Winter 2017 brought sharp cuts, refined textures, and icy color stories to the runway and salon. The season balanced severe geometry with soft, wearable shapes that suited both everyday street style and high-glam event looks.
Stylists emphasized disciplined blowouts, deliberate bedhead, and sculptural accessories that framed the face without overwhelming it. These trends responded to colder weather, structured coats, and a cultural appetite for modern polish with a hint of edge.
| Trend Name | Key Characteristics | Best Hair Types | Styling Tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slicked Back | High shine, severe side part, close to scalp | Straight, thick | Fine-tooth comb, strong gel |
| Textured Crop | Short length, matte texture, piece-y fringe | Fine to medium, straight or wavy | Clippers, sea salt spray, matte paste |
| Polished Bob | Blunt or softly angled, mirror-like finish | Medium density, straight | Round brush, flat iron, shine serum |
| Low Bun Braids | Three thin braids gathered low, secure coils | Medium to long, smooth | Brush, elastics, light oil |
Sharp Cuts and Geometric Lines
Precision Fringe and Tapering
Hair around the forehead sat higher and tighter, while the back and sides were tapered sharply for clean architecture. This approach kept fringe sleek and directional, avoiding bulk that would trap winter coats and scarves.
Undercut Elements in Longer Styles
Longer hair incorporated shaved or very short undersections, creating contrast when pulled into a loose topknot. The exposed skin near the ears and nape aligned with the season’s minimalist layering in coats and sweaters.
Textured Matte Finishes
Bedhead Without the Grease
Movements in the fringe were suggested with matte paste rather than oil, delivering hold without a glossy helmet look. Stylists focused on piece-y separation at the roots so that indoor heating did not create plastic shine.
Root Lift for Volume and Shape
Backcombing and directional blowouts built height at the crown, allowing styles to remain stable in cold wind and under beanies. Subtle asymmetry was introduced by varying the height between sides.
Polished Bob and Retro Influences
Blunt Cuts with a Twist
One of the defining silhouettes was a bob that ended at the jawline or chin, cut almost bluntly but with a slight internal layering to prevent a blocky shape. A mirror-finish flat iron pass sealed the edges for runway-level shine.
Soft Waves and Vintage Parting
Clients who wanted movement opted for loose Marcel waves, then brushed them out into a smooth, S-curve reminiscent of 1940s hair. A low side part and a veil of hairspray kept the look polished through long commutes.
Braids and Functional Style
Low Bun Braids for Practical Warmth
Three tight braids drawn back and twisted into a low bun protected hair from wind and offered a streamlined profile under furry hats. Minimal flyaways and a discreet elastic finish kept the look modern rather than costume-like.
Half-Up Sculptures
Select sections were pinned up in loose loops, leaving the nape and ears exposed to complement oversized scarves. Matte serum added control without making the style appear stiff or overly designed.
Key Takeaways for Winter 2017 Hair
- Prioritize sharp, tapered lines around the sides while balancing them with soft textures on top.
- Embrace matte finishes and controlled piece-y separation to suit winter fabrics and layers.
- Choose polished bobs or practical braids that stay secure under coats, hats, and scarves.
- Use strategic root lift and lightweight products to add shape without sacrificing natural movement.
- Protect hair with heat safeguards and regular conditioning, especially when frequently styling sleek or braided looks.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I keep a slicked-back style from looking greasy by midday?
Use a water-based gel and a microfiber towel to reduce excess oil, then refresh the part with a matte paste rather than more oil-based pomade.
Can textured crop hair work with naturally wavy hair? Yes, ask your stylist to define your natural wave pattern with point cutting and keep the weight at the ends light to preserve movement without frizz. What is the best way to protect a polished bob from heat damage when styling at home?
Apply a silicone-free heat protectant, use a mid-temperature flat iron, and avoid repeated passes over the same section to maintain shine and integrity.
Will low bun braids damage my hair if worn weekly during winter?
Keep braids slightly loose, use soft elastic bands, alternate the parting, and give your hair a deep conditioning treatment between styles to minimize stress.