‘New year, new you’. But for a different perspective in 2024, how about ‘new year, new do’? It has a certain ring to it, don’t you think?
Though the old maxim posits that ‘blondes have more fun’, we reckon that girls who embrace fun hairstyles might just have the most laughs out of everyone. And after the few years of turbulence we’ve all had, starting 2024 with a fresh, fun look might be the best tonic of all (except the vaccine, of course).
With that in mind, from bubble braids to high ponytails, here are 9 super fun hairstyles to try in the new year.
A Fun Colour
Like the rise in sales of inflatable mermaids and unicorn-themed products, there’s a reason people have been dying their locks every shade under the sun in recent years – ESCAPISM.
Who doesn’t need a little escapism, even at the best of times? And we’re sure you don’t need reminding that the last couple of years haven’t exactly been the best of times.
Dyeing your tresses a blend of blue and green like a mermaid, or in rainbow-like pastels like a unicorn, adds a touch of the fantastic to the everyday, letting us escape from the more serious side of life.
Celebrities like Katy Perry have been flaunting their rainbow-hued do’s for years now. Us mere mortals, though, are only now starting to experiment with different colours, partly because we’ve realised it’s still totally possible to get a job when you have indigo hair, especially if you work in a creative industry. Or, since we’re all working at home now anyway, looking ‘normal’ has become a little redundant.
Bubble Braid
The bubble braid – it’s simply a ponytail that’s tied with hair braids continuously down the length of the ponytail, with an inch or so between them.
While it’s been around for a while, the bubble braid is having a resurgence, popping up all over social media, largely thanks to the popstar Griff who rocks this style with confidence. Her bubble braid is super voluminous and so fun, too.
If you want your braids to look like Griff’s, unless you are lucky enough to be blessed with super long, thick hair (which most of us are not) you will need the help of a black clip in ponytail extension. To help recreate Griff’s voluminous bubble braid ponytail, it’s recommended that you use a long and thick set like their 26” Ultra-Volume Full Head.
However, you can wear a more low key, bulky bubble braid with your own hair – basically, if you can tie your hair in a ponytail, you can do a bubble braid.
High Ponytail
If you’ve ever worn your hair in a high ponytail and swung it around, then you’ll know that this hairstyle is just so fun to rock. The higher the pony the better. Ariana Grande, Bella Hadid and Kim Kardashian are all fans of a very high slick ponytail and who can blame them? We love this long, voluminous look which looks oh so glamorous.
Key to recreating this look is to blowdry your hair in the direction you want the base of the ponytail to be. Then, tie the top section of your hair and smooth back. Once you’ve done this, add the rest of your hair. You can use hairspray and a toothbrush to make it extra sleek, if that’s what you’re after.
If you have short hair and want to carry a longer ponytail, you’ll be pleased to know that you don’t have to wait for your hair to grow to get this look – simply get some clip-in ponytail extensions which can replicate the length required. Ponytail hair extensions are designed specifically for adding length and fullness to a ponytail style so you can achieve a head-turning and waist-grazing, voluminous long ponytail with ease.
We’re also huge fans of high pigtails, which are essentially just two high ponytails.
Space Or Double Buns
Want to know one girl group who always looked like they were having fun with their hair? The Spice Girls, of course! Scary Spice was known for her space buns whilst Baby Spice was loved for her cute double-bun hair style, and we miss them dearly.
We particularly love the former style, but if you’re not familiar with it, space buns are basically two buns on the top of your head. You can style your space buns messily, as ballerina buns or even as braided buns. The choice is yours, and we can’t get enough of this fun, carefree hairstyle!
The Sleek Bob
The sleek bob is a timeless hairstyle that has been embraced by fashion icons and celebrities alike. It’s a versatile look that can be tailored to suit any face shape and hair texture. In contrast to autumn’s key hair trend, the butterfly bob, the key to a sleek bob is a smooth, straight cut that falls anywhere between the chin and the shoulders.
This style exudes sophistication and can be worn with a deep side part or a straight middle part to add an extra edge of chic. For those with naturally curly or wavy hair, a flat iron can help achieve the sleekness required for this look. It’s a low-maintenance do that makes a bold statement and can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
The Textured Pixie Cut
For those looking to make a daring change, the textured pixie cut is a fantastic option. This hairstyle is not only a symbol of confidence but also incredibly stylish and modern. The textured layers add volume and dimension, making it a perfect choice for those with fine hair looking to add some oomph.
Styling products like pomades or texturising sprays can help to define the layers and add movement to the hair. Celebrities like Halle Berry and Charlize Theron have famously rocked this look, proving that a pixie cut can be both feminine and fierce. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to manage, saving you time in your daily routine.
The Braided Crown
The braided crown is a romantic and bohemian hairstyle that’s perfect for those who want to add a touch of elegance to their look. This style involves creating two braids on either side of the head and then wrapping them around the top to form a ‘crown.’ It’s a great way to keep hair out of your face while still looking put-together and stylish.
This hairstyle can be adapted for both casual and formal events and is particularly enchanting when adorned with small flowers or decorative hairpins for a whimsical touch – perhaps a wonderful ‘do to wear at Christmas, don’t you think?
The braided crown works particularly well with medium to long hair and can be a great way to showcase highlights or balayage colour variations.
The Mermaid Wave
What could be more fun than pretending that you’re a mermaid? Honestly, is there anyone who didn’t grow up wanting to be one? Well, luckily, we can now achieve our childhood dreams with our hair.
Mermaid waves are long, sculpted variations of beach waves and we just love them. The best way to achieve the tousled mermaid wave is with a wave wand which, as Glam explain, are “basically triple-barreled curling irons, featuring three equally sized, elongated barrels that mold your strands into that desired S-wave shape”.
The ‘PRO Waver’ from Mermade Hair is one of the most popular wavers and the worlds fasted selling one too. However, if you’re after something a little cheaper, the ELLESYE Hair Curling Wand should be on your radar. We’re also fans of Toni & Guy’s Style Fix Waver which is small enough to fit in your hand bag and ideal for dreamy beach waves on the go.
Again, if your hair is too short to replicate this long wavy look, try hair extensions. If you’re after the ultimate mermaid style and want to feel like a goddess from the sea, consider hair extensions with pink or blue ombre ends.
Crimping
This zig-zag hairstyle was all the rage back in the 80s and 90s and it’s had something of a revival in recent years, to say the least. Indeed, for the last couple of years, we’ve seen celebs Kylie Jenner, Katy Perry, Beyoncé, and Anna Kendrick all sporting this kinky style.
Celebrity Stylist Adam Reed told Marie Claire that crimping is “one of those trends that everyone is scared of but it never goes away”, moreover, ‘’crimping is a session stylist’s secret to creating incredible volume and big hair.” So, if you still have those crimping irons, it’s time up unpack them and get crimping.
The great thing about this style is that it can be done to any length of hair. The best way to achieve this look is with a crimping iron. If wearing your hair completely crimped is a step too far, try a crimped ponytail instead, which doesn’t even require a crimper, just straighteners.