What's Hot in Hair Right Now - A Stylist's Take from Columbia

Hey y'all! Courtney here from Hyde Salon. After five years cutting and coloring hair in Columbia, I thought I'd share what's been keeping me busy lately. These are the looks everyone's been asking for - some might surprise you.

The Effortless Look Everyone Wants

Honestly, half my clients walk in saying they want something "easy but still cute." Enter lived-in layers. I'm talking about those soft, piece-y cuts that look good whether you spent twenty minutes styling or just scrunched some mousse in wet hair.

Had a client last week - busy mom of three - who literally teared up because she could finally run her fingers through her hair and it still looked intentional. That's the magic right there. These cuts grow out without looking sloppy, which means you're not stuck coming in every six weeks if money's tight.

Brunettes Are Having a Moment

Maybe it's the economy, or maybe people are just tired of bleach damage, but brunette requests have doubled this year. Not your basic brown though - we're talking rich, glossy shades that catch the light. Think the color of good coffee or dark chocolate.

I've been doing a lot of gloss treatments to pump up the shine factor. It's like a clear coat for your hair. One treatment and suddenly your hair looks expensive, even if you haven't had a cut in months.

Bangs Without the Commitment Issues

Curtain bangs saved my life as a stylist. Finally, something for all those clients who've been burned by bad fringe experiences. They're like training wheels for bangs - soft enough that if you hate them, they blend right back into your hair.

Pro tip: they're perfect if you're dealing with a higher forehead or want to soften angular features. I've cut them on everyone from college students to retirement-age women. They just work.

Blonde, But Make It Low-Key

Look, I get it. Blonde maintenance can break the bank. That's why this whole "expensive blonde" thing caught on - it's designed to grow out gracefully. We're using techniques that create dimension without harsh lines.

Your roots can grow three, sometimes four months, and it still looks purposeful. Perfect for teachers dealing with summer break budgets or anyone who doesn't want their hair controlling their calendar.

The Health Hair Revolution

This might be the best trend yet. Clients are finally understanding that healthy hair trumps everything else. I'm doing more deep conditioning treatments than ever - Olaplex, protein masks, the works.

Had a woman come in with fried hair from years of box dye. Six months of treatments later, her hair felt like silk. Now every color I put on her looks amazing because we fixed the foundation first. It's like skincare but for your scalp.

Shags Are Back (But Cooler This Time)

The shag got a reputation for being messy, but the 2024 version is more refined. Think Stevie Nicks meets modern girl about town. Lots of layers, lots of movement, but intentional.

Best part? You literally cannot oversleep your way out of looking good with this cut. Bedhead is part of the aesthetic.

Sleek Hair Made Its Return

After years of beachy waves, some clients are craving that polished, straight look again. The trick is making it look smooth, not flat. Takes the right products and technique, but when it's done right? Total power move.

Perfect for job interviews, date nights, or when you just want to feel put-together. There's something confidence-boosting about sleek hair that catches every light.

Face-Framing Highlights Are Everything

"Money pieces" sounds ridiculous, but that's what they're called. Basically, strategic highlights right around your face that brighten everything up. You can go subtle or dramatic - I've done both.

Had a client who was feeling invisible after her divorce. Two bright pieces framing her face and suddenly she looked five years younger. Sometimes it's the small changes that make the biggest impact.

Reds Are Risky But Worth It

Copper, auburn, true red - these colors are having their moment. Fair warning though: red fades fast and requires commitment. Color-safe shampoo is non-negotiable, and you'll need glosses every 6-8 weeks.

But when red hair is done right? Nothing beats it. Had a naturally blonde client go auburn last month, and she said strangers started complimenting her everywhere she went.

Textured Bobs for the Win

The bob will never die, but we're doing them with more movement now. Instead of that sharp, geometric look, we're adding waves and softness. Still professional enough for corporate jobs but with personality.

Great for anyone who wants something chic but doesn't have hours to style. Add some texture spray and you're good to go.

What This All Means

Here's what I've learned: the best trends are the ones that work with your real life. Not everyone has time for high-maintenance hair, and not every face looks good in every cut.

At Hyde, we take these trends and figure out how to make them work for you specifically. Your lifestyle, your hair texture, your budget - it all matters.

Come See Us

Ready to try something new? We've got two locations to serve you:

Hyde Vista: Downtown at 801 Gervais Street - perfect if you work in the city Hyde Chapin: 301 Columbia Ave - easier if you're coming from Irmo or Lexington

Call us or book online. Let's figure out which of these trends makes sense for your life.

Courtney Sox has been styling hair at Hyde Salon for five years and specializes in lived-in color and cuts that work with busy lifestyles.