I have always wanted to see what my hair would look like at this length. I love that I can switch from longer to shorter overnight.
Have you ever wanted to see what your hair would look like at a shorter length? Curious to see what you’ll look like with the big chop?
Here is a temporary solution that can be done overnight and without heat. I personally have always wanted to see what my hair would look like at this length and I love that I can switch from a longer to shorter style. This style will more than likely work best on medium hair lengths with layers. However, I found that using perm rods and flexi rods in different sizes gave me a fabulous tapered Afro.
What You’ll Need:
Salon Care Curved Perm Rods Mini Red ⅛ Inch 3mm
Salon Care Curved Perm Rods Long Yellow 5/16 Inch 5mm
Hot Tools Pro Curls Spongy Rod Rollers 5/8 Diameter, 7 3/4 Long
1. Start on either freshly washed or dry hair (I started on dry hair to make sure it dried faster”>.
2. Begin at the nape of your neck, making a small horizontal section.
3. Add a dollop of the botanical gelle and rake through the section making sure to clear any tangles.
4. Split each section into 3 or more ½ inch sections.
5. Wrap and secure each section using the smallest perm rods. Repeat this process for the first 3 bottom rows.
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6. Increase the size of the perm rod as you get higher. When you get to the crown, switch to flexi rods or large perm rods (to create looser curls”>. After all rods are installed, wrap your head in a scarf and sleep in them overnight or until 100% air dried.
Takedown + styling (the next morning”>
7. The next morning, take down your scarf and begin to unravel each perm rod. You will find that the curls in the perm rods will be extra tight and close to the scalp. The curls left in the flexi rods will be looser and together this will create a tapered look.
8. Using your fingers, begin separating each curl with a small amount of the control paste. Be sure to separate each curl 2 to 3 times to ensure lots of volume.
9. Use a lifting comb to add more volume at the root. To create the look of a tapered afro, pick lightly on the bottom half so that the curls stay tighter to the scalp.
10. Pin any loose, longer curls that are out of place. Lastly, use a larger pick at the crown to create the illusion of a tapered haircut. Depending on the length and type of haircut you have, bobby pins will probably be necessary.
If there’s one thing that 2024 gave, and to be clear, it gave many things, it was head-turning hair moments and drops that expanded the haircare industry. There were new innovations in hair tools and technology, big celebrity drops (cough Cécred and Fenty Hair), more products moving towards sustainability, and prioritizing hair health. When it came to haircuts, colors, and styles, the goal was main character energy.
There was a bigger move towards creating hair looks that weren’t only trendy but timeless. Celebrities and influencers continued to use major award shows, red-carpet moments, concerts, and album releases to debut fresh and innovative approaches to their styles that had everyone running to the salon.
Let’s look back at how 2024 became a standout year for outstanding looks that we all loved.
Platinum Blonde
Photo by Michael Buckner/Billboard via Getty Images
Platinum blonde was everyone in 2024. Whether it was Beyoncé ushering in a new era of Country with Cowboy Carter, Camila Cabello transforming from her signature dark tresses, or the pop princess Sabrina Carpenter, platinum blonde was a mainstay hair color this year.
Old Hollywood Bob
Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images
Low maintenance looks like the Old Hollywood Bob was on the menu all year, and here’s why: it blends nostalgia and chicness. Ice Spice turned heads at the BET Awards when she went from her signature copper curls to channeling this stunning style. Sydney Sweeney, Zendaya, and Elsa Hosk are just some women who opted for this sleek, shiny, and voluminous trend.
Nostalgic Updos
Photo by John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images
Updos have always been a pivotal hairstyle for any evening look, but we transition from sleek styles to more effortless styles that embrace volume. Most notable celebrities like Lori Harvey, Meg Thee Stallion, and Kim Kardashian channeled 90s icons like Pamela Anderson to create a “messy upo” that showcased texture and body.
