Long Layers
The lived-in look is back! Even though blunt edges are sticking around for now, we’re trending toward textured styles with movement and unique shapes. To liven up your long locks, add some layers. This textured look will give your hair a much-needed boost. You can even add texture spray to your lengthy layers to give your hair more shape and body.
Super-sleek and silky hair will probably never go out of trend, and the same stands for long layers. They're the easiest way to add dimension to an otherwise underwhelming look that doubles as a way to frame the face. But if layers alone aren't enough for you, ask your stylist about trendy curtain bangs. These bangs further frame your face, are low maintenance, and draw attention to your eyes.
Boy Bob
Mainstream celebrities, social media stars, and the general public have embraced short hair over the past few years, particularly with the “lob,” a long, textured bob. Coming off the heels of the mid-2010s "mermaid hair" craze, 2023 will take the bob look even further by shearing the ends at the chin and layering up the look to make it more voluminous.
An adaptation from French street fashion, the "boy" bob with a subtle flat-iron flip at the ends is a total upgrade from the lifeless lobs of years past. In fact, chin-length bob is arguably more in style than the lob; at least, it looks a lot more modern. Just make sure your stylist doesn't cross your layers from "summer chic" over into "I need to speak to the manager" territory.
Side-Swept Bangs
We love side-swept bangs for a couple of reasons. First of all, it gives you something to do with your bangs as you grow out that trendy blunt cut you just had to have but quickly realized it didn't fit your face shape very well... Second, the messy look has a certain je ne sais quoi that's effortlessly chic — even for the red carpet.
Blunt bangs are pretty straightforward, but wispy and side-swept ones usually take a little finagling to look right. To get unruly fringe to lay properly, be sure to blow-dry them in the direction you want with a round brush and use mousse at the roots to give them some volume. Add a little hairspray to lock them in place and you're good to go.
Hair Scarves
Love it or hate it, the hair scarves are here to stay. This year, stylists are pairing them with messy braids, middle parts, bangs, and widely curly hair. Let's jump into why and how this style is so successful, and you probably already know the first reason: the '70s. Surprised? Probably not. But the trend definitely didn't start there. Scarves have been used by people around the world to protect their hair from the elements as well as for religious reasons or social conventions.
The awesome part about hair scarves is that they don't require any heating tools, which further protect your hair from damage and is a great way to give your locks a bit of a break if you use heating tools the rest of the week. Some people prefer to make trendy turbans out of their scarves or are more low-key with their hair accessories by tying a bandana around their head.
Middle Part
If you feel like your hair has zero volume, switch up where you part your hair. Not only will this give your hair a little more height, but it will also change your look! Your locks will fall evenly down the sides of your face, which is flattering on the majority of face shapes. If you need some inspo, look at all the celebs rocking this iconic ‘70s hairstyle online.
L'Oreal Paris USA reports that middle parts, along with other hairstyles from the '70s, are coming back into style for the New Year, writing, "We’re sure you know by now that how you part your hair can make all the difference in your overall beauty look. While we love a good side part, the ‘70s were known for the symmetrical middle part." Give it a shot! You may be surprised by the results...
Deep Side Part
Has the "middle" part ever gone out of style? For the Millennials, it's territory they'll never enter again. Luckily for them, the deep side part is going to make a huge comeback in 2023. While we admit that the middle part is easier to manage, the deep side part has this put-together look that can't be denied. Plus, it's inarguably chic.
We do not care at all what Gen Z has to say about this subject because look at these gorgeous women rocking the side part! They're really going to tell us that Emma Watson looks out of style here? Yeah, whatever. If Emma OKs the style, then it's automatically trendy. Sorry, we don't make the rules!
Cropped Pixie Cuts
Pixies are totally back! Whether you choose to chop it off or do a little "sneaky sneaky" and pin your hair back, pixies are all the rage. This look is all about low maintenance that can work out for literally anyone. Also, you use a lot less product in the morning.
