- Beauty
- Hair
- Haircuts
ByKelli CatanaandJelena Aska
MillaF/Shutterstock
Hair trends come and go, but there's no better time to try something different than the new year, which is why now is the perfect time to visit your hairstylist. If you've been paying any attention to social media lately you've no doubt noticed some of the hair trends that are currently all the rage. Whether you're a DIY-er or only trust your hair to your beloved stylist, trends like the butterfly, octopus, and wolf cuts are popping up everywhere. People are using their hair as an extension of their personal style now more than ever, which means it's the perfect time to get that haircut you've been coveting. The beauty of hair is that if you don't love it, you can always grow it out and try something different.
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Whether you've been itching to make a drastic change or just want a bit of an update, the hottest hair trends of 2023 have something for everyone. Short hair "is going to be the haircut of 2023," hair professional Larry King tellsGlamour. "I think girls are going to really move forward into short hair," adding, "it gives you so much individuality and makes you stand out — it's really striking."
From variations on the classic bob haircut to different lengths and layers, we're here to give you all the inspiration you need to start 2023 off with a bang. (Get it? Bang!) Here are 15 on-trend haircuts you'll be asking for all of 2023.
Updated on May 31, 2023: Haircuts evolve all the time, and with social media influencing our beauty decisions now more than ever, trends move quickly. As such, we've updated this list to keep you up-to-date on the year's best cuts.
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Butterfly hair
If you've been longing to cut your hair short but aren't quite ready to commit, a butterfly haircut may be exactly what you need. Shorter layers frame the face, giving volume and the illusion of shorter hair while longer layers sit below the shoulders. Biolage global ambassador Sunnie Brook created the look and told Hair.com, "Anyone can try this cut, but it's best for wavy or curly hair."
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The soft bob
The soft bob is a looser, casual take on the classic, more structured bob. It allows you to embrace the movement and texture of your hair without the straight, crisp lines we usually associate with a bob haircut. This cut looks amazing if you have some natural wave in your hair, as well as adding texture and movement to those with fine hair.
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Long layers
We're seeing lots of shorter cuts emerge as trendsetters in 2023, but long, layered locks will never go out of style. Layers help add body and movement to long hair and work especially well with hair that already has some natural wave or texture. They're also easy to maintain, look great when you grow them out, and give you versatility when it comes to styling your hair.
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Chanel haircut
A modern take on Coco Chanel's classic bob, the Chanel bob is typically cut blunt at chin length, or slightly longer, and has a lot of movement. This look has a deep side part and is often paired with bangs that give it a Parisian feel. Its simplicity makes it super sexy and sleek, but what's even more attractive about this haircut is how low maintenance it is.
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Octopus haircut
Loosely resembling the shape of the sea creature it's named after, this cut will give you lots of layers and volume on top with longer, layered pieces that fall on or past your shoulders. The octopus cut is the newest take on the shag and mullet that we've seen dominating trends recently and not only looks great but is also easy to wear since it doesn't require a ton of styling.
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Wolf cut
The wolf cut can be described as the love child of the shag and mullet and has seen a huge rise in popularity recently thanks to thousands of TikTok users taking scissors to their hair as they try to create the look at home. If you love a cut that will give you volume at the top of your head with some movement and texture near the sides and the bottom, this look may be for you.
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The pixie
Short hair will be big in 2023, which means we'll be seeing a lot more pixie haircuts with a lot of different variations of the classic look. Celebrities like Zoe Kravitz, Halsey, Charlize Theron, and Florence Pugh are all fans of the pixie and show how gorgeous it looks. Whether it has a slightly longer bang, a bit of length at the back, or an all-over short cut, you're going to be seeing a lot of the pixie cut in 2023.
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Wispy bangs
Wispy bangs are coming in hot for 2023 — and for good reason. These look amazing on almost everyone and give softness and movement to every hairstyle, regardless of length. "Wispy bangs are such a trend right now because they are a low-maintenance take on blunt bangs," celebrity stylist Nubia Rëzo tellsReal Simple. If you're looking to try out bangs in 2023, wispy bangs are a great choice.
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Short shag
Combining these two hot styles has created one of the most popular looks you'll see in 2023. Just because you don't have long hair doesn't mean you can't rock a shag cut. This look is also great if you've been wanting to go shorter but don't want to commit to a full pixie cut or short bob. This shag gives you lots of movement and works great for all types of hair.
