Women\u2019s hairstyle trends in 2018 blended retro inspiration with modern convenience, offering versatile options for everyday wear and special events. This year emphasized polished blowouts, soft waves, and tailored updos that suited both office environments and night-out settings.
Hairstyle choices reflected a balance between structured styles and effortless texture, making it easier for women to switch looks without extensive daily effort. The following sections outline key directions, practical techniques, and common questions about popular 2018 hairstyles.
| Style Category | Key Characteristics | Best Hair Length | Typical Occasion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polished Blowout | Slight body at the crown, smooth ends, light side part | Medium to long | Work, formal events |
| Soft Loose Waves | Gentle curls, mid-size wave pattern, natural fall | Short to long | Casual, daytime |
| Low Sleek Bun | Tight smoothing at the nape, low tail, minimal flyaways | Medium to long | Evening, weddings |
| Half-Up Braided | Braided crown section, relaxed lower hair, textured finish | Long to very long | Day-to-day, festivals |
Polished Blowout Techniques
The polished blowout remained a signature look in 2018, defined by smooth shafts, volume at the roots, and a refined side part. Achieving this style relied on round brushing during blow-drying to create consistent lift and sleek directional flow.
Products like lightweight mousses and finishing sprays helped hold the shape without creating a stiff feel, allowing hair to move naturally while maintaining structure across the day.
Soft Loose Waves and Texture
Creating Effortless Curl Patterns
Soft loose waves in 2018 favored irregular curls and beachy texture, often achieved with medium-barrel curling irons or wand curlers. Styling started with a texturizing spray to enhance natural wave patterns and reduce the need for heavy heat on every strand.
Alternating curl direction and leaving a few face-framing pieces loose helped create a balanced, lived-in appearance that transitioned easily from day to night.
Updos and Formal Styles
Tailored Low Bun and Chignon Variations
For formal occasions, tailored low buns and chignons emphasized clean lines and minimal distractions around the face. These styles typically involved smooth twisting at the nape, secure pinning, and subtle finish with mattifying products to control shine.
Adding a small braid or twisting sections before pinning provided extra security, ensuring the look stayed intact through long evenings and multiple activities.
Everyday Quick Hairstyles
Half-Up Braids and Topknots
Busy schedules in 2018 encouraged quick, half-up braids that kept hair off the neck while preserving length for polished styling. A simple crown braid or fishtail detail added interest without demanding extensive time in front of the mirror.
Topknots and low messy buns offered equally fast solutions, especially when paired with a light sea salt spray for grip and undone edges that framed the face softly.
Key Takeaways for 2018 Women\u2019s Hairstyles
- Focus on clean blowouts with subtle crown volume for versatile everyday wear.
- Use soft, medium-sized curls to create relaxed waves suitable for both casual and dressy looks.
- Incorporate low buns and chignons for polished evenings and special events.
- Experiment with half-up braids and topknots to save time without sacrificing style.
- Choose lightweight, flexible-hold products to maintain movement and avoid stiffness.
FAQ
Reader questions
What type of styling tools worked best for soft loose waves in 2018?
Medium-barrel curling irons and wand curlers were ideal for creating soft loose waves, especially when used with a heat protectant and gentle twisting motions for a natural finish.
How can I maintain volume in a polished blowout throughout the workday?
To preserve volume, apply root-lifting spray before blow-drying, use a round brush to lift sections at the crown, and finish with a lightweight flexible hold hairspray to prevent flattening.
What is the easiest way to transition a half-up braid into an evening style?
You can loosen the braid slightly, smooth the top section, and secure it into a low chignon or twist, then add pins and a shine-control serum to shift the look from day to evening.
Which products help reduce frizz in sleek low buns?
Applying a smoothing serum or anti-humidity cream before styling, along with firm pin placement and a light-hold finishing spray, helps keep frizz at bay and maintains a sleek silhouette.