As the new year approaches, many of us are thinking about and preparing for all the changes we’re going to make to help us live our best lives in 2023. And while there are worthy big-picture goals, the small ones—like changing up your look—are key, too. Making a dramatic beauty move is a quick, visual, relatively easy thing to do that can have a positive effect on your mindset. Might we suggest a haircut? The trends of 2023 are seriously good.
After speaking with professional and celebrity hairstylists, we’ve learned that you’ll be seeing a variety of haircuts and styles taking over your social media feeds and showing up on celebrities as they walk the red carpets. Some trends you’ll recognize from previous years (looking at you, wolf haircut), while others are sure to shake things up. Keep reading for the haircut trends experts predict will reign supreme in 2023.
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The octopus haircut started popping up early in 2022, and it’s here to stay. “The shape of this cut resembles a classic shag and exemplifies the fine line where grunge meets glamour,” says Frédéric Fekkai, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Fekkai salon. “Ask your stylist to cut wispy bangs and add layers on top of the head, blending them with the bottom length.” Remember to keep the ends long, like the legs of an octopus!
“The one-length bob will be super popular for 2023,” says Tommy Buckett, celebrity hairstylist and co-owner of Marie Robinson salon. “I like this look because it works for most face shapes, and it’s easy to style at home.”
Celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons, who has worked with A-listers like JLo and the Kardashians, says wispy bangs will be the fringe of choice this year. “Bangs have been making a huge comeback recently, and wispy bangs are the perfect take because they suit every face shape and hair length,” he says. “Ask your stylist to cut longer pieces framing your face, and make sure your fringe is shorter in the middle than it is on the sides to bring more attention to your face.”
Looking to do the big chop? 2023 is the year to do it because a short Afro will be all the rage, says Fitzsimons. This short haircut has a variety of styling options. “For those with very curly or coily hair, this cut is perfect if you want to switch up your look,” he says. “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.”
Considering the recent return of all things ’90s, we aren’t surprised a voluminous mid-length style “will be the haircut of 2023,” says Xavier Velasquez, celebrity hairstylist and Virtue ambassador. “The midi is a universally flattering haircut that can be styled many ways, from sleek and straight to voluminous, like a ’90s supermodel glam.”
The bowl cut you might remember as a kid is getting a shaggy twist, says Fekkai. “Ask your stylist for rounded bangs with rounded corners by cutting along the eyebrow, contouring around the cheekbone, and ending at the collarbone,” he says. “It’s similar to a bob cut with the addition of subtle layers added to create movement in your hair.”
This curly shag-meets-mullet haircut isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. “I’m now seeing the wolf cut on curly hair types, and I love it,” says Gabrielle Henderson, a Nioxin professional hairstylist. “I receive a lot of requests in the salon for lots of volume on the top and longer length on the bottom, and this haircut is the perfect result of that.” If you want to do a test run, take a page from Keke Palmer and wear a wig.
For those who aren’t afraid to get a little experimental with their hair, try baby bangs this year. “Baby bangs are making a huge comeback,” says Sofia Perez, Nioxin professional hairstylist. “This cut is a great way to change your current style, and there are beautiful variations, from textured, graceful side fringes to bold horizontal lines.”
Soft bangs are another way to try out fringe without committing to something drastic. “Soft bangs are a hot trend for 2023, with celebs like Anne Hathaway, Lily Collins, and Phoebe Dynevor rocking their own spins on the classic,” says Velasquez.
If you still want to keep your length but add more body and volume to your hair, you’ll love a butterfly haircut, which is all about long, feathery layers—lots and lots of them. “This is a beautiful, modern take on the popular ’90s bombshell blowout look that adds glamour and volume,” says Fitzsimons.
Genesis Rivas Genesis Rivas is the Beauty Editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers hair, makeup, skin, nails, and more.
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