The beginning of the new year is a prime time to experiment with hairstyles. Why? Because it’s winter and, there are these things called hats that can help you hide any experiment gone wrong.

Seriously though, a new year goes right in line with new hair, so here are a few cuts that will be making waves in 2024 for your consideration.

First up, box layers. This is a medium-length trend that, in essence, is the evolution of a mullet and is inclusive of all hair textures. This cut is perfect for people who want to grow out their hair but still keep some layers and shape. Whether you’re going short with the style or want to keep some length, ask for square or “box” layers. And you can play around with center or side parts when styling at home.

Next up, the soft or French bob. This is a short, blunt cut with soft layers that fall right below the ear lobe; think the quintessential 1920s flapper bob. To pull this off, the cut needs to be exact and sleek. So, go in with a few inspirational photos and be mindful of your hair’s natural texture and the time commitment to styling it at home. This style works best with straight, medium-weight hair. Too curly, dense, or fine and it’ll be a challenge to maintain the dramatic and somewhat severe aesthetic of this cut. And a classic French bob does involve bangs, so be forewarned.

If you’re not into a blunt or extreme cut, then consider the lob. Think the 90s “Rachel,” but slightly longer. This past fall saw a huge trend of short bobs, so the lob acts as a natural extension of letting your hair grow out but still having some shape. The best way to manage growing out a bob is by trimming and shaping the layers over the year while the length comes back. The most important part of the conversation with your hairstylist is figuring out what “layers” mean to you and them. Do you want to see your shortest layer above your ear? Do you want to see just the bottom inch with a gradation in length? Establishing the shortest layer is extremely important and needs to be agreed upon before the scissors come out.

Of course, some folks want to embrace short hair in 2024; hence, there’s the cropped pixie. This style is a contemporary take on the classic pixie cut, featuring textured layers and a slightly longer length on top. While this may seem like a modern cut, it actually dates back to the 1950s; think Audrey Hepburn in “Roman Holiday.” For the 21st century, this cut embraces texture, making it flattering on various face shapes, not just the practically perfect symmetrical faces of classic Hollywood movie stars. Ask for a textured or cropped pixie cut with layers for added movement and dimensions. Definitely consider your face shape, hair density, and if you have enough turtlenecks to wear this winter to keep your neck warm.

On the flip side of a classic cut is extreme hair that plays around with color and length. If you’re feeling a little rebellious, the new year is a great time to break from the norm and get crazy with color. Think vibrant red, shocking blond, or beige highlights. Just be sure you’re prepared for more frequent trips to the salon to maintain your bold new color, and definitely bring in example pictures with the specific color treatments you’re hoping to recreate.

Lastly, there is easy hair. What is easy hair, you may ask? Well, it means different things to different people. This could mean embracing your natural texture to allow for minimum maintenance. Or maybe just tweaking your current style with a trim instead of a new cut. Doing color at home to save time and money. Or getting an intentional low-maintenance cut to save time on blow-drying and styling.

Or it could be getting it all buzzed off and sporting a knit cap for the rest of winter.

It’s hard being an adult, and sometimes you just don’t have the time or wherewithal to worry about your hair. Embracing easy and hassle-free is definitely a 2024 trend, not only in hair but in life.

But remember, hair is a marathon, not a sprint. You may want to cut it all off and start again but be prepared for that journey in hair and in life. Happy 2024!