Come February, we were all obsessed with the bullet bob, which takes its cue from the trending mullet, wolf cut and classic shag. This summer saw the rise of the diamond haircut, where each section of hair is cut upwards at an angle. When the strands sit flat, they reflect the light just like a diamond.
With autumn just around the corner, you can expect a plentitude of shiny new cuts and according to top hairstylists, there’s something for everyone. Here’s all the haircut inspiration you need this summer.
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The Curve Cut
Hair may be getting shorter (see: the ‘boyfriend bob’) but long hair is going to have a serious moment, says expert stylist Tyler Moore on behalf of Live True London. “Layered cuts especially are going to be more and more popular in 2023. The ‘curve’ is the perfect cut for letting your hair grow out while still maintaining a bit of shape and style. It’s achieved by cutting the hair in a ‘U’ or ‘V’ shape with plenty of layers, giving the illusion of shorter hair at the front if desired.”
On close inspection, this beautiful cut by master stylist Lindsay De Los Santos on Instagram looks like two styles in one, but the layers blend everything together perfectly.
The J-ob
“Bobs never really go out of fashion,” says Neil Moodie, editorial hairstylist and founder of Neil Moodie Studio in Spitalfields, “but what changes each season is the length. At the moment the best length to have is to the jaw,” hence the j-ob (jaw-length bob). Take inspiration from this blunt cut by hair artist @brianacisneros on Instagram.
“This bob varies in terms of texture and shape, celebrating everybody’s natural hair.” During fashion week, Neil spotted the jaw-length bob in many guises: very slick and with a centre parting, texturised, curly, tousled, wavy and even with a fringe. “Either way,” says Neil, “the length was the same,” right up to the jaw and no longer or shorter.
The Double-Edged Bob
Also referred to as the ‘bullet bob’ by Tom Smith, trend forecaster and stylist, this haircut moves on from all the trending, wispy cuts we’ve seen of late, including the wolf cut, mullet and the shag. Tom says that it isn’t a classic bob, rather a mid-length haircut which merges outgrown curtain bangs with a layered bob shape. “It’s a two-layered bob haircut,” Tom told R29, “and it has the balance of a mullet (typically lengthier and a little more heavy toward the back) but it keeps some texture and detail around the face.”
Tom recommends asking your stylist for a choppy layered bob that skims your shoulders, then some shorter, more detailed pieces of hair resting along the hollow of your cheeks for a contouring effect. It shouldn’t take too much effort to style, either. Tom says it works best with lived-in texture and recommends air-drying your hair with a generous amount of leave-in conditioner like Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother, £28. If you want more movement, Tom suggests adding bends or waves with a pair of straighteners on low heat once your hair is dry.
We love this multilayered, textured bob on actor Brittany Bennett.
The Shaggy Bowl
“Each year we see a modern spin on ’70s style,” says Tyler, “and in 2023 we expect to see modern iterations of the bowl cut.” But, adds Tyler, it’ll take a cue from more of a shag style. “This cut is slightly rounded and adds both soft dimension and movement to the hair,” like this cut by artist Yo Alexi Kruiz on Instagram.
Popping Curls
As we go through 2023, we will be watching a cultural shift, says Blue Tit’s lead educator for afro and textured hair, Pashcan’el Mitchell. “More people will embrace their amazing afros and stunning curls. The vibe is go big or go home, with twist outs to create texture and finger curling to get those curls to pop.” There’s a curly shape out there to suit everyone, says Pashcan’el.
The Super Bowl
First spotted on SS23 catwalks, Neil says the super bowl is a nod to the late ’60s mod cut, with a 2023 spin. “The outline of the haircut boasts softer edges but has a textured layer throughout the top section so it’s more versatile,” like this cut by Yo Alexi Kruiz on Instagram. It can be worn to the side, says Neil, or even slicked back off the face thanks to the length. “This is a move on from the mullet that was big this year.”
