With over 22 years’ experience, Michael Beel is one of the most respected names in the New Zealand hairdressing industry. The celebrity and editorial hair specialist, Dyson ambassador, and former owner and creative director of Buoy Salon and Spa, boasts an impressive resume, that’s seen him travel as far as London and New York.

Ahead, ProCollective chats with the 4x New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year, to get his predictions for what hair trends will be big over the next few months and beyond…

ProCollective (PC): What cut and colour trends are you observing this winter?

Michael: This winter it is all about the haircut. As we are seeing the resurgence of ‘90s trends, there is a shift away from hair being all one length. Instead, we are bringing in the bouncy or choppy layers. What’s great about layers is that everyone can wear them with the right placement. Layers can help to encourage natural texture and movement, adding height and volume while encouraging texture through the hair and removing weight. This works well for shorter hair as well, and we are seeing the choppy bob making a big comeback too.

As for colour, warm brown and true copper tones are really popular for the winter months. We are also saying goodbye to the platinum and ashier hues and beginning to see more blondes embracing the golden tones – much warmer and richer.

PC: Do you have any celebrity muses mastering these trends at the moment?

Michael: I am a big Beyoncé fan – Neal Farinah who styles her wigs for the Renaissance Tour is absolutely nailing it. The golden blonde is on point, the volume and the blowouts are on point, and Queen B knows how to work a wind machine!

I also loved Ashley Park’s Met Gala look this year – she mastered the ‘90s supermodel hair with lots of fullness and a soft, sexy silhouette. Her look was actually achieved using the 1.6 inch barrel on the Dyson Airwrap Hair Multi-Styler, curling the hair section by section then pinning each curl to cool and set. The stylist then used the Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener to perfect the ends and sculpt the root.

PC: Are there any hair trends you’ve observed on the decline this year?

Michael: Definitely the one-length, long hair that just hangs is on the decline this year. For ages, a lot of clients were saying they didn’t want layers but this has totally shifted now – layers are well and truly back. We are seeing these layered styles becoming softer and bouncier this year. Getting a trendy, softer look is totally achievable at home with the right tools – I love the Dyson Airwrap Hair Multi-Styler for creating those soft, bouncy blowout styles because you can style and dry with the same tool, without causing heat damage.

For guys, thankfully, the mullet is on its way out.

PC: In terms of styling, what’s big right now?

Michael: Anything 90’s inspired is huge right now. Big, bouncy, 90’s blowaves have experienced such a comeback this year which I love, and it is a style that works so well for layered haircuts. The blowout is traditionally achieved using a round brush and a hair dryer together. The Dyson Supersonic hair dryer is great for this, as it delivers powerful, controlled airflow, to style hair without using extreme heat. However, for anyone who doesn’t have a whole lot of styling experience or confidence, the science and engineering behind the Dyson Airwrap Hair Multi-Styler makes it a fantastic option.

PC: What trends are you predicting to see more over the next year?

Michael: In recent years, I have seen a shift towards people prioritising healthy, shiny hair over really polished or complex hair looks and I anticipate this trend will continue. Healthy hair will always be on trend, and hair health is becoming more ingrained in people’s daily routines.

It is so important to keep your hair healthy and scalp hydrated by minimising heat damage wherever you can. I always recommend using temperature-controlled styling tools that regulate heat to keep your hair healthy and strong.

With the 90’s styles dominating hair trends, I’m also predicting a big comeback for sleek, shiny, glass-like hair. The 90’s was when we all first fell in love with hair straighteners, but in those days we weren’t necessarily prioritising our hair health! That’s why I am so excited about products like the Dyson Airstrait straightener, which is coming to New Zealand next year. With no hot plates and no heat damage, and the ability to style hair from wet to dry, it is going to be a game changer for achieving those sleek hair looks while maintaining your hair health.

For the guys, with the resurgence of 90’s trends I’m predicting a return of the David Beckham style fauxhawk!

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