When it comes to predicting the next big hair trend, a few celebrity stylists consistently lead the conversation. Among them is Chris Appleton, the mastermind behind countless iconic celebrity hairstyles worn by stars like Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, Dua Lipa, and many others. Known for creating unforgettable red carpet looks and viral hair transformations, Appleton has become one of the industry’s most trusted voices.
Because his work takes him across fashion capitals around the globe, Appleton gets a front-row view of how hairstyles differ from city to city. We recently caught up with the celebrity hairstylist to learn which looks are dominating New York, Paris, and Los Angeles—and which trend he believes has officially reached its expiration date.
“Every city has its own personality,” Appleton explains. “New York has that effortless cool-girl energy, Paris always feels romantic, and Los Angeles is all about confident, glamorous beauty. Hair tells a story, and every location inspires a different one.”
Here’s a closer look at the biggest hairstyle trends taking over these fashion capitals—and why Appleton thinks it’s finally time to move on from the ultra-short bob.
NYC Cool Girl
Appleton believes hair should constantly evolve alongside your personal style. Rather than committing to one signature cut forever, he encourages experimenting with different looks that reflect who you are at the moment. According to him, nowhere embraces fearless hair transformations quite like New York City.
Although ultra-short bobs have become one of Manhattan’s signature hairstyles—with ear-length micro bobs and sharp jaw-length cuts appearing everywhere—Appleton isn’t convinced they’ll remain popular for much longer.
“I think it’s time to retire the super-short bob,” he says with a smile.
He explains that once hair is cut extremely short, there’s very little flexibility until it grows back. “People don’t always realize how long that growing-out stage can be. Haircuts should almost come with a warning label,” he jokes.
Natural Texture
Instead of forcing hair into perfectly polished styles, Appleton says one of today’s strongest movements is embracing what nature already gave you.
“People are really leaning into their natural texture,” he says. Loose waves, soft curls, and lived-in finishes feel fresher than overly styled hair, especially during warmer months.
Many people, however, have spent years straightening or reshaping their hair and no longer know how to style their natural pattern. Appleton recommends using products that define curls while reducing frizz, helping natural movement become the focus instead of something to hide.
He also encourages using a diffuser attachment—even for those without tightly curled hair. Diffusing creates more body, movement, and soft definition compared to rough drying, resulting in a relaxed, effortless finish.
Creative Chop
New Yorkers continue experimenting with personalized cuts that feel expressive rather than overly structured. Whether it’s subtle layering, textured bobs, or modern shags, individuality remains the city’s biggest hair statement.
NYC Cool-Girl Shopping List
Look for lightweight curl enhancers, frizz-control styling products, diffusers, texture sprays, and flexible styling creams that encourage natural movement while maintaining softness.
Romantic Paris
Paris remains one of Appleton’s favorite destinations, and its timeless beauty aesthetic continues to influence his work. Whether styling Kim Kardashian for couture events or giving Kris Jenner elegant updates, he says French-inspired beauty always balances sophistication with effortlessness.
“Where you are always shapes the hairstyle,” Appleton says. “When we were in Paris with Kim, everything felt classic, polished, and glamorous.”
From couture-worthy hairstyles to soft romantic buns, Paris effortlessly combines elegance with modern confidence.
Sophisticated Updos
One of Appleton’s favorite recent creations was Kim Kardashian’s glamorous Paris updo.
“It felt very couture,” he says. “It lifted the face beautifully while still looking feminine, elegant, and modern.”
He enjoys hairstyles that blend glamorous polish with a cool, contemporary edge—a balance he believes French women naturally master.
For anyone recreating sleek updos at home, preparation is everything.
“You want every section of hair moving toward the ponytail in the same direction,” Appleton explains. Blow-drying the hair toward the final style before putting it up helps eliminate bumps and creates a much smoother finish.
Down and Draped
French women often let their hair dry naturally, adding only minimal styling or simple accessories like scarves. For a more elevated version, Appleton recommends soft face-framing waves or gently flipped-out ends that feel elegant without appearing overly done.
Speaking about Kris Jenner’s softer hairstyle, he says it maintained her recognizable look while introducing a lighter, more feminine feel.
To recreate Parisian-inspired volume, allow hair to air-dry with mousse or use a round brush while blow-drying for extra bounce. Appleton particularly likes volumizing brush attachments that create the timeless ’90s-inspired blowout effect.
‘Hot Girl’ L.A.
Los Angeles embraces effortless beauty unlike almost anywhere else. Surrounded by beaches, sunshine, and a relaxed lifestyle, hairstyles tend to look naturally beautiful rather than overly perfected. Long layers, beachy waves, glossy brunettes, and healthy hair dominate the city’s aesthetic.
Surfer Waves
Appleton highlights Nicole Kidman’s soft, honey-blonde waves as a perfect example of California-inspired beauty.
The hairstyle features relaxed texture with loose movement throughout the lengths while avoiding excessive curl at both the roots and ends. The result feels polished without looking overly styled.
Summer humidity actually works in favor of this look.
“People start embracing their natural texture because fighting against humidity becomes impossible,” Appleton explains.
Finding the right combination of styling creams, mousses, anti-frizz products, or curl enhancers can help create relaxed waves that look intentional instead of messy.
Mocha Mousse
While longer bobs continue to remain popular in Los Angeles, Appleton says hair color is stealing the spotlight this season.
One standout shade is mocha mousse—a balanced brunette that blends cool and warm tones together while creating natural-looking depth.
“People are moving toward colors that mix warm and cool shades while combining lighter and darker pieces,” Appleton explains.
Brunettes can warm up their natural base for a softer finish, while blondes can experiment with mocha-inspired lowlights for richer dimension.
“It’s a beautiful color family for blondes too,” he adds. “Overall, hair colors are becoming softer and more natural.”
Above every trend, however, Appleton says healthy hair remains the ultimate beauty statement. Regardless of the cut, color, or styling technique, shiny, well-maintained hair will always be in fashion.