’70s Shapes
We’re not done with the ’70s, says Pashcan’el, who thinks we’re going to see plenty of bold shapes. Seventies blow-dries with lots of volume are quite literally going to be huge, as are juicy curls. Pashcan’el suggests investing in a volumising spray such as OWAY Volumizing Root Spray, £32.72, and if you really want to dial up the volume, OWAY Sea Salt Spray, £36.75, and Blue Tit x OWAY Next Day Cream, £35, for the best ’70s blow-out, ever.
Connecting Layers
Also known as the C-shape haircut, this style is so expertly layered, each section of hair looks as though it is joined up at the ends. Look to layered haircut expert Ryenne Snow, who added in some face-framing strands and styled with a blow-dry. If you’re not a dab hand with a hairdryer, let your hair dry naturally (use something like Hershesons Almost Everything Cream, £12) and embrace your natural texture. A look like this is as beautiful worn shaggy as it is polished.
The Barely Bang
Somewhat inconspicuous, the barely bang occupies a space between a full fringe and curtains. It’s light and airy and complements all hair lengths, from medium and super long to bobbed. This is hairstylist Sal Salcedo‘s signature.
The Top Heavy Shag
The octopus haircut is making way for the top heavy shag. “This is 2023’s alternative to the popular shag-mullet styles we saw take over 2022,” says Stephen Buller, cofounder of Buller and Rice. “It’s heavily textured, with shorter layers on top which maintain volume and texture. The longer lengths have a softer, separated effect.” Stephen says that this style sees more hair around the sides, unlike the mullet, but it’s slightly more blended and seamless so it’s perfect for someone who wants to create volume.
“This is a great style to release weight from wavy, naturally textured hair,” explains Stephen. It may not be the best on fine hair as it could make it a little too wispy. To maintain and style this cut, Stephen suggests using OWAY Sea Salt Spray, £36.75, on towel-dried hair. Let it dry naturally or use a diffuser. Lastly, finish with OWAY Texture Puff, £28, to add volume and hold.
The Soft Fringe
Pashcan’el suggests accentuating a curly cut with a soft fringe, like this style posted to Instagram by award-winning afro and textured hair specialist Michelle Thompson. It’s not quite a full fringe, nor is it the aforementioned barely bang, but the slightly wispy vibe adds dimension to thick, curly lengths.
The Belle Bob
The new French bob is twice as beautiful (hence the name). The short, jagged ends are complemented by softer internal layering to create movement, texture and natural volume, says Stephen. Adding a soft, layered fringe with a curved edge will really make this style stand out. It’s chic, with a nod to the trending ’70s bangs we’ve been seeing everywhere, adds Stephen.
Even better? “This bob is perfect for low-maintenance styling and is best left to dry naturally, or dried using a diffuser,” says Stephen. “What’s more, this style works on most hair types, especially those with waves. It will add volume to finer hair in particular.”
The Waterfall Cut
You might know this style as the butterfly haircut but a handful of extra layers have now earned it the name of the “waterfall cut”, where each section of hair flows seamlessly into the other. Take inspiration from this style by artist Ryenne Snow on Instagram.
“Following the popularity of Daisy Jones and the Six, we’re seeing a lot of bold ’70s bangs paired with long, waterfall layers,” says Liz Wilson, hairstyling expert at Live True London. Neil Moodie, editorial hairstylist and founder of Neil Moodie Studio in Spitalfields, agrees: “The ’70s bouncy blow-dry is back with a vengeance,” he says, which means we’re rethinking hair that’s all one length. “Now, people are asking for internal layers,” says Neil. “These layers frame the face and start around the nose or chin area, then connect through to the length. The top layers should be long so there isn’t too much weight at the bottom of the haircut.”
Neil suggests practising your blow-drying skills. “Apply Pureology Weightless Volume Mousse, £23.80, from root to tip, then using a large, round bristle brush, blow-dry hair away from the face,” advises Neil. “Pin each section as you finish or put in a large roller while the hair really sets. Once done, make sure the hair is completely dry, then take out the pins or rollers and brush through with a large, wide-tooth comb.”
