The Hottest Hair Trends for Spring 2018

As the temperatures rise and the frost of winter fades, spring offers the perfect opportunity to hit the refresh button on your personal style. In 2018, the hair trends shifted toward a blend of effortless maintenance and bold, expressive creativity. Whether you were looking for a dramatic chop or a subtle color enhancement, the season was defined by textures that celebrated natural movement and cuts that provided architectural interest. This guide explores the foundational trends that defined the spring of 2018, providing timeless inspiration for those who appreciate the aesthetic of that era.

Key takeaways

Achieve a polished look with a blunt bob cut precisely at the jawline to create the illusion of added hair density.
Embrace natural texture with shag haircuts and heatless styling techniques like braiding damp hair to minimize heat damage.
Use warm, honey-toned balayage to add depth and a healthy glow while maintaining vibrancy with color-depositing shampoos.
Incorporate oversized accessories like silk headbands or pearl barrettes to elevate simple styles and balance facial proportions.
Prioritize scalp health with scrubs and clarifying shampoos to create the ideal foundation for volume and natural, undone styles.

The Rise of the Modern Blunt Bob

The blunt bob was arguably the most requested haircut of spring 2018. Unlike the layered, feathered looks of previous years, this style relied on precision. Cut exactly at the jawline or slightly above, the blunt bob created a sharp, clean silhouette that framed the face beautifully. This look worked exceptionally well for those with fine to medium hair, as the solid perimeter created the illusion of added density and thickness. To achieve this look, stylists avoided thinning shears, instead using a sharp razor or shears to create a dense, heavy end. It was a low-maintenance style that looked polished with minimal heat styling, often worn with a deep side part or a sleek, middle-parted finish.

Embracing Natural Texture and The Shag

While the blunt bob offered structure, the spring of 2018 also saw a massive resurgence of the shag haircut. Drawing heavy inspiration from the 1970s, the modern shag focused on choppy layers, face-framing fringe, and a “lived-in” vibe. This trend was a direct response to the era of perfectly curled, symmetrical hair. By utilizing internal layering, stylists were able to remove weight from the crown while leaving length at the bottom. This style was perfect for individuals with wavy or curly hair who wanted to lean into their natural texture. Applying a sea salt spray or a light texturizing mousse to damp hair and allowing it to air dry was the preferred method for achieving the authentic, undone aesthetic of the season.

The Return of the Deep Side Part

After several years of the middle part dominating the fashion landscape, spring 2018 signaled a shift back toward the dramatic, deep side part. This styling choice was favored for its ability to create instant volume at the roots and provide a sophisticated, Old Hollywood allure. A deep side part is a versatile styling tool; it can soften an angular jawline or draw attention to the eyes. For those with shorter hair, a side part helped transition a standard cut into something more formal, while for long hair, it added a sense of mystery and elegance. The key to mastering this look was ensuring the hair was smooth at the roots, often achieved with a lightweight pomade or a smoothing serum.

Warm Tones and The “Expensive” Brunette

In terms of color, 2018 moved away from the icy, ash-toned blondes that had previously dominated, leaning instead toward warmer, honey-infused hues. The “expensive brunette” trend emerged, characterized by rich, multidimensional color that looked healthy and vibrant. This was achieved through subtle balayage techniques that added depth without the harsh maintenance of traditional highlights. The goal was to mimic the way hair lightens naturally in the sun, focusing on face-framing pieces that brightened the complexion. These warm tones provided a healthy glow that complemented the blossoming spring environment, making it a favorite for those looking to refresh their look without a drastic change.

The Statement Hair Accessory

Accessories made a triumphant return in 2018, transforming simple hairstyles into high-fashion statements. From oversized velvet scrunchies to pearl-encrusted barrettes and silk headbands, the focus was on ornamentation. This trend was particularly useful for “second-day hair,” allowing individuals to pull their locks into a low ponytail or a messy bun while still looking intentional. The beauty of this trend was its accessibility; it did not require a salon visit or permanent change. By simply incorporating a decorative pin or a silk scarf, one could elevate a casual outfit instantly, blending practicality with a touch of whimsy.

