Nobody likes a stereotype — not gender nonconformists, not Lil Nas X, and definitely not LA locals. In fact, when it comes to hair trends [1], you might think the City of Angels is all beach waves and Malibu Barbie-blonde colour [2], but you'll actually spot quite the opposite on the streets this Autumn.
"There are a lot of people in LA who have great hairstyles [3], and beachy blond will always be an LA staple [4]," said John D [5], celebrity hairstylist and Tresemmé brand ambassador. "But trends come and go, and what I'm currently seeing is actually pretty different from the stereotype."
More specifically, he's noticed an uptick in retro hairstyles [6] — think souped-up Once Upon a Time in Hollywood looks and the sleek cuts [7] you probably would've seen at a '90s Spice Girls concert — in addition to high-drama hair colour and more. Ahead, John D is breaking down the LA hair trends [8] this Autumn that are just as cool as the city itself — but don't require a plane ticket.
LA Hair Trend: '90s Style Bob Haircut
"The bob [9] is a classic style, but we have really been seeing the 90s style take on the trend swinging back these days," he said. (Think: Kim Kardashian [10]'s most recent sleek haircut [11].) "Bobs were a big hit then; it makes me think of supermodel chameleon Linda Evangilista. I remember chopping my little sisters hair off into a bob back in the day, and now they're seeing their comeback. This time around though, the look is ultra sleek, ultra shiny, and parted right down the middle. This is the upgrade to the ever indecisive cut."
LA Hair Trend: '90s Style Bob Haircut
LA Hair Trend: '90s Style Bob Haircut
LA Hair Trend: Half-Up Hairstyle
One of Summer's biggest hairstyle trends is getting a seasonal upgrade: the half-up, half-down style [12]. "This is a big trend that I have requests for from clients," he said. "Think of it as the updo's cooler, more relaxed cousin. There are lots and lots of variations are to be had here, which makes it an ideal style for everyone that really frees up the face from being shrouded behind all that hair while still giving the wearer that hair down kind of feeling."
A few styling recommendations? "You can wear it tightly snatched back, softly pulled up with a more soft romantic feel, or even a dual texture wet looking pull back and dryer looking mid lengths and ends. It's a gorgeous red carpet and wedding option."
LA Hair Trend: Half-Up Hairstyle
LA Hair Trend: Half-Up Hairstyle
LA Hair Trend: Half-Up Hairstyle
LA Hair Trend: Dramatic Hair Colour
The new Autumn season means one thing in the realm of hair colour: "we'll see a little drama," said John D. What hues can you expect, exactly? "We'll see people playing with pastels, reds, platinums, and even stark jet black."
LA Hair Trend: Dramatic Hair Colour
LA Hair Trend: Dramatic Hair Colour
LA Hair Trend: Dramatic Hair Colour
LA Hair Trend: a Fringe
It doesn't matter what kind you get, he says, but one thing is for sure: "short blunt bangs (aka Fringe), soft curtain bangs [13], curly bangs — bangs, bangs, bangs" will be everywhere in LA this season. "No matter how you 'frame' it up (see what I did there?) fringes are having a big comeback, and they're coming in every shape and form," said John D. "Which is ideal because that means they can suit every hair texture and face shape. It's a great, fun way to really change up a look."
LA Hair Trend: a Fringe
LA Hair Trend: a Fringe
LA Hair Trend: a Fringe
LA Hair Trend: Big, 70s-Inspired Hair
Hair in LA these days is seeing an homage to the 70s in a huge way: "I'm getting exited to see the return of big hair," he said. "Think beehives and backcombing; centre parts and swept-back layers. These full, soft, and voluminous styles are back."
LA Hair Trend: Big, 70s-Inspired Hair
LA Hair Trend: Big, 70s-Inspired Hair
