Mocha Mousse Waves in Los Angeles, Romantic Updos in Paris: The 6 Hair Trends That Fashion Aficionados Keep Embracing, According to…

      In the beauty industry, there are a select few names we turn to when we're curious about the latest trends. Whether it’s the celebrity makeup artist dazzling today's top music stars or the facialists enhancing celebrity features, we editors have a list of trusted experts for various beauty aspects. Among them is Chris Appleton, the celebrated hairstylist renowned for creating viral hair moments—often for stars like Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, Dua Lipa, and others. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Appleton spends most of his time traveling, flitting between glamorous cities to style the hair of his high-profile clients in eye-catching ways. We recently spoke with him to discuss the current hair trends among the fashion-forward individuals in major cities and which styles should be left behind (hint: it’s fashion’s current biggest chop).

      “There’s a unique vibe in every city,” Appleton shared with Who What Wear, stating that “New York is all about the cool-girl aesthetic, Paris leans towards the romantic, and L.A. embodies the ‘hot girl’ vibe.” Each city has its own distinct character, narrating its own story through hairstyling.

      **NYC Cool Girl**

      Appleton believes hair serves as an accessory, a means of self-expression, which should evolve with your personal style. He considers New York City, known for its fashion-forward population, the heart of “cool girl” hairstyles. The city has seen a rising trend of bobs, including ultra-short, ear-length microbobs, and jaw-length cuts, which have become a rite of passage in Manhattan. However, he expressed his fatigue with this trend, saying with a laugh, “I think we should retire the cunty bob. I just don’t like it.” He elaborates, “When it’s excessively short, it can feel limiting, as there’s no quick fix to grow it out. Hairstyles ought to come with a disclaimer.”

      **Natural Texture**

      “One major trend is the move towards embracing natural texture,” Appleton notes. He observes that many are opting for a “more undone, less-polished” appearance, particularly in the summer heat. However, he also highlights that many individuals struggle to manage their natural waves or curls, having long resisted their natural texture. He recommends the Color Wow Dream Curl product, which helps to enhance natural waves and curls without adding frizz. To truly showcase your texture, Appleton suggests using a diffuser—specifically the long-pronged Shark FlexStyle diffuser attachment—even if your hair isn't curly. This method boosts body, movement, and definition compared to rough drying.

      **Creative Chop**

      Appleton is frequently found in Paris, whether he’s creating sleek looks for Kim Kardashian or crafting a chic bob for Kris Jenner. He feels he has adapted to the fashionable nature of the city, saying, “I’m influenced by my surroundings.” Reflecting on a recent trip to Paris with Kim, he describes their styles as classic and glamorous, especially for events like the Balenciaga 2025 couture show, where they embraced a balance of softness and sharpness.

      **Sophisticated Updos**

      “I loved Kim’s updo in Paris; it felt very couture to me,” Appleton reflects, noting how it artfully framed her face while maintaining a cool and glamorous essence. He appreciates styles that balance edginess with elegance, which French fashion seems to have perfected. While replicating Kardashian’s updo at home may be challenging, he has tips for achieving pulled-back styles that simplify at-home styling. “To create that polished effect, it’s crucial to direct all the hair towards the ponytail before styling. I invest time in preparing the hair for an effortless look,” Appleton advises. He recommends drying hair in the direction of your updo to minimize lumps.

      **Down and Draped**

      The French typically embrace their natural hair, often air-drying and accessorizing with scarves. For a more refined look, consider styling loose Hollywood-inspired waves akin to those Kardashian wears or subtly curling the ends of your hair like Jenner. Appleton mentions, “Jenner's iconic haircut has evolved into something softer and more feminine.” For a simplified version of his intricate styles, air-dry your hair with a styling mousse or use a round brush for a polished look. Appleton uses the volumizing brush attachment on the FlexStyle for a classic ‘90s blowout appearance, which remains eternally stylish.

      **‘Hot Girl’ L.A.**

      In the sunny paradise of L.A., characterized by laid-back vibes, you’ll find countless effortless hairstyles. From beachy waves to innovative dye jobs, the L.A. aesthetic emphasizes easy-to-maintain styles, evident in Nicole Kidman’s long blonde hair or Hailey Bieber’s honey-brown lob.

      **Surfer Waves**

      Appleton admired Nicole Kidman’s carefree waves that he styled for the 2025 Critics' Choice Awards. Her hair featured loose waves along the lengths, which were