Top 10 Styling Trends to Master in 2025

Fashion evolves, and hair trends evolve with it. As we head into 2025, I'm seeing a beautiful shift toward styles that balance effortlessness with intentionality—looks that appear natural but are carefully crafted. After analyzing runway shows, celebrity stylists' work, and social media trends, here are the ten styling techniques you need to master to stay ahead of client demand.

The 2025 Styling Philosophy: Lived-In Luxury

Before we dive into specific trends, let's talk about the overarching theme for 2025: lived-in luxury. Clients want hair that looks expensive and intentional, but not overly styled or stiff. Think "I woke up like this"—but make it fashion.

This means:

• Texture over perfection
• Movement over rigidity
• Natural shine over matte finish
• Soft edges over hard lines
• Effortless vibes over high-maintenance looks

Trend #1: The "Expensive" Blowout

The sleek, bouncy blowout is back—but with a 2025 twist. We're talking about volume at the roots, smooth through the mid-lengths, and soft, face-framing movement at the ends.

How to Create It:

1. Prep with volumizing mousse at the roots only
2. Rough-dry to 80% using your hands to create natural movement
3. Section and blow-dry with a round brush, focusing tension at the roots
4. Use a 2.5-3 inch barrel for the round brush to create soft bends
5. Finish with a cool shot to set the style
6. Add shine serum to mid-lengths and ends only
7. Gently shake out at the roots for lived-in volume

Pro Tip:

The secret to the "expensive" look is the shine. Use a lightweight oil or serum on dry hair to create that glossy, healthy finish. But keep it away from roots—we want volume, not grease.

Best For:

Medium to long hair, all textures. This is the universal "I have a job interview/date/event" style that every client will request.

Products to Recommend:

• Volumizing mousse for roots
• Heat protectant spray
• Lightweight shine serum
• Flexible hold hairspray

Trend #2: Textured Waves (The New Beach Wave)

Beach waves aren't going anywhere, but they're evolving. The 2025 version has more texture, more dimension, and more intention. Think less "I just got out of the ocean" and more "I styled my hair to look like I just got out of the ocean."

How to Create It:

1. Apply sea salt spray to damp hair
2. Rough-dry with a diffuser or air-dry to 90%
3. Use a 1-1.25 inch curling iron or wand
4. Take random-sized sections—uniformity is the enemy here
5. Alternate curl directions for natural-looking waves
6. Leave ends out for a modern, undone finish
7. Let cool completely before touching
8. Break up with fingers and add texture spray

The Katie Method Variation:

For extra texture and staying power, I teach my students to twist each section before wrapping it around the iron. This creates a more defined, piece-y texture that photographs beautifully.

Best For:

All hair lengths and textures. This is the most requested style in salons, and mastering it is non-negotiable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Using sections that are too large (creates loose, floppy waves)
• Curling in the same direction (looks too uniform)
• Touching hair before it cools (waves fall out immediately)
• Using too much product (weighs down the texture)

Trend #3: The Sleek, Glass-Hair Look

On the opposite end of the spectrum, ultra-sleek, mirror-shine hair is having a major moment. This is the red-carpet, high-fashion look that screams sophistication.

How to Create It:

1. Start with freshly washed hair—this look doesn't work on second-day hair
2. Apply smoothing cream to damp hair
3. Blow-dry with a paddle brush using downward tension
4. Section hair into 1-inch sections
5. Use a flat iron at 400°F (adjust for hair type)
6. Go slow—one pass should be enough
7. Finish with shine spray and a boar bristle brush

The Secret:

Glass hair is all about the prep. If you don't blow-dry it smooth first, the flat iron won't create that mirror finish. The blow-dry does 70% of the work.

Best For:

Medium to coarse hair that can handle heat. Not recommended for fine or damaged hair—it will look flat and lifeless.

Maintenance Talk:

Educate clients that this look requires daily styling and quality heat tools. It's high-maintenance but high-impact.

Trend #4: The Modern Shag Styling

The shag cut is everywhere, and styling it correctly is key. The 2025 shag is all about enhancing the layers, creating separation, and embracing the choppy texture.

How to Style It:

1. Apply volumizing mousse to damp hair
2. Rough-dry with your head flipped for maximum volume
3. Use a small round brush to add bend to face-framing layers
4. Flat iron random pieces away from the face for movement
5. Add texture paste to ends and throughout layers
6. Separate pieces with fingers for that piece-y, shaggy finish

Styling Variations:

For fine hair: Focus on root volume and use lightweight products
For thick hair: Use thinning techniques and heavier styling products
For curly hair: Enhance natural texture with curl cream and diffusing

Best For:

Short to medium hair, all textures. The shag is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to any face shape.

Trend #5: Braided and Twisted Updos

Formal styles are getting more relaxed and textured. Gone are the tight, sprayed-stiff updos. 2025 is all about soft, romantic braids and twists with face-framing pieces.

The Signature 2025 Updo:

1. Start with second-day hair or add texture spray to clean hair
2. Pull out face-framing pieces before you start
3. Create loose, messy braids (Dutch, French, or simple three-strand)
4. Pin in a low, asymmetrical bun
5. Pull apart braids for fullness and texture
6. Curl face-framing pieces with a small iron
7. Finish with light-hold spray and shine mist

Why This Works:

Clients love updos that look effortless and romantic. The key is making it look like it took 5 minutes when it actually took 20. Imperfection is the goal.

Best For:

Medium to long hair. This is your go-to for weddings, proms, and special events.

Trend #6: Air-Dried Styling (Yes, Really)

The biggest trend? Embracing natural texture. Clients are tired of heat damage and want to work with their hair, not against it.