The Shixie
“This is the latest haircut to come out of salons,” says Neil. “It’s a cross between the texture of the shag or the wolf cut and a grown-out pixie.” Take a cue from this style by artist Ryenne Snow on Instagram. Its distinguishing feature is a choppy fringe cut with a razor, which gives a nod to the accidentally perfect styles of the ’70s, says Neil. “It’s a great cut if you’re growing out a pixie or have the shag or a wolf cut and want to go shorter. The slight length at the back adds playfulness.”
Neil says that a cut like this works best on naturally wavy or curly lengths as it’s so low maintenance. Pop in a little styling cream like Hershesons Almost Everything Cream, £12, and let your hair’s natural texture do its thing.
The Je Ne Sais Quoi Bob
“This is the natural evolution of the ‘contour bob’ we saw a lot of during the spring, which encourages the shadows of an elevated cheekbone,” says trend forecaster and stylist Tom Smith. It’s incredibly popular in Paris. “It is often cut bluntly, at chin length or slightly longer, and has lots of movement,” adds Tom. “Sometimes it features a deep side-part but other times it is accessorised with bangs to give it a Parisian vibe,” much like this look on digital creator Gabrielle Rojas.
It’s an especially practical haircut for the summer months, says Tom, as there’s much less hair to bother about. “This haircut is really sleek and seductive thanks to its simplicity but what makes it even more appealing is how little upkeep it requires.”
Birkin Bangs
Birkin bangs are timeless, just like the iconic bag. This is a short, blunt fringe with thinner ends, and Tom’s favourite thing about it is that it requires less hair than a conventional blunt fringe. “Birkin bangs have sharp corners that frame the face and are great for people who like the idea of a full fringe but don’t want it to fully close in on their face in a solid, heavy shape.” While it’s short and straight enough to make a statement, it features softer, choppier characteristics for “added femininity”, says Tom.
If you’re getting a fringe cut from scratch, Tom recommends going a little longer than you think to ensure the hair doesn’t bounce up too much. “Then have your stylist cut more as needed when your hair is dry. This
technique adds texture and dimension to the face and maintains the wispiness of the look.” Tom suggests making sure your fringe isn’t styled too “round or voluminous” (so you can ditch the round bristle brush). You want the fringe to be on the straighter side, like this beautiful style on digital creator Kristina Manners.
The Butterfly Cut 2.0
The butterfly haircut differs from other layered styles as it boasts two separate sections, explains Tom: “Long layers that fall below the shoulders to create the appearance of length and short layers that end two to three inches below the chin to frame the face and add volume.”
It’s the face-framing, voluminous layers that give the butterfly cut its distinctive, ’90s style, says Tom. Think Rachel Green in Friends or this heavily layered cut by @thanosppjnhair on Instagram. “It is known for its versatility as a short and a long haircut,” says Tom, “and depending on how you style it, this one haircut may give you two completely different looks when worn either down to show off the layers or up in a ponytail.”
The Stacked Bob
The layered bob is back but this time there isn’t a single hint of the 2010s. That’s because the layers are much less step-like. Instead, each section of hair is very carefully blended into the next, which allows for more volume at the back without the obvious chopped effect. You’ll also see stylists referring to the cut as the “graduated” bob, as each layer gradually gets shorter from the nape of the neck up to the crown. This chop by Summer S Evans hits the nail on the head.
The Mini Butterfly Cut
According to Tom and Stephen, the butterfly cut is the style of the summer but you don’t have to have long hair to achieve it. Take inspiration from this shoulder-length cut (and a glossy silk press) by the team at Mimi et Mina. It boasts subtle, face-framing bangs parted in the centre and wispy layers through the mid-lengths to ends.
