In desperate need of haircut or hair colour inspiration? The 2023 hair trends have arrived and there are options for everyone, from curly hair girls looking to give their ringlets and coils some dimension to those of us with fine hair in need of some easy volume (minus the pound of hairspray).
Short hair is back in a big way for 2023, but what’s really great to see is that mid-length hairstyles are also having their time in the sun, so if you’re growing out a pixie cut or blunt bob, you’re in luck – hairdressers will be all over shoulder-length hairstyles and all the right layers to make them work as you grow your hair this year.
Bangs are still very much du jour, but – as with mid-lengths – there are options for anyone growing out a fringe, from curtain bangs to the TikTok sensation, a butterfly cut. We asked Sydney-based hairdresser Amanda Tua for her tips on achieving our favourite 2023 hair trends.
Butterfly Haircut
TikTok’s #BeautyTok is responsible for a myriad of hair trends these days, and the butterfly haircut is probably one of the most sought after right now. Throw in Swedish influencer Matilda Djerf and her enviable, flowing blonde mane as inspiration, and you’ve got a social media trend taking over the globe.
A blend of 80s and 90s blow dry volume, think of the butterfly haircut as the hairstyle that will get you that bouncy, shiny hair often seen in classic soaps from the eras, like Melrose Place and Beverly Hills 90210.
The butterfly haircut is great for those who really want to frame their face,” explains Tua, adding that the right layers will highlight cheekbones and give volume and movement to anyone with fine hair. “To get volume, ask for short, lighter layers. If you want a sleeker version of the butterfly haircut for long hair, keep the layers long, and concentrated around the face.”
Side Fringes
Yes, they’re officially back – and it’s Dua Lipa and Emily Ratajkowski who are responsible. This 2023 side part hairstyle is at its best on anyone with grown-out bangs, so for those of you that cut a fringe last year and are in the awkward stage of “not quite curtain bangs, not quite layers”, try sweeping to the side.
“The side fringe or swept bangs is the most flattering part on all face shapes,” explains Tua. “It’s also a great option if you’re considering a full fringe or straight bangs, but aren’t ready to commit yet – or if you’re thinking about chopping your hair into a shorter style but want to get a feel for the look first.”
Style your side fringe with a 90s French twist secured with a claw clip, or combine with the butterfly haircut for maximum volume.
Midi Hair
Another one for the girlies who are between hairstyles, midi hair (haircuts that sit at your shoulders) is a big 2023 hair trend worth looking into, especially if you’re growing out a shorter style.
“I love the nod to the 90s that midi hair gives,” says Tua. She suggests keeping layers to a minimum if you have a rounder face, and achieving volume if your face is more narrow via choppy layers, like Kiernan Shipka’s cut above. Midi hair is also perfect for getting bounce back into lacklustre or frizzy curls.
70s Shags
The rise of Jenna Ortega has also meant a resurgence of love for the 70s shag haircut. Yes, 70s shags have been trending for years now – remember the wolf cut? But this is a little different. Less of a modern mullet, more a lived-in, Stevie Nicks-style look, the 70s shag hairstyle is really versatile and focuses on short, choppy layers that need little to no maintenance between visits to the hairdresser.
“Mix up the 70s shag by asking for short layers that give volume and texture, and definitely ask for bangs – curtain bangs are also a good testing ground, blended with long, sweeping layers if you don’t want to lose too much length,” explains Tua.
The 70s shag looks great on curly hair, too – you’ll need a fringe, but the shorter layers can give curls more bounce at the roots. “Ask your stylist which cut will best suit your face shape and hair texture,” says Tua.
For styling, use products that give frizz control and a little grit without a lot of effort, like R+Co’s Cool Wind Air Dry Creme, which offers hydration and gentle texture, and finish with Hair by Sam McKnight’s Cool Girl Barely There Texturising Mist for adding some extra texture wherever you might need it.
Curl Highlights
Curl highlights, or spotlight highlights, are one of the 2023 hair trends that are a godsend for anyone with curls who feels that their colour can look one-dimensional, but finds traditional hair highlights don’t translate on their ringlets and coils.
“Spotlight highlights are perfect for adding definition and dimension to your hair colour,” explains Tua. Look for a hairdresser who will hand-paint highlights instead of the traditional foil process, as this will keep the colour on your curls and not dispersed in a way that ends up looking piece-y.
For styling, pick more hydrating curl products as your hair may be more prone to damage and dryness due to the lightening process. We love Oribe Curl Control Silkening Creme and Living Proof Curl Elongator for those with coily hair, and Virtue Labs Curl Defining Whip or Davines Curl Building Serum for ringlets and waves.
One word of warning from Amanda Tua – make sure you alternate your highlight appointments with a gloss and/or toning appointment to make sure your curls stay hydrated, and to prevent over-lightening.
Blunt Bobs
Zendaya just debuted one, Maude Apatow has been a fan for years – even Emily Ratajkowski tried a blunt bob on for style recently. It may have begun in 2022, but lopping off your lengths is still one of the top 2023 hair trends, and can be a welcome refresh for anyone with extensive colour or heat damage.
The 2023 blunt bob is sharp, but allows for the option of movement and waves if you prefer leaving the hair straightener in storage. To nail Apatow’s glossy chop, Tua recommends smoothing with a straightener (Cloud 9 just released a retro collection, if colour’s your thing) and finishing with a lightweight oil or shine spray to protect from frizz (Virtue Labs Healing Oil will also help to repair any damage, and MoroccanOil Glimmer Shine Spray will add the gloss you’re looking for). If you’ve got wavy or curly hair, you’ll need more hold and grit than you did with a longer cut. Try Davines Sea Salt Spray for natural hold, or Ouai Air Dry Foam for easy curl definition.
Dark Brunette
On a total flip-side to curl highlights, dark brunette – we’re talking block colour, high gloss – is going to be one of the biggest 2023 hair trends after emerging in 2022, and is so easy to maintain given it doesn’t involve lengthy trips to the hairdresser. Spearheaded by celebrities like Bella Hadid, Nicola Peltz and Camila Morrone (her hair in Daisy Jones and the Six? Goals), the trick is getting the tone right for your complexion.
“Ask your stylist whether warmer chestnut tones will suit you, or whether a cooler, chocolate brown is more complementary,” says Tua. Blondes with a lot of damage will particularly benefit from switching their blonde to brunette, as going darker can help add shine and moisture to dry hair.
Keep your colour glossy and deep by staying out of the sun where you can, wearing a hat and washing as infrequently as you can – water, UV damage and over-shampooing will strip semi-permanent colour quickly. Give colour a boost with Evo Fabuloso Cool Brown Colour Boosting Treatment and maintain with Redken Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo.