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Curtain bang short bob
Curtain bangs add a softness to a short, blunt bob. In fact, stylist Anabel Santos explained to Bustle that "a blunt bob, or a bob that is the same length all around, is made sweeter with the addition of curtain bangs," and we have to agree. Curtain bangs give you a few different styling options with a short bob that you may not have without them, too.
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Mid-length hair
We've talked a lot about short haircuts for 2023, but mid-length hair is still going to be popular in the new year. We're seeing a lot of mid-length cuts embracing texture and showcasing waves, which make this cut not only gorgeous to look at but easy to style and maintain. The bombshell blowout is also making a resurgence for 2023 and looks amazing on mid-length hair.
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Full curls
Put those straightening irons away because full, bouncy curls are having a moment! After years of straight hair dominating the trends, curls are back and more gorgeous than ever. Endless tutorials have been posted online illustrating how to rock your natural curls, helping to make it one of 2023's hottest trends. Adding a fringe is even more on-trend for the coming year.
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Curtain bangs
Curtain bangs aren't going anywhere in 2023, and for good reason. These face-framing long bangs look good on almost anyone and work on a variety of hair lengths and textures. They're incredibly versatile and can be a great way to change up your one-length hair without making a drastic change.
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The curly shag
The shag works on many different types of hair, and for 2023, the curly shag is going to be big. The shag gives volume on the top while helping to reduce bulk through the sides and ends. Adding a curly fringe is another hot look for 2023 that highlights the face in all the right spots.
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The textured bob
Low maintenance, sexy, and chic are all adjectives that accurately describe the textured bob. Take a traditional bob and texturize the ends to add movement without having to add a lot of layers. "It's a super sweet bob with a grungy edge that works with so many different face shapes and hair textures," celebrity hairdresser Jay Birmingham told Glamour. This is the perfect style if you've been looking for something that requires less work.
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Bottleneck bangs
Bottleneck bangs are just one of the current bang trends that are -ohso hot for 2023. This look emulates the look of a bottleneck, with the bangs sitting closer together at the top of your forehead as they flare out to frame your face. This is a great, low-maintenance style for those who want to ease into the idea of having bangs without cutting a heavy fringe.
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The curve cut
The beauty of the curve cut is it can work with long or short hair and looks especially great if you're growing your hair out. The hair is cut in a 'U' or 'V' shape with soft layers to allow it to fall or curve around the face. This cut also looks great with hair worn up or down, making it versatile and practical.
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Mix and match cuts
Pro hairstylist Paul Percival explained to Glamour that the DIY trend of seeing people cut their own hair and combine different styles will be a big trend in 2023. "You might see the shag or wolf cut turned into the octopus cut, or the mullet and shag turned into the shullet," he stated. If TikTok has taught us anything, it's that people aren't afraid to experiment with their hairstyles.
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The jaw-length bob
The jaw-length bob is back in 2023, as we're seeing a lot of shorter cuts gain popularity. "Bobs never really go out of fashion," editorial hairstylist Neil Moodie told Refinery29, "but what changes each season is the length. At the moment the best length to have is to the jaw."This style is great for spring and summer, but we'll also be rocking it this fall and winter.
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Wednesday Addams-inspired fringe
Pop culture has a huge influence on hair trends, so it's no surprise that people are flocking to their stylists to recreate a style popularized in Netflix's smash hit show "Wednesday." Bangs are already a huge trend for 2023, and actress Jenna Ortega's Wednesday Addams wears a heavy fringe that sits just below her eyebrow, making these bangs one of 2023's most popular trends.
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The choppy bob
If you've been tempted to ditch the extensions or just chop those long, beachy waves and just try something different, the choppy bob is exactly what you're looking for, and now is the time to book that salon appointment. According toLook Fantastic, searches for "chopped bob haircut" were up a staggering 550% in 2022, making this look one of 2023's projected hottest trends. It's chic, low-maintenance, and so very cool.
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Short afro
The short afro is perfect if you're looking to simplify your hair routine while still looking stunning. In fact, celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons told Oprah Daily this look is going to be very on-trend in 2023, saying, "It leaves enough hair to style into finger waves or a deep side part to create a more dramatic look but is short enough to leave natural and emphasize the natural texture of your locks."