The Curly Cut
At the start of the year, Blue Tit‘s lead educator for afro and textured hair, Pashcan’el Mitchell, predicted that more people would embrace their afros and curls. “The vibe is go big or go home,” said Pashcan’el, “with twist-outs to create texture and finger curling to get those curls to pop.”
This summer, Instagram and TikTok are awash with popping curls in various shapes, from long bobs with bangs to styles worn off the face, like this curly cut by award-winning afro and textured hair specialist Michelle Thompson. “The hair was treated with both moisture and protein to strengthen and hydrate her curls, teamed with a curly cut to give the hair a good shape to grow,” said Michelle on Instagram.
The Nastassja Kinski Bob
So you want to go short, but not too short. Consider what The Hair Bros‘ Nick Latham and Seán Paul Nother have coined the “Nastassja Kinski bob”.
“Many of you who have had bobs from us [have] probably heard the name Nastassja Kinski coming in to conversation at least two or three times,” they wrote on Instagram. “The slightly longer length of the bob [gives] natural movement the best chance of forming, while the front is shorter to break the overall shape up just enough to frame the face.” This cut on Marissa Marsh is sophisticated yet a little shaggy, and the curtain fringe is the cherry on top.
The French Bob Reinvented
“We are seeing a trend for cropped bobs right up to the neckline,” says Buller and Rice’s Stephen. It’s a more versatile take on the classic French bob. “It has a strong, blunt, square shape with some added layers for texture,” says Stephen. “This shape is perfect if you’re a hair flipper or you like to tuck your hair behind your ears. It’s sleek, sharp and timeless and works well with a softer, finer fringe.”
This cut by Elle Hoppenstedt for Kale’a is perfect. Stephen suggests a product like Oway Smoothing Cream, £35.75, which helps smooth hair during blow-drying. It’s also a great product for achieving an effortless, air-dried texture.
The Wixie
Meet what stylists are calling the “wixie”, essentially a winged pixie cut. It’s not as closely cropped as the traditional pixie and incorporates more wispy strands, which are a little longer at the back for a softer, fluffier feel. Look to this cut by Yuya Hair.
If you want something a little longer, Stephen suggests the “mixie” — a mullet meets pixie. “It’s cropped with light feathering over the ears and a soft, short fringe. There’s also a little length at the back for added texture and softness,” says Stephen. Styling is easy when hair is this short. “Simply towel-dry your hair, spritz in Oway Sea Salt Spray, £36.75, and then rough-dry [with a hairdryer] or leave to air-dry. For extra texture, add some Oway Volume And Texture Hair Puff, £28,” says Stephen.
The Pin-Up Bob
Also known as the “dreamboat bob”, this haircut gets its name from the most famous pin-ups of the ’90s. Think Nick Carter and Leonardo DiCaprio. It’s floppy, relaxed and androgynous. “This is a short, blunt bob around chin length and it can be styled in a slicked-back style or worn more casual,” says Stephen. Look to medical student and model Ellen Gamper, who prefers a strong centre parting.
The Hush Cut
The hush cut is fast becoming one of the most requested hairstyles in London salons. Though it looks luxe, it’s actually pretty low maintenance. “The hush cut consists of long, grown out curtain bangs that frame the face more around the cheekbones as opposed to further up,” explains Luke Hersheson, hairstylist and CEO of Hershesons. Luke adds that the lengths are layered ever so slightly at the front but never at the back. This adds dimension, texture and movement. It’s the ultimate cut to try if you have wavy hair or you like to air-dry your lengths, though it looks equally chic blowdried. Look to this cut by LA hairstylist Cristal.
The Bubble Bob
Celebrity hairstylist Justine Marjan predicted the rise of the bubble bob back in January. Fast-forward to autumn and it’s one of the most googled haircut trends right now. It’s the face-framing layers, which cup the face, that set this apart from the classic ‘90s bob (blunt and typically worn in a centre parting) or the Italian bob (slightly choppy and flipped to the side). This soft layering lends the style a somewhat rounded shape (hence the ‘bubble’). “This looks great air-dried with wavy texture for a fluffy finish, or blown out for more piecey looking layers,” Justine told R29 earlier this year. “Make sure you go to a stylist that you trust to shape the cut to suit your unique facial features,” she added.
