9 Haircuts You’ll See Everywhere in 2022

2020 was a year of bare-bones haircare, and we were eager to try new things. When 2021 and vaccines arrived, we finally had the chance to experiment. Bold color changes (who else saw the TikTok that blonde is now “cheugy” and had an existential crisis?Exciting new haircuts and styles that would make our quarantine buns blush were embraced with no hesitation. This brings us to ask, “Where does hair go in 2022?”

These extremes are the norm, but 2022 will be the middle. It will have a mix low-maintenance cuts with bold colors that are worth going to the salon for. Instead of going bold with both cut and color, maybe you’ll stick to your classic color with a new cut or vice versa. No matter where hair goes, one thing’s for certain: It feels damn good to start the year with a new haircut. Of course, “No matter what the trend, healthy hair and wearing your style with confidence are always in season,” said Global Hair Artist and Expert on Intro, Nicole Mangrum.

These are our top picks and some styling tips to give you some ideas.

1. The Bixie

Aptly named “The Bixie,” this style is a hybrid between a bob and a pixie, two cuts you’ll also see later on this list. Short hair is easier to manage and maintain, so it’s having its moment. “The haircut trend that I see making a strong rise is the big chop,” Mangrum said. “People cut their hair into bobs with waves, soft shags, and curtain bangs that bring the Brigitte Bardot look into the new era, with choppy layered cuts and pixies.”

This style is suitable for all hair types, from curly hair to straight hair to 4C curly curls. On curly hair, it might crop up a bit shorter, as seen on Gabrielle Union, whereas fine hair might have a slightly longer ‘do à la Meg Ryan in You’ve Got Mail. 

2. Sliced Bob

This style was popularized by Selena Gomez, who was spotted wearing it. It’s a very bold take on your typical bob haircut. This style is very chic and sexy, but unlike other intricate cuts, it’s not as high maintenance as you think. If your hair is naturally straight, you’ll have practically no styling to do. You can either straighten your hair with a flat iron or style it like Irina Shahk.  

ghd

Classic 1 in. Flat Iron

Flat ironing flat to show off the angles is the best way to achieve the sliced bob look. This classic iron from GHD is our favorite: It’s easy to use and heats up quickly. It also has a lower risk of damage than other less-quality irons.

3. “The Rachel” 2.0 

We’ve all heard of The Rachel: Jennifer Aniston’s iconic ’90s haircut that had stylists staring at pictures of her for years on end in attempt to recreate it for the masses. Megan Thee Stallion, Shay Mitchell, Hailey Bieber and Shay Mitchell will be reviving this style in 2022. While this sought-after style was popular, it wasn’t necessarily easy to do at home, leaving many people with a haircut they didn’t know what to do with. Luckily in 2022, we have a slew of new styling tools that make this a breeze, namely Revlon’s One-Step Blow Dry Brush. This tool will give you the Rachel blowout you’ve always wanted, and it won’t take long to master. 

The Rachel 2.0 is mostly suitable for straight to wavy hair types, but we predict you’ll see it on curly hair with a silk press or on lots of wigs. 

Revlon

One-Step Hair Dryer Brush

This brush makes it easy to achieve a home blowout. This is the easiest tool to achieve salon-worthy results without having to use a round brush or dryer.

4. Bangs 

If you’re still rocking your quarantine bangs, rejoice: Bangs in all shapes and sizes will continue to reign supreme in the stylist chair. They’re a ’90s staple that elevates any haircut and makes your hair look styled, even when you’ve just rolled out of bed.

There are a variety of different bangs you can ask for: curtain bangs where they’re parted in the middle, blunt bangs, baby bangs, wispy bangs—it all depends on your hair type. For most hair types, curtain bangs are suitable. However, blunt bangs work best for medium to thick hair. Wispy bangs are designed for thin hair. 

They are not easy to style and need some work, including blow drying. A good round brush and blow dryer with a concentrator nozzle will take you a long way—whether you style them parted in the middle as curtain bangs, blow out like Farrah Fawcett, or blow under as full bangs. “I love to see coily and curly hair in their natural textures but cut in strong shapes such as a heart shape or fringe that makes a statement,” Mangrum said. 

T3

Cura Luxe Professional Ionic Hair Dryer

This blow dryer is easy to use and lightweight, so you can get your bangs perfect without worrying about your arms getting tired or tangled.

5. ’70s Frace-Framing Layers

We can expect layers to increase in 2022. This cut is low-maintenance and requires fewer salon visits. It works well with all hair textures. To take it to J.Lo’s level, opt for long face-framing layers and shorter layers around the crown to create dimension and bounce. You can add volume to this look with a big curling iron (or our favorite, hot rollers).

Conair

Xtreme Big Curls Hairsetter

This package contains 12 rollers of two sizes. It will allow you to curl your entire head while simultaneously doing everything else on your list.

6. Buzzed

A buzzed head is the ultimate style for those who want to make a big difference in 2022. Obviously, this involves some precision and will require regular trims and touch-ups, but the time you’ll save washing, drying, and styling will make up for the salon visits ten-fold. 

We especially love the big chop for natural hair—it’s easy to style and a great way to grow out healthy curls if you’re dealing with a lot of damage. 

Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross

Edge Control

With your new cut, you can manage unruly edges or baby hairs that may be growing out. This cut won’t dry hair out or cause damage for delicate curls.

Kristin Ess

Depth Defining Soft Matte Pomade

To achieve the buzzed look, you will need to apply grit and hold it in place. The wax is matte and won’t dry your hair, but it adds texture to your hair.

7. French Bob

The classic bob haircut will never go out fashion, but the Parisian-inspired, blunt chin-length version of this style is going to be a big hit this year. This style can be worn by any hair texture. Fine hair will benefit from extra volume at the ends. Medium to thick hair will feel lighter and have more body. Split ends are virtually invisible and damage is minimized by the blunt cut. 

“To style a wavy look on a bob, try using a large barrel-waving iron to create beachy waves,” Mangrum suggested. 

Living Proof

Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo

The French bob is full of texture and movement. Sometimes, it can even look “messy”. Use a touch of dry shampoo in your roots and mid-lengths, no matter how clean or frizzy your hair.

Conair

Double Ceramic Triple Barrel Waver

Most hair waves are too large for thin, short hair. This is the perfect size to get those lustrous mermaid curls.

8. Parts for the Center

We don’t want to get into a Gen Z vs. Millennial argument, but we must admit that middle parts are here to stay. This style can be worn with any hair texture and all face shapes. If you think a center part doesn’t work for you, think again. Talk to your stylist about how to make it work for yourself, including adding bangs or face-framing layers. 

9. Coiffed Pixie

We’re welcoming short cuts with lots of volume this year. This style is simple but the extra hair makes it super-cool. This style is great for all hair types. 

T3

AireBrush Duo

This brush comes with two heads. The round one will add volume while the flat one will straighten.