Essentially, what we're saying is that this short and sassy style pays for itself. And if you're worried about your face shape getting in the way, make sure that you allow your stylist to cut according to your unique frame rather than flat-out copying a viral picture of Emma Watson.
Modern Beehive
Women everywhere are searching the depths of their homes to find that ridiculous picture of themselves from decades ago. Why? Because the infamous beehive is back in all of its glory! You can probably find a slew of hot takes on this resurgence online but this trend isn't as dire as it seems.
No influencer would be caught dead in the beehive of the '60s, so they've appropriated the style for their modern interests. Now it resembles the more accessible French twist. This new take is especially effective on long hair because you'll need plenty of volume to keep the style in place, but you can always use extensions when needed. Paired with nostalgic makeup and low-risk fashion, the deep-crimped look emphasizes all your best features on a semi-formal night out.
Natural Hair
This year is going to be a more diverse year. We can only go up, right? That means that it's time to rock what the good Lord gave you! Natural hair is here to stay, and we're excited to see it all over the place. It doesn't matter what texture you have. Wear it proudly, long or short. Natural hair is beautiful.
The "natural hair movement" encourages POC to embrace their textured hair. The first movement has its roots in the 1960s United States and a resurgence in the 2000s. Especially during this day and age, keeping your hair natural is the most practical and logical solution to working long hours from home.
Messy Updos
Tousled updos are an easy way to glam up your look. And because they should look effortless, they don’t have to be perfect. Curls, wisps, and braids can go every which way and still look posh. The best part is that an updo will conceal and disguise oily hair if you don’t have time to squeeze in a wash!
But that doesn't mean you can throw your week-old unwashed hair up into a bun for it to be "trendy." We have some standards, people. So if you want a quick style to get the hair out of your face, try twisting up your hair behind you and using a claw clip to secure your strands in place. You can also frame your face with a few strands of hair near the front of your face to tie the whole look together.
Grown-Out Bangs
What’s so great about grown-out bangs and bedhead hair is that it looks different for everyone. If you don’t wake up with celebrity-level messy waves, you can fake it! With the help of a curling iron and your favorite bottle of hairspray, you can get the tousled bed-head waves of your dreams.
Most women had a brush with bangs during the many lockdowns of years past, which means they either found their new favorite style or are slowly waiting for their mistake to grow out. Most people deem the process of growing out bangs "awkward" and even "painful," but there are many ways to style your fringe as it grows. From side-swept bangs to '70's curtain bangs — or even hiding them with a headband — try to embrace your bangs in all of their glory.
Wispy Bangs
Another French-inspired trend, wispy bangs give any hairstyle personality without bogging down your look. If you’re wanting to jump on the bangs trend but have a slight fear of commitment, these thin bangs are a low commitment that can be pinned back at a moment’s notice with adorable on-trend accessories.
"Remember... feathered hairstyles? Well, feathered bangs were also a popular look in the ‘70s. These wispy bangs are the perfect option for those who aren’t brave enough to try out blunt, straight-across bangs but still want to hop on the bang bandwagon," writes L'Oreal Paris USA. If you haven't already noticed, 2023 is basically the new 1970s (and we're not mad about it)!
Shoulder-Length Curls
A little longer than the bob haircut, the lob is cut just at the shoulders. While anyone can rock this cut, it’s especially trendy for those with curly hair! Typically, you’d get a cut while your hair is straight, but cut a little longer than shoulder-length. This way, when your curls return, they’ll shrink up to the ideal lob length. Despite what some people will tell you, curly hair is not low maintenance. In fact, it's the exact opposite.
Daniele de Angelis told WhoWhatWear, " A style that is short and curly is easy to style and manage, but it is one that requires maintenance." In other words, yes, short curls are easier in the long run but require more trips to the salon than longer styles. Of course, not everyone has naturally curly, or even wavy, hair. That's when you reach for the curlers or beg your stylist for a perm that's less "poodle" than it is "Anya Taylor-Joy in The Queen's Gambit." However, you should always be cautious about accruing excessive heat and chemical damage.
