Razor-Sharp Bobs

Did you lose count of the number of celebrities and creators who unveiled a dramatic chop this year? You’re not alone, but don’t expect the “So I did a thing!” momentum to slow down any time soon—the bob is absolutely here to stay. “It’s chic, polished, and adaptable to so many textures,” says Lafond, who is also the founder of acclaimed hair show, Texture On Set. “I think dramatic chops are resonating because people are craving a reset,” she muses. ”A strong cut can feel symbolic, like a fresh start, new energy, and a way to show up differently.”

Easy Air-Dry Layers

Eldest daughters have been saying it for years: the key to balancing it all is finding a cut that air-dries well. Gentle and long layers help add volume, shape, and structure without weighing down natural texture, especially if you want to run a bit of defining cream or gloss through your midlengths and ends as a finishing touch. When going for a different length or layers of any kind, Eliot highly recommends taking your individual bone structure into consideration. “A jaw-length cut may or may not work for everyone, so it’s so important to get a proper consultation with a professional to show you and guide you to what’s appropriate for you and your bone structure,” he says.

The Cherub Cut

There is at least one face-framing look poised to dominate the season, and it’s downright heavenly. The Cherub Cut features light and airy layers cut almost circularly around the face, allowing strands, curls, and waves to blend together and spill down for an effect that’s romantic, tender, and a bit untamed. And what better time to try it out than the holiday season, when cherub motifs are everywhere anyway?

Blunt-Cut Ends

No matter your current (or desired) length, there’s a 30-second way to elevate any look and lock into one of winter’s top beauty trends in general: blunt your ends. One of Lafond’s predictions for the season, having your ends all cut the exact same length instantly makes hair look healthier and fuller, while adding some classic appeal as well. While it works for short, medium, and extra-long cuts, there is something especially impactful about blunt-trimmed bobs and lobs—the shorter your hair, the easier ends are to notice.

Silhouette Shaping

Imagine hair so voluminous and polished that it becomes part of your silhouette. That’s the exact concept behind this trending cut-style combo, spotted on celebrities like Hoyeon, Margot Robbie, Olivia Rodrigo, and Megan Thee Stallion. Here, you’ll want to ask your stylist for maximum volume toward the crown, which usually translates into subtle feathered layers. If you have curls, you’ll likely want to stick with softer ends, while those with naturally straighter hair will appreciate the extra fullness of a blunt cut. 

When it comes to styling your cut, Lafond swears by the mega-viral Shark FlexStyle as one of her go-to tools for working with all hair lengths and textures. “It creates everything from a sleek bob to diffused curls with ease.” Another secret weapon is the Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil, Lafond’s must-have finishing touch for adding some reflective shine and an extra bit of protection. 

Birkin Bangs

It’s a universal truth: if you’re going to experiment with bangs, winter is the time to do it. You’ll avoid that awful sweaty forehead situation, and if you realize your new fringe really isn’t the vibe, you can always tuck it under a hat until it sees a little growth. This winter, though, it’s all about that classic, forever-coveted set of long Jane Birkin bangs. Eliot says giving the ends a blunt finish will make the whole effect look even chicer.

The Gentle Jellyfish

A little futuristic and extremely cool-girl coded, the jellyfish cut was reserved for only the most extreme tastemakers (think: Lady Gaga, Zendaya, and Miley Cyrus). But a softer, more laid-back approach to the singular style is quietly gaining traction. For this look, you’ll want just a small swath of hair trimmed right at your cheekbones rather than an entire layer all the way around—it gives the same eye-grabbing effect, but feels more casual for everyday wear.