The 10 haircuts that will be trending in 2024, according to industry experts

While the bob has never really gone away, 2023 was the year it emerged as the fashion industry's chop of choice. From Elsa Hosk forgoing her mermaid waves for a chic crop during Couture Week, to a full beauty feature dedicated to the perennial cut in the printed pages of Vogue Scandinavia – the impact of the bob was hard to ignore. It is also the cut that prominent Stockholm hair dresser Robert Preston and Björn Axéns' artistic director Jack Lawrence pinpoint as enduring in 2024.

"Interest in shorter lengths has grown over the past year," notes Preston. "Hailey Bieber's sleek classic bob sparked a lot of interest." The best part is there are so many versions to choose from: curly bobs or cropped bobs with butterfly layers. The 'French' bob or the 'Italian' bob. Lawrence, however, says next year will be all about the 'LOB' – the long bob. "The long bob is versatile and suits all face shapes," he says. "The classic bob has survived and is still one of the most popular hairstyles. In 2024, however, we see a modern twist on this timeless look, with asymmetrical cuts and textures that give a more relaxed and playful feel."

As for Preston, he taps the 'Baroque Bob' as his bob of choice for 2024. "Baroque-inspired curls add a sense of opulence," he says, noting how celebrities like Zendaya perpetuate the look. "It offers a combination of timeless beauty and modern artistry and fit especially good for those with natural curls or longer bob hairstyles that have grown out."

Related: The best bob for your face shape, according to the experts

This autumn, Preston says we will be paying homage to Jane Birkin. The indelible fashion icon who passed away in 2023 was famous for her hair cut: sweeping bangs paired with long naturally textured tresses. "Her bangs became part of her trademark," says Preston. "They framed her face and came to define her overall natural aesthetic and feel."

According to Preston, the Birkin bang can elevate most hairstyles that have a little length. "If you have an even cut, but want that 'wow' factor, it's a fantastic start," he says. That said, it works "just as well on a bob, no matter curly or straight." The beauty of Birkin bangs is that they're easy to maintain. "They're also easily transitioned into a butterfly cut or a wolf cut, if you feel like making even more of a change."

Related: Bang for your buck: These are the 3 trending fringes to try this autumn, according to the experts

The edgy little sister to the already-edgy wolf cut, the 'mixi' offers change for those who crave an unequivocally cool hair cut. "It is a mix between a pixie haircut and a mullet," says Preston, describing how the hair is kept shorter on the crown, and allowed to grow longer along the nape of the neck.

The beauty of the 'mixi' is that it can be styled in a variety of ways. “It works beautifully with different hair textures,” says Preston. Using a flat iron or opting to keep your natural stick straight texture gives the look a mod-like feel: a take on '60s supermodel Twiggy with a more contemporary cut. A natural (or augmented) curl, however, can easily make this statement style more romantic. Our favourite way to style this cropped cut? With a lot of gel.

Related: How to layer your hair products the right way

Over the past couple of years, the natural hair movement has been thriving with more and more people embracing their kinks and coils. Perhaps the result of the laissez-faire attitude to hair care that we developed during the pandemic – or as more conscious approach to heat damage – less and less of us are keen on structured styling.

"We're leaving our hair to be free to do its own thing," says Preston. “Many are striving for a natural and unstyled look. We dare to show ourselves without having spent too much effort on our hair.” As for 2024? “We are going to see even more natural, unprocessed curls.”

Lawrence implores “the brave” to try a buzz cut in “The ultra-short hairstyle that requires confidence and attitude,” says Lawrence. “The buzz cut has become a symbol of independence and strength and suits both men and women who want to make a strong statement.”

When it comes to finding your version of the buzz cut, the classic is a good starting point. This style is usually cut about the same length all over the head, creating an even hair cut that is easy to maintain. That said, there's no reason you cannot modify it to suit your preference and to complement your hair texture: be it faded, bleached, dyed and with a micro-fringe.

Blunt bangs, or straight bangs, are back in full force for 2024 according to Lawrence. While Preston preferred the lived-in look of Jane Birkin's curtain cut, Lawrence urges us to try this more severe style. "This hairstyle gives a sharp and playful look while being adaptable to different lengths and textures," the artistic director says. "Whether you wear them long and heavy or short and bushy, blunt bangs are sure to be a prominent trend in the coming year."

Our preference? The babydoll bang, a variety of the blunt bag that is cut straight across the middle of the forehead. It may not suit most, but for those who want to add some nostalgic '50s or '60s flair to their 'do, this is just the cut to get for 2024.

While we adore texture, there's nothing wrong with giving your curls (be they natural or artificial) a helping hand. That's where so called 'cloud curls' come in, floating to the top-spot with its natural looking, airy waves and curls brushed into a halo of intentional fluff.

The recent popularity of these prom-perfect '80s curls is no doubt the result of the massive onslaught of heatless curls we've seen on TikTok, Be it padded, purpose-made silk rods or your humble bathrobe belt, it is a surprisingly low-effort look. Just make sure to ask your hairdresser for feather-light layers when you're in the salon.

If you're after beautiful body-body-ody, might we suggest you try '90s layers for your autumn hair transformation? Made iconic by stars like Cindy Crawford and Jennifer Aniston, this cut is all about layering on the charm with the right blend of volume and movement – be it through Cindy’s soft, flowing 'do or Jennifer Aniston’s famous 'Rachel' cut featuring choppy, face-framing layers.

So, why should you cut above the rest with '90s layers this autumn? This style is the perfect mix of structure and ease, giving your hair that coveted fullness and bounce without requiring a full-time commitment. Whether your hair is long and lush like Crawford’s or you’re aiming for Aniston's sculpted, these layers have got you covered.

If you've yet to notice, Sabrina Carpenter has become a frequent face on hairstyle mood boards this autumn. Her side-swept retro-inspired bangs, in particular, have been making our haircut hearts beat faster. The side-swept design is basically made for heart-shaped or oval faces, drawing attention to the centre of your face – putting the spotlight on your eyes and cheekbones in particular.

The best part? You can experiment with different styles. Whether you prefer a polished, sleek finish or an effortless, tousled look, all you need is a hot round brush to create the perfect flip.

After seeing the sleek shine sported by Remain's models at Copenhagen Fashion Week this season, we are keen to wear our hair at ultra-long lengths for autumn. And if you – like us – are aiming for hip-grazing lengths, you have a couple of options: Extensions offer a quick route to envy-inducing lengths, especially if you’re starting with a shorter cut.

For those who already have long hair, we'd focus on maintaining its health with regular deep conditioning treatments and protective styles.