With insight from the UK, award-winning industry legend and HOB Academy international creative director Akin Konizi is looking into ever-trending short hair, with everything from bobs to pixie cuts leading in the trends and salons needing to cater to this demand.

“I may be optimistic, but it seems the popularity of short hair has been bubbling away for the past year, especially on the catwalks and we are now beginning to see an emergence of clients asking for something different,” Akin said. “Long hair has dominated the high street for the past few years, but now a growing number of clients are wanting something that is shorter, versatile, and more personal to their own tribe. For the past two years during lockdowns and working from home, it’s been easy to pull long hair into a top knot, but now the world is back open, it’s time for hair to take on a new chapter of luxurious, beautifully executed haircuts – and clients are getting ready for it, they just need a push!” 

These shorter hair trends don’t have to mean cropped, with structure instead of layers paving the way in these trends.

“Adding some face-framing colour and a shoulder-length bob can lift the face, is modern and easy to wear and the perfect introduction to shorter hair,” Akin said.

Akin has a myriad of major tips when it comes inspiring in cutting short hair, especially for hairdressers who haven’t been cutting as much length in the past few years. He reminds hairdressers that, no matter the length cut, “hair is a canvas and you are in control of what you create”.

In creating these hair looks, it’s important to stay aesthetically up to date to understand the reference points of what your clients will want.

“Do your research and see what is on the catwalk and the red carpet. There are some beautiful jaw length styles around at the moment,” he advises. “Keep an eye on emerging trends – what celebrities have today, your clients will want tomorrow. The bob is already making a comeback, so be ready to offer your clients what they want. If you don’t, someone else will.”

Clients may need some space and time to fully embrace a short hair change, so Akin recommends utilising multiple appointments to achieve that change.

“When you have someone with long hair, take them to a bob, and then at the next appointment layer that bob, then their next appointment cut in a fringe. At that point, you have completely changed them from long hair and on your way to any hairstyle that you want to go from there,” he said. “Don’t go from long to short in one go, it’s too dangerous for you and dramatic for the client! Get to know the hair before you take the risk of cutting it all off.”

Cutting short hair is a big responsibility, and Akin reminds hairdressers of the stakes as the trend continues to elevate.

“Shorter hair doesn’t always mean precision cuts. A blunt bob can look dramatic, but so can graduated layers and a point-cut pixie,” he said. “Your aim is for the client to love it, not just like it! There nothing more rewarding for you than to reinvent the client’s character into someone who feels beautiful and re-energised and new.”

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