Viral Haircuts To Keep On Your Radar In 2023
Your hair is an important part of your look. Whether you choose to shave it off or add extensions, or just embrace the natural hair you were given, how you wear your hair says a lot about who you are. In fact, TikTok has been abuzz lately about the idea of hair theory, which simply proves that your hair makes a huge difference in your overall look and that the slightest change in style can change your face.
So if you are ready to make a change this year, you may want to look to the latest trends for what to do with your hair. Luckily, this year is all about embracing your true self, and the array of different haircuts proves that. Whether you want to keep things simple with long layers or add some spunk to your look with the uber-popular wolf cut inspired by celebrities, there is likely a trending 2023 haircut that is perfect for you.
Wolf cut
The wolf cut first made waves in 2022 when celebs like Billie Eilish and Miley Cyrus sported the look. As we entered 2023, though, the cut became mainstream and people everywhere were seen spotted with a wolf cut. A wolf cut is a mix between a shag and a mullet and is achieved by adding choppy layers, curtain bangs, and short pieces at the top. Both curly hair and straight hair can be spiced up by getting a wolf cut and since the whole vibe of a wolf cut is to look a bit undone, all you need to do is add some texture spray and be on your way.
Curtain bangs
Bangs, whether you love them or hate them, have always been in style. Whether we're looking at blunt bangs or fringe bangs, there is always some type of bang that the trendiest people are gravitating towards when getting their haircut. This year, it's all about the curtain bang, which is a bang that is parted in the center and frames the face, getting longer as you move away from the face. Curtain bangs are ideal for those who may be weary about getting bangs but still want the change bangs can provide. Plus, they look good on almost everyone, so you can't go wrong with this style.
Butterfly cut
If you have the urge to chop off all your hair but know you may end up regretting it, consider the butterfly cut. This cut offers a ton of layers and allows you to keep your long locks while adding texture and a shaggy style. The shortest layers fall right below the chin, with subsequent layers being a bit longer, creating a gorgeous and unique cut. If your hair is feeling flat and lackluster lately, a butterfly cut will give you an instant volume boost–just take a look at Sydney Sweeney and Jennifer Lopez for some butterfly cut inspo.
Blunt bobs
Ready for a big change? If 2023 is your year of short, fun hair, consider a blunt bob. Bob haircuts have been around forever, but each year brings a bit of a spin to the classic. This year, it's all about the blunt look, which entails cutting the ends of the hair in a straight line. This means no layers, which can be great for those wanting a simple yet trendy cut. And while this haircut is rather simple, you can spice it up by opting for an asymmetrical cut or adding some layers to the front pieces for an added face frame.
Octopus cut
If you love the idea of a butterfly cut and the idea of curtain bangs, you will find your perfect match with the octopus cut. This cut is inspired by Rachel's iconic haircut on Friends but with an added twist. This layered cut features shorter layers at the top and longer layers at the bottom, similar to the butterfly cut. But taking it up a notch, an octopus cut also incorporates bangs. A curtain bang or long, fringe bangs are usually added to the cut along with a bit of fringe cut to the ends for some additional texture.
The modern Rachel
Yes, Rachel Green is continuing to influence our hair in more ways than one. With so many '90s trends coming back, it makes sense that the most iconic haircut of that decade would as well. And while "the Rachel" is popular on its own, the 2023 version adds a bit of a modern twist, with shoulder-length layers and wispy bangs. In fact, Jennifer Aniston herself has also been spotted sporting the modern Rachel cut, adding a sleekness to it that perfectly compliments her red carpet style.
Super long layers
Short, choppy layers may seem to be all the rage, but long haircuts are still just as in trend as ever. Extra-long extensions are all the rage and those who do not have naturally long hair may choose to add long extensions to get the viral long ponytail look. But if you are blessed with long hair, super-long layers are the look you should go for. This cut will give you a whole new shape to your hair and feel like you made a change without sacrificing any length.
Shaggy lob
Nashville-based stylist Andy Judd told Allure that shaggy hairstyles are trending this year. From short to long styles, the shag can make a statement to any hair type. But particularly trending in 2023 is the shaggy lob, which is created by chopping the hair into a lob and cutting different length layers, pulling the hair towards the front. Curtain bangs, another big trend this year, pair perfectly with a shaggy lob, giving you that effortless look that has been big the past few years.
Contoured cut
The contoured cut was made instantly popular when "it-girl" Hailey Bieber sported her contoured bob recently. Most bobs are all about straight cuts and clean lines, but the contoured cut gives the bob a bit more flair by throwing away the notion that a bob must be uniform. When it comes to men, a contoured cut is made by leaving the upper part of the hair long and combed over, creating a fade and clear line between the two sides of the part.