Take inspiration from this cut by @vikachekahair on Instagram and don’t forget to invest in a round, bristle brush. This, alongside a great hairdryer, is what you’ll need to create that curved, bubble shape when styling.
The Fragmented Fringe
The fragmented fringe sits somewhere in the middle of a full fringe and curtain bangs. It gets its name from the negative space between each curl, much like this cut posted to Instagram by award-winning afro and textured hair specialist Michelle Thompson. “A good technique I’ve seen doing the rounds uses the end of a comb,” says Luke. “Apply leave-in conditioner or a curl-defining cream and twist the hair around the comb to give you that perfect curl. It’s like an invisible roller. Just let it dry naturally.”
If you’re not keen on air-drying, Luke recommends enlisting a heat-diffusing sock, which can be tied to the nozzle of your hairdryer. “This gives you the heat you need to dry your hair but it takes away all of the wind.” Plastic diffusers can blow the hair around too much, which will ultimately create frizz, says Luke. “We call it slow cooking in the salon,” he jokes. “Keep the temperature low and go slow. Patience is key and remember not to touch your hair while it’s drying as this could disturb the curl formation. Once your hair is dry, you can really get your hands through it.”
The Birkin Cut
The Birkin cut is an homage to the late Jane Birkin, undisputed style icon (and the ultimate hair inspiration). Neil Moodie, editorial hairstylist and founder of Neil Moodie Studio in Spitalfields, thinks a fringe like this — which lies between curtain bangs and a full fringe — is an easy way of adding interest to long hair. “It’s the epitome of French beauty,” says Neil. “It’s effortless but sexy and it requires minimum styling,” which makes it great for those who air-dry their hair.
It isn’t just about the fringe, though. Neil recommends adding a layer into your hair for a little more movement, particularly if you have thick, wavy lengths. We like this cut by Anna at The Hair Bros.
The OG Pixie Cut
“The pixie cut has made a comeback in many shapes and guises recently,” says Neil. Two that spring to mind are the ‘shixie’ (a cross between the shag and the pixie) and the ‘bixie’ (a blend of the classic bob and the pixie). Now the pixie haircut itself is on the rise. “It’s a revised version that is being adapted for all hair textures,” says Neil. “Before, it was seen as the haircut for straighter, finer hair but it has adapted to curly hair and textured hair, too.” This cut by Michelle Thompson is beautiful.
The pixie calls for texture- or point-cutting and is occasionally razored depending on your hair type, says Neil. “Instead of the back and sides being completely cropped short, it is slightly grown out and a bit softer around the edges. This can be styled flatter or with some texture and some height to it.”
The Feather Cut
With the rise of rosemary oil and peptides, it seems we’re all taking the health of our hair very seriously. But long hair that’s all one length can feel pretty heavy. Consider long layers to give your hair a little something extra. “These layers are light, feathered and help to lift the weight of long hair, creating volume and bounce,” says Neil. Think ‘90s supermodel.
Yes, styling this haircut might take more work but the results are worth it, adds Neil. “I suggest using a mousse like Pureology Weightless Volume Mousse, £23.80. Make sure you apply it to the roots and blowdry your hair with a large round brush.” If you don’t have the time or patience for a blowdry, Neil advises investing in Velcro or heated rollers, spritzing each section of hair with hairspray before rolling them in, and letting them work their magic for at least half an hour. Failing that, try BaByliss Big Hair Rotating Hot Air Blow Dry Brush, £50. Neil recommends finishing with a texture spray concentrated to the roots. He rates Sam McKnight Cool Girl Barely There Texture Mist, £27.