How to Perfect Air-Dried Hair:

1. Apply curl cream or wave spray to soaking wet hair
2. Scrunch upward to encourage natural pattern
3. Microfiber towel or t-shirt dry—no regular towels!
4. Apply gel or mousse for hold
5. Scrunch again to distribute product
6. Air-dry or diffuse on low without touching
7. Once dry, scrunch out the crunch with oil

The Education Opportunity:

This is where you become invaluable. Most clients don't know how to work with their natural texture. Teaching them proper air-dry techniques creates loyalty and positions you as the expert.

Best For:

Wavy to curly hair. This trend is driving the curly hair revolution, and if you're not educated on curly hair care, you're missing out on a huge market.

Trend #7: The "Undone" Ponytail

Ponytails are getting a sophisticated upgrade. The 2025 version is sleek at the top with textured, voluminous length.

How to Create It:

1. Prep with volumizing spray at roots
2. Blow-dry smooth at the crown
3. Tease lightly at the crown for lift
4. Smooth top layer over teasing
5. Secure in a mid to low ponytail
6. Wrap a section of hair around the elastic
7. Curl the ponytail in random sections
8. Gently pull apart curls for fullness
9. Pull out a few face-framing pieces

The Elevated Touch:

The difference between a basic ponytail and an elevated one is the detail work. Smooth top, textured length, strategic face-framing pieces, and that wrapped elastic cover make all the difference.

Best For:

Medium to long hair. This is the "I'm running late but still want to look pulled together" style.

Trend #8: Wet-Look Styling

The intentionally wet, slicked-back look is transitioning from runway to real life. It's edgy, modern, and surprisingly wearable.

How to Create It:

1. Start with damp or dry hair
2. Apply generous gel or wet-look styling cream
3. Comb through with a fine-tooth comb
4. Slick back or to the side
5. Secure if needed with bobby pins
6. Let air-dry for authentic wet look
7. Add shine spray for extra gloss

Wearable Variations:

• Wet-look slicked-back ponytail
• Side-parted wet-look with loose ends
• Wet-look top with textured ends
• Wet-look braids

Best For:

Short to medium hair, fashion-forward clients. This isn't for everyone, but for the right client, it's a statement.

Trend #9: Curtain Bangs Styling

Curtain bangs continue to dominate, and styling them correctly is crucial. The 2025 version is soft, blended, and effortlessly frames the face.

How to Style Them:

1. Apply heat protectant to damp bangs
2. Blow-dry with a round brush rolling away from the face
3. Alternate directions for each side
4. Use velcro rollers while doing the rest of the style (pro trick!)
5. Remove rollers and gently separate
6. Finish with light-hold spray

The Secret to Long-Lasting Curtain Bangs:

The velcro roller trick is game-changing. Set them while the hair is still warm from blow-drying, and they'll hold their shape all day.

Best For:

All hair types and face shapes. Curtain bangs are universally flattering when cut and styled correctly.

Trend #10: Heatless Waves and Curls

The heatless styling movement is exploding. Clients want healthy hair and are willing to plan ahead for styles that don't require heat.

Popular Heatless Methods:

The Robe Belt Method:

Wrap damp hair around a soft belt or headband, sleep on it, release in the morning for soft waves.

The Sock Curls:

Twist small sections around soft fabric strips, sleep, release for defined curls.

The Braid Method:

Multiple braids on damp hair, sleep, release for textured waves.

The Pin Curls:

Classic Hollywood technique—roll sections, pin flat, sleep, release for vintage curls.

How to Teach This:

Demonstrate these techniques during appointments and create tutorials for social media. Clients love learning heatless methods, and it positions you as someone who cares about hair health.

Best For:

All hair types, especially clients concerned about heat damage or trying to grow their hair.

Products You Need to Master These Trends

Essential Styling Products for 2025:

• Volumizing mousse for root lift
• Heat protectant spray (non-negotiable)
• Texture spray for lived-in looks
• Shine serum or oil for glossy finishes
• Flexible-hold hairspray that allows movement
• Sea salt spray for beach waves
• Smoothing cream for sleek styles
• Curl cream for natural texture
• Texture paste or pomade for piece-y separation
• Dry shampoo for volume and second-day refresh

Tools You Need

• Quality blow dryer with multiple heat settings
• Round brushes in multiple sizes (1.5", 2.5", 3")
• Paddle brush for sleek styles
• Boar bristle brush for shine
• Flat iron with adjustable temperature
• Curling iron or wand (1" and 1.25")
• Velcro rollers for setting
• Fine-tooth comb for sleek looks
• Wide-tooth comb for detangling

How to Stay Current with Trends

Trends evolve quickly. Here's how to stay ahead:

1. Follow industry leaders on social media—see what they're creating
2. Watch runway shows—high fashion trickles down to everyday styles
3. Attend hair shows and workshops—hands-on learning is invaluable
4. Listen to your clients—they'll tell you what they're seeing and wanting
5. Experiment on mannequins—practice new techniques before doing them on clients
6. Create content—teaching trends on social media helps you master them

The Business of Trends

Understanding trends isn't just about staying current—it's about growing your business.

How to Monetize Trend Knowledge:

• Offer trend consultations as an add-on service
• Create seasonal trend packages (e.g., "2025 Spring Refresh")
• Host styling workshops teaching clients how to recreate trends at home
• Build social media presence showcasing your trend expertise
• Become the go-to stylist for fashion-forward clients

Final Thoughts: Trends vs. Timeless

While it's important to know current trends, remember: the best stylists know how to adapt trends to each client's unique features, lifestyle, and maintenance commitment.

A trend isn't successful if the client can't recreate it at home or if it doesn't suit their face shape. Your job is to take these trends and make them wearable, personalized, and achievable for your specific clientele.

Master these ten trends, but always filter them through the lens of "What does this client actually need?" That's how you build a loyal following—by being trendy AND practical.