Afro hair: what's trending now?

Copper shades of coloring, naturalness, as well as short haircuts - these are the trends dictated by the British magazine HJ for afro-curls, and we have translated the material for you.

Copper shade

“My predictions for the rest of 2020 and into 2021 will include a lot of pastels for textured hair,” comments 2019 Afro Hairstylist HJ Rick Roberts and member of the Wahl Education and Art team. He predicts a shift from reds to coppery blondes and strawberry-copper shades along with soft pink shades.

“These colors really help enhance the texture,” adds Rick. Lightening afro hair can be a delicate matter, so be sure to consult with the client and explain the process for pre-lightening textured hair.

Short and sweet

“Short pixies and short, textured curls are here to stay this season,” says Rick. Lorraine Dublin, co-owner of My Hair Bar, agrees: “The biggest upcoming hair trend is short cuts on natural hair to add texture and depth.”

High Heights

In 1990s American hip-hop culture, braids and weaves are still often referenced, but fades with a lot of hair on top of the head are, for the most part, a thing of the past. Rick says barbers will be pleased to know the style is making a comeback. “High fades with color washes and patterns are coming back again and again,” he says. “Many clients wear their hair short at the back and sides, with more length and texture at the top. It’s a great look, versatile and very unpretentious,” agrees Lorraine.

Naturalness

Due to quarantine, many clients had the opportunity to get to know and get used to natural hair better. Matt Surplice, owner of Spring Salon and advocate of Authentic Beauty Concept, believes that natural texture will continue into the future: "It's important for clients to learn more about their hair and figure out what works for them and how to get the most out of their newfound curls." This is where the important advice and care you can offer at the salon will help.

Balayage

Balayage is very often performed and depicted on models with straight or wavy hair. Don't forget that wavy and curly hair is great for highlighting texture by playing with light and color placement. Lorraine believes this will be a trend, especially for medium length curls and when the client wants a personalized look. Additionally, “we're seeing a shift toward more natural tones that complement natural hair colors and skin tones,” says Matt.

Experimentation is the key to success

The pandemic has forced many clients to experiment with their hair and try new styles and shades. When it comes to color, while clients are moving away from bold hues, some are experimenting with fun semi-permanent options under the watchful eye of their hairstylist. “There is now a rise in warm and vibrant hair colors using semi-permanent dyes that can be changed frequently,” says Lorraine.