The 20 Hottest Hairstyles Women Will Rock in 2016
Let this be the year you say yes to a big refresh.
Let this be the year you say yes to a big refresh.
Consider 2016 to be the year of the bob. If you like to style yours in a fun, relaxed way, actresses like Jennifer Lawrence and Hilary Duff are your current short hair inspo. "They both have these great texturized bobs," says Fernando Salas, creator of White Sands Haircare. "You can get the loose, lived-in wave by sleeping in a few big braids and taking them out in the morning, or by wrapping hair loosely around the barrel of a curling iron for a few seconds." For the cut itself, ask your stylist for an angled bob with longer layers in the front.
Consider 2016 to be the year of the bob. If you like to style yours in a fun, relaxed way, actresses like Jennifer Lawrence and Hilary Duff are your current short hair inspo. "They both have these great texturized bobs," says Fernando Salas, creator of White Sands Haircare. "You can get the loose, lived-in wave by sleeping in a few big braids and taking them out in the morning, or by wrapping hair loosely around the barrel of a curling iron for a few seconds." For the cut itself, ask your stylist for an angled bob with longer layers in the front.
After years of braiding and flat-ironing, women are letting their natural curls loose, with red-carpet regulars like Janelle Monáe, Tracy Ellis Ross, and Taraji P. Henson leading the way. "I love when hair is out and wild, yet complimenting a woman's personality," says Dani Faraj, hair guru and director of Brighton Salon in Beverly Hills. "Her curls are fresh, vibrant and fun."
After years of braiding and flat-ironing, women are letting their natural curls loose, with red-carpet regulars like Janelle Monáe, Tracy Ellis Ross, and Taraji P. Henson leading the way. "I love when hair is out and wild, yet complimenting a woman's personality," says Dani Faraj, hair guru and director of Brighton Salon in Beverly Hills. "Her curls are fresh, vibrant and fun."
"I'm seeing a lot of bangs," says Ali Ryan, owner of The Dry House in Nashville. "Almost every kind of bang is trending right now: middle part, side part, messy, shaggy, piecey, choppy." Here, Rashida's straight, blunt bangs are tapered at the edges (which softens the look a smidge), and they look great on square- or oval-shaped faces.
"I'm seeing a lot of bangs," says Ali Ryan, owner of The Dry House in Nashville. "Almost every kind of bang is trending right now: middle part, side part, messy, shaggy, piecey, choppy." Here, Rashida's straight, blunt bangs are tapered at the edges (which softens the look a smidge), and they look great on square- or oval-shaped faces.
Gigi Hidad threw us for a loop when we thought she had chopped off all her hair...but really didn't. You can expect more of the same from your friends (or you could do it) this year. "The illusion bob is definitely a big trend, but unlike what Gigi did, you won't need a wig to pull it off," says Salas. " Start with small sections of hair at the nape area, and tuck them under with bobby pins to achieve a shorter look. Work your way to the front and—voila—you have a faux bob, no scissors needed."
Need a full tutorial? Try this step-by-step.
Gigi Hidad threw us for a loop when we thought she had chopped off all her hair...but really didn't. You can expect more of the same from your friends (or you could do it) this year. "The illusion bob is definitely a big trend, but unlike what Gigi did, you won't need a wig to pull it off," says Salas. " Start with small sections of hair at the nape area, and tuck them under with bobby pins to achieve a shorter look. Work your way to the front and—voila—you have a faux bob, no scissors needed."
Need a full tutorial? Try this step-by-step.
"Natural and fresh looks are my favorite, especially when you add a little edge to it," says Faraj. Sofía's edge? Skipping the overly-expected side part and throwing it back to the center to freshen up her signature messy waves.
"Natural and fresh looks are my favorite, especially when you add a little edge to it," says Faraj. Sofía's edge? Skipping the overly-expected side part and throwing it back to the center to freshen up her signature messy waves.
Celebrities are experimenting with pumping up the volume on the top of their haircuts, and you should, too. The effect can lengthen a round- or heart-shaped face, so ask for a cut that's longer on the top and cropped in the back and sides.
Celebrities are experimenting with pumping up the volume on the top of their haircuts, and you should, too. The effect can lengthen a round- or heart-shaped face, so ask for a cut that's longer on the top and cropped in the back and sides.
No, that wasn't a typo. The royal duchess debuted a shorter, more blunt look with long bangs at the end of 2015, and you can expect to see more of this low-maintenance style in 2016 (because, hello, Kate always sends women running to their stylists). The look helps keep split ends at bay, looks cute styled straight or curly, and is still long enough to be tossed in a sporty pony when you want to work the athleisure trend.