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Shaggy bowl cut
This year is all about the combination of simplification and style which is why the shaggy bowl cut is going to be so popular. Take the traditional bowl cut but add some subtle layers to give the hair some movement. This look can be customized to your needs and hair type, adding more or fewer layers depending on how shaggy you want to go.
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The mixie
We already told you that mix-and-match hair will be popular in 2023, and the mixie cut — a combination of a mullet and pixie — is one of the hottest combinations of all. "This haircut will be trending in the new year because of its mix of retro and modern vibes," hairstylist Jamie Wiley told Allure, noting that this cut gives both modern and retro vibes.
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'70s-inspired layers
Everything old is new again. That seems to be the pattern with trends, and hair trends are no different. While we're seeing a lot of '90s and Y2K hair trends re-emerge, the '70s and their big, bouncy layers are also back. If going short just isn't for you, embrace your length, add some layers and embrace your inner Farrah Fawcett.
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The Italian bob
The beauty of the Italian bob is you can let it air dry for a natural look, or blow it out for a more sophisticated, finished style. "The heaviness allows for that Parisian air-dried feel when left natural, but you can put a brush through it for a nod to classic '60s glamour," stylist Sean Paul Nother told Glamour.
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The Sassoon bob
Love the look of a classic bob but want to add a bit more structure and sophistication. The Sassoon bob, which features a sharp, angled hairline that is shorter in the back and longer towards the front, is the ultimate boss girl haircut. This look will be very popular in 2023 because not only is it simple but it's also stylish.
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Lived-in layers
We're going to see a lot less of those long, beachy waves in 2023 in exchange for lived-in layers. "Lived-in and layered is going to be trending in 2023 because it's low-maintenance, encourages natural texture or wave pattern, and it's perfect for air-drying," celebrity hairstylist Ericka Verrett notes (via Allure). Minimalism is going to be a huge trend in 2023, and many women are starting with their hair routine, making this an ideal cut.
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Choppy layers and bangs
Combine two of 2023's hottest trends and you get this gorgeous bob featuring choppy layers and bangs. This take on the classic bob gives it an edgy twist. The layers once again give you the option to let your hair dry naturally for a cool, casual vibe, or you can blow it out for a little touch of glamour.
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The curly pixie
Show off those natural curls with a pixie cut. Many think a pixie only works for those with straight hair, but it's the perfect way to accentuate your curls and texture. This is a great cut for someone looking for minimal styling time or simply wanting to try something different.
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The wolfette
The wolfette haircut is a fierce and captivating style that puts a modern twist on the shag and mullet. The haircut is known for its voluminous layers on top and textured pieces that fall past the shoulders, making the wolfette a very low-maintenance cut. If you're looking for a style that will show your wild side and let your inner spirit shine, this haircut, which boasts a soft texture and lots of movement, is a perfect choice.
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Mermaid hair (with extensions)
Mermaid hair is the ultimate fantasy-inspired hairstyle that's making waves in the hair world, especially thanks to this year's live-action adaptation of "The Little Mermaid." This ethereal look embraces long, flowing locks, and while long, natural hair can achieve this magical vibe, extensions offer an extra touch of drama and lots of volume. Whether you're using clip-ins or permanent extensions, they can help you achieve the locks of your dreams without waiting for your hair to grow.
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Audrey Hepburn bangs
The iconic Audrey Hepburn bangs represent a timeless haircut that is known for its elegance and sophistication. Inspired by the legendary style of the Hollywood icon, these bangs are characterized by their soft, wispy appearance, gently sweeping across the forehead, creating a delicate frame for your eyes. This versatile haircut complements various face shapes and hair textures, adding a touch of vintage charm to any look. With Audrey Hepburn bangs, you will feel like a true Hollywood star every single day.
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The malt shop lob
The malt shop lob is a true throwback to the 1960s, making it the perfect choice for anyone who loves the fashion and beauty of that time. This retro-inspired hairstyle revives the flipped edges trend, adding more movement to the classic lob. The malt shop lob's beauty lies in its versatility, as the haircut allows you to rock your hair without the flipped ends. However, if you love it because of its flipped ends, make sure your hair is touching your shoulders; that way, when you style it, the flipped part will gently sit on them.
