Bangs and bobs: the haircut trends set to dominate 2024

When it comes to hair, current styles are building on ongoing trends but shaking things up with new lengths, textures, and innovative elements. Here's what the fashionistas are saying your mane needs to stay on trend going into 2024.

2023 was definitely the year of the bob, and It will remain one of the trendiest options in all of its infinite styles. The good news is that you can find a flattering cut for every face shape and hair type. In this picture, a blunt cut helps add volume to fine hair and emphasizes a strong jaw.

Here is a super chic, sophisticated take on the bob. The length falls just below the jaw, elongating the neck. And the middle part adds a touch of fashionable symmetry.

The big breakthrough trend for 2024 is set to be the "baroque bob," according to art director Jason Crozier. They are great for people with natural curls or longer bob haircuts as they grow out since they embrace voluminous curls.

This shorter version of the bob, as sported by the actress Michelle Williams, is also trending hard. The side part helps give the cut a more polished look.

Since bobs are everywhere, the wavy bob will be an obvious staple. That's because, for some women, it allows them to embrace a more natural texture. It's a cute, but more casual look that can often be accomplished with just air drying and some texturizer.

The big bob innovation of late? Bangs! Particularly trendy are architectural, bold and daring bangs as seen here. They can be added to any cut, including microbobs. While they aren't for everyone, they can be rejuvenating.

Social media has seen a recent spike in searches for the French bob. While the French bob used to be defined by the length, hairstylist Luke Hersheson told Vogue that now it has more to do with feeling effortless.

taylorlashae/Instagram

This year isn't only about the bob. Other cuts to suit different styles also play a big role in the hair story of the year. Here's what else hairdressers and stylists recommend.

Medium-length hair is easy to maintain, incredibly wearable and perhaps the most versatile option. It can be sexy and sophisticated and worn wavy, curly or straight.

This vintage style is being reborn, as actress Emma Roberts demonstrates here. It basically consists of a slightly layered cut that goes below the shoulders but above the chest.

For many reasons, layers continue to reign supreme in hair salons. Inspired by iconic cuts from the '70s like the shag, they are definitely a celebrity favorite. To emphasize the layers, some, like Miley Cyrus, even opt for the bicolor trend.

Halfway between mullet and shag, this punk rocker aesthetic from the 70s and 80s is updated for the 21st century. The wolf cut is wild and based on countless layers that are all about producing volume around the face.

The shag exists as a less bold but equally cool version of the wolf cut. Although here it is long, it isn't defined by its length. Instead, it's all about those bangs and layers. The shag is actually a very low-maintenance cut for people who aren't fussed about bothering with daily maintenance or styling.

Khloé Kardashian opted for a flattering layered cut with curtain-style bangs that serve to frame her features. The cut has been widely applauded by fashionistas and online fans, so it's only safe to say that the style is coming to a salon near you.

Photo: @khloekardashian / Instagram

With gender differentiations melting away, there has been an uptick of women choosing to cut it all off. From shaved heads to the garçon cut to the pixie, there's a good choice for anyone. As an added bonus, there's a lot less hair to dry and style!

A bold short cut can be a statement of strength and personality. That definitely was the case with the Argentine singer Nathy Peluso, who chopped off her long hair in 2022 for this stylish look.

Wondering how to style a short cut that is on trend for the year? The wet effect is definitely a stylish choice that works anywhere, from red carpets to the office.

Curly hair is very much in this vogue, especially when it plays with volume.

Whether it's a temporary clip-in or professionally installed hair, extensions remain a fantastic way to change up your style a lot quicker than it takes to grow hair. More affordable options that work for everyone and look like a million bucks are breaking out in the beauty market this year.