Autumn/winter '24 hair trends: From 'cloud curls' to 'terracopper', here's EYNTK
As sad as we feel saying sayonara to the summer season (try saying that twice as fast), the chillier nights can only mean one thing: All things cosy soon come! Not to mention a much-appreciated change in hairstyles, cuts and colours – because as the old adage saying goes: new season, new hair! Or something like that...
So, ahead of all the black cats, pumpkins and snow machines coming out of hibernation, Cosmopolitan UK spoke with one of the biggest (and most trusted) of our industry's hair trend forecasters, Tom Smith to catch up on all the hairstyles, cuts and colours that are going to be popular this autumn/winter.
From 'cloud curls' to 'terracopper' and even an embrace of natural greys, these are the upcoming 2024 hair trends to note.
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Best autumn/winter 2024 hairstyles and cuts
Curtain Bangs
Although not new, the curtain bangs haircut is set to make a comeback thanks to Sabrina Carpenter, but are we surprised? (Spoiler: The answer is no, no we're not.)
Not only is it a gorgeous, voluminous and lifted look but it's practical, too. Freshen up your fringe with some shampoo in the sink for a revamped feel – without having to wash your entire head of hair. It's the hack of the year, IMO!
Tom says: "The cosiness of curtain bangs fit perfectly with the change of season and have a practical element that facilitates the generous trimming of the weaker face framing hairs after a summer of potential damage.
"Fringes/bangs that sit on the face tend to get oily more quickly and so, after using a round barrel brush (or a blow-drying tool such as the Dyson Airwrap or the ghd 2 in 1 blow-dry styler) to curve the fringe towards the nose use a light styling powder, a dry texturising spray or a dry shampoo to add control and keep the fringe airy and fresh for longer."
Tiara Bun
When you see something in multiple industries, it tells you something about a trend – and this goes for the tiara bun. We've seen it as a practical style with Simone Biles and a high fashion look with Ariana Grande. Zendaya, however, brings the best of both worlds, wearing her tiara bun out and about for a chic, put-together look that is deceivingly low-maintenance and easy to achieve.
Tom says: "The tiara bun offers a practical yet regal option that fuses ‘health and wealth’ once more. The style helps to lift the face and contour the cheekbones and can easily be recreated at home."
Cloud Curls
Tom has named 'cloud curls' the curly girl go-to of the season. The style is a new version of 2022's Botticelli waves, refreshed with a longer length and elongated, stretched curls. Although the style may seem summery, a winter twist is brought out with deeper colours and tones.
Tom says: "Cloud curls celebrate texture and youthfulness for those opting to retain length and natural movement.
"Use your natural texture (if you have it), or create a similar style by braiding your hair after a fresh wash. Leave it to set and loosen with your fingers. For a more polished look, use a small curling iron with small sections and alternate the direction you twist the hair. Finish with a styling powder or texturising spray and shake upside down for the airy fluffy finish."
Tucked Bob
As one can probably assume, the tucked bob haircut is either one length or lightly layered, secured (read: tucked!) into place behind one or both ears.
Tom says: "The tucked bob can work on all lengths and styles of bob and is achieved by simply tucking the lengths behind your ears. This can have an androgynous or business-like energy and is great for widening a narrow or long face or helping to improve the look of thickness in finer hair types.
"The look is best styled on hair that has a bit of product in it, as freshly washed or fluffy hair can be hard to secure behind the ear."
Laser Cut Bob
Looking to resurrect dry, damaged summer hair? Well, the laser-cut bob may be the perfect option for you. Think of this sharp, blunt style as the tailoring of beauty; just like the precise cut of blazers and coats in fashion, your hair can be tailored, too, and autumn is the ideal time for it!
Tom says: "This length can be adjusted to suit many face shapes but for a softer result go for chin length or longer. Or if you're feeling bold, go above the chin. The laser-cut bob is best styled straight or with minimal texture, meaning it's a great option for those with fine hair; the cut will increase the appearance of thickness and density.
"Anti-frizz creams or serums are the best choice for blow-drying this shape into place and following with straightening irons on a low temperature will seal the style in."
Best autumn/winter 2024 hair colours
Terracopper
When a celebrity rises to fast fame, you often see a boldness in their beauty. And with Chappell Roan's 2024 stardom, her terracopper-coloured hair has become part-branding, part-trend.
Note: The rich and intense terracotta, copper shade is a tad bolder than a natural redhead.
Tom says: "Terracopper is great on those with fairer complexions or those who have pink complexion undertones as the warmth of this shade can help the skin to appear more golden and rich. The look can be achieved all over as a ‘global’ colour or can be done with a semi-permanent gloss on top of highlights or balayage.
"These brighter shades tend to fade faster and so using a copper-pigmented conditioner when washing your hair will keep the tones topped up for longer."
Sunflower Blonde
The sunflower blonde shade is the warmest a blonde can be before it turns into copper. The intensely golden shades have been trending for the entirety of 2024 but only continue to grow in popularity. After all, warm tones do help the hair to look healthier!
Tom says: "This shade typically works on naturally warmer skin tones of any depth and can be achieved as an all-over colour or even incorporated as part of a highlight/balayage technique if depth and dimension are preferred.
"Golden tones in the hair naturally help to make the hair look brighter and shinier but using an intense moisture mask will help to keep the tones golden and away from yellow or brassiness."
Flamingo Pink
Now, this might not be the no.1 leading hair colour for everyone, but following threads with every demographic in society, flamingo pink is for the bold folks among us. Will Katy Perry have a revival with this very look?
Tom says: "Looking for a bold statement, this intense flamingo shade is one to help you stand out. To maintain it, however, I recommend washing your hair with cooler water and minimise styling (or at least turning down the temperature and using a great heat protector). You can even ask your colourist to mix you a customised pigmented conditioner to help retain the intensity of this shade for longer."
Natural Greys
Either left alone entirely or incorporated in as part of a hair colour design, we are seeing more and more references to natural grey hair – hi Salma Hayek! In blonde hair (whether natural or highlighted), grey hair can brighten and increase reflection, while naturally darker bases will find that greys stand out more, making for more of a statement.
Tom says: "Grey hairs can be a great tool to incorporate into a hair colour design but are also perfectly acceptable left out entirely for the most natural age-positive look.
"Grey hair can be dryer and more prone to frizz, dullness or yellowing so, combine a weekly deep cleansing shampoo with an intense moisture mask to reset any build-up and soften and nourish your strands. If you're looking to brighten grey hair, a purple shampoo can help."
Cinder Toffee Brunette
One for the brunettes, cinder toffee is a rich and intense tone that glows with similar hues to sunflower blonde – only, it works on deeper bases. The tones are warm and combine chocolate, caramels and intense golds to give a reflective and youthful shine to the hair.
Tom says: "Cinder toffee brunette can be achieved with all-over colour or incorporated into a darker base with various dimensional tones. Keeping shine and vibrancy high is important for this shade, so, consider using a weekly conditioning mask (or even a mask that contains golden pigments) to continue adding shine and gloss wash after wash."
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