Braided Topknots
Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images
Braids never go out of style, but how we innovate them does. The topknot has always been a signature style that is easy and effortless, but braided topknots helped elevate the updo. Marsai Martin, Jennifer Lopez, and Issa Rae were just a few of the beauty mavens who sported this look in 2024.
Nothing Like Natural
Photo by Kayla Oaddams/WireImage
Calling all naturals. Ditching the wigs, weaves, and extensions and putting your natural coils, curls, and waves front and center were all apart of the healthy hair conversation in 2024. Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Simone Biles made headlines by giving fans a peek behind the scenes and letting us see their real textures.
Nara Smith Bob
Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for the Business of Fashion
Nara Smith became a social media darling in 2024, but it wasn’t just for her signature voiceovers. The bob made a big comeback, and her one-length style is chic, effortless, and reflects the luxury glam that we all wish to channel.
Single Braid Ponytail
Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
If you’re a ponytail girlie, then you know dressing it up can help add dimension and personality to the classic style. The key to a single braid ponytail is ensuring your hair is slick in the front and then using extensions or weaves to really add length that you can wear to the front or back. Gabrielle Union, Zendaya, and Selena Gomez made this no-fuss hairstyle a fan favorite.
Bombshell Blowouts
Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images
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Sabrina Carpenter was the espresso on everyone’s lips in 2024, and it wasn’t just because of her catchy tunes. Her voluminous, blonde bombshell hairstyle quickly became the talk of the town, and many influencers and stylists shared their tips on how to style and maintain this Marilyn Monroe-esque look.
The Wet Look
Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for EBONY
Who would have thought that making your hair appear wet (on purpose) would be so popular? The wet look. What’s great about this style is that it can be achieved with any hair texture, as seen by beauty queens like Coco Jones, Kim Kardashian, and Megan Fox. The secret to this style lies in a perfect combination of products like gel, glossing spray, and serum.
Pastel Hues
Photo by Araya Doheny/Getty Images for Revolve
There aren’t many times when we get new hair colors that make us do a double-take, but this was definitely a head-turner. Megan Fox set the internet ablaze by debuting a series of pastel hues in blue and pink that ignited new hairstyles for the festival season.
Voluminous High Ponytails
Photo by TheStewartofNY/GC Images
The higher the hair, the closer to…perfection. Sky-high ponytails are elegant, timeless, and give snatched a whole new definition. Keke Palmer, Taraji P. Henson, and Laverne Cox showed how versatile this hairstyle is, whether you’re storming the streets of NYC or slaying the red carpet.
Flipped Bob
Photo by Bruce Glikas/Getty Images
Sophistication was an integral part of how people approached their hair in 2024. The flipped bob was a short style that took over the summer due to its softer finish and upward flick reminiscent of 60s GOGO girls.
Powerful Pixies
Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Pixie cuts have taken over the fall season. This style reflects sheer confidence and is perfect for putting your face front and center. Whether you’re aiming for old-time glamour like Audrey Hepburn or sexy sirens like Halle Berry, pixies are great for those wanting to go short.
Baby Bangs
Photo by Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images
Baby bangs or micro bangs are often known for being super blunt, short, and can be worn across all textures. Zendaya turned heads with this style during Fashion Week, and we’ve seen even more celebrities like Oliva Rodrigo, Julia Fox, and Zoë Kravitz following suit.
Cloudy Curls
Photo by Daniele Venturelli/WireImage
Cloud curls have taken over the fall season since they are cut and are designed to complement your hair’s natural texture and movement. The “cloud” effect comes from embracing the halo effect or frizz that gives a youthful look. Yara Shahidi is the queen of cloud curls and is a great example of a celebrity who continually serves in this fanciful style.
Textured Updo
Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
Your natural texture is beautiful, and that’s why we saw more celebrities aiming to ditch the heat tools and creating updos with their curls, coils, and waves intact. A little mousse and hairspray went a long way for celebrities like Tyla, Jordyn Woods, and Anna Taylor Joy, who used their natural tresses to create jaw-dropping styles.
Which hairstyle took your breath away in 2024? What are you looking forward to in 2025? Let us know in the comments.
