If you were alive in the early 2000s, then you probably remember the absolute chokehold What Not to Wear and its wisdom had on society. (Be honest: How many outfits did you elevate with a chunky necklace or a blazer during that time?) I watched the series dutifully with my mom most Friday nights. While we were captivated by Stacey London and Clinton Kelly’s brutally honest fashion advice, the best part was clearly the makeovers, when stylist Nick Arrojo would work his shear magic. His face-flattering, layered cuts were the final step in helping the women (and men) build their newfound confidence.
Because everything from the early aughts is back in fashion again (see: blazers, butterfly clips, and low-rise jeans), Kelly and London are back on our TV screens, thanks to a new, kinder reboot called Wear Whatever the F You Want on Prime Video. Arrojo might not be on the show, but his firm grip on the hottest hairstyles has not in the least bit loosened — he still styles from his Soho studio in New York City and has launched a new line of haircare products for color-treated hair. With hair trends cycling out faster than we can ever keep up with, we turned to the celebrity stylist for his takes on the season’s trendiest cuts and colors, how to decide which look is right for you, and his tips for embracing your changing hair as you age.
Katie Couric Media: What haircut trends are you seeing this year and this summer? How about color?
Nick Arrojo: We’re seeing a return to strong, structured shapes — think bobs above the shoulder, styled with curtain bangs or soft face frames and minimal layers. The silhouette is bold but still wearable. In color, it’s all about rich warmth: mocha browns, golden blondes, cherry cola reds, and penny copper tones. These hues feel luxurious and expressive. We’re also still seeing pops of creativity with peekaboo brights — like yellow or blue — hidden underneath for a playful contrast.
How do you determine the best cut for your face shape? Are there other factors to consider?
Face shape is just one piece of the puzzle. What really matters is your hair — its texture, density, natural movement, and hairline. The best haircut works with your hair’s natural behavior, not against it. I always say that most face shapes can be enhanced with the right cut, especially when you focus on the hair’s strengths.
Should your cut change as you age?
The old rules about hair and age — like the idea that women had to cut their hair short after 40 or that gray hair should always be covered — don’t really apply anymore. There was a time when maturity meant playing it safe with your style, but that mindset feels outdated now.
Today, people are aging better, living more expressive, stylish lives, and embracing their individuality at every stage. Your haircut should reflect how you feel, not how old you are. Hair is an accessory — whether short, long, or somewhere in between, it should complement your personal style and support your confidence. That said, hair can become finer with age, so sometimes a shorter cut can help it look fuller and more vibrant. But the choice is yours.
Do you have tips for embracing gray hair?
When it’s time to go natural, the boldest — and often best — way is with a cut. Let the roots grow for a few months, then go for a big chop to remove the old color. It’s empowering and modern, helping you transition quickly to your authentic tone. Gray is beautiful when it’s worn with confidence.
It’s been over 10 years since What Not to Wear ended. How has your approach to hairstyling evolved since then?
I’ve leaned into classic shapes with an edge. Long hair with beautiful layering is something I’ve really embraced. I want everything I create to feel timeless but still fresh, modern, and expressive.
