Social Media's Top Hair Trend Searches of 2018
Each year search engine Google and various social media platforms announce their top searches of the past 12 months, often alongside predictions for what is likely to be popular going forward based on this information.
In previous years there have been many hair-related queries among these lists, from people wanting to know more about man buns and braids, for example. Google only had one hair-related search trend in it's 2018 Beauty Searches Top 10, however. Placing fourth was 'what hair color looks best on me?' - and it seems Pinterest may have been enquirers' next stop.
The image-sharing platform had two hair colour topics show up in its 2019 beauty trend predictions Top 10, based on the number of 2018 searches for each subject. The most increased beauty search trend of 2018 went to lilac hair, with a 1,077 per cent uptick, whilst grey hair registered a 879 per cent increase in queries.
Going grey - naturally or as a result of dying the hair grey - and opting for pale violet shades are thought to be hair trends that will remain strong through 2019, as a result of this data.
Belgravia hair specialists frequently receive questions from people asking if there is treatment for grey hair or if there are ways to stop hair going grey. Whilst there are certain factors, such as smoking, which may speed up the greying process, if and when your hair goes grey is largely down to genetics.
Although geneticists are working on ways to edit DNA - a technique which could prevent grey hair from developing - this type of cosmetic application is unlikely to be ready for a number of years yet. Whether it would be approved by the necessary medical bodies for this purpose, even after more critical medical needs have been met, is also doubtful.
In the meantime, for those who want to buck the silver-haired trend, the only effective method for covering greys at present is to use hair colourants.
Those following the forecast hair dye trends would do well to be mindful of how damaging these practices can be in order to do what they can to help minimise risks where possible. Whilst the dyes or toners themselves are generally safe if used as directed, they are the last stage in the dying process and it is the base preparation which can cause problems.
In order to achieve pale shades such as grey or lilac, particularly if the hair is naturally dark, requires the hair to be lightened first. For those with blonde or pale brown hair this can often be done using a blonde dye which lifts the hair a few shades, but will only work where the hair is fairly pale to start with. For those with darker brown, black or ginger hair, a high-lift is usually necessary and can generally only be reached by using bleach.
Both these scenarios need to be carried out either by a professional colourist or by following the instructions on home-dye/bleach kits to the letter. This includes carrying out a patch test each time, a vital step many people skip, especially if they have used the product before. This is crucial as an intolerance to hair dye ingredients may build up over time, nullifying the results of previous
Failure to follow the proper protocols can result in, at best, damaged hair and breakage due to over-processing. At worst, temporary or even permanent hair loss may occur, particularly in the case of bleaching and/or repeatedly dying the hair too frequently, which can cause Chemical Trauma.
Anyone looking to make a drastic change to their hair colour is advised to have a consultation with a hairdresser first, even if they plan on doing it themselves. This can provide professional advice and insights into what kind of results may be achievable plus the processes and time it may take to get them. Sometimes it may be best for the hair's health to go gradually lighter over a period of a few months, rather than using overly harsh processes to do it in one sitting, for example.
Should any hair fall, thinning or other worrying signs develop after dying your hair or having it bleached, it is best to seek professional help as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the reaction this should be from your GP, a hair loss specialist or, in extreme cases, Accident & Emergency.
In previous years there have been many hair-related queries among these lists, from people wanting to know more about man buns and braids, for example. Google only had one hair-related search trend in it's 2018 Beauty Searches Top 10, however. Placing fourth was 'what hair color looks best on me?' - and it seems Pinterest may have been enquirers' next stop.
Going grey - naturally or as a result of dying the hair grey - and opting for pale violet shades are thought to be hair trends that will remain strong through 2019, as a result of this data.
Naturally grey hair
Belgravia hair specialists frequently receive questions from people asking if there is treatment for grey hair or if there are ways to stop hair going grey. Whilst there are certain factors, such as smoking, which may speed up the greying process, if and when your hair goes grey is largely down to genetics.
Although geneticists are working on ways to edit DNA - a technique which could prevent grey hair from developing - this type of cosmetic application is unlikely to be ready for a number of years yet. Whether it would be approved by the necessary medical bodies for this purpose, even after more critical medical needs have been met, is also doubtful.
In the meantime, for those who want to buck the silver-haired trend, the only effective method for covering greys at present is to use hair colourants.
Dyeing your hair lilac or grey
In order to achieve pale shades such as grey or lilac, particularly if the hair is naturally dark, requires the hair to be lightened first. For those with blonde or pale brown hair this can often be done using a blonde dye which lifts the hair a few shades, but will only work where the hair is fairly pale to start with. For those with darker brown, black or ginger hair, a high-lift is usually necessary and can generally only be reached by using bleach.
Both these scenarios need to be carried out either by a professional colourist or by following the instructions on home-dye/bleach kits to the letter. This includes carrying out a patch test each time, a vital step many people skip, especially if they have used the product before. This is crucial as an intolerance to hair dye ingredients may build up over time, nullifying the results of previous
Failure to follow the proper protocols can result in, at best, damaged hair and breakage due to over-processing. At worst, temporary or even permanent hair loss may occur, particularly in the case of bleaching and/or repeatedly dying the hair too frequently, which can cause Chemical Trauma.
Anyone looking to make a drastic change to their hair colour is advised to have a consultation with a hairdresser first, even if they plan on doing it themselves. This can provide professional advice and insights into what kind of results may be achievable plus the processes and time it may take to get them. Sometimes it may be best for the hair's health to go gradually lighter over a period of a few months, rather than using overly harsh processes to do it in one sitting, for example.
Should any hair fall, thinning or other worrying signs develop after dying your hair or having it bleached, it is best to seek professional help as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the reaction this should be from your GP, a hair loss specialist or, in extreme cases, Accident & Emergency.
The Belgravia Centre
The Belgravia Centre is a world-renowned group of a hair loss clinic in Central London, UK. If you are worried about hair loss you can arrange a free consultation with a hair loss expert or complete our Online Consultation from anywhere in the world for home-use treatment.
View our Hair Loss Success Stories, which includes the world's largest gallery of hair growth photos and demonstrates the level of success that so many of Belgravia's patients achieve.
