From Hailey Bieber-inspired bobs to a blunt fringe and a retro style, these trendy haircut topics will be popular in 2023. Stylists are also seeing a revival of the modern shag and a few new cuts that play with shapes and contrasting lines.
One of the most polarizing looks is the “jellyfish cut,” named for its octopus-like plethora of choppy layers, that’s sure to inspire a passionate conversation in the salon chair.
Long ’90s Layers
Long ’90s layers with angles are making a comeback. This hairstyle creates a soft and feminine look, while the angles add a touch of sophistication and modernity. It is perfect for those with straight or wavy hair, and it can be styled in many ways. It’s easy to maintain and suits any occasion.
Iconic celebrities like Winona Ryder and Jennifer Aniston popularized the layered haircut during the ’90s, but it’s taking over runways, red carpets, and TikTok feeds. Whether you want to channel Blair Waldorf or try a more modern take on the style, long ’90s layers with blunt bangs are an effortless way to update your look.
For a classic look, try side-parted stepped layers. This layered cut creates a variety of lengths throughout the strand, giving your ‘do a face-framing vibe. If you have a fuller head of hair, try adding volume by creating a center part and blowing out your strands to create a voluminous look.
Another variation on the stepped layer look is middle-parted V-shaped layers. This layered design is ideal for those with medium to thick hair. You can also use a shearing technique to create different lengths throughout the strand, which will give your hair movement and dimension.
For a more dramatic look, try a V-shaped stacked bob. This layered design features a full front, a shorter back, and longer sides. The face-framing fringe and chic blonde color prevent this style from looking dated. The fun bob is also great for women with straight hair. Those with curly hair can add a more playful twist to this style by feathering the bangs out instead of in for a more retro look.
The Mixie
With curtain bangs, shag cuts, and mullets making their comeback this year, the ’70s are definitely having a moment. But it’s not the only decade that’s making a mark on this season’s hair trends: another retro look that’s enjoying its moment in the spotlight is the mixie, which is essentially a cross between a pixie cut and a mullet. As the name suggests, it’s shorter in front, like a pixie, but longer in back, similar to a mullet. The resulting style is feminine, flirty, and a bit edgy—the perfect haircut for anyone who wants to rock both retro styles in one stylish look.
While the mixie is definitely a statement piece, it’s also super versatile and easy to wear. According to Atlanta hairstylist Julia Siegferth, the style’s combination of short and long layers creates a “built-in style statement that’s both cool and edgy.” Plus, it’s a great way to add volume and texture to finer locks—just be sure to keep those layers away from the face for a more polished finish.
If you’re thinking about getting a mixie, we recommend booking an appointment at your favorite salon ahead of time to ensure that they can help you achieve the look you’re after. It’s important to provide plenty of inspiration images and explain exactly what you want so that your stylist can find the best blend of cuts for your face shape and hair type. And if you’re worried about maintenance, don’t worry: A mixie can actually be low-maintenance and can last a few weeks without needing to be touched up! Just be sure to use the right hair styling products and style with a touch of texturizing spray for a finished look.
Lived-In Layers
Layers are an essential component to almost any haircut, and despite their reputation as a high maintenance style that requires frequent salon visits for upkeep, they can still look fresh in the right hands. Celebrity hair stylists are predicting that lived-in layers will be one of the biggest styles of 2023, and they’re perfect for anyone who wants to keep their haircut looking natural and effortless.
Lived-in layers differ from classic, geometric layers in that they’re not as pronounced and structured, which helps them look more natural and less choppy. The result is a flatter, face-framing cut that’s easy to wear and doesn’t require as much styling. “Instead of having to pull out a protractor and engineering these incredibly precise layers, I think it’s time we start focusing on creating a more organic, natural-looking layering technique,” says stylist and blogger David Andrei Gogoi.
The trend is also showing up in coloring, where lived-in roots are taking over as the best alternative to balayage or foilayage. This technique uses your natural hair colors to create a look that’s blended throughout your lengths, so when your roots start to grow out there are no harsh contrasts in color. The style is a little more involved than balayage because your stylist will have to work with all of the shades in your hair, but it’s worth it for a softer, more subtle look that lasts longer.
Whether it’s for a sleek bob, blunt fringe, or voluminous ’90s midi cut, this is the trend that’s going to make all of your other layering techniques obsolete. And with the addition of lived-in color, this is a style that you can easily maintain at home.
The Jellyfish
Continuing on with the sea creature theme of 2023 (the octopus cut is still blowing up), the jellyfish haircut has emerged as one of the biggest trends this year. A hybrid of a mullet and a bowl cut, the style features two distinct sections that are arranged to resemble a mesmerizing marine organism. It’s bold, dramatic, and undeniably eye-catching.
It’s a great option for anyone looking to make a statement, but it’s also versatile enough that you can wear it for any occasion. You can even add extensions to the bottom layer to create a full, voluminous look or play with different colors to add more dimension.
The look is best for medium-thickness tresses that are either naturally straight or slightly wavy. It’s not the kind of hairstyle that you want to try at home, as those blunt layers will have to be cut at a salon. If you’re going to go for this trend, be sure to bring photos for reference.
The jellyfish cut is a perfect match for someone who wants to channel their inner rebel. It’s an eye-catching, bold, and edgy look that can be worn with anything from funky colored shades to a punk rock outfit. And best of all, it’s a perfect way to show off your personality without being too over the top.