As we settle into 2025, it’s time to look ahead at the most exciting hair trends set to dominate this year. After the rise of short bobs, textured layers, and high-end color techniques like clean girl brunette and sunflower blonde in 2024—popularized by celebrities such as Hailey Bieber and Zendaya—the beauty world is shifting toward a new era of elegance, simplicity, and innovation.
Renowned hairstylist Tom Smith, international artist-in-residence at Billi Currie, has shared his exclusive predictions with Who What Wear UK. Known for his spot-on trend forecasts, Smith offers an insider’s view into what’s next in haircuts, styles, and colors for 2025. From soft, natural hues to bold textures and statement fringes, here are the top 10 hair trends that will define the year.
1. Raffia Blonde – The Ultimate Luxe Blonde Trend
Lily-Rose Depp has already been spotted rocking this rich, multi-tonal shade, making raffia blonde one of the most anticipated hair color trends of 2025.
Unlike last year’s monochromatic blondes or the ultra-contrasty looks before them, raffia blonde blends warm caramel and sandy tones into a soft, woven effect that mimics the texture of natural fibers. According to Smith, “It’s the perfect transitional color—you can lean lighter in summer and darker in winter.”
Pro Tips for Maintaining Raffia Blonde:
- Use nourishing hair masks and violet toning shampoos to keep brassiness at bay.
- Avoid excessive heat styling to preserve the delicate balance of tones.
2. Micro Braids – Protective Style Meets High Fashion
Micro braids have made a major comeback, thanks to style icons like Zoë Kravitz, Beyoncé, and Cynthia Erivo. These tiny, intricate braids offer both protection and versatility, behaving similarly to straight hair but with added texture.
Smith notes, “They’re great for low-maintenance styling—wear them loose, in a bun, or twisted into elaborate updos.” While installation takes time, they’re long-lasting with proper care.
How to Maintain Micro Braids:
- Sleep in a satin bonnet to reduce friction.
- Use a scalp oil to keep your skin healthy.
- Refresh with a protective style refresher spray.
3. The Midi Flick – A Textured Mid-Length Cut
The midi flick—a collarbone-length cut with soft layers and flicky ends—is gaining momentum after its viral moment in 2022 and the popularity of the bell-bottom bob in 2024.
According to Smith, “This shape brings movement and volume to mid-length hair,” making it ideal for those who want a fresh update without going too short.
Styling Tips:
- Use a round brush for bounce and lift.
- Add dimension with a texturizing spray or sea salt mist.
4. Anti-Fringe – Long Face-Framing Layers Take Center Stage
While fringe bangs remain popular, 2025 is introducing a counter-trend: long face-framing layers that grow past the chin. Ideal for those looking to transition out of a fringe, this minimalist approach allows for versatile styling—straight, tucked behind the ears, or fully up.
Smith explains, “It’s about embracing a clean silhouette around the face with no harsh lines or distinct layering.”
Tips for Growing Out Your Fringe:
- Keep strands strong with bond-repair treatments like Olaplex No.3.
- Minimize heat damage with tools like the Shark Flexfusion Straight.
- Use dry shampoo and shine sprays to maintain freshness between washes.
5. Brow-Bone Contouring – Soft Bangs That Frame Your Features
Fringes continue to be a focal point in 2025, but this year sees a shift toward softer, customizable styles like Birkin bangs, bottleneck bangs, and curtain bangs that skim the brow bone and cheekbones.
These styles offer a flattering, low-commitment alternative to blunt bangs, growing out gracefully at an angle.
Maintenance Tips:
- Reset your fringe daily with a dry shampoo or texture mist.
- Use a biodegradable cleansing cloth for quick refreshes.
6. XXL Curls – Embracing Natural Texture with Innovation
With advancements in curl-specific products, 2025 celebrates bigger, healthier curls than ever before. Whether you were born with coils or choose to embrace your texture post-relaxer, expect to see longer, lusher waves and spirals taking center stage.
Smith highlights innovations like Olaplex Bond Shaper and curl-defining gels that enhance definition without crunch.
7. Muted Auburn – Soft Copper Hues Return
Natural-looking red shades like muted auburn, chestnut, and strawberry blonde are back in full force. Unlike the bold coppers of years past, these tones are subtle, flattering, and fade beautifully over time.
Smith advises, “If you wear rose gold jewelry well, you’ll likely suit this trend.” Ask your stylist for multi-tonal balayage or a semi-permanent gloss for a low-maintenance glow.
8. Modern Goldilocks – Golden Blonde Gets a Sophisticated Update
After the reign of sunflower blonde in 2024, golden blonde is evolving into a more refined, wearable tone. Think champagne, honey, and amber hues that enhance warmth and radiance.
Smith recommends opting for a golden toner instead of purple shampoo to achieve a healthier, shinier finish.
9. Minimalist Shades – Monochrome Hair Is Back
Monochromatic hair color—where one shade is applied from root to tip—is gaining traction for its sleek, modern appeal. Whether deep espresso or icy platinum, this look focuses on gloss, health, and uniformity.
Smith suggests using demi- or semi-permanent formulas to maintain shine without damaging your hair.
10. Hyper-Natural Hair Color – Balayage Reimagined
Balayage is making a comeback—but with a more realistic, lived-in feel. Designed to mimic how the sun naturally lightens hair, this technique adds soft dimension without harsh lines.
Smith says, “It’s natural-looking, but better.” Ideal for brunettes, blondes, and even silver-haired beauties, this trend emphasizes low-maintenance brilliance.
Bonus Trend: Ghost Waves – Effortless, Piecey Curls
Kate Moss and other fashion icons are bringing back ghost waves—soft, barely-there S-shaped waves that exude effortless chic.
Perfect for casual outings or dressed-up events, ghost waves work best on natural wavy textures or when created with a mermaid waver.
Styling Tip:
- Air-dry with a curl cream or use a heat protectant if styling.
Final Thoughts: 2025 Is All About Personalization and Health
Whether you’re drawn to bold textures, natural hues, or minimalist cuts, 2025 is shaping up to be a year where personal expression meets hair health. With a focus on luminous finishes, textural contrasts, and low-maintenance styles, there’s something for every hair type and lifestyle.
So whether you’re ready for a complete transformation or just a subtle refresh, let this curated list of 2025’s top hair trends inspire your next salon visit.
