Thinking of going for a hair change? As always, the dawn of a new year has brought with it a multitude of new trends - but there's a handful of crops that we predict will become the true it-styles of 2018. This year has seen a return to heritage hair, with classic textures and cuts re-emerging with a modern twist - taking inspiration from beloved Hollywood icons, and reimagined by cool-girl models and fashion bloggers.
Top London hairdresser James Pryce, who famously styled the Duchess of Cambridge's hair on her wedding day and is now based at Larry King's South Kensington salon, shares his trend predictions for the coming year - and gives his best hacks for getting the most out of your new 'do. Read on if you're ready to take the plunge…
The blunt bob
© Photo: Getty ImagesActress Nina Dobrev is wearing her hair in a blunt bob with a fringe
A classic Isabella Rossellini-inspired bob, or 'hob' - heritage bob - as some are calling it, is set to be 2018's top trend - seen on the likes of actresses Nina Dobrev, Vanessa Hudgens and Emma Roberts to name a few. "It’s one of those styles that comes round once a decade and really sticks," says James. "The great thing about this is that it’s versatile. It can be worn blunt to add thickness to thinner hair, or it can be sliced into on thick hair to remove weight and add texture. Importantly it’s also long enough to be tied up and looks great with or without a fringe."
MORE: the best red carpet beauty trends to try in 2018
The long pixie cut
© Photo: Getty ImagesKatie Holmes has cropped her long locks into a pretty pixie style
"The grown-out pixie, seen on Katie Holmes, Vicky McClure and Emma Willis, will be big in 2018. I think ladies that have had a long bob in the past have gained the confidence to go even shorter and try a longer version of the pixie," says James. "Short hair can be very striking and empowering. It’s good for ladies with thinner hair as the shorter your hair is the thicker it will look. My all-time favourite short hairstyle was Vicky McClure's cut in the original This is England. So cool."
Curls
© Photo: InstagramFashion model Mica Arganaraz wears her curls natural
Embrace your natural texture! "Curls are going to be the big one for 2018. We’re going to progress from loose waves into full seventies-inspired curls. These should be worn as big and as bouncy as possible, preferably with a heavy fringe. Model Mica Arganaraz has got this spot on," says James.
MORE: the best hair salons outside of London
The fringe
© Photo: Getty ImagesClaudia Winkleman's statement shaggy fringe has become her signature
"We've seen loads of long, grown-out fringes over the last few years," adds James. "They have lived alongside the long bob trend really well - but this year they will creep back up into a fuller, eyelash-tickling fringe. Take Claudia Winkleman for inspiration." Scared of change? Try cutting in a fringe to your current style to revamp your look without altering the length or colour.
Accessories
The likes of Christina Hendricks, Millie Bobby Brown and Pixie Lott have ensured that that adding a ribbon, embellished clip or barrette to your updo is the only way to make it red carpet ready, but James insists its variety that keeps this trend cool. "From simple head scarfs and ribbons to gold feather head bands and hair chains, we'll see lots of hair accessories this year," he says. Add a halo band or scarf to a simple style for an instant update.
READ MORE: how to rock the hair accessories trend
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