As the curtain falls on London Fashion Week, it’s clear that the runway trends are poised to make their way into salon chairs everywhere. The UK’s top stylists gathered in the heart of the capital to unveil the season’s upcoming trends, focusing on the art of transforming simple hairstyles into stunning looks—perfect for recreating in the salon.
“I find myself brimming with ideas, sketching out concepts and mood boards on how to morph these runway styles into everyday wearable looks. Not to mention, I am eager to capture the same energy and emotion in my editorial work that these hairstyles radiate on the runway,” shares Nicholas James.
Though the spotlight of Fashion Week often shines on the clothing, the hairstyles that accompany these outfits are equally influential. They amplify the designer’s vision, evoking the intended emotion and adding an extra layer of storytelling.
Here are Nicholas James’s top picks for the hair trends you’ll soon see everywhere:
Richard Quinn showcased extreme side partings…
“The side part is back with vengeance after being overshadowed by its more contemporary counterpart for the past decade – the middle parting. Models adorned with beautifully delicate petticoat dresses took to the runways to bring the designer’s winter wonderland vision to life. For me, the most notable addition to the look was the structured 40s inspired pixie cut with a deep side parting. The style can be easily achieved with strong hold hairspray to mould the hair into the desired shape and the parting should be diagonally above one of the eyebrows. Side partings have an elegant allure with the ability to elevate the most basic styles and flatter almost any face shape. I loved this look as the hair’s structed nature beautifully contrasts the delicate essence of the clothing.”
Di Pesta revived the wet hair look….
“Drenched, dripping and just dragged out of the ocean – the wet hair look harmonised beautifully with Di Pesta’s beachy collection. The style which is loved by celebrities – Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner and Zendaya to name a few – was reimagined on the runaway, with the hair visibly looking wet to touch. The models embodied sea goddess who have just taken their first steps on dry land after cinematically emerging from the ocean, with beads of water dripping off their long, luscious hair. Sleek, sultry and sophisticated, this look will be everywhere this summer. The wet hair look can be easily created by starting with damp hair and reaching straight for the hair gel – and you’re going to need lots of it to achieve that wet effect!”
Harris Reed’s twist on the slick back…
“Slick backs have been everywhere this year and I mean EVERYWHERE! When you envision the perfect slick back, you envision the hair being almost glued to the crown of the head, but the Harris Reed runway showcased a style which I had never really thought about before – slick backs with volume. For this look, the hair is still scrapped of the face, but when placed in the desire finish, tease a small part of the back of the crown to create a small bump. This look is sleek, polished and so easy to style – there is endless possibilities with this look, so let your imagine run wild!”