Butterfly Cut
The butterfly cut will be sweeping the nation in 2023. This low-maintenance hairstyle trend gives women with long hair a brand-new look without having to sacrifice length. You don't have to bob your hair to freshen up your look. The butterfly cut works to lift and add volume to your hair.
But what is it exactly? It's a bit of a cross between the '70s shag cut donned by Farrah Fawcett and the popular Rachel haircut of Jennifer Aniston in the '90s. The layers are feathered and work well to frame your face. Anyone can wear this style, but those with thinner hair may benefit the most if they are looking to create volume.
Sleek Bun
2020 was all over the messy bun, but 2023 is bringing back the classic sleek bun. Styled with a middle part and secured with a bobby pin, the low bun is an easy and achievable hairstyle for work, school, and even red carpets! Pulling it into a shiny topknot can elevate the look even more, just give it a little tease and you’ll rock the streets as much as any celebrity.
Sleek buns go hand-in-hand with high-topknots that Harper's Bazaar hypes up for 2023. "Also known as a ballerina bun, a high-placed top knot is a way to show off your cheekbones — and any colorful lipstick you're wearing...," Made Maril writes. "The slicked-back low bun is like the messy bun's big sister. It's just as effortless, yet a little more polished."
Air-Dried Texture
Love your texture no matter what texture you have; embrace it because it's in style. Put down those heating tools and give your hair a bit of a break. If you need a curling iron to touch up a few pieces, then go for it, but this year is all about air-dried and natural living.
This isn't to say that all products are off-limits but we recommend staying away from harsh chemical treatments or hot tools for the time being. A healthy spritz of sea-salt texturizing spray and some volumizing mousse will work wonders for your hair without sacrificing the integrity of your locks for the sake of aesthetics.
Accent Braids
Game of Thrones and Vikings clearly have impacted our hairstyles since their final seasons wrapped. Super intricate braids were everywhere in 2022, so it's only natural that 2023 is taking a break from complicated Youtube tutorials to copy those impossible styles. This year, it's about being effortlessly chic, which means swapping Daenerys Targaryen braids for simple three-strand styles
Gen Z might be obsessed with the '90s but the rest of us know where chic truly lives... the '70s! Even L'Oreal Paris USA agrees, writing, "Small accent braids were a popular addition to loosely waved hair back in the ‘70s. To pay homage to the look, create a few accent braids of your own throughout your mane. This bohemian hairstyle is especially gorgeous for summer or festival season."
Old Hollywood
The Old Hollywood look, with all of its history and mystique, takes the glossy-wave style to a whole new level. Instead of reverting to the past, modern stylists pair the motifs of structured waves with bold makeup and flashy clothes for a look dripping with Marilyn Monroe glamour.
According to L'Oreal Paris USA, "When it comes to ‘70s hair, we say the bigger, the better!" They claim that the voluminous curls of both Old Hollywood and the '70s are "trending once again. This hairstyle is sure to leave your mane with plenty of body and bounce. Just be sure to spritz your locks with a trusty hairspray... when you’re done styling."
‘70s-Inspired Curtain Bangs
The ‘70s-inspired curtain bangs have made a comeback. They’re low-maintenance and increasingly popular. And I don’t think they’re going anywhere anytime soon! The center-parted bangs will frame your face and emphasize your facial features. This style works for curly, wavy, or straight locks and is flattering as bangs that are either long or short.
L'Oreal Paris USA declared curtain bangs one of the top '70s styles that are trending once again. They write, "Bangs parted down the middle, AKA curtain bangs, were a popular haircut option during the ‘70s, and we’ve seen this look resurfacing as of late. They beautifully frame your face and are easy to style, so the curtain bangs resurgence makes plenty of sense." And because trips to the hair salon are few and far between, it's only natural for ladies to let their bangs grow out a bit.
