Why Hairstylists Should Stay on Top of Trends
- HAIRNICORN
- Nov 28, 2025
- 4 min read
The Reality: Trendsetters Win, Followers Fade
Let’s be honest — in this industry, being outdated is the kiss of death. When clients scroll Instagram or TikTok, they’re not looking for “okay.” They’re looking for wow.
If your content, techniques, and visuals look stuck in the past, they’ll assume your skills are too. Staying on top of trends isn’t just about trying the latest hairstyle; it’s about showing clients that you’re relevant, educated, and forward-thinking.
Being “on trend” signals credibility and confidence. It shows you understand what’s current in fashion, culture, and technology — which means clients trust you to make them look fresh, not dated.
And that trust? That’s how you build brand loyalty, higher prices, and a waitlist.
The Power of Trend Awareness in Building a Brand
Your brand is more than your logo or salon colours. It’s how you’re perceived.
A hairstylist who keeps up with trends is seen as:
A visionary, not a copycat.
A source of inspiration, not imitation.
A leader clients and other stylists watch for cues.
When your audience sees you experimenting with trending cuts, modern colour blends, or the latest styling techniques, they associate your brand with innovation and confidence.
Even if you don’t chase every viral hairstyle, staying aware lets you filter trends through your unique style. The key isn’t to follow trends blindly — it’s to interpret them through your brand lens.
For example, maybe “glass hair” doesn’t fit your boho aesthetic — but a “mirror-gloss finish” with beachy layers? That’s your twist on it. Trend awareness allows you to stay current without losing authenticity.
Case Study: How Trend Awareness Boosted Bookings
Let’s look at an example from the UK.
A London stylist noticed the rise in copper hair on TikTok — everyone was trying to get that “fiery glow” look. Instead of jumping on the same formula, she branded it as her signature “Autumn Glow” service, featuring multi-tonal warmth and gloss.
She started posting before-and-afters, mini reels of the colouring process, and styling tutorials. Within three weeks, her DMs were flooded. Clients weren’t just asking for copper — they were asking for her version of copper.
That’s the power of staying aware and creating your own spin.
How Trends Influence Client Psychology
Clients don’t always know what they want — but they know what’s popular.
When a new style starts trending, it plants a seed in their mind. They start seeing it everywhere — influencers, celebrities, even friends. Suddenly, it’s the look.
If you’re one of the first stylists to post content or offer a service around that trend, you instantly become the expert. Clients feel like they’re in safe hands because they see you as current and in the know.
This boosts bookings, client retention, and referrals — because people love bragging about being the first to try something new.
Social Media: The Ultimate Trend Playground
Instagram and TikTok are basically your runway.
Every scroll is a chance to show off that you’re switched on, creative, and confident.
But here’s the secret — you don’t have to copy every trending sound or reel format. You just need to:
Stay aware of what’s trending
Decide if it aligns with your brand
Put your own spin on it
For instance, if everyone’s doing “clean girl aesthetic” tutorials, maybe yours is “clean girl but make it glam.”
Trends are like waves — you don’t need to chase every one, but knowing which wave to ride can change your whole business game.
Case Study: The Stylist Who Went Viral for Doing Less
One Manchester-based stylist noticed a rise in minimalist hair care — low-maintenance cuts, natural colours, air-dried styles.
Instead of fighting it, she built her brand around effortless beauty. Her captions focused on “timeless trends,” and her videos showed clients getting fresh cuts that looked great with zero styling.
Her business exploded. Because while others were pushing complicated services, she tapped into what clients actually wanted: easy, chic, low-effort looks that fit the lifestyle trend.
Trend awareness isn’t just about hair looks — it’s about understanding cultural energy.
How to Stay Ahead of Hair Trends (Without Losing Your Mind)
Here’s the thing — staying on top doesn’t mean you have to chase every fad. It’s about strategy:
Follow key industry figures (celebrity stylists, colourists, educators).
Watch what brands like Dyson, Olaplex, and Redken are launching — product innovation often signals the next big trend.
Use social media analytics to track what’s performing.
Subscribe to fashion and beauty newsletters.
Network — talk to other stylists and educators.
The secret is not to follow trends, but to anticipate them.
When you’re the stylist who posts about the next “it” haircut before it floods the internet, that’s when you dominate your market.
Statistic
Did you know?
According to Modern Salon, 71% of clients say they’re more likely to book a stylist who posts about current hair trends on social media. Trend visibility literally drives bookings.
Fun Fact
The famous “Rachel” haircut from Friends caused a 25% spike in salon appointments in 1995 — proving that one viral trend can shift an entire industry.
FAQ
Q: How can I stay on trend without feeling overwhelmed?
A: Focus on awareness, not imitation. Pick trends that fit your style and audience, and leave the rest.
Q: What if a trend doesn’t suit my brand?
A: Reframe it. If “grunge hair” isn’t your vibe, maybe it becomes “textured chic.” The goal is to adapt, not copy.
Q: How often should I update my content to reflect trends?
A: Aim for monthly refreshes. Even a simple caption tweak or trending reel sound can keep your content fresh.
Q: Are trends necessary for older or niche stylists?
A: Yes — even classic or mature brands can modernise. Trend awareness helps you communicate your timeless skills through a modern lens.
Quiz
Which Trend Type Are You?
Your dream client walks in. You instantly…
a) Whip out the inspo pics
b) Ask what’s trending on TikTok
c) Suggest something timeless with a twist
d) Create your own style entirely
Your social media feed is full of:
a) Celebrity hair inspo
b) Hair education reels
c) Product launches
d) Your own creative work
Mostly A’s → The Trend Translator: You make trends wearable.
Mostly B’s → The Trend Watcher: You stay ahead of the wave.
Mostly C’s → The Trend Curator: You balance fashion with functionality.
Mostly D’s → The Trendsetter: You create the trends others follow.
💭 Which kind of trends inspire you the most?
0%Colour trends (like copper, balayage, gloss)
0%Cut trends (like bobs, layers, or shags)
0%Styling trends (like waves, slick looks, or blowouts)
0%Product and technique innovations
What’s one trend you think every hairstylist should know about right now — and one that should totally disappear? Let’s talk in the comments 👇🏽
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