Whether you're in the mood for a major transformation or simply want a tiny touch-up, we chatted with two of the industry's top hair experts (and groomers to the stars) to see what the hair world has in store for us this year. Consider your hair game upgraded.
1. The Shag
According to Dove Celebrity Stylist Mark Townsend, "2016 will be the year of the shag's comeback." You might remember this look from the '90s (ahem, the "Rachel," anyone?), but this rocking 'do is making a big comeback. "We've seen Karlie Kloss and Dakota Johnson rock iterations of this look, and the trend shows no sign of slowing down," Townsend says. Layers and texture define this look, so opt for fringe and piecey-ness when visiting the salon. Lastly, to master the modern shag like Kerry Washington, Townsend suggests busting out the dry shampoo and a texture paste like Sally Hershberger's 24K Superiority Complex Texturizing Paste (Sephora, $40).
2. Long Locks
"All the girls not getting a shag will be growing out their locks and looking fabulous while doing it," says Townsend. "Unlike the hair extension-ed length of the 2000s, 2016 is all about long healthy hair — think sixties happy hippie," he adds. To get the luscious locks of your dreams, stock up on hair vitamins like Viviscal Extra Strength Nutrient Tablets (Ulta, $40) and get regular mini trims to keep your ends smooth and healthy, says Townsend. Pro tip: For silky strands like Gina Rodriguez, add in few drops of a hair oil like Dove Regenerative Nourishment Serum in Oil to damp hair.
3. The Grown-Out Pixie
The whole world might have joined in on a collective gasp when Jennifer Lawrence cut her hair into a pixie. But because 2016 is about embracing length, those with pixies can bypass their usual salon trip and opt for an on-trend grown-out 'do like Lily Collins. "This style entails a textured cut and is about two inches longer than a traditional pixie," explains Suave Professionals Celebrity Stylist, Marcus Francis. "It evokes a feeling from the nineties with its flipped-over part — longer on the top and shaggy over the ears." Just as with a shag, this looks best with piece-y ends. Pro tip: Rough dry hair with your hands to keep this cut feeling effortless and keep it from looking round.
4. Fringe
As we all know, a good fringe like that of Felicity Jones never goes out of fashion, but according to Townsend, we'll be seeing a lot more of the look this year. "Sixties-inspired fringe with volume at the crown will definitely have a moment in 2016," he explains. "Just be sure to ask your stylist what kind of bangs flatter your face shape the best," he adds.
5. The Bob + Bangs
If you prefer short hair, you're in luck. The chin-length look is still a scene stealer in 2016. Francis predicts fans of 2015's lob trend will take the look one step further this year and make the full switch to a bob. "To modernize it and give the look some variety, slicing 'barely-there' bangs will maintain the shape of a bob but add some texture to the cut and around the face," he explains. Not sure how short to go? Francis says dry hair should be hitting your chin area. Pro tip: When styling this look at home, keep the ends straighter like Dakota Johnson to maintain the silhouette of the cut looking like a bob. Francis suggests adding a drop or two of Suave Professionals Coconut Oil Infusion Damage Repair Oil Treatment (CVS, $4) to your palms and fingers and raking your fingers through your strands after you've blown out or dried your hair. "This serum instantly smooths, tames fly-aways and delivers healthy, long-lasting shine — a must to fully pull off this look," he adds.
6. Knots
"While top knots have been a staple for years, these new modern knots are moving down the back of the head and are far more intricate," says Townsend of the new trend. "Whether it was Daisy Ridley's incredible tri-knot style in Star Wars or Gwen Stefani's various double knots on The Voice, this style has infiltrated the mainstream," he adds. Pro tip: "Be sure to invest in quality bobby pins when recreating this style at home. A metallic pin elevates any look," Townsend says.
7. Beach Waves
We know what you're thinking, "Will beach waves ever go out of style?" Although the boho look is always a winner, this year's waves will be glossier and shinier than ones we're used to seeing. Just take one look at Natalie Dormer! "Instead of using a sea salt spray, I like to apply a small dab of Dove Refresh + Care Nourishing Curls Whipped Cream Mousse (drugstore.com, $5) to dry hair," says Townsend. "It gives the hair texture without dehydrating it." To top it all off, apply a dry shampoo like Elizabeth and James Nirvana Dry Shampoo (Sephora, $28) — a favorite of Townsend's that adds shine, texture and volume.