Glossy Waves
Red-carpet glamour is achievable with merely a hot tool and hairspray to create the iconic glossy waves of A-list celebrities. Allure reports that "ultra-smooth, shiny, fluid-looking hair is dominating our Instagram Explore pages, serving up inspiration for when we want to feel a little glossier and more pulled together" because this winter "our social calendars are booked and busy and, alongside catching up with friends we haven't seen since 2019, we're looking forward to getting glammed up."
Begin with your hair slightly damp, take a small section from the front, use a flat iron —starting at eye-level —to rotate 180° towards the face, and slowly glide down the section and through to the ends. Work in small sections all the way around the head and brush gently once every section is curled. Secure with hairspray and bam! You’re practically a celebrity.
Brushed-Out Curls
Tell all of your curly-haired friends that curls are back with a vengeance. For those that don't naturally have bouncy, flouncy hair like this, you can get the look using a curler or a professional perm (We don't recommend the at-home method... Trust us). Since longer hair can be such a pain, a perm might be the better option considering how long it’d take to put it all into curlers.
A perm can still work for short-hair gals but using curlers could be the more practical and affordable option because they don't take nearly as long to put in compared to women whose hair reaches their waists. For a less intense process, wet your hair, do some pin curls, let them sit overnight, and do a little tousling in the morning for a similarly wild look.
Curly Shag
Textured hair is having a moment, which is why the curly shag cut is the newest trend. This hairstyle is layered in a way that accentuates natural hair. The shorter, more rebellious layers pull everything forward. The shag cut works best for curly-haired girls, especially if they have the right styling tools and techniques!
"The shag certainly made a name for itself in the ‘70s, and it’s back and here to stay...," writes L'Oreal Paris. "With loads of layers and texture, it’s the ideal cut for those who want their mane to have plenty of movement." Because curls are already known for their bounciness, they perfectly complement the shag.
Triangle-Cut Curls
Triangle cuts are typically avoided like the plague, but 2023 is the year reinventing what’s right and wrong in fashion. Raw beauty calls for embracing what you’ve got, and the textured angles of the curly triangle cut fall into that category. Fluffy ends and a flat top give the style its “triangle” shape, as seen rocked by celebs Kelly Rowland and Zendaya.
Southern Living reports that 2023 is the perfect time for triangle cuts to become mainstream again because while last year focused on embracing natural texture and no-fuss hairstyles, 2023 is for living life to the fullest. While most curly girls fear leaving the salon with a pyramid on their heads, any reputable curly hairstylist will be able to deliver a chic modernized version of the cut that's regret-free.
Baby Bangs
Quite the opposite of wispy bangs, baby bangs reinvent the thick, blunt bang into a trendy, punk masterpiece. Shearing your bangs above the eyebrow automatically makes you 25% cooler with every centimeter because few people think to risk trimming their bangs that short. Think 2018 Emma Watson, and you’ll understand the appeal.
Some styles may look like a screenshot of yourself as a kid after chopping your bangs with a pair of safety scissors but, trust us, there are many other ways to go with these baby bangs. Some are more punk, some are oddly classy, and others are just plain short!
Y2K
In the 1990s, women wore the iconic hairstyles complete with pigtails, butterfly clips, and scrunchies galore. Nearly three decades later and the ‘90s are trendy again. Mostly teenagers who are part of Gen Z are rocking the looks we wore in middle school and swore we'd never wear again. But they take it a step further to combine the cringe fashion of the 2000s and '90s hair into one nostalgic blend.
Not that they even know what '90s or early 2000s fashion even looks like, but they're giving it their best shot. Similarly, celebrities have brought back hair accessories in a much bigger way. Oversized bobby pins, scrunchies, barrettes, clips, and long ribbons are being sold at the majority of retail stores for women of all ages to rock. Plus, retro colors, pearls, and velvet appliqué add a touch of femininity to any of these modern statement accessories.
Sporty Ponytail
While slicked-back ponytails never seem to go out of style, its athletically inclined cousin is the reality of ponytails for 2023. With repeated lockdowns and WFH, the population’s collective itch to remain active and productive is possible with the practical and cute sporty high ponytail. Reminiscent of the ‘80s, this look creates an air of positivity and efficiency that the slicked-back version wishes it could recreate.
