The Biggest Hair Trends Around the World Right Now, According to the Pros

"South African ladies are all about low maintenance at the moment," said Kim Hickman, master colourist at the Carlton Hair Salon in Johannesburg — and that applies across the board. That means people are getting cuts above the shoulder, but with lots of texture and movement.

"Balayage is still a huge trend moving through SA, and it's not going anywhere anytime soon. There are many variations of it, but we are seeing a huge movement toward babylights with the balayage. With blonds, this is a big one. We are doing less toning, so creamier, brighter, clean blonds — less of the silver or ash we saw last year."

The bob has lived many lives — first in the 1920s as a symbol of rebellion for women, then on just about every celebrity since. The new take on the trend in the US, however, is the bob with so-blunt-they-might-cut-you ends. "The people that were rocking the lob last year are now over it, chopping their hair up above the shoulders to have a carefree Summer without that shoulder-length flip," said Tauni Dawson, hairstylist at Nine Zero One salon in Los Angeles. "Going for more of a blunt look to keep the hair looking full and strong over the [season]."

We've all seen the modern shag haircut making appearances just about everywhere these days, but the look is especially picking up steam in Paris — and the reason makes perfect sense.

"The Parisian way is always very effortless — nothing ever looks too 'made-up,'" said celebrity hairstylist and T3 brand ambassador Laura Polko. On a recent trip to the City of Light, in fact, she noticed "a lot of long layers and longer hair," more so than what you'd find in the US. "Think shag bangs or face-framing layers that start somewhere between chin and shoulders, depending on length of hair. These layers look awesome both if the hair is blown out or if its loose and air dried for that carefree Parisian feel."

As for the colour? Highlights are kept subtle, if there are any. "People are colouring their hair less and doing it in a natural way, which makes the look last longer and requires less time in between salon visits," she said. Like the cut, you'll want to focus on those face-framing pieces. "Ask your stylist for lighter colour all around your face as opposed to all over your head. That way you're free to put your hair up and have it peek through where it counts without a line of roots."