Mocha Mousse Waves in L.A., Romantic Updos in Paris: The 6 Hair Trends Fashion Influencers Can't Get Enough Of, According To…

      In the beauty industry, there are a few key figures we turn to for the latest trends. From celebrity makeup artists enhancing the looks of today's top music stars to facialists who craft the perfect cheekbones for celebrities, we editors have a trusted list of experts in various aspects of beauty. One such expert is Chris Appleton, a renowned celebrity hairstylist known for creating viral hair moments for stars like Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, and Dua Lipa, among others. It's safe to say that Appleton is frequently traveling, flying from one glamorous city to the next, perfecting the hairstyles of his famous clients. We recently spoke with him about the hair trends currently favored by the style-conscious in fashionable cities and the styles he thinks should be retired (hint: it’s all about a drastic bob that’s currently out of fashion).

      “There’s always a different vibe in different cities,” Appleton shares with Who What Wear. “New York has that cool-girl aesthetic, Paris leans more romantic, while L.A. represents the ‘hot girl’ vibe. Each city has its own narrative, and hairstyling is about telling those stories.”

      Here are the top hair trends observed in New York, Los Angeles, and Paris, along with Appleton's advice on which styles to move away from.

      **NYC Cool Girl**

      According to Appleton, hair should serve as an accessory and a means of self-expression, adaptable to your evolving style. New York City, known for its fashion risk-takers, is deemed the hub of “cool girl” hair. The city is currently witnessing a surge of bob hairstyles, including very short, ear-length microbobs and jaw-length cuts. However, Appleton has had enough of this trend. “I think we should retire the cunty bob. I just don’t like it," he laughs. “When it’s super, super short, you’re kind of stuck with it, and growing it out doesn’t happen quickly.” He believes there should be a cautionary note attached to certain hairstyles.

      **Natural Texture**

      “One of the biggest trends right now is embracing your natural texture,” Appleton observes. He notes that more people are favoring a “less polished, more undone” look, especially during the summer heat. However, many struggle to embrace their natural waves or curls because they’ve long favored styles that go against their natural texture. The Color Wow Dream Curl product is excellent for enhancing natural waves while reducing frizz, according to Appleton. To truly enhance your hair’s texture, he suggests using a diffuser—specifically the long-pronged Shark FlexStyle diffuser attachment—even if your hair isn’t curly. This technique adds more volume and definition compared to rough drying.

      **Creative Chop**

      Appleton frequently finds himself in Paris, where he styles clients like Kim Kardashian with elegant looks, from sleek, straight hair with extensions to chic bobs for Kris Jenner. This city has influenced his design choices significantly. “I think hairstyles reflect our location or the story we want to convey. ... I’m always inspired by my surroundings," he explains. In Paris, he aims for a blend of classic and glamorous styles, whether for a couture show or an elegant updo.

      **Sophisticated Updos**

      “I loved Kim’s updo in Paris. It felt very couture,” Appleton reflects. “It framed her face beautifully, blending femininity with elegance while still maintaining a cool edge.” He favors styles that balance glam and cool, a blend well-executed by the French. While replicating Kardashian's exact updo at home may be challenging, he shares tips for achieving effortless pulled-back looks. “To achieve that tight look, you need to ensure the hair is all going in the ponytail's direction, so I spend time prepping the hair for a simpler styling process,” he advises. Drying hair in the right direction helps avoid any imperfections as well.

      **Down and Draped**

      The French typically keep their hair simple, often opting for air-drying or adding a cute scarf for flair. For a more polished touch, he suggests going for retro Hollywood waves or adding gentle curls to the ends. “Kardashian’s recent haircut was iconic for its long-lasting style, but it was refreshing to create something softer and more feminine for her,” Appleton notes. To achieve his beautiful French hairstyles without too much effort, he recommends air-drying hair with a mousse or using a round brush when blow-drying for a sleek finish, which can yield a classic '90s blowout look.

      **‘Hot Girl’ L.A.**

      In sunny California, there's no shortage of relaxed hairstyles. From beachy waves and natural looks to trendy dye jobs, L.A. embodies effortless styles that are easy to maintain. Just take a look at Nicole Kidman’s long, wavy blonde hair or Hailey Bieber’s effortlessly chic lob.

      **Surfer Waves**

      “Nicole Kidman’s effortless hair for the Critics' Choice Awards was