The Students TRENDSETTERS

A group of stylists who took part in the Brooks Education Programme share their trend predictions for when you reopen your doors

British Hairdresser of the Year at HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, Sally Brooks, as well as Grace Dalgleish and Marlon Hawkins from Brooks & Brooks, London, worked with members of the Brooks Education programme to predict the key trends for the coming season.

“Many stylists don’t set their own trends. They follow the trends they see for the season. This was also a great opportunity for them to talk about what they see, how they can translate those looks and create their own trends for the summer and beyond,” Sally explains.

Grace adds: “As part of the course we look at where trends start – fashion, music, urban life and celebrities. It’s a mixing pot of colours, textures and shapes and it was great to see our members come together and share their thoughts and experiences to create their own trends.”

Sally says: “This is where it all starts – effortlessly cool but infinitely versatile. The need for change and something radical but also simple. It is a time where everyone in the world matters. It’s not the effort of a few chosen ones that count. The effort of a collective mind working in the same direction towards the same goal is what makes a difference. Diversity, texture, radical shapes which are seemingly plugged into our national psyche represent the need for change. Minimal, liberating yet chic. Nothing is ‘one size fits all’ and that goes for hairstyles a s well!”

“Clients will want to embrace their natural hair with something low maintenance. 2021 is going to be about air-dried textures, while embracing the natural wave with results that appear to be ‘unstyled’. We’ll see clients embracing waves and curls and hair with much more personality. While 2020’s biggest colour trends were about naturals, 2021 is going to be about having fun as life starts to get back to normal,” says Connor McIntyre.

“There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to fringes – there is a fringe for everyone. It gives a feeling of rebellion, power and control. The wispy fringe is delicate and soft, while the curly fringe can be tailored to suit all face shapes. The micro fringe is very Audrey Hepburn and is the perfect low maintenance style. Blunt fringes are not for the faint hearted. And don’t forget curly fringes look great on men too,” says Bronte Fulcher.

“Women are stepping away from over-styled looks and moving towards organic movement, while men are embracing softer, longer shapes that break away from the structure of the 9-5 day. The future is a look less pigeon-holed and the styles like the shag or the mullet can be worn by anyone,” says Rea Crook.

“Post-pandemic life will see clients being more bold and open minded than ever. We will see complementing contrasts of colour, playing on the concept of a bespoke hair service. Pantone released two colours of the year for 2021, which shows the contrasts we will see in colour trends. Clients will see hair as an even bigger part of their look than before and will be excited to mix up their usual style into something different that speaks to their personality,” says Emmie Rae Bliss.

“Rules have gone out of the window and it’s more about clients exercising their freedom to be themselves. Styles from previous eras are all on trend. The chic bob, shag, mullet and pageboy are back with a more textured, messier and lived-in twist. I also see subtle blending of colours to accentuate the cut. Clients will opt for a slight change with muted tones of reds and coppers to give a subtle but natural colour,” says Emma Wicked.