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French girl bangs
The French girl bangs have become synonymous with the iconic French style, capturing the essence of Parisian chicness. The key to French girl bangs is their tousled and undone appearance, creating a sense of nonchalant sophistication. They are typically cut slightly longer, grazing the eyebrows and adding mystery and playfulness to any hairstyle. With their timeless charm, French girl bangs embody the je ne sais quoi that French beauty and fashion are known for.
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Ghost layers
Ghost layers, also known as invisible layers, are the ultimate solution for those who want voluminous hair but hate the choppiness layers often provide. Unlike traditional layering, ghost layers — which are achieved by using a razor instead of scissors — are hidden within the longer strands, giving the illusion of fuller hair. Thin or fine hair benefits the most from this technique, as it adds soft texture and eliminates the weight that can weigh hair down.
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The Rachel
The Rachel haircut, popularized by Jennifer Aniston's character on the TV show "Friends," became the most iconic hairstyle of the '90s. With the resurgence of the decade's beauty and fashion trends, the layered and voluminous shoulder-length cut is having a major moment. The Rachel haircut features shorter pieces around the face and longer layers at the back, making it a low-maintenance option many are loving.
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McDonald's bangs
McDonald's bangs might sound like an odd trend, but the truth is that they have been taking TikTok by storm. This style is inspired by the iconic golden arches of the fast-food franchise, and they are essentially curtain-like bangs shaped like the arches to frame the face in a playful and eye-catching way. Achieving McDonald's Bangs requires either using a round brush and a hair dryer or a heatless method like velcro rollersto shape the bangs into the desired arch.
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The bixie
The bixie is just what it sounds like: a combo of a pixie cut and a bob. It's a versatile and edgy look that is a perfect choice for summer. The bixie is characterized by its short length, which usually hits the nape of the neck and often features asymmetrical or textured layers.
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The beau bob
If you're looking for a chic and sophisticated short hairstyle, the beau bob is a great option. This chin-length haircut is edgy yet elegant, with its sharp silhouette following the natural contours of the jawline. Whether you rock it sleek and polished or with a tousled finish, the beau bob is an excellent option for anyone who wants to explore a short and low-maintenance haircut.
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Waterfall bangs
Waterfall bangs are a fun twist on the curtain bang trend. This style also draws inspiration from the '70s thanks to its loose and shaggy appearance. The waterfall fringe features wispy, straight-across bangs that seamlessly flow into face-framing layers, creating a curved shape that will make your eyes and cheekbones shine.
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The mullet
This contemporary take on the classic mullet features a shorter length on the top and sides with longer layers in the back. Unlike its traditional version, the modern mullet is more versatile and customizable, allowing for different lengths, textures, and styling options. It can be worn sleek and polished or styled to be wavy or curly for a more edgy and careless vibe. The modern mullet is all about embracing individuality and self-expression, which makes it the perfect choice for anyone who wants to make a statement with their hairstyle.
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Shattered layers
Soft layers are glamorous and provide volume, but if you're looking for more of an edgy and rocker-chic vibe, shattered layers might be a better option. They add texture and dimension to any hairstyle, and unlike traditional layers, they're created using a technique that involves point-cutting the hair from the ends inward, resulting in feathery and inconsistent lengths. This results in the unique and edgy look that shattered layers are known for, and they're a great option for anyone who prefers to let their hair air-dry.
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The buzz cut
The buzz cut is not for those who shy away from making a statement, but if you're someone who dares to rock short hair, you should definitely give it a chance. This edgy and fearless hairstyle is perfect for anyone who wants to start with a clean slate, as it allows you to chop off dry and damaged hair entirely. Because of this, the buzz cut symbolizes liberation and confidence and provides a departure from conventional beauty norms.
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Curve bangs
Another fun variation of the classic curtain bangs is curve bangs. Since they follow the natural curve of your face, they create a soft inward curve that resembles popular haircuts from the '90s. Curve bangs feature slightly thinned ends without the classic waterfall effect often seen with curtain bangs, which makes them a great option for anyone who loves being able to put their bangs behind their ears.
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The momager crop
You guessed it: The momager crop is entirely inspired by the ultimate momager, Kris Jenner. The haircut typically features short layers, which tend to be slightly longer in the front allowing for thick, side-swept bangs. The momager crop will make you feel bold and empowered as you channel the style of the influential matriarch herself.
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