For a more refined ponytail, use mousse and texturizing sprays to give your hair some volume. L'Oreal Paris USA recommends the voluminous style for a more retro and fun look and advises "us[ing] a rattail comb to tease your roots. Gently smooth your hair back into a ponytail and secure with a clear elastic." Easy as pie!
Bouncy Blowout
Bouncy blowouts are so in right now and you don't even have to go to the salon to achieve it! Professional blowouts are flowing perfection, but at-home alternatives have an unkempt factor that elevates them above even the aforementioned professional 'do. Plus, it's a pretty dang-good excuse to buy that fancy new hot tool from Amazon.
All of the tools you need are a round brush, a hairdryer, and a whole lot of time and patience. The blowout technique can take some trial and error to learn how to replicate sought-after salon-quality, but after you master the motion, just flip your locks, spritz with hairspray, tousle, and you're set!
Modern Mullet
Mullets aren’t solely for back-country hillbillies as it's becoming a worldwide phenomenon. Indie chicks and various fashion subcultures are reinventing the mullet to range from carefully angled cuts and wildly colorful roots. Experiment with different lengths, bangs, and layers to make the mullet as “party” or “business” as you desire.
Think David Bowie or Miley Cyrus (after her Hannah Montana days on the Disney Channel, obviously). The rednecks of the world would no doubt shy away from this interpretation of their beloved style but that alone honestly makes us want to visit the salon ASAP to lop off our locks. Embrace modernity!
Sectioned Volume
As you know, natural hair is in — as it should be! And a way to transform the look while keeping the ease is by sectioning the hair into areas of volume and knots. There are no rules for sectioning, and it’s such a versatile look that you could go from day to night without fuss.
But sectioning your hair and applying mousse to each section can work for girls with straight hair as well. Sectioning isn't always about half-up, half-styles. Depending on how dramatically you want to volumize your hair, either invest in a foaming mousse or structured putty that'll force your roots to stay in place.
Buzz Cuts
This year, it’s all about the feminine buzz cut. This versatile and customizable cut is perfect for hair of any type and texture. The short hairstyle is straight to the scalp, which emphasizes and flatters the face by drawing the eye to your natural beauty! It’s also quick and easy to style because there's barely any hair there to begin with, which is perfect for the girl on the go. From Kristen Stewart to Willow Smith, celebrities can't get enough of this style.
Just like you and me, A-Listers crave change and control over their lives, which usually means they'll take an impromptu trip to the salon. Stylist Scott Cornwall told Glamour at the end of 2022 that “Dry, over-lightened, ombre mid-length and ends have been crying out for the chop." In other words, the buzz cut "sets hair back to default."
Tight Curls
Curls are totally in, and the tighter (and bigger), the better. Just try to avoid damaging your hair when you're trying to achieve this look. It's easier than you think! There are plenty of no-heat tutorials out there if you search, and we always suggest using less heat for minimal damage.
From mini curling irons to hair rollers that you leave in overnight, you can use many different methods to achieve this look if you weren't lucky enough to be born with gorgeous ringlets. But half the battle of maintaining curls — especially curls as tight as Zendaya's hair in this picture — is using the right products. Consult a stylist regarding which shampoo, conditioner, defining mousse, and hair spray are best for your hair texture. Or just look it up on YouTube. Your choice!
Wrap-Around Braid
Braids are traveling farther upwards as women everywhere require their hair out of their face in order to concentrate on working from home. The wrap-around and milkmaid braids are both practical for work and professional for online meetings. Plus, it’s just one step past a normal braid just with a few more bobby pins, so it doesn’t take up any more time than it needs to!
Plus, as the world opens up, these braids can serve a dual purpose as a practical WFH hairstyle and a cute night on the town style after you finally muster up the energy to step out of the house and learn how to be social again. As you become more comfortable with the style, throw in a few accessories like a hair scarf or clip-in flowers for added beauty.