All industries change over time. This is especially true for creative industries like fashion, makeup, and hair. It’s impossible to look toward the future and know where you’re heading. You’d simply just be guessing. However, it is possible to look back from where you’ve come.

Every decade so far has had its own distinct hairstyles—some we remember with fondness and others not so much…yeah, we’re looking at your ’70s perms.

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At GlossGenius, we like to reminisce about the good old days. It can be really nice to feel nostalgic about how things used to be done. Maybe they were simpler, or you enjoyed them more. Look, we’re not judging you if the smell of Salon Selectives sparks joy. However, if you’re new to hairdressing, it could be really helpful if you learn about how the profession has changed in the since the last decade.

If you’re curious or feel like taking a trip down memory lane, keep reading to learn about the top 4 things that have changed in for hairdressers in the past four ears!

1. Products Have Gotten Better

As the year's pass, technology continuously improves. Hair products are no different. Over the last ten years, our knowledge of how to make the best hair care products has dramatically grown.

You’ve probably noticed this, as the products keep changing and you have to keep up. Clients expect the shampoo, conditioner, and styling items you use to be the cream of the crop, and they are. Salons have now made it a priority to promote brands they believe in and use only products they swear by.

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Speaking of brands, many have changed their formulas, getting rid of harmful ingredients like parabens and sulfates. Brands have also added new items to the market that weren’t used previously. Heat protectant and the wonders of argon oil weren’t always appreciated. It’s become mainstream to take great care of your hair.

People buy their products straight from the salon, or at stores like Sephora and Ulta. Just like designer clothes and high-end makeup, quality hair care items are something people are now willing to spend money on.

2. Styles Have Changed

Every decade or so, what hairstyles are in and which are out, change. In the ’80s, sky-high teasing and fluffy bangs full of hairspray were all the rage. Then, in the’90s, all of the hottest boybands had frosted tips. In the 2000s, we saw our current popular hairstyles in their infancy, and as time went on those styles began evolving into what we see today. Ten years ago, there began a definite shift in the looks clients requested.

It started with transitioning away from the glorious chunky highlights and pin straight hair of the mid-2000s, toward ombré and dip-dye popularizing beach waves in the 2010s. From that, more modern techniques like balayage and shadow roots took off.

Now, clients have a variety of natural and colorful styles they can ask for. Cuts have also changed over the past ten years, and the most noticeable addition to the trend in hairstyles was the lob. Can you imagine what styles will be in trend ten years from now?

3. People Show Reference Pictures From Social Media

Luckily in the era of social media, clients no longer need to rely on outdated magazines and style books. At the beginning of an appointment, you’re probably used to a client whipping out their cellphone and showing you a picture they got off Instagram or Pinterest. As certain styles grow in popularity, you’ve probably seen the same reference photos over and over again. Perhaps something in the vein of an icy blonde balayage with soft beach curls?

While social media pics can be incredibly helpful, we’re sure you’ve faced some frustration as well. One problem posed with clients bringing in pictures of these perfect hairstyles is unrealistic expectations. A client may come in with black box-dyed hair and ask to go silver in one session. Other clients may show you cuts that involve way more styling than they’re willing to pay for.

At times, you feel like you’re constantly the bearer of bad news, informing your clients that their dream hair isn’t going to be as easy to get as they like. But as styles spread across social media, knowledge about hair and realistic goals will as well. Having plenty of memes about it also doesn’t hurt!

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4. Techniques Have Evolved

As mentioned before, modern techniques have been developed thanks to the old ones. Arguably, the most popular hair coloring technique as of now is balayage. Balayage is the ultimate natural look, typically done by painting the hair with a lightener in a natural gradient before letting it process in the open air. This is now known to create the incredibly sought-out look of a subtle transition from your client’s natural hair to lighter ends.

Techniques for using vibrant colors have also changed. New looks like shadow roots have risen in popularity thanks to influencers like Guy Tang. Applying dark colors to the roots and then blending lighter colors over the length of the hair is now the way to perform this frequently requested look.

Other experimental techniques have gained traction like pouring colors, combing colors, and more. As styles and technology changes, it’s only reasonable to assume future techniques will as well.

What Can We Learn From These Changes?

The art of hairdressing has slowly but surely changed over the past 10 years. Whether it’s color, cuts, or products, the way hair is treated has clearly evolved. As a hairdresser, it’s easy to just stick to what you’ve always done. Hopefully, this will be a small reminder that change isn’t always necessarily bad.

Keeping with the times and remembering how far the industry has come, will not only make you a better stylist. It will also make your clients happier with their results. So out with the old, and in with the new!

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