The Modern Pixie Cut

For those brave enough to go short, the spring 2018 pixie cut was all about soft edges and versatility. Moving away from the hyper-structured, gelled-down pixies of the past, the 2018 version featured longer, wispy layers around the ears and forehead. This allowed for more styling options, such as sweeping the hair to the side or adding texture for a punk-inspired look. This cut was celebrated for its ability to highlight the neck and cheekbones. It required regular maintenance to keep the shape, typically requiring a trim every four to six weeks, but the ease of daily styling made it a top choice for those with an active, on-the-go lifestyle.

Low Ponytails and Sleek Finishes

The low ponytail became the go-to style for both professional settings and casual weekend outings during the spring of 2018. The trend focused on a sleek, polished finish, often paired with a middle part and hair wrapped around the base of the elastic to hide the band. This style was highly practical, keeping hair off the neck as the weather turned warmer, while maintaining a high-fashion edge. Achieving the perfect low ponytail required a bit of tension; using a fine-tooth comb and a small amount of styling cream ensured that flyaways were kept at bay, resulting in a clean, sophisticated profile that looked great with everything from blazers to sundresses.

Fringe and Bangs for Every Face Shape

Fringe was a major focal point in 2018, with various styles catering to different hair types. Curtain bangs, which feature a longer, parted-in-the-middle fringe, became incredibly popular because they were low-commitment. Unlike blunt, heavy bangs that require constant trimming, curtain bangs grew out gracefully and blended into the rest of the hair. They provided a soft, face-framing effect that looked particularly good when paired with loose waves. For those who preferred something bolder, micro-bangs—cut well above the eyebrow—also saw a surge in popularity, adding an edgy, avant-garde element to both long and short hairstyles.

The Science of Sun-Kissed Color: Maintaining Balayage Longevity

The shift toward the “expensive brunette” and honey-toned highlights in 2018 brought a new set of maintenance requirements. Unlike solid color, which requires frequent root touch-ups, the balayage techniques of the season relied on a “grow-out” strategy that favored longevity. To keep these warm tones from turning brassy or dull as the spring sun intensified, experts recommended the introduction of color-depositing shampoos. These products allowed users to refresh their golden hues at home without the need for additional chemical processing. Furthermore, because lightening processes can strip the hair of its natural moisture, the 2018 approach to color care heavily emphasized the use of deep-conditioning hair masks at least once a week. This ensured that the multidimensional ribbons of color remained vibrant rather than dry, maintaining that coveted healthy, reflective shine that defined the season’s aesthetic.

Mastering the “Lived-In” Texture with Heatless Styling

While product usage was a cornerstone of the 2018 shag and textured looks, the season also championed a move away from excessive heat damage. The “lived-in” vibe was frequently achieved through strategic heatless styling techniques. For those with naturally straight hair looking to mimic the effortless waves of the period, braiding damp hair before sleep became a popular ritual. By morning, the hair would boast a soft, crimped texture that required only a light application of texturizing paste to lock in the shape. This minimized the reliance on curling irons, which was a significant departure from the polished, hot-tool-heavy styles of previous years. This approach not only preserved the structural integrity of the hair but also aligned with the broader societal push toward wellness and hair health, proving that the most fashionable looks were those that didn’t require sacrificing the hair’s natural vitality.

The Architecture of the Neckline: Precision Cutting Techniques

The blunt bob of 2018 wasn’t just a style choice; it was a testament to precision cutting. Stylists of the era moved away from the “point cutting” and “texturizing” shears that had been standard, opting instead for a clean, zero-tension cut that relied on the hair’s natural fall. A critical, often overlooked aspect of this look was the “nape undercut” or the careful graduation of the hair at the back of the neck. By slightly shortening the hair at the very bottom of the hairline, stylists were able to ensure the bob curved inward toward the neck rather than flipping outward, which was a common frustration with shorter lengths. This attention to the architectural foundation of the cut allowed the style to remain sharp even as it grew out, proving that the secret to the perfect spring 2018 bob was as much about the engineer-like precision of the stylist as it was about the final aesthetic.