No, that wasn't a typo. The royal duchess debuted a shorter, more blunt look with long bangs at the end of 2015, and you can expect to see more of this low-maintenance style in 2016 (because, hello, Kate always sends women running to their stylists). The look helps keep split ends at bay, looks cute styled straight or curly, and is still long enough to be tossed in a sporty pony when you want to work the athleisure trend.
A couple of geometric cornrows above one ear gives a funky twist to Taraji's red carpet style. "I'm seeing so many braids and braided styles," says Miko Branch, CEO and cofounder of Miss Jessie's. "Braiding is an art form that is truly amazing," and based on the style braid you choose, helps show off your personality.
A couple of geometric cornrows above one ear gives a funky twist to Taraji's red carpet style. "I'm seeing so many braids and braided styles," says Miko Branch, CEO and cofounder of Miss Jessie's. "Braiding is an art form that is truly amazing," and based on the style braid you choose, helps show off your personality.
No, the boy band has nothing to do with your hair (unless you like to get ready while listening to 'em). Curling both sides of your hair in the same direction, like Lauren Conrad does here, is a fresh take on structured waves that you can master with a large-barrel (one inch or more) curling iron. Make a deep side part (do it in the opposite direction that you normally do for instant volume), curl away, and pull the hair on the "shorter" side of your part behind one ear to keep the look from becoming too stiff.
No, the boy band has nothing to do with your hair (unless you like to get ready while listening to 'em). Curling both sides of your hair in the same direction, like Lauren Conrad does here, is a fresh take on structured waves that you can master with a large-barrel (one inch or more) curling iron. Make a deep side part (do it in the opposite direction that you normally do for instant volume), curl away, and pull the hair on the "shorter" side of your part behind one ear to keep the look from becoming too stiff.
We told you bobs were a big deal. Viola takes a more structured approach to hers, then softens it with romantic waves. But what really catches our attention is the addition of highlights to just one side of her hair. "The unique coloring, coupled with the soft waves, adds a bit of spice to her skin tone and brings out the olive tones in her eyes," says Faraj.
We told you bobs were a big deal. Viola takes a more structured approach to hers, then softens it with romantic waves. But what really catches our attention is the addition of highlights to just one side of her hair. "The unique coloring, coupled with the soft waves, adds a bit of spice to her skin tone and brings out the olive tones in her eyes," says Faraj.
A chignon with a few face-framing pieces left loose is one '90s throwback we're happy to see return. "I'm getting more requests forupdos, which I'm super happy about," says Ryan. "People used to leave their hair down to cover any body insecurities, but nothing looks classier and sexier with a dress, makeup, and jewelry than an updo."
A chignon with a few face-framing pieces left loose is one '90s throwback we're happy to see return. "I'm getting more requests forupdos, which I'm super happy about," says Ryan. "People used to leave their hair down to cover any body insecurities, but nothing looks classier and sexier with a dress, makeup, and jewelry than an updo."
No, your hair should not actually be broken. But if you've already mastered the bob for a few seasons, like Michelle Williams, freshen it up with trendy split-down-the-middle bangs. To mimc the style, Salas says to ask your stylist for a wavy long bob with slightly textured ends, and bring in a photo to really show how you want your bangs to be easily styled.
No, your hair should not actually be broken. But if you've already mastered the bob for a few seasons, like Michelle Williams, freshen it up with trendy split-down-the-middle bangs. To mimc the style, Salas says to ask your stylist for a wavy long bob with slightly textured ends, and bring in a photo to really show how you want your bangs to be easily styled.
Who says a mid-height pony can't be chic? This year, pair more casual hair with dressed-up makeup and clothing. "It's formal, but still a really fun look," says Ryan. "Tease a bit of hair at your crown before pulling everything into a ponytail for added height; then tease the tail for a fun, messy look."
Who says a mid-height pony can't be chic? This year, pair more casual hair with dressed-up makeup and clothing. "It's formal, but still a really fun look," says Ryan. "Tease a bit of hair at your crown before pulling everything into a ponytail for added height; then tease the tail for a fun, messy look."
When you're in the middle of growing out your hair, it doesn't have to look awkward. Emily Blunt nails it with a shoulder-length cut, says Faraj, "without short layers and a subtle lift in front." That cute braid shows off her facial features, and is perfect for taming growing-out bangs.
When you're in the middle of growing out your hair, it doesn't have to look awkward. Emily Blunt nails it with a shoulder-length cut, says Faraj, "without short layers and a subtle lift in front." That cute braid shows off her facial features, and is perfect for taming growing-out bangs.
This season is all about embracing your natural hair texture—letting undone, air-dried waves complement simple makeup touches. "Go for a low-maintenance hairstyle that works with, rather than against, your natural texture and shape and you will look fresh and modern, and styling will be easy for you to shape and style each and every day," says celebrity hairstylist Nick Arrojo. Your stylist can work with you to figure out the best cut for your hair type, as each person's hair responds differently to cuts.
This season is all about embracing your natural hair texture—letting undone, air-dried waves complement simple makeup touches. "Go for a low-maintenance hairstyle that works with, rather than against, your natural texture and shape and you will look fresh and modern, and styling will be easy for you to shape and style each and every day," says celebrity hairstylist Nick Arrojo. Your stylist can work with you to figure out the best cut for your hair type, as each person's hair responds differently to cuts.
Take a cue from Mindy Kaling, who's taking a break from her signature long locks to rock a messy chin-length bob, which Faraj describes as "youthful, fun, and flirty." Mindy's opted for a cut that's the same length all around, with a few face-framing pieces, which allows you to go a little longer between cuts—perfect for those of us who want an easy hairstyle without a lot of salon time.
Take a cue from Mindy Kaling, who's taking a break from her signature long locks to rock a messy chin-length bob, which Faraj describes as "youthful, fun, and flirty." Mindy's opted for a cut that's the same length all around, with a few face-framing pieces, which allows you to go a little longer between cuts—perfect for those of us who want an easy hairstyle without a lot of salon time.
This half-back hairdo looks extra-fancy, but only takes a few steps to re-create. "Section hair into four parts: sides, top, and nape, then curl one-inch sections using a one-inch barrel curling iron," explains Salas, who recommends using a thermal protectant like White Sands Undercover Styling Spray. When hair has cooled, softly brush with a boar-bristle brush. "Using your fingers, take two-inch wide sections of hair from above the ears on both sides, and lightly twist them back. Loop the sections over and around each other before securing with bobby pins."
This half-back hairdo looks extra-fancy, but only takes a few steps to re-create. "Section hair into four parts: sides, top, and nape, then curl one-inch sections using a one-inch barrel curling iron," explains Salas, who recommends using a thermal protectant like White Sands Undercover Styling Spray. When hair has cooled, softly brush with a boar-bristle brush. "Using your fingers, take two-inch wide sections of hair from above the ears on both sides, and lightly twist them back. Loop the sections over and around each other before securing with bobby pins."
Celebs are rocking more slept-in, less structured curls these days, and we can't get enough. To create the effortless look, Salas says to create a deep side part and take a large-barrel curling iron to dry hair. "Loosely wrap large sections around the curling iron, but do not use the clip if your iron has one," he says. "Leave the ends free and try to place a bend in the middle of your face, between your eyebrows and chin."
Celebs are rocking more slept-in, less structured curls these days, and we can't get enough. To create the effortless look, Salas says to create a deep side part and take a large-barrel curling iron to dry hair. "Loosely wrap large sections around the curling iron, but do not use the clip if your iron has one," he says. "Leave the ends free and try to place a bend in the middle of your face, between your eyebrows and chin."
Center parts and ponytails secured at the nape are having a moment. "This is classic, simple, and really pretty—so shiny and sleek," says Ryan. "To get the look, brush your hair down right out of the shower and while blow-drying so you don't get too much volume. Use a good misting hairspray and shine spray (we like TRESemmé's Tres Two Spray and Smooth No Frizz Shine Spray) to finish the look and give it some hold."
Center parts and ponytails secured at the nape are having a moment. "This is classic, simple, and really pretty—so shiny and sleek," says Ryan. "To get the look, brush your hair down right out of the shower and while blow-drying so you don't get too much volume. Use a good misting hairspray and shine spray (we like TRESemmé's Tres Two Spray and Smooth No Frizz Shine Spray) to finish the look and give it some hold."
Wavy hair isn't the only way to work the ever-trendy lob. Blow it out straight to really show off the longer-in-front, shorter-in-back cut, and you can even add glasses a la J-Lo for an extra-chic look.
Wavy hair isn't the only way to work the ever-trendy lob. Blow it out straight to really show off the longer-in-front, shorter-in-back cut, and you can even add glasses a la J-Lo for an extra-chic look.
