverse Ombre, popularized by K-pop idols like Dino from Seventeen, is another trend making waves. This style, characterized by a gradient color transition from dark to light, is becoming increasingly popular among both men and women.
Innovative Hair Treatments
The pursuit of healthy, shiny hair has led to the popularity of new treatments:
Nanoplasty (Nanoplastia): A cutting-edge method for achieving sleek, frizz-free hair without harsh chemicals, ideal for those seeking a glass-like finish.
Liquid Hair Treatment: Utilizes oil-based nanotechnology to repair and hydrate damaged hair, enhancing softness and reducing frizz.
Sugar Hair Lamination: A novel smoothing treatment that reduces frizz by up to 60% using sugar rather than traditional acids or keratin, providing fluidity and shine without stiffness.
Tips for Updating Your Hair Look
For those considering a new hairstyle in 2024:
Prioritize Healthy Hair: Use bond repair treatments like Epres Bond Repair Treatment and K18 Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask to maintain hair health.
Choose a Style that Fits Your Lifestyle: Consider the maintenance and styling effort required for your new look, including salon visits.
Invest in Quality Tools: Devices like the Dyson Airstrait or Airwrap can help you achieve salon-quality results at home.
With these insights, you’re well-equipped to embrace the top hair trends of 2024, blending timeless elegance with modern innovation.