Curve cut
Sleek and straight may just be becoming a thing of the past. Now, it's all about volume and bounce. If you want to achieve volume without all the work, a curve cut is a great option. According to celebrity stylist Cynthia Alvarez (via Behind the Chair), a curve cut chops short layers into a "U" or "V" shape towards the front, incorporating a fringe cut just below the chin that frames the face. It's paired with long layers in the back.
Cheekbone bob
If you really want to make a statement this year, let your hair enhance your natural beauty by getting a cheekbone bob. This type of bob is cut at the point on your face just above your jawline. According to celebrity hairstylist DJ Quintero (via Refinery29), it is inspired by the French, giving you an instantly chic look. Just beware: while the cut may look low-maintenance, if you have curly or frizzy hair, it may require more time styling than you think.
Chin-length layers
Not ready to cut bangs or chop off your long locks but still want to add a bit of flair to your style? Chin-length layers are the perfect option. These are what they say they are: layers cut at the chin to give the hair some texture and bounce. The cut is simple yet stunning and perfect for those hoping to hold on to their length without the drab effect straight, long hair can evoke. Don't believe us? Just take a look at the over 70 million people on TikTok who have leaned into the trend already.
The shag
The '90s may be having a moment right now, but that doesn't mean trends aren't still being inspired by the '70s. More specifically, women are looking to icons like Bridget Bardot and Goldie Hawn for their new style. And if any hairstyle screams those women, it's the shag. There are many different variations of the shag, but the main component is adding fringe to the cut and creating a messy yet trendy style. It looks good on almost anyone.
The Mixie or mullet pixie
The mixie is a blend between a mullet and a pixie, but before you bat your eyes at the word "mullet," take a look at some of the gorgeous hair transformations that have come from cutting their hair into a mixie. Put simply, a mixie features fringe, short layers that get longer as you cut around the head, and a tapered neckline. But the biggest element of a mixie is the texture: Your stylist should have certain scissors that add texture to the hair as it's cut.
Short afro
Afros are more than just a hairstyle. According to Byrdie, back in the '60s, afros served as a statement of self-acceptance during the Black Power movement. Today, embracing natural hair is definitely in style. If you are hoping to join in but aren't sure where to start, the short afro is a good option. Expert stylist Tyler Moore predicts (via Refinery29) we'll be seeing the short afro, specifically a one-inch cut, becoming more and more popular this year.
Box bob
As we've seen with this list of viral haircuts, 2023 is all about short hair. A box bob is a popular option making waves this year, characterized by cutting the hair all to one length and creating blunt ends for a dramatic look. Sunnie Brook, a Los Angeles-based hairstylist, says (via Allure) that box bobs were all over the 2022 runways and expects to see a ton of clients asking for this in the coming year. When at the salon, hairstylist Michael Dueñas says to ask your stylist to thin out the ends and do a square cut to get the ultimate box bob look.
Bardot cut
The Bardot cut is less about the cut of the hair and more about the bangs. In fact, to achieve the Bridget Bardot look, all you really need to do is cut your bangs the right way. According to Bang Style, Bardot bangs are parted in the center and kept at medium length to allow for extra volume. When styling your Bardot bangs, use a round brush or blow dryer brush to enhance the bangs and keep them voluminous.
Feathered cut
Taking another nod from the 1970s, the feathered cut is inspired by Farrah Fawcett's gorgeous falling locks and features layers that are cut using a feathering technique to give hair the same texture you may find on bird wings. According to The Right Hairstyles, feathering is done by cutting at "a 90-degree angle against the hair ... in a V-shape." A feathered cut has a ton of possibilities and can be done on short, medium, or long hair.
French bob
The French Bob first gained traction in the U.K. back in 2020, per Refinery29, but now the style has made its way to the States and has people everywhere flocking to their salons to chop their hair. The French bob differs from other bob styles as it is a simple, effortless look that does not incorporate any layering. The French bob is also one of the shortest haircuts you can choose, with the classic cut hitting at the jawline. Add even more French flair by cutting bangs with it.
Modern mullet
Miley Cyrus walked so we could run ... with a mullet, that is. After the star sported her version of the modern mullet, both men and women opted for the cut for themselves as well. Since then, the modern take on the mullet has become one of the most sought-after looks of the year. To achieve this look, your stylist will cut the sides of your hair, leaving the back long. To get the modern part of the look, ask for them to cut your hair shorter in the front.