Balancing Proportions: How Accessories Altered Styling Geometry

In 2018, the use of oversized accessories was not merely decorative; it was a functional tool for balancing facial proportions. For individuals with high foreheads, the introduction of a silk headband served as a “frame” that could effectively shorten the face and draw focus toward the eyes. Conversely, those with rounder face shapes utilized pearl-encrusted barrettes to pull hair back at the temples, creating a vertical line that elongated the appearance of the face. This strategic use of accessories turned a simple ponytail or a loose, wavy style into an exercise in geometry. By placing a accessory higher or lower on the head, one could manipulate the perceived shape of their features, making the accessory trend one of the most intellectually engaging aspects of the year’s style evolution.

Navigating the Transition from Winter to Spring with Scalp Care

As the air grew more humid in the spring of 2018, the health of the scalp became a central focus for hair enthusiasts. With the rise of styles like the sleek low ponytail, which pulled hair tightly away from the face, there was a heightened awareness of scalp tension and health. Many people began incorporating scalp scrubs and clarifying shampoos into their routines to remove the buildup of winter products and heavy oils. A healthy scalp was seen as the essential canvas for the natural, textured looks of the season. By removing dead skin cells and clearing the hair follicles, individuals found that their hair had more natural volume at the roots, making it easier to achieve the “undone” look without needing to over-rely on volumizing sprays that could leave the hair feeling sticky or weighed down.

Edge Cases: Managing Cowlicks and Hairlines with Short Cuts

The pixie cut and the blunt bob presented unique challenges for those with strong cowlicks or unconventional hairlines. In 2018, the industry solution was to work *with* the hair’s growth pattern rather than against it. For those with a stubborn cowlick at the front, stylists encouraged a “fringe-less” pixie that swept away from the face, utilizing the natural lift of the hair to create volume rather than trying to force it flat with heavy gels. If a client had a lower hairline at the neck, the blunt bob was often adjusted to sit slightly higher, ensuring the line remained crisp without catching on the natural growth pattern of the nape. These small, personalized adjustments were the hallmark of a successful 2018 cut, as the goal was to make the hairstyle look entirely organic to the individual, rather than a “cookie-cutter” style imposed upon them.

The Evolution of the Low Bun: Incorporating Texture and Volume

The low ponytail was eventually joined by the low, messy bun as the season progressed. The 2018 version of the bun was distinct from the “ballerina bun” of the past; it was characterized by a looser, more chaotic placement of pins. The technique involved gathering the hair into a low position but allowing sections to pull away naturally, softening the face. To achieve the necessary volume without using a traditional hair donut, stylists utilized a “teasing” technique at the crown, gently backcombing the roots to create a rounded, airy shape. This look was frequently paired with the aforementioned silk scrunchies or decorative pins, transforming what was essentially a “lazy” hairstyle into a intentional, high-fashion statement that perfectly captured the effortless, spring-ready spirit of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was the primary difference between 2017 and 2018 hair trends? A: The primary shift was from perfectly styled, uniform hair toward more natural, lived-in textures and precise, architectural cuts like the blunt bob, rather than the heavily layered looks of previous years.

Q: Were warm hair colors better than cool tones in 2018? A: Yes, 2018 favored warm, honey, and golden undertones. These colors were perceived as making the hair look healthier and more multidimensional, moving away from the harsh, icy ash tones that were popular previously.

Q: How can I maintain a blunt bob at home? A: To maintain a blunt bob, you must focus on the health of your ends. Use a high-quality moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to prevent split ends, and use a heat protectant spray whenever you use styling tools to keep the perimeter looking sharp and thick.

Q: Are curtain bangs suitable for all hair types? A: Curtain bangs are remarkably versatile because they can be adjusted in length and density. They work well for fine hair by adding the illusion of volume, and for thick hair by softening the overall silhouette around the face.

Q: Why did hair accessories become so popular during this period? A: Hair accessories offered a low-cost, low-commitment way to experiment with trends. They allowed individuals to change their look daily without damaging their hair with chemicals or heat, aligning with a growing interest in hair health and versatility.