Suzie McGill, Artistic Director at Rainbow Room International and current British Colour Technician of the Year, takes a look at the colour and styling trends for the autumn/winter season.

OPALISING

Opalising is one of the hottest trends for blondes for autumn/winter 2024 and is a great way for those with platinum and more block blonde shades to update their hair for the new season and give it dimension, depth and movement. The technique involves blending through subtle tones of pink, violet and blue to give the hair a multi-dimensional finish that mimics the beautiful opal stone. The hair almost looks pearlescent and has an incredible shine. As we move into the cooler months this is such a perfect blonde tone for the season that still has a playful edge and that gives the hair a super healthy and fresh appearance. This is a new take on the silver/icy white tones we have noticed becoming popular in recent years for autumn/winter which is softer but still bright and clean. For those feeling more adventurous, the hues of pink, violet and blue can also be intensified to give the hair a fun pop of pastel.

PIXIE CUT

Pixie cuts will forever be a favourite cut of mine and for the new season we will see these worn even more textured, with razored sides and short, sharp fringes for those looking to achieve a serious ‘cool girl’ vibe.

THE BOB

Bobs of all lengths will be on trend for the new season, however, we will also see shorter bobs becoming incredibly popular, including the micro bob that hits the jaw line or just above. To give this a further contemporary finish, the micro bob looks super chic and sophisticated when paired with a side parting and flicked ends.

BRAIDING

Intricate braids were all over the autumn/winter catwalk shows. It’s a great time to experiment with long, polished braids, crown braids, braided buns including topknots and space buns and by wearing several braids for a more funky, free flowing look. Strong hold gels and waxes will be helpful products when working with braids this season, giving them hold and a more polished finish.