Have you ever tried a hairstyle that was a major fail? Did you follow every single step in a YouTube video and your hair still came out wrong? I have been there and I almost gave up on being a curly girl several times. I learned from my experiences with failed hairstyles and it taught me that , “If at first, you don’t succeed, try try again.” Here are a few hairstyles that were a fail for me in the beginning, but after some patience and practice, I finally mastered them, well kind of.
Marley Twists
Failed Marley Twists may come as a shocker because this was the first style that got me noticed online with the natural hair community. My very first attempt at Marley Twists was a major fail, and I had to end up taking my hair down after several hours of trying this style. The second time around I had more time to devote to completing it correctly. I wanted to do the invisible root method and had to take my time to get it right. One important tip is to make sure you set aside enough time to try a new style in case it doesn’t work out for you, in the end, you will have a chance to change it.
Bantu Knots
Bantu Knots have always been a fail for me. Every single time I attempted Bantu Knots my hair would come out looking puffy and would have no definition at all. I told myself that this year I would try Bantu Knots again, so keep an eye out to see if I succeed at creating this hairstyle again. I have noticed from many YouTube tutorials it’s all about how you twist your hair in the knot. Also, to start with somewhat stretched hair to make the style more defined. Lastly, to make sure your hair is completely dry before taking your knots down. This will help you create a beautiful Bantu Knot set.
I will admit my first wash and go styles were a complete failure. My transitioning hair didn’t do well with wash and go’s because the top would be curly and the bottom ends would be limp since they were still permed. I just recently tried a wash and go for the second time and was able to get great results. There is an art to creating the perfect wash and go. You have to make sure your hair is dripping wet when you apply the product to your hair by shingling or raking it through. You also need to leave your hair alone and not touch it so that your curls won’t frizz. If you still have relaxed ends, wash and go’s may not be the best option for you.
Goddess/ Halo Braid
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I can’t French braid well, so halo braids are still a struggle for me. Every time I try to flat twist or French braid my hair, it never comes out like the YouTube video I watched. Practicing your braiding technique will really help create a better halo braid style. Since I have been able to practice more, I noticed that I am getting better. Practicing a style multiple times really helps.
Failing in many of these protective styles has taught me to be patient with my hair. I learned that if it doesn’t work out the first time, to try the style again.
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
