At the close of each year, Pinterest releases their prediction of what will trend across the platform's multiple pillars in the following year based on the more than 400 million monthly users and 300 billion Pins saved.
Not surprisingly, the accuracy behind these forecasts is impressive. According to brand data, 80 percent of what was predicted last year—including low-maintenance hairstyles and skin-forward makeup looks—actually trended throughout 2021.
As for what’s on tap for 2022, Pinterest is projecting a rise in natural hair texture styles, low-intensity fitness and a focus all-things energy.
A Lean Into Natural
“In 2022, people will celebrate their natural texture with big hair styling techniques,” reads the report. “Gen Z-driven space buns and high-puff hairstyles will continue to spike as people find new beauty inspo with Pinterest’s hair pattern search feature. ”
As such, searches for “high puff hairstyles” are already up 165 percent; “short natural hair styles” has seen a 185-percent uptick; and “natural hair bun styles” is up 160 percent since last year.
Head-Turning Hair
Hair in the new year will be anything but basic. The official prediction: “In 2022, hard-to-miss hair—from mullets to octopus hair to bob cut wigs—will be the most-requested styles at the salon by Gen Z.”
Searches for mullet hairstyles have increased 190 percent and inquiries for “shaved head dye designs” are up 12x since last year. Also trending: bob cut wigs (up 3x); octopus haircut (up 2x); and short hair mohawk (up 2x).
Nail News
Also out with traditional haircuts are simple fingertips, as landscape-style designs begin to take center stage in the nail-art space. “Next year, jewels and nature will play big roles in the beauty space,” says Jenna Landi, head of brand insights for Pinterest. “Gen Z is accessorizing their entire bodies including their teeth, and everyone’s desire to travel again can be seen even in our nails as people are painting landscapes on their nails.”
Per the report, geode nails (up 2x), desert nails (+105 percent) and constellation-inspired nail art (+115 percent) are all trending up, especially among Millennial searchers.
Mindful Mensturation
“In 2022, people will educate themselves on their menstrual health, from cycle phases and period care,” reads the report, which notes Millennials are driving the searches behind this movement. Pinners are searching for “menstrual cycle chart” (+95 percent), “follicular phase” (+70 percent) and “period care” (+3x).
Mellow Moves
Gone are the days of high-intensity everything. “This year, people of all ages will fall in love with more mellow ways to move their bodies,” with daily stretching routines and nature walks as popular options.
More trending search terms: “floating aesthetic” (+170 percent), “simple dance moves” (+150 percent), “lazy workout in bed” (up 135 percent) and “walking in nature” (+95 percent).
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Level Up
From aura colors (up 36x) to spiritual awakening stages (up 4x), “Gen Z are looking for ways to raise their vibration, searching for spiritual awakening stages and even aura colors.” Also trending: searches on “how to raise your vibration” (+145 percent), “how to protect your energy” questions (+60 percent) and “frequency healing” inquiries (+35 percent).
