Salon Trends for 2008      

Womensnet caught up with trend expert and Schwarzkopf hairdresser Michaél Mernberger in Cologne to get the scoop on the latest trends for 2008.  First off: Victoria Beckham has started a trend which will continue into the New Year.  And, very important for 2008: The “new naturalism” trend is hotter than ever!

Interview with Michaél Mernberger

wn: For your job, you need to know about new trends and how to implement them, although most of your clients are mainly looking for a hairstyle that suits their type.  Why is this so?
 

Thanks to the media and magazines, music videos and lifestyle TV programs, our clients are very well informed.  As a hair professional, they expect that I know the trends.  Often I get asked: “Michaél, can you give me a hairstyle like X star – but one that also suits my type?”  Here my job is to unify the trend with the type.  This is the art of what I do.  The balance is split between the number of male and female clients that know exactly what they want, and those who want a consultation in order to find a new hairstyle.

wn: How important is it to your clients that you can demonstrate your knowledge of  new trends?

My trend knowledge is very important.  This is most of all essential to my female clients.  Particularly in late summer and winter, many clients are looking to make a change.  So they depend on my trend know-how when it comes to cut and colour.  This is generally not as important with men: About seventy percent really would like a functional haircut for their job, which is also flexible.  For example, many want a clean cut that can be worn at work and can also be styled more boldly for the disco or nightclub.

wn: How do you stay on top of the latest fashion, beauty and styling trends?

MTV, lifestyle TV and trend magazines are naturally my required media.  But for us hairdressers, trade fairs and seminars are our main source of information.  For example, the most important trade fair is the Hair & Beauty in Frankfurt.

wn: Is there a direct connection between hair trends like cut and colour and a particular fashion trend, or do both occur independently of each other?

In most cases, a look dictates the trend.  For example: the eighties look.  The bobs of this decade have become fashionable, just like the tight jeans and tailoring.  Whereas three years ago when long, straight hair was particularly in, one could see stylistic elements of the seventies were once again being drawn upon to correspond with the current look.

wn: As Schwarzkopf hairdressers, to what extent are the “Essential Looks” source of inspiration?

They are serve as a good orientation for us – even through much of it is rarely implemented for the client.  But they should also be understood as more of an inspiration and than a concrete template for a cut.  The Essential Looks are one my important sources in my search for upcoming trends.   

wn: What are the most popular trends of this season?

Victoria Beckham has set the trend: This season the bob is the in-hairstyle.  However, drawing upon the hairstyles of the eighties has become less important than it was a few years ago.  The current bobs have a softer shape and have more natural shades.  Volume is less important.  The focus is instead upon more blended layers and narrow cuts.  Blonde and brown shades have become the predominant colours.  Most of all, anything that looks artificial is out.  Teased and twisted hair is no longer sought after.  Red and copper are also out – these look too artificial.  Naturalism is the most important element here.  Rich, luminous shades should show off healthy hair.  Therefore, shine sprays are an absolute must-have this season.  Most clients also want a hairstyle that doesn’t look like it was styled at the salon.          

wn: What trends do you expect for 2008?

Much of what is in fashion at the moment will carry over into next year.  Fringes or bangs will remain very trendy.  A long and rounded fringe that extends just over the eyes will become a big trend and be sought after in many variations.