Undeniably, AI has forced its way into the conversation. On command, it can drive cars, write uni dissertations and it can even predict hair trends. Yep AI haircuts are officially “a thing”.
Online chatbots like ChatGPT and Bard have been programmed to process inputs like dialogue, text and sentences, analyse their importance and generate coherent responses that can mimic human conversation (including texts, emails, essays, articles and social media posts), when prompted with a command. So, the experts at beauty retailer, Millies, tapped up the powers of AI and ask both ChatGPT and Bard to predict the biggest hairstyles to watch for 2024 and do you know what? The results were pretty bang on.
Intrugided? Here's what AI reckons will be the biggest hair trends next year…
Contour cutting
Rather than a one-cut fits all approach, hair trends are getting a lot more personalised to take into account your personality, your bone structure, and your features. According to chat-based AI tool, Bard, contour cutting will be big. “This technique is all about creating a flattering shape for your hair. The stylist will use layers and angles to create a look that accentuates your features,” it says. And ChatGPT backs the theory up adding, “customised hair care and styling solutions tailored to individual needs and preferences could gain popularity.”
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Sustainable and natural haircare
More of us are considering the impact our beauty routines have on the planet, which is why we're looking for more eco solutions. “With a growing focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices, there may be an increased demand for natural hair care products and techniques that minimise environmental impact,” says ChatGPT.
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Short, layered cuts
We've noticed plenty of extremes in hair trends and short chops offer a flipside to the XXL lengths we've been seeing. The last couple of years have given us more hybrid options for short hair including the bixie (bob pixie cut) mixie (mullet pixie cut) and cub cut (short shag). “Short hair is definitely on trend for 2024, and layered cuts will add dimension and texture,” says Bard. “This is a great option for people with fine hair, as it will help to add volume.” And it leans into the androgynous aesthetic that's also been building momentum. “More and more people are breaking away from traditional gender norms, leading to a rise in gender-neutral or unisex hairstyles,” reckons ChatGPT.
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Innovative hair accessories
There's no missing the return of hair accessories. The preppy-girl and rich-girl hair trends have combined to put hair bows back on the map – everyone from Zoe Kravitz to Gigi Hadid is on board. We've also been seeing nineties heroes like the claw clip and French pin pick back up where they left off. So, where to next? “Technological advancements might lead to the creation of innovative hair accessories that combine style and functionality,” ponders ChatGPT.
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We want in.
Retro influences
The ‘70s, ‘90s and ’00s have all had a belter of a time later when it comes to homage hair. We can thank the bygone decades for giving us the shag haircuts, Rachel cuts and curtain bangs that have all been dominating hair trends and, according to AI, that's set to continue into next year. “Fashion and beauty trends often cycle, so we may see a resurgence of hairstyles from the past with a modern twist,” reckons ChatGPT. And Bard is calling The Rachel 2.0 out specifically. “This iconic haircut is making a comeback in 2024. It's a versatile style that can be dressed up or down, and it flatters a variety of face shapes.” While this trend isn't new, it looks like it's sticking around for 2024.
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Hailey Bieber-inspired bobs
There's no denying Hailey Bieber's impact on beauty trends. She's helped to popularise glazed donut nails, strawberry girl makeup and now her cropped, soft-blunt bob is making a bunch of us reconsider our hair length. “This is a sleek, modern take on the classic bob. It's a great option for people with medium to long hair, and it can be styled in a variety of ways,” says Bard.
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Embracing natural textures
The free hair movement has always celebrated natural textures, but more and more of us are breaking away from structured styling and letting our hair loose to do it's thang. ChatGPT is a little behind the curve “there may be a shift towards celebrating and enhancing natural hair textures,” they say. We'd qualify that there may be even “more” of a shift. Meanwhile, Bard says “curly hair is always in style, and 2024 is no exception. This year, we'll be seeing more natural, undone curls.”
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Butterfly layers
For those looking for a softer take on choppy layers – like a shag lite – butterfly layers have been gaining in popularity for the past year or so, and it's sticking around. “These layers are longer and more sweeping than traditional layers, and they create a soft, feminine look. They're a great way to add movement and dimension to long hair,” says Bard.
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And we have all the inspo…
Bold colours
With the alt and grunge glam aesthetics picking up more followers, get ready to see hair colours become even more experimental. “Vibrant hair colours and unconventional hairstyles have been popular in recent years, and this trend may continue to evolve with more unique and daring combinations,” says ChatGPT.
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Balayage
And finally, another perennial that's made the list for yet another year? Balayage. The pretty, low-maintenance hair technique is so breezy to tap into, we're never letting go. “Balayage is a popular hair colouring technique that creates a natural-looking, sun-kissed effect. It's a great way to add dimension and depth to your hair colour,” says Bard.
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For more from GLAMOUR's Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk
