How salon industry trends are redefining style
Hair trends in 2025 are all about personalization, natural movement, and innovative haircare. People are leaning into styles that enhance their unique hair texture while embracing techniques that prioritize long-term health. Whether you're ready for a bold transformation or a subtle refresh, keeping up with the current trends in hairdressing can help you find a look that feels fresh, modern, and uniquely you.
Layered cuts, warm dimensional colors, and high-gloss finishes are dominating salon requests, while treatments that focus on scalp health and bond-building continue to evolve. With technology playing a bigger role in salon experiences and sustainable beauty on the rise, salon industry trends are shifting in exciting new ways.
From air-dried textures to hyper-personalized color placement, the top trends in hair services are giving people more ways than ever to express themselves while keeping their hair strong and healthy.
The biggest haircut trends taking over salons
Haircuts in 2025 are centered around movement, layering, and versatility. Clients want styles that offer volume and texture while remaining low-maintenance.
The ‘90s-inspired revival
The influence of ‘90s supermodels is still going strong, with layered, bouncy cuts making a comeback. The butterfly cut, which gained traction in 2024, is evolving into softer, face-framing layers that require less styling.
Trending variations:
– The “C-cut,” creates a cascading effect with rounded, blended layers
– Modernized versions of "The Rachel," now feature a more effortless, lived-in feel
– Shoulder-length layered cuts that work with natural texture for easy styling
Short, bold, and textured cuts
Short hair is having a major moment, with edgy, sculpted looks becoming increasingly popular. The wolf cut and bixie (bob + pixie) cut are still in high demand, but newer variations are emerging.
Trending variations:
– Choppy, jaw-length bobs with microlayers for extra volume
– The “French shag,” a softer, more natural version of the shag cut
– The return of buzz cuts for a bold, no-maintenance look
Stylists are focusing on more personalized approaches to cutting and tailoring styles to match an individual’s hair type and facial structure.
The "soft blunt" cut
For those who love precision but want something less harsh than a traditional blunt cut, the soft blunt trend is taking off. This cut keeps the clean lines of a blunt style but incorporates subtle layering at the ends for movement and a more natural grow-out.
Who it’s best for:
– Straight or wavy hair that benefits from a polished yet relaxed look
– Anyone who wants a structured cut without it looking too severe
The "halo cut" for curls
Curly-haired clients are asking for more shape and structure without losing volume, leading to the rise of the "halo cut." This cut enhances the natural curl pattern by adding volume at the crown while maintaining length and fullness around the face.
Why it works:
– Gives curly hair a defined, rounded shape
– Reduces bulk at the bottom while keeping curls bouncy
Ultra-long and flowing styles
While layered and mid-length cuts are trending, there’s also a growing movement toward ultra-long, flowing hair. More clients are opting to grow their hair out while keeping it healthy with regular trims and strengthening treatments.
How to maintain it:
– Bond-building treatments to keep long hair strong
– Minimal layering to preserve length while adding dimension
Color trends from natural blends to high-impact hues
Hair color in 2025 is embracing both ends of the spectrum—soft, dimensional shades for a more natural look and bold, high-gloss tones for those wanting a statement color.
The rise of dimensional brunettes
Warm, multi-tonal brunettes are replacing one-dimensional dark hair, with softer, blended highlights creating depth.
Popular shades in 2025:
– Expensive brunette: Rich, neutral brown tones with subtle highlights for depth
– Chestnut and cinnamon hues that enhance warmth and shine
– Glossy espresso, a monochromatic deep brown with a high-gloss finish
Statement blondes and vibrant reds
Blonde shades are shifting toward either soft, creamy hues or ultra-bright platinum. Red tones, from fiery copper to deep merlot, are continuing to make an impact.
Trending blondes:
– Cool vanilla and pearl blonde for a sleek, modern aesthetic
– Golden honey blonde for a sun-kissed, natural effect
– Subtle cowboy copper for brunettes looking to warm up their tone
Trending reds:
– Auburn and cherry cola shades for a bold but wearable statement
– Cinnamon red for a richer, warmer take on the copper trend
– Deep merlot hues with high-gloss finishes
Salons are also seeing a rise in hyper-personalized color formulas, where colorists create blends based on skin tone and natural hair movement.
Movement, texture, and effortless glamour
2025 is all about making styling easier, with trends favoring natural movement and hair-health-focused techniques.
The return of “liquid hair”
Ultra-sleek, glass-like strands are making a statement. Unlike traditional straightened hair, this trend focuses on hydration and movement, making the hair look fluid and healthy.
How to achieve it:
– Salon-grade gloss treatments to enhance shine
– Lightweight serums that smooth and protect without buildup
– Blow-dry techniques that create sleek movement instead of stiffness
The air-dried aesthetic
Heatless styling is on the rise, with more people looking for ways to enhance their natural texture without excessive tools.
How to achieve it:
– Leave-in conditioners and curl creams that define without crunch
– Hair-plopping techniques for curls, using microfiber towels to set waves
– Lightweight styling mists infused with sea salt for an effortless finish
The ‘wet look’ evolution
Slicked-back, high-shine styles are still trending, but with a softer, hydrated finish rather than a stiff, gelled-down appearance.
