Time for a hair update? Don’t visit the salon without reading this first

Last year was all about the bob – the Italian bob, to be precise – heralded by The Hair Bros as a “thick-ended, neck-grazing” style that’s “long enough to tie up, yet short enough to turn heads. A cut that looks great in any parting and looks equally beautiful when air-dried or blow-dried.” This style is definitely a keeper, with 23.9 million views on TikTok, but there are some new kids on the block that deserve consideration.

The soft bob is one that celebrity stylist Priscilla Valles rates. “Think a short, blunt cut with soft layers that fall right below the ear lobe,” Valles says. “It originated in Europe in the 1920s, but has since become a universally recognised classic.” Styling is pivotal and Valles recommends using a round brush when blow-drying to keep the hair smooth but also voluminous. Her styling picks? Living Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray (mecca.com.au, $58) and Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum (adorebeauty, $54)

The Lob version two is another derivation: think the “Rachel” but longer. It’s a great style for those wanting to grow out their short hair. The influencer who is rocking this trend is Matilda Djerf. According to stylist Matt Newman, “Establishing the placement of your shortest layer is super important” when growing out a bob. This style pairs well with ribbon highlights.

This year, box layers – they create distinctive lengths between the layer and ends of the hair – are also on the radar. This trend is basically an evolution of the mullet and works for people of all genders and hair textures, perfect for those who want to grow out a bob while keeping some length and shape. The key words to ask for with this cut are square or box layers.

Supremo stylist Harry Josh gives a shout-out to extreme hair, “short with strong colours”. Josh continues, “I feel like we are in a rebellious time in the world … people are fed up and want to change, to break out of the norm. I think Doja Cat is a great example of the extreme, radical hair movement.”

The cropped, textured pixie – a throwback to the 1950s, immortalised by Audrey Hepburn – is also trending in 2024, with slightly more length on top. The trick with this style is to ask for textured layers and to always take a picture with you to the salon so nothing is lost in translation.

On the colour front, highlights are blended, and shades are more realistic. “Think toasted pecan, mushroom brown, clotted cream, and caramel,” says colourist Damien Rayner. “Colour blocking, which was big in the ’90s, and ribbons of colour from roots to ends are also back. The key to keeping coloured hair glossy starts with healthy, well-moisturised hair. Use gloss treatments and shine serums to maintain the lustre of your colour.” Always trust your colourist to help with shade selection based on your skin tone and eye colour. Don’t attempt this at home – your colourist knows best.

ASK STEPH

Is there a way to treat pimples that doesn’t involve chemicals?

Tea tree oil is an option as it’s antimicrobial, fighting bacteria on the skin and helping to reduce inflammation. For spot treatment, dampen a cotton bud with water, add a drop of tea tree oil and blot gently. Try Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Oil ($8).

Send questions via Instagram, @mrssdarling.

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