Post-lockdown hair trends: how many have you noticed?

As salons across the UK and Ireland begin the steady process of reopening, we asked two of the experts what they believe will be the biggest post-lockdown hair trends to look out for. Whether it’s transfixing two-tones, gorgeous greys or glossy shine, Thomas Hills (director for TH1 Hair), Sophia Hilton (Crazy Color ambassador and founder of Not Another Salon) and Darrel Starkey (owner of Taylor’s Hair Studio) believes these looks will see a surge in your salon for SS21.   Shape Shifter “I believe one of the biggest trends to emerge will be shorter, more versatile cuts that really encourage a client’s natural texture with minimum effort required – think effortless shape and movement with a masculine, almost cherubim appeal. I also think clients will want to spend less time hair-drying their locks, opting for air-drying instead. Cuts like these from my About a Girl (above) collection is the perfect example of preparation and shape within the cut, allowing for the perfect fusion of form and texture.” - Thomas Hills, Director, TH1 Hair   Two-Tone Colour “Once popular in the early noughties and loved by Kate Moss, this look is back and bigger than ever. A new take on the much loved balayage, the darker colour is applied to the bottom and underneath of the hair, with a beautiful full head of highlights scattered throughout the top to create a real contrasting look – think a chocolate brunette and honey blonde.”- Darrel Starkey, Taylor's Hair Studio   The Mullet "Finally in 2021, guys and girls alike are no longer toying with the idea of getting a mullet – they're doing it in masses! Born out of lockdown, we've finally started looking at our hair when it's not styled, checking out our natural texture and really enjoying it." "The best thing about the look is how versatile it is. You can go super choppy  bold, bright and colourful, or the complete opposite – soft, face framing, natural in colour – yet it's all still within that mullet shape that so many of us love." - Sophia Hilton, Crazy Color & Not Another Salon   Man Power “I think bobs with fringes will be one of the most effective ways for clients to return to the more polished, slicker version of themselves. This sharp, chic fringed bob from my Hell Sexy collection epitomises the inherent drama within such a sleek narrow 80s silhouette: while big voluminous hair is flirty and exudes sex appeal, this post-lockdown shape will be more theatrical and commanding. I also think heavy, full fringes will come into play, with traditionally feminine styles peppered with unexpected masculine details – bold fringes being one of them.” - Thomas Hills, Director, TH1 Hair   Face Enhancer “Let’s enhance those cheekbones. This technique is one that hasn’t been around too long but is very popular on the likes of Khloe Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez. Highlights and babylights are applied throughout the front of the hair, adding light enhancement which compliments the individuals facial features. The colour is completely bespoke to the client and is matched to suit their skin tone and hair colour. This is a very low maintenance style which will be very popular in the Summer.” - Darrel Starkey, Taylor's Hair Studio   Maxi Factor “I predict many clients will opt to keep the length and really max it out in a JLo style while embracing their natural texture, or opting for faux non-uniform texture, created with slept-in braids. A lot of clients will also be ditching the heated tools and opting for their natural curl in a more 90s approach to style. Encourage clients to play around with textures and finishes between roots, mid-lengths and ends, with products that allow them to switch up their textured style from dusty roots to glossy lengths for some post-lockdown va va room.” Thomas Hills, Director, TH1 Hair   The Shine “Everyone is desperate for the salon shine they’ve so desperately missed throughout 2020. Services such as glossing treatments will be hugely popular with clients looking to nourish and treat their hair as much as they can. A glossing treatment will give the added look of luxury and is something you can add on to a client appointment as an extra and that will add to your profit margin.” - Darrel Starkey, Taylor's Hair Studio The Shag "This is another one that sits on the side of embracing your natural texture. The right kind of shag is supposed to work with your natural curl, not against it. This look is all about creating a textured fringe, soft layering and beautiful shape." "The best thing about this trend is how low maintenance it is. Literally wash your hair, pop in some INNOLUXE Elixir, air dry and your hair is ready to take on the world. We've seen all kinds of variations too, from natural colours to bright striking coppers." - Sophia Hilton, Crazy Color & Not Another Salon   Nice Ice, Baby “Helped with the news that PANTONE 17-5104 – Ultimate Gray – is one of the colours of the year, I fully expect to see grey (one of my favourite hues) to take centre stage. The natural and neutral tones will offer clients a feeling of resilience after what has been a very turbulent time.” “While grey and its many incarnations never go out of style, metallic silver is, for me, the next level of chic, and can really help to bring a haircut to life. I particularly love creating a multi-dimensional metallic tone, and this image from my Craft colour collection pulls together this trend perfectly.”- Thomas Hills, Director, TH1 Hair   The Blondie “Yes, blondes are back and ready to take over the colour world. Caramel and honey blondes will be the shades of the season, adding warmth to the hair and complementing the summer complexions. Worn with a beautiful wave or textured look, the hair will have a relaxed, boho vibe.” - Darrel Starkey, Taylor's Hair Studio.

These are the post-lockdown hair trends these experts are expecting to see while re-opening. Read all of the re-opening news from across the UK and Ireland here.