THE “IT” HAIR TREND FOR 2016? #MERMAIDHAIR!
Year in, year out hair trends come and go. But by mid-year…fashionistas and designers alike can see one trend rise above them all as the dominant trend of the year. 2015 saw the rise of the bob…short hair and pixie cuts. But this year, the trend is all about long hair…from shoulder length to ultra-long hair that bears a resemblance to the mid-back length of mermaids. As we head into the latter part of 2016, below is a chronology of the key moments in #longhairdontcare that made this year all about length!
APRIL
KALEY CUOCO
Big Bang Theory’s Kaley Cuoco made waves when she ditched her short bob and went all in for long summer ombre with a little help from hair extensions! She premiered the look on Instagram with the post, “Baby’s got her hair back”.
"I love playing Penny, but it's good for me to bring it back to Kaley. Last year, I chopped it all off- this year I'm doing the opposite," the 30-year-old actress added. Add some Tape-In human hair extensions if you're trying to achieve this look.
MAY
KE$HA
Sporting a shoulder-length bob and bangs at the Billboard Music Awards, Kesha changed this up in May, shocking fans with her new summer look: long, beachy waves thanks to some hair extensions! Clip-ins can be used to easily achieve this look!
JULY
MICHELLE OBAMA
While everyone was focused on policy at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia…social media and fashion magazines alike were abuzz about First Lady Michelle Obama’s tumbling, slightly-below-her-shoulder hair, side-swept bangs and loose curls. Said the First Lady’s longtime hairstylist Johnn Wright, “It has class. It gives you a little bit of everything all in one, and she is able to tell several stories when it comes to her look.” She's most likely wearing a full sew-in weave and/or lace frontal here!
AUGUST
KIM KARDASHIAN
Arguably the Queen of the Mermaid Hair this season, the beginning of August saw Kim Kardashian net 1.7 million likes when she debuted ultra-long, flowing beach waves that extended past her hips, plus a sultry smoky eye and a barely there lipstick.
DEMI LOVATO
Demi Lovato took the stage during the Honda Civic Tour a few weeks back and Instagram blew up with people commenting on her Kardashian-like back length long hair (courtesy of extensions). Her waist-length hair was the talk of the ‘net, a length that would’ve taken YEARS to achieve.
GABBY DOUGLAS
While the Olympian was competing for the United States, she was slammed on social media by trolls for her hairstyle. Her normal, long beautiful natural hair was done into a bun while she performed in Rio. Unphased by the haters, she became the face of natural hair pride when she posted this response, "My black is the color of champions.🏆🏆 My beautiful is unparalleled.✨✨"
LUPITA NYONG’O
The Jungle Book actress, premiered her new, longer locks on Instagram a few weeks back with the caption “Summer Sunday”. Long, thin braids pulled back from her fresh face, she looked relaxed and radiant. The Oscar-winning actress’ long haired look is a real change from her well-known short hair. Said Nyong’o of her new braided tresses to InStyle magazine, “it took me a moment to love it.”
Long Hair Looks for Every Lifestyle
"Long hair is having a sustained moment because it's so versatile - it works for casual, professional, and formal situations in ways that shorter styles sometimes can't. Extensions make this versatility accessible regardless of your natural hair's current length or thickness."
- Priyanka Swamy, Founder of Perfect Locks
The Long Hair Trends Worth Knowing
Lived-in layers: Long hair with movement-creating layers rather than one solid length throughout. The layers create the face-framing and texture that keeps long hair from looking flat. Extensions add the volume that makes layered long hair look full rather than stringy.
Blunt long: The opposite of layers - a sharp, one-length cut at the longest point. Incredibly sleek and graphic when blown out straight or worn in a high ponytail. Extensions add the density that makes blunt long hair look intentionally thick and structural.
Long + curtain fringe: Center-parted fringe with long hair throughout is the dominant trend for women who want face-framing without committing to a dramatic cut. The fringe modernizes a classic long hair look.
Effortless waves: Long hair in loose, beachy waves rather than styled curls or straight blowouts. Works with clip-in extensions beautifully - the relaxed texture makes extension blending easy and the length creates the dramatic wave silhouette.
Sleek and straight: Long hair blown dry bone-straight with high shine. A clean, powerful look that reads as polished in professional settings. Extensions add the density that makes long straight hair look full and heavy rather than fine and flat.
Maintaining Long Extensions
Long extension hair requires more attention to end care than shorter lengths because the ends are older hair that has experienced more wear. Trim or dust ends every 6-8 weeks. Deep condition weekly focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Braid before sleeping to prevent tangling. These habits maintain the quality of long extension hair through many months of wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What long hairstyles are trending?
Current long hair trends include lived-in layers with movement, blunt one-length cuts, long hair with curtain fringe, effortless beachy waves, and high-shine straight blowouts. Extensions support all of these by adding the volume and length that makes each trend look its most dramatic.
How do you add length with extensions?
Clip-in extensions are the most immediate way to add length - install in under 5 minutes for same-day results. For longer-lasting length, tape-in or hand-tied weft extensions provide 6-8 weeks of continuous wear. Both methods use the same quality of hair; the difference is in how long and how permanently the length is added.
Author and Founder of Perfect Locks LLC
Priyanka Swamy, the visionary founder of Perfect Locks LLC, is a passionate advocate for empowering women and promoting cultural diversity. With an unwavering commitment to ethical sourcing and quality craftsmanship, she redefined the hair extension market and created a supportive community that celebrates individuality.
Priyanka's dedication to sustainability and social responsibility continues to inspire positive change within the industry. Her journey with Perfect Locks remains an inspiration, unlocking the true potential and confidence of countless individuals worldwide.
