5 Hair Trends You Don’t Want to Miss (and the Tips You Need to Nail Them)

The five hair trends dominating right now are glass hair (mirror-like shine), undone waves (effortless texture), bold colors (vibrant hues), scalp care (healthy foundation), and statement accessories (elevated styling). These aren't passing fads. I see clients requesting them every week at The Warehouse Salon in Fairfield.

Hey, it's Jessica LaFerrara from The Warehouse Salon. Every time I scroll through Instagram, I see gorgeous hairstyles that make me want to try something new. If you're the same way, you'll love this roundup of the top five hair trends right now, plus practical tips to actually make them happen. In this guide: What makes each trend work, which products deliver real results, and client examples from right here in Fairfield showing what's possible when you get the technique right.

1. Glass Hair: Sleek, Shiny, and All Things Glossy

What It Is:

Mirror-like shine, razor-straight edges, and zero frizz. This sleek look was popularized by celebs strutting down red carpets, but it's surprisingly achievable at home if you're armed with the right products and a decent flat iron.

Evadne from Caldwell came in frustrated with her frizzy hair. "I straighten it every morning, but by the time I get to work in Newark, it's puffed back up," she said. "I want that smooth, shiny look, but I can't figure out how to make it last." The problem was her routine. She was skipping heat protectant and using a drugstore serum that was too heavy for her fine hair.

I showed her the proper technique: wash with smoothing products, apply heat protectant to damp hair, blow dry smooth, then flat iron in small sections. The key was using milk_shake Integrity products to prep her hair and amika Blockade Heat Defense Serum before any heat styling.

She came back two weeks later with her hair still looking glossy. "People at work keep asking if I got a blowout," she said. "This is just me following your routine every morning. I can't believe the difference heat protectant makes."

How to Get the Look:

1. Wash and Condition Thoroughly with smoothing products
2. Apply a Heat Protectant to damp hair before any heat styling
3. Use a Flat Iron in small sections, running it through slowly
4. Finish with Light Serum for that final reflective shine

Product Recommendation:

• Milk_shake Integrity Shampoo and Conditioner – Smooths the cuticle and reduces frizz
• Amika Blockade Heat Defense Serum – Protects strands and locks in shine before heat styling

2. Undone Waves: The "I Woke Up Like This" Look

What It Is:

Soft, barely-there waves that look effortless but still require some technique. The goal is texture without looking overly styled.

Calista from West Caldwell wanted beachy waves but kept ending up with tight curls instead. "I use a curling iron, but it always looks too done," she explained. "I want that loose, natural wave, not ringlets." The problem was her barrel size and technique. She was wrapping too much hair around a small barrel and holding it too long.

I recommended switching to a larger barrel wand and changing her approach. Apply amika Un.done Volume and Matte Texture Spray to damp hair first, blow dry with your fingers for natural texture, then use the wand to create loose bends rather than tight curls. The key is wrapping the hair loosely and only holding for a few seconds.

"This is exactly what I wanted," she said at her next appointment. "My waves actually look like I just came back from the beach instead of spending an hour with a curling iron. And they last two days now."

How to Get the Look:

1. Start with Texturizing Spray on damp hair for grip and volume
2. Use a Large Barrel Wand to create loose waves, not tight curls
3. Mess It Up by raking your fingers through once cool
4. Optional: Add Shine with a lightweight finishing spray

Product Recommendation:

• amika Un.done Volume and Matte Texture Spray – Adds grip and natural bounce without crunch

3. Bold Hair Colors: Because Life's Too Short for Boring

What It Is:

From pastel pinks to electric blues and everything in between. Vibrant colors are taking over, whether you go all-in or opt for a peek-a-boo highlight.

Iskra from Montclair came in wanting rose gold hair. "I'm tired of boring brown," she said. "I want something fun, but I'm worried about the upkeep." We talked through the maintenance reality: bold colors require more care than natural shades. They fade faster, need sulfate-free products, and benefit from weekly masks to keep the color vibrant.

I did a full rose gold transformation, then sent her home with milk_shake Color Maintainer Shampoo and Davines MINU Hair Mask. "Use these religiously," I told her. "They're the difference between your color lasting six weeks or two weeks."

She came back eight weeks later with her rose gold still looking fresh. "Everyone asks how my color still looks this good," she said. "I tell them it's the products. My friend went rose gold at another salon and hers faded to brassy orange in three weeks. Mine is still pink."