Textured Layers
Tyler Moore, expert stylist at Live True London, has taken plenty of requests for ultra-long, layered cuts with fringes and heaps of texture. “Whether you achieve this with extensions or by cutting layers into natural hair, finish with a curtain fringe for a look that is full of movement,” says Tyler. We love this It Girl haircut by LA hairstylist Cristal on Instagram.
The Ultra-Short Afro
“We’re going to see a lot of close-cropped afros,” says Tyler, much like this cut by hair artist Charlotte Mensah on Instagram. Tyler suggests choosing a length of around 1 inch to maintain versatility and allow for some styling if desired.
The Heartthrob Bob 2.0
Inspired by the heartthrobs of the ‘90s (Nick Carter, Leonardo DiCaprio and Jared Leto), this bob invaded Instagram last summer but mostly on straight, fine hair. It’s particularly cool on curls, says Tyler. “As seen on Josette Maskin, this is an ultra-short cut,” says Tyler, and it’s the super-short layers teamed with a subtle curtain fringe that give it a ‘90s vibe. This bob by hairstylist Imoko is excellent.
The Cher
This cut is reminiscent of Cher’s iconic ‘70s hairstyle: all one length from the jawline down but with a chunky, full fringe and a lip-grazing step. “This time it works more with a natural texture,” rather than poker-straight hair, say Stephen Buller and Anita Rice, founders of Buller and Rice. It’s a statement for sure. “It keeps the majority of the style long but there are soft layers with a more natural texture throughout. The cherry on the cake is the disconnect around the jaw. It’s similar to a bob shape that lines the jaw and is separate from the rest of the hair.”
Anita and Stephen suggest styling with Davines Volu Hair Mist, £30, and a medium-hold hairspray to nail the slightly mussed-up texture that hauls the hairstyle into 2023. Take a cue from this cut by Kamila Pruszek, hairstylist and co-owner of Blue Tit Portobello.
The Butterfly Shag
This style occupies a cosy space between the chic butterfly cut (shorter layers on top blended into longer layers throughout the lengths) and the classic shag, which lends more of a chopped, lived-in look. It’s the perfect way to embrace natural waves and curls.
“We are an ambassador for natural hair and now holiday season is in full swing, easy, beautiful, natural textures are the way to go,” says Stephen. “This is the perfect way for your hair to be unique to you. It works with your natural hair texture, rather than against it. Introducing layers will bring out more of that curly texture and a fringe can spice things up.” Stephen advises booking in for a trim every six to eight weeks to keep hair in tip-top condition.
We love this cut on Linasha by the team at Shag! London.
The Ghost Cut
The ghost cut is so named thanks to a handful of long, invisible layers concealed throughout the lengths, says Luke. These layers give the hair shape without making it look like you’ve just been to the hairdresser. “This is the art of a great haircut,” says Luke. “It’s as though it hasn’t been touched by a hairdresser’s hand at all.” This style by hairstylist Haleigh on Instagram absolutely nails it.
The Grown Out Crop
Niamh Adkins and Yesly Dimate are fans of the grown out crop style. “It’s part Meg Ryan and part skater kid,” says Luke. “It’s shorter than a bob. It’s flicky and slightly mullet-like, and a little bit layered with floppy curtains. It feels really now. If you’re fed up with bob mania, it’ll give you the security blanket of [the same] heaviness at the front — because it’s long enough to tuck behind your ears — but the back is razored out. It’s borderline mullet without it being hardcore. Rather, it’s softer and more piecey.”
The Cowgirl Bob
To understand the cowgirl bob, you’ll need to have the trending hair colour — cowgirl copper — on your radar. The name, writes Refinery29’s beauty editor Megan Decker, is a nod to TikTok’s coolest fashion aesthetic right now: coastal cowgirl. It’s an understated, almost faded copper that suits all skin tones. Hailey Bieber is the celebrity inspiration behind this one, says Luke. “It has a slight coppery colour and a chunky, choppy end that hits the jawline,” much like this style by Vasile Guzu. The cowgirl bob is great for those with fine hair, adds Luke, as it makes the hair look thicker.
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