SHORT & SWEET

As we head into 2024, will shorter styles still reign supreme? It’s looking likely…

Last year was the year of the bob, with variations such as the Boyfriend Bob, the Bullet Bob and the French Bob taking over. In fact, the latter has amassed an impressive 250 million views on TikTok to date. “Short hair has been on the rise over the past few months, with client demand increasing for cuts such as the Textured Pixie, Midi Mullet, and of course, the French Bob,” shares Fergal Doyle, founder of Fergal Doyle Hair. Discussing the shift towards shorter styles, Taz Daddi-Addoun, owner of The Birdcage Salon and Kao Salon Division Ambassador, explains: “I think people want a change from long hair. We have a generation of young people coming through that don’t care about gender stereotypes, so the shorter more androgynous hairstyles are a big hit.”

EMMA SIMMONS, SALON 54

However, Emma Simmons, owner of Salon 54 suggests another theory behind the surge, explaining: “A shorter crop often requires less styling time, so it’s ideal for busy clients. It also encourages clients to come in for regular maintenance cuts to keep split ends at bay.” As such, a new, shorter look is a great way to help clients who are looking to improve the health of their hair – and also promotes frequent appointments, helping you to keep your column booked and busy. With this in mind, it’s important to stress to clients that it’s not just those with long hair that need to treat their locks with TLC.

Custom Care

Another business bonus is that people with short hair tend to use more styling products – particularly thicker ones like waxes and texturizing pastes. “I’d always recommend they use a detoxifying and clarifying shampoo and treatment such as Alt Action Clarifying Shampoo from Matrix, to help prevent unwanted product build-up,” shares Zoe Irwin, Matrix Editorial, Colour & Trend Ambassador.

ELLE PAGE

Meanwhile, if a client’s goal is to focus on the condition of their hair, this can open up a new conversation surrounding air-drying versus blow-drying – the outcome of which may determine the cuts itself. Paul Falltrick, ALFAPARF Milano Professional Brand Ambassador, expands on this: “If they have a limited skill set with their hairdryer at home, then

I LIKE TO MANIPULATE THE HAIR USING FLAT PIN CURL CLIPS TO ENCOURAGE MOVEMENT

it’s imperative that I cut the hair accordingly, and give them my tips for air-drying.” For example, using a very soft styling product to keep the cuticle smooth and stop it going fluffy – he recommends ALFAPARF Milano Professional Style Stories Blow Dry Cream. Robbie Angiulli, Owner Sonté Salon Edinburgh and FFØR Ambassador, also shares one of his favourite methods for achieving a heat-free finish, explaining: “I like to prep the hair from wet, adding a light oil and sea salt spray like All:In Oil and True:Grit by FFØR, then I manipulate the hair using flat pin curl clips to encourage movement."

REBECCA JACQUES

That’s not to say that those with shorter hair should avoid blow-drying. “Take time to show clients how they can add volume to shorter hair, and teach them how to blowdry sleek strands and even encourage soft waves,” shares Antonio Corral Calero, Global Creative Director for Moroccanoil.

And with celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, Florence Pugh and Frankie Bridge all flying the flag for short hair, there’s no shortage of inspiration for clients looking to take the plunge. “Whether they’re looking for a new look, added volume, or healthier hair, short hair can have a huge impact on their look and lifestyle,” shares Nicholas Fletcher-Holmes, owner of Hobson & Holmes hair salon and Kao Salon Division Ambassador – proof that short hair can produce a long list of styling possibilities.

STYLING ESSENTIALS

“OSMO Power Powder and Matt Salt Spray are my go-to for a gritty, volumised textured, finish,” shares Kelly Shone-Adams,owner of Technocracy Hair Salon.

“I love to rely on the shape and balance of the haircut while showcasing the health of the hair; I look towards products that maintain condition, such as Sebastian Professional No.Breaker,” explains Dom Capel, Director at Lara Johnson Lifestyle.

“L’Oréal Professionnel TECNI.Art Pli Shaper is excellent for protecting against heat whilst adding hold and texture to your styling,” says Sophie-Rose Goldsworthy for L’Oréal Professionnel.