Treatments redefining healthy hair
Hair health is becoming just as important as style in 2025, with salons prioritizing treatments that strengthen, nourish, and protect. Clients are moving away from temporary fixes and instead investing in long-term solutions that keep their hair strong, hydrated, and damage-free. The latest salon industry trends reflect this shift, with a growing demand for advanced repair treatments, scalp-focused solutions, and eco-conscious products that align with sustainability efforts.
The rise of bond-building treatments
Bond-building treatments are no longer an afterthought—they are a core part of modern haircare routines. These treatments work on a molecular level to repair broken disulfide bonds in the hair, restoring strength and preventing future damage.
While Olaplex set the standard for bond-building, newer brands like K18, Redken Acidic Bonding, and L’Oréal Metal Detox are taking things further by offering faster-acting and more targeted repair solutions.
What’s trending in 2025:
– K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask: Uses biomimetic peptides to repair hair in just four minutes, with no rinse-out required.
– Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate: Strengthens weakened hair while balancing pH levels for added protection.
– L’Oréal Metal Detox: Specifically designed to remove metal buildup from water and hair color treatments, preventing breakage and fading.
Salons are incorporating these treatments into their color and chemical services, making them a must-have for anyone getting highlights, balayage, or straightening treatments.
Scalp health as a top priority
Scalp care is becoming the foundation of healthy hair. A healthy scalp means stronger, shinier strands, and clients are recognizing that treating their roots is just as important as caring for their ends.
Salons are offering customized scalp treatments that target common concerns such as dryness, sensitivity, and buildup. These treatments often include deep exfoliation, hydration therapies, and even probiotic scalp care to balance the microbiome.
Trending scalp treatments in 2025:
– Scalp facials: A deep-cleansing and hydrating treatment that removes buildup, boosts circulation, and nourishes hair follicles.
– Microneedling for hair growth: A technique that stimulates collagen production and promotes hair regrowth, particularly for those experiencing thinning hair.
– Probiotic-infused shampoos and treatments: Designed to maintain a balanced scalp microbiome, preventing dandruff and irritation.
With more clients prioritizing scalp health, expect to see these services become as common as deep conditioning treatments.
Sustainable haircare solutions
The demand for sustainable beauty is driving major changes in the hair industry. Clients are looking for eco-friendly products that don’t sacrifice performance, and salons are making the shift toward cleaner, greener alternatives.
How salons are embracing sustainability:
– Refillable haircare systems: Brands like Davines and Kevin Murphy are offering refill stations where clients can purchase shampoo and conditioner without single-use plastic packaging.
– Biodegradable products: Hair masks, dry shampoos, and styling products are now formulated with ingredients that break down naturally, reducing their impact on the environment.
– Ammonia-free hair color: More color brands are launching ammonia-free and low-chemical hair dyes that maintain vibrancy while minimizing scalp irritation and environmental harm.
– Water-saving salon techniques: Some salons are adopting water-efficient shampooing stations and dry-wash services to reduce overall water consumption.
These top trends in hair services reflect a broader shift in the beauty industry toward ethical and sustainable practices. Clients are increasingly mindful of the impact their beauty routines have on the environment, and salons are adapting by offering greener alternatives that align with their values.
Personalized hair treatments are the next evolution
Customization is becoming a key component of modern hair care. Instead of one-size-fits-all treatments, salons are using technology to analyze hair and scalp conditions and create personalized care plans.
Examples of personalized haircare innovations in 2025:
– AI-driven hair analysis: Salons are using AI-powered tools to scan and assess hair health, recommending specific treatments based on individual needs.
– Custom-blended hair masks: Stylists mix ingredients tailored to each client’s hair concerns, from moisture retention to protein rebuilding.
– Heat-protectant treatments for frequent stylers: Lightweight yet powerful formulas designed for those who regularly use hot tools, offering long-term protection against heat damage.
With hair science advancing rapidly, clients can now receive treatments designed specifically for their hair type and lifestyle, making salon visits feel more personalized than ever.
The influence of wellness on hair trends
Self-care is extending beyond skincare and fitness into the world of hair. In 2025, the connection between overall well-being and hair health is stronger than ever, influencing both salon treatments and at-home routines. Clients are prioritizing not just how their hair looks but also how it feels, leading to a rise in holistic haircare practices.
Salons are incorporating wellness-inspired services that go beyond traditional styling. Aromatherapy scalp massages, essential oil-infused hair treatments, and stress-relieving head spa sessions are becoming increasingly popular. These services not only promote relaxation but also improve scalp circulation, encouraging healthier hair growth.
At-home hair rituals are also shifting toward mindfulness. People are taking time to nourish their hair with weekly deep-conditioning treatments, overnight oiling, and heat-free styling methods that minimize damage. Ingredients once reserved for skincare—like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and adaptogens—are making their way into shampoos and masks, offering hydration and protection on a deeper level.
The wellness movement is reshaping current trends in hairdressing, proving that hair health and self-care go hand in hand. Whether it’s through salon treatments or mindful at-home rituals, people are investing in haircare that feels just as good as it looks.
Healthy hair is the new luxury
The shift toward stronger, healthier hair is redefining salon industry trends in 2025. Instead of chasing quick fixes, people are focusing on hair wellness, integrating bond-building, scalp treatments, and sustainable solutions into their regular routines.
With top trends in hair services now centered around long-term hair health, salon treatments are no longer just about aesthetics—they’re an investment in the strength and vitality of every strand.
