4 Hair-Care Trends We Predict Will Be Big in 2022

Well, that was weird — but certainly better than 2020. This year was a year of in-betweens. We’re partway through finally getting out of the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to vaccinations, but we’re also still in the middle of the once-in-a-generation event, which is still affecting people all over the world. 

Things aren’t completely “normal” yet but one thing is for sure, 2022 is looking a lot brighter than 2021. And with folks going out and interacting with people, families getting together, and in-person events returning, it’s time for us to get back to business, and for us, that means fly coifs and more hair trends. However, pandemic culture is still very much a thing, and many of the habits we embraced during lockdown — letting our grays grow in, taking care of our scalps — aren’t going away anytime soon. And hair-care brands get that.

We’re here to help you navigate this no-man’s land. With a little insight from experts, and a glance through our editor stashes of new and semi-newness, we’ve identified four hair-product trends that are likely to take us through 2022. 

Products for Aging Hair

Just like your skin, your hair changes as you age. And we’ve been seeing more products and collections cropping up to address those changes: thinning, dryness, and graying. “With age, we know that our hair thins out. This is because of both a decrease in the number of hairs and a decrease in the diameter of the individual hairs themselves,” explains New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D. “The active phase of hair growth, known as anagen, tends to become shorter with age, which means that hairs don’t grow as long and fall out more rapidly.” 

As you age, the cells in your hair that produce its pigment also begin to slow, which is part of the reason why you start graying. “There’s some data to suggest that this has to do with free-radical damage in the hair follicle,” he adds. Your hair also tends to get drier as a result of decreased oil gland activity on your scalp that also comes with getting older. 

Before you reach for any product, Dr. Zeichner suggests speaking to your dermatologist first. “It’s important to distinguish normal age-related health changes with those caused by underlying health issues,” he explains. “If you are experiencing any hair thinning, it’s important to visit your dermatologist for evaluation. Your derm may take some bloodwork to test you for anemia, thyroid issues, or vitamin deficiencies.”