How to Get the Look:

1. Book a Color Consultation at The Warehouse Salon to discuss your vision and maintenance commitment
2. Stay Hydrated with weekly deep conditioning masks
3. Use Color-Safe Products to prevent premature fading

Product Recommendation:

• milk_shake Color Maintainer Shampoo – Gently cleanses while preserving vibrant shades
• Davines MINU Hair Mask – Adds moisture and vibrancy to color-treated hair

4. Scalp Care: The Foundation for Amazing Hair

What It Is:

Think of your scalp as fertile soil. If you want great hair, you need to nurture the scalp. This trend is all about scalp scrubs, clarifying shampoos, and serums that keep everything balanced.

Tierney from Roseland came in complaining about limp, lifeless hair. "I've tried every volumizing product, but nothing works," she said. I looked at her scalp. It was covered in product buildup from dry shampoo, styling products, and oils. "Your scalp can't breathe," I explained. "All this buildup is weighing your hair down at the roots."

I recommended Kenra Clarifying Shampoo once a week to strip away the buildup, followed by Nioxin Scalp Relief Serum to soothe her scalp. "Give it two weeks," I told her. "You'll see a difference."

She came back a month later with noticeably bouncier hair. "I can't believe how much volume I have now," she said. "My hair actually has lift at the roots for the first time in years. I didn't realize buildup was my problem."

How to Get the Look (or Feel):

1. Weekly Clarifying removes buildup and product residue
2. Scalp Massage stimulates blood flow (and feels amazing)
3. Targeted Treatments with serums or scrubs tackle specific issues

Product Recommendation:

• Kenra Clarifying Shampoo – Washes away residue without stripping your hair
• Nioxin Scalp Relief Serum – Soothes irritation and leaves your scalp feeling fresh

5. Accessories Galore: Headbands, Scrunchies, and More

What It Is:

From bedazzled barrettes to satin scrunchies, hair accessories are having a major moment. They're the easiest way to elevate a basic ponytail or transform bedhead into something stylish.

Elspeth from Fairfield worked from home and rarely styled her hair. "I throw it in a ponytail every day," she admitted. "But I'm on Zoom calls constantly, and I want to look more put-together without spending an hour on my hair." I showed her how strategic accessories could transform her look in 30 seconds.

A velvet scrunchie instead of a regular hair tie. A pearl headband pushed back from her face. A tortoiseshell claw clip for a messy bun. Small changes with big impact.

"I bought five headbands after our appointment," she told me at her next cut. "My coworkers keep complimenting my hair on Zoom calls now. They have no idea it's just a headband doing all the work."

How to Get the Look:

1. Choose a Signature Piece that complements your style
2. Keep It Simple – Let the accessory be the focal point
3. Mix Textures with velvet, satin, pearls, or tortoiseshell

Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Trends in Fairfield

How do I maintain glass hair in Fairfield's humid climate?

Start with smoothing products like milk_shake Integrity system, always use heat protectant before flat ironing, and finish with a lightweight anti-humidity serum. Fairfield's summer humidity requires extra protection, so reapply serum mid-day if needed. Avoid touching your hair throughout the day, as oils from your hands can break down the smooth finish.

What barrel size should I use for undone waves?

Use a 1.25 to 1.5-inch barrel for loose, beachy waves in Fairfield. Smaller barrels (under 1 inch) create tight curls instead of the relaxed wave you want. Wrap hair loosely around the barrel and hold for only 3-5 seconds to avoid over-curling. In Essex County's humidity, slightly looser waves hold better than tight curls.

How often should I wash color-treated hair?

Wash color-treated hair 2-3 times per week maximum with sulfate-free shampoo to preserve vibrancy. Fairfield's hard water can fade color faster, so consider installing a shower filter. Use dry shampoo between washes and always rinse with cool water to seal the cuticle and lock in color.

Can I clarify my scalp too often?

Yes, over-clarifying strips natural oils and can cause dryness or irritation. For most Fairfield clients, once a week is sufficient. If you use minimal products, clarify every 10-14 days instead. If your scalp feels tight or dry after clarifying, reduce frequency and follow with a hydrating treatment.

What hair accessories work best for professional settings?

Choose understated accessories like tortoiseshell claw clips, neutral-colored headbands, or satin scrunchies in black, navy, or brown for Fairfield office environments. Save bedazzled or brightly colored accessories for casual settings. Pearl or gold accent pieces work well for business-professional looks without being distracting.

Ready to Try These Trends?

Trends come and go, but the secret to showstopping hair has always been about finding what works for you. Whether you're chasing those glossy glass strands or daring to go rose gold, invest in quality products that protect and nourish your hair. The difference between a trend that works and one that falls flat usually comes down to technique and the right products.

If you're in Fairfield or anywhere in Essex County and want help making these trends work for your hair type and lifestyle, come see me at The Warehouse Salon. We're located at 1275 Bloomfield Ave, Fairfield, NJ 07004. Give us a call at 973-500-4536 or book online.