2018 Hair Predictions: Curtain Bangs and Effortless Waves
Every new year brings a fresh wave of hair trends, and 2018 is shaping up to be the year of low-maintenance, effortlessly cool styles. If you have been clinging to your perfectly blown-out hair or razor-sharp layers, get ready for a shift. This year, the biggest looks are all about softness, movement, and that coveted “I woke up like this” vibe. At Sofia Loren Salon in Boca Raton, our stylists have been tracking these trends since they first appeared on the runways, and we are thrilled to bring them to South Florida.
Curtain Bangs Take Center Stage
The biggest hair prediction for 2018 is the triumphant return of curtain bangs. Inspired by the iconic feathered fringe of the 1970s, curtain bangs are parted down the middle and swept to either side of the face, framing your features like a soft, flattering curtain. Unlike blunt bangs that require constant trimming and precise styling, curtain bangs grow out gracefully and look good at nearly every stage of growth.
What makes curtain bangs so appealing is their versatility. They work on almost every face shape, from oval to round to heart-shaped. If you have a wider forehead, curtain bangs draw the eye inward. If you have a longer face, they add width and dimension. Our Boca Raton stylists customize the length and layering based on your individual features, so your bangs look intentional rather than accidental.
For our South Florida clients, curtain bangs are especially practical. They hold up well in humidity because they are designed to have a bit of natural movement and bend. You do not need to flat-iron them into submission every morning. A quick pass with a round brush or even air-drying with a little texturizing product is enough to get them looking polished.
Effortless Waves Are the New Blowout
The perfectly polished blowout is stepping aside for something more relaxed in 2018. Effortless waves, sometimes called “lived-in waves” or “undone waves,” are taking over as the go-to everyday style. These are not the tight, defined curls you might achieve with a small-barrel curling iron. Instead, they are loose, slightly irregular bends in the hair that mimic the look of natural texture or a day spent at the beach.
Achieving effortless waves is simpler than you might think, but there is a technique to making them look intentional. At Sofia Loren Salon, we teach our clients how to use a flat iron or a large-barrel wand to create waves that fall in different directions. The key is variation. Wrapping hair in alternating directions prevents that overly uniform, prom-night look that screams “I spent an hour on this.”
A good texturizing spray or sea salt spray is essential for this look. These products add grip and definition without making hair crunchy or stiff. For Boca Raton’s humid climate, we recommend sprays that also provide light hold, so your waves maintain their shape through a full day without wilting.
The Lob Gets Even More Relaxed
The long bob, or lob, has been a dominant haircut for several years, and it is not going anywhere in 2018. However, this year’s version is decidedly more relaxed. Instead of the perfectly blunt, one-length lob that dominated 2016 and 2017, the 2018 lob features subtle layers, textured ends, and a slightly grown-out feel. It looks best when it is not perfectly styled, which is music to the ears of busy women who do not have thirty minutes to spend on their hair each morning.
This updated lob pairs beautifully with curtain bangs or a deep side part. It sits right around the collarbone, which is universally flattering and works well whether you wear your hair down, pull it into a low bun, or toss it into a ponytail. For our clients who spend time outdoors in South Florida, the lob is practical because it is long enough to pull back but short enough to dry quickly after a swim or workout.
Natural Texture Gets Its Moment
One of the most exciting trends for 2018 is the celebration of natural texture. Women with curls, coils, and waves are increasingly choosing to work with their natural hair pattern rather than fighting against it. This movement, which has been building for several years, is reaching a tipping point. Products formulated specifically for curly and textured hair are better than they have ever been, and stylists are more knowledgeable about cutting and caring for these hair types.
At Sofia Loren Salon, we offer dry cutting for curly hair, which means cutting each curl individually in its natural state. This technique produces far better results than cutting curly hair wet and straight, because it accounts for the way each curl springs up when it dries. The result is a shape that looks balanced and intentional, with no awkward pieces that shrink shorter than expected.
Warm Tones and Soft Color
Color trends for 2018 are moving away from the high-contrast, heavily highlighted looks of recent years. Instead, the emphasis is on warmth, dimension, and colors that look like they could have occurred naturally. Honey blondes, soft caramels, and rich auburns are all having a major moment. The goal is color that enhances your natural complexion rather than competing with it.
Techniques like balayage and babylights continue to be popular, but the application is more subtle. Rather than painting thick, obvious sections, colorists are using finer strokes and blending more carefully to create a sun-kissed effect that grows out seamlessly. This means fewer touch-up appointments and lower overall maintenance, which aligns perfectly with the relaxed spirit of 2018 hair trends.
What This Means for You
The common thread running through all of these 2018 predictions is ease. Whether it is a haircut that looks good air-dried, color that does not require monthly maintenance, or a styling approach that embraces imperfection, this year is about working smarter, not harder. For women in Boca Raton and throughout South Florida who deal with heat, humidity, and active outdoor lifestyles, these trends are especially welcome.
The best way to find out which of these trends works for your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle is to sit down with a stylist who understands both the trends and the unique challenges of living in a tropical climate.
Book Your Appointment at Sofia Loren Salon
Ready to start 2018 with a fresh new look? Visit Sofia Loren Salon in Boca Raton and let our expert stylists help you find the perfect low-maintenance style for the new year. Call us at (561) 444-0720 or book online at sofialorensalon.com.