The Hottest Hair Hues for 2014

Hair trends change drastically season after season, although we do see a few trends fighting their way through the seasons, such as the humble highlights and the ever-popular ombre. But every now and then, hair trends get turned on their head, giving us all some fabulous new styles for the new season and this year, there's a whole host of new trends. Read on to find out about some of the hottest hair color trends and cuts for 2014 - what's in, and what's most definitely OUT!

"Sombre"

Ombre has been around for a good few years now - hair that's darker at the roots and lighter and blonder at the tips. But the exaggerated ombre that's been so popular recently is now very much out - while subtle ombre (or "sombre") is a much more subtle take on the trend. The new ombre isn't like balayage where the lighter color is painted onto the tips of hair and around the face for a sun-kissed look - instead, hair color effortlessly "melts" together from root to tip in terms of graduation of color. There's no line and instead, color should just be a little bit lighter and brighter on the ends.

Solid Platinum

Solid platinum is going through a bit of a moment... at the moment. It seems like everyone is going blond right now and even Kim Kardashian is blonder than she's ever been before - but for the most powerful, on-trend look, go for a platinum hue that's a "power color" - that means that it should be bright, in your face and with no highlights. A pearlescent hue is always pretty and is very edgy (think Game of Thrones!), but if you're don't think you'll be able to carry off that slightly lilac hue, go for a regular platinum hue instead. With improvements in hair technology and as hair can now be lightened without the need for tons of bleach, everyone can now realize their blond ambition - without ruining their hair.

Radiant Orchid

Radiant orchid was named Pantone's color of 2014 - and although it's a little bit pink (and it might be a little in your face for some), if you use a darker shade of orchid like berry or get your colorist to apply it to your hair either using the balayage technique, where it is painted onto the hair very subtly, or get them to apply it as a base color with some additional highlights over the top in a constrasting hue. Deep reds and auburns, with some dark radiant orchid hues on top can be incredibly flattering - so why not give it a try?

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Power Colors

One of the biggest trends of 2014 is for "power colors" - bold, bright colors that are no nonsense and that take no prisoners! The key to pulling off a power color is to steer clear of wishy-washy shades or hues that contain too many highlights or lowlights - ask your stylist for monochramatic color and you'll definitely be on the right track.

The Hottest Haircuts For 2014

If you're a little afraid to take the plunge in terms of changing up your hair color in 2014, why not mix it up and experiment with your cut instead? One of the most popular trends for 2014, as seen all over the SS catwalks, was the "shag" cut - the 90s style cut with plenty of texture and choppiness. Instead of the ever-popular blunt cut, go for a choppier cut with a face-framing fringe, plenty of layers and a little bit of texture - ask your stylist to thin the hair out so that hair is soft when it falls around the face and is super flattering. But that's not to say that blunt bobs are out - they're most definitely not. Read on to learn more about the hottest cuts of 2014.

Making Waves

Whatever the length of your hair - whether it's short, down to your waist or skimming your shoulders, one of the prettiest and coolest ways to wear it in 2014 is to part it in the center and then add a gentle wave. Use a curling wand and tousle the curls using your fingers so that it isn't "doll-like" and make sure you place the curls randomly throughout the hair rather than all over for a natural look. Curl the hair away from the face and then spritz with hairspray to keep it in place. Mermaid waves are also set to be super popular and they're even easier to achieve - just plait hair before you go to bed, two thick plaits on either side of your head, undo in the morning and then tousle with your fingertips.

Big Bangs

Thick, chunky bangs are set to be really, really popular in 2014 - as seen on the catwalks at Fendi (as more of a bowl cut!), big blunt bangs are really rather flattering and are an easy way to jazz up your look without having a lot taken off the length of your hair. You can even buy clip-in bangs that attach just underneath your ears for a quick and very easy way to get the look - which is even better if you're a little bit afraid of taking the plunge by getting your hair cut.

Read More: Perfect Hair Styles for Round Faces

Undone Glamor

Hairstyles and cuts are all about undone glamor in 2014 - nothing too over the top and nothing too overdone. A fast and easy way to get the look is to plait hair to the side, behind one ear, then pull bits of hair from the braid and around your face so that it doesn't look too "done". Brush hair with your fingers when putting it into an up-do to give it texture and don't worry too much about brushing it through properly - one of the main things you should take away for 2014 is that hair shouldn't be too smooth and sleek - instead, keep it undone, lightly tousled, and always tease little bits of hair around your face. Fast glamor with very little effort - that's the way we like to style our hair!