While the past few years have mostly been about long, straight locks, with Kate Middleton chopping off her signature long curls, the year 2016 is expected to see more of textured fringes and lobs (long bobs) like T-Swift’s and J. Lo’s. So ladies, safely stash away those straighteners for the entire year but keep the electric curlers handy. As for gents, ’16 would be all about slicked backs, eyewear and beards. Here are some hair trends that will be huge in 2016.

For ladies

Textured bangs — This hairstyle is ideal for round faces as the bangs (touching the eyebrows and gradually cascading diagonally) would highlight the cheekbones and add more definition to the face. Style your hair in such a fashion that one side of the bangs should partly and transversely cover your forehead making your face appear longer. The other side should fall in front your ears and extend till the chin. Parted bangs tend to counter the softness of a round shape quite well. Alternatively, you can wear your hair in a bun or a pony and let the bangs fall straight and free on your forehead so they elongate your face a bit more.

Soft curls — Curls always look very trendy and showy, if you have short hair. Short curls, if done right, can just playfully touch your shoulders while the long, chaotic and messy waves can emphasise the femininity and beauty of your face. If you have short hair, then opt for a cut that parts your hair side-ways so the curls can beautifully fall on your cheeks and continue till the neck. Hair should barely touch the collarbone because any additional length won’t do justice to the beautiful curls. Light highlights can do wonders to the curls; however, be careful with the colour you’re using. If you have long hair, then get prominent layers to add volume to your hairstyle. Use a curling iron, round brush and blow dryer to get soft curls only on the lower length of your hair. 

It’s the New Year folks — time to flock to the nearest salon and get a complete makeover, or at the very least a new hairdo, one which would perfectly complement your ‘the new me’ resolution for the next couple of months.

The slicked back sweep — The slicked back sweep is hair pulled back and combed straight. The hair is absolutely off the face and pulled back nicely and neatly. If you have long hair, try pulling this look in the winter of 2016, when wavy, curly tresses have been naturally tamed into being straight. Back comb, blow dry and pin your hair at the crown and sides to the centre of your head. Comb your hair to untangle any dishevelled hair at the back. This gives a bulky face sleek and chic look, portraying sophistication and confidence. Recently, Jennifer Lawrence, Khloe Kardashian and Rihanna were spotted sporting this look at major public events, which basically means that this look is going to be quite popular in the New Year.

The lob — This is the haircut that works for everyone. The blunt lob haircut has hair parted from the centre without any layers. Simply keep the length of your hair till the collarbone so it elongates your neck, and makes your look statuesque. In case you wish to add a bit of drama to the parted hair, go for chin-length layers and they will instantly add some dimension and width to your face. The layers will surely catch attention of the onlookers, reasonably highlighting the lower portion of your face. You can also part the layers sideways and see how perfectly they will fall on your forehead and cheeks.

For gents

The ever-green slicked back look: This hipster look began in the early 90s and is going to be huge in the coming year. Slick back is all about cutting the sides of your hair extra short, either with a fade or an undercut. To style your mane, simply apply some hair gel and comb them back to the end of the head neatly. Couple this style with a handle beard (it’s in fashion these days) and glasses, and you’re ready to rock the hot, nerd look.

These hairdos will be huge in 2016 and you will see a lot of people sporting these every now and then. Try some of these styles and see yourself transform instantly. Happy hairstyling!

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, January 3rd, 2016