With so many industry reports, surveys and social media metrics predicting what is going to take the market by storm in 2025, it is impossible to compile a definitive list of what’s hot in hair and beauty for the year ahead.
But we have selected some of the trends that look set to dominate in the coming months.
Mocha Mousse. With Pantone announcing that Pantone 17-1230 Mocha Mousse is its Colour of the Year 2025, expect to see the shade popping up in a range of forms across hair, make-up and nails.
Micro bob. The bob was popular in 2024, with ‘French bob haircut’ being among the top trending searches on Google over the year. Now 2025 looks set to embrace an even shorter bob that sits close to the jawline and has a sharp finish.
Sunflower blonde. This hair shade has been in vogue for a few seasons now and the trend is set to continue as icy blondes take a back seat in favour of warmer, golden and buttery hues.
Bold and expressive lashes. After a year of natural and fluffy lash trends, 2025 will see a shift towards bold, wispy designs that prioritise length over volume.
Skin longevity and minimalist skincare. The focus on long-term skin health continues to grow, with clients prioritising sun protection, hydration and repair. Skinimalism 2.0 is set to take minimalist skincare to the next level, incorporating multitasking products packed with science-backed ingredients – think foundations enriched with skincare actives like vitamin C and niacinamide.
Medium contrast and demure make-up. Make-up in 2025 is set to be all about balance and versatility. Medium contrast looks, characterised by soft, yet defined features, have seen a meteoric rise in interest, with searches surging by over 45,000% globally, according to online retailer Beauty Pie. Complementing this trend is the growing popularity of demure make-up, which emphasises muted, natural complexions for a refined aesthetic.
Dark romantic make-up. The 1990s revival that kicked off in 2024 is set to evolve into darker, vampier make-up looks. This romantic twist on the classic style pairs perfectly smudged eyeliner, often in dark brown or black, with a more pared back complexion. Lips are either nude or a deep berry stain, creating a striking contrast.
Enhanced beauty tech experience. The intersection of beauty and technology is expanding, with a focus on immersive, high-tech experiences. From augmented reality (AR) make-up try-ons to virtual beauty consultations, tech is bridging the gap between online and in-person retail. Artificial intelligence is also changing the beauty scene by delivering hyper-personalised experiences, with virtual skin consultations and AI-powered shade-matching tools helping consumers to select their products.
Duck-shaped and tortoiseshell nails. Nail trends for 2025 will include duck-shaped nails and even more tortoiseshell designs. Duck-shaped nails, characterised by their flared tips, offer a bold, statement-making option, while tortoiseshell nails provide a chic, wearable alternative. Beauty Pie’s data reports that the top five most increasingly-searched trends over the last six months are duck-shape nails (463%), hibiscus nails (303%), tortoiseshell nails (267%), Greek goddess nails (134%) and glass nails (127%).
Climate-conscious hair and beauty. The focus on the environment is not going anywhere as the demand for eco-friendly formulations, ethical sourcing and recyclable packaging rises. Sustainability is no longer an option, but a prerequisite. According to Mintel, brands are expected to consider environmental ethics as consumers look for refill systems and climate-adapted products that take a local and eco-friendly approach. For instance, waterless skincare formulas saw an 806% increase in global annual Google search results in the last six months of 2024, according to Beauty Pie.
