In 2025, the relationship between hair and fashion is more intertwined than ever before. Hair is no longer just an afterthought or an accessory: it’s a sculptural, emotional and cultural extension of how we show up in the world.
As a designer, I often begin my creative process with a silhouette or a mood. Over time, I’ve come to appreciate how a woman’s hairstyle shapes that mood even before she dresses. Hair trends today echo the same values that fashion is embracing: depth, intention, individuality and sensuality.
Insights from industry experts, such as Sabit Akkaya, the legendary Turkish celebrity hairstylist whose work has shaped the looks of stars and runways for decades, reflect this shift. He has often emphasized how hair, much like style itself, is moving from trend-driven expression to something more personal and powerful.
Sabit Akkaya has famously said that “Hair is the first thing people notice – but more importantly, it’s the last thing they forget.” In 2025, this rings truer than ever. Hair isn’t just part of a look, it’s part of a story.
Hair carries emotion, memory and history. For Sabit, hair is a language that speaks before we do, setting the tone for how we enter a room.
From my experience as a designer, this makes perfect sense. Before a gown moves or fabric flows, a hairstyle already communicates a message, whether it’s the curve of a fringe, the strength of a slick bun, or the softness of undone waves. Hair is no longer decoration; it’s declaration.
Women today don’t simply want trendy cuts – they want hairstyles that feel like them, that reflect their pace, purpose and past. Hair has evolved beyond impressing others to expressing selfhood.
One of the most exciting changes Sabit Akkaya highlights is the celebration of natural texture. Imperfect waves, curls and even frizz are no longer considered flaws, but rather signature elements of individuality.
Where the beauty industry once sought to tame hair – flattening curls and eliminating volume – today’s approach welcomes authenticity. Texture is reclaimed not as something to fix, but as something to celebrate.
This shift mirrors trends in fashion, characterized by soft tailoring, asymmetry, and silhouettes that follow the natural flow of the body rather than reshape it. Just as dresses move with a woman’s form, haircuts now honor the natural movement of each strand.
Embracing natural texture is also a political act – a refusal to flatten identity both literally and figuratively.
Modern hairstyling, according to Sabit Akkaya, is about effortless structure. A good haircut should move with you, not require constant styling.
Luxury in haircare today isn’t about excess, but about ease. Precision cuts, such as micro bobs or collarbone-length layers, are sharp but never severe. They frame the face like tailored collars or perfect necklines – designed to suit the wearer’s rhythm without distraction.
These styles fall naturally into place, much like a well-fitted dress. Their elegance lies in their effortless flow.
Hair color is evolving toward subtlety and harmony. Brunettes grow cooler, blondes creamier, reds soften into cinnamon and paprika tones.
Rather than bold contrast, 2025 favors a dimension that illuminates without overwhelming. Sabit Akkaya notes this move toward more refined shades – espresso browns with smoky undertones, sandy blondes kissed with cream and soft reds in warm hues.
As a designer, I see these colors reflected in fashion palettes that evoke a sense of calm, wisdom and sensuality. In a world full of visual noise, harmony becomes the new standout.
Hair color should whisper, not shout. It enhances skin tone and mood, creating a look that feels in tune rather than “done.”
Another significant trend is the fusion of haircare and wellness. Once focused solely on shine, the industry now prioritizes strength, growth and scalp health.
Just as skincare shifted from vanity to wellness, haircare is embracing a holistic approach. Investments in scalp oils, rosemary-infused serums and detox treatments are on the rise – not simply for gloss, but for true vitality.
The philosophy is clear: beauty begins at the root.
This emphasis on unseen care reminds me of couture, where hidden seams and linings signal quality and craftsmanship. Hair health is no longer backstage; it’s part of a mindful lifestyle and ritual.
In 2025, hair is less about following trends and more about crafting personal rhythm. What you wear tells part of your story – the other part begins with how you carry your hair, your head, your identity.
Whether you choose sculpted bobs, wild waves, or silky scarves, the essence is the same: hair is emotion and style begins at the scalp.
As Sabit Akkaya puts it, “Hair should never just decorate – it should declare.”
And from a designer’s perspective, I add: it should complete the silhouette of who you are.
