BTC’s Official 2023 Haircut Trend Report: 20 Looks Clients Want
New Year, another lineup of client “hair trend terms” and micro trends. From the Rachel 2.0 to butterfly layers, contour cutting and Hailey Bieber-inspired bobs—there are a few themes among 2023’s trends: Layers, fringe and framing. The radar is still showing the influence of the ’60s, ’70s, plus a major influx in ’90s cuts with extreme layering at every length.
Signature haircuts are making a comeback, so get prepared with the foundational skills needed to achieve the staple techniques. Become a BTC University member to learn how to cut layers, bobs, lobs and the cuts clients want with 24/7 access to courses with top experts. Next, read the pro tips, skills to master and trend breakdowns below.
1. Internal Layers
Think of internal layers like this: Traditional layers are external, visible and help create shape. Internal layers are inside of the established shape, creating air pockets that expand the hair and create volume.
“[The term] invisible layers can be misleading, since they are not fully invisible. They do, on the other hand, expand the hair from the inside and—if done correctly—can make the hair appear fuller with more movement throughout,” Sal Salcedo (@salsalhair) explains.
Read this guide to cutting invisible layers from experts @salsalhair, @yukistylist, @johnwgeorge and more!
Why @salsalhair loves them:
- Offer versatility to a haircut and give it longevity
- Go-to for clients because they minimize the amount of salon visits since the hair continues looking and feeling good for a longer period of time
- The perfect technique to keep in your arsenal to book more clients
Photo Credit: Instagram via @yukistylist
Photo Credit: Instagram via @salsalhair
Photo Credit: Instagram via @yukistylist
2. Butterfly Layers
The butterfly cut is everywhere this year—why? Clients love the high-volume, face-framing layers they’re seeing on the internet, most likely a viral post from Ulta Beauty Design Team Member Justin Toves-Vincilione (@ahappyjustin). These blended, face-framing layers build volume and connect to the fringe and perimeter for a cohesive look.
Hit play to learn Justin’s cutting secrets for creating voluminous layers—Subscribe now to unlock his entire class on BTC University!
Photo Credit: Instagram via @ahappyjustin
Photo Credit: Instagram via @ashleenormanhair
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Photo Credit: Instagram via @matildadjerf
Justin’s go-to scissor:
We secured 15% OFF ALL ARC™ Scissors for you! Use code BTC2023 at checkout.
3. A Few More ’90s Supermodel Layers For Your Next Client’s Inspo
Run out of pics to show your guests before their next cut? AS IF! So, here’s a few more “It Girl” looks we love. “We all know the shag has been getting a lot of love for years and now on the flip side, things are getting softer. longer and more styled,” adds Wella Professionals Ambassador and celebrity stylist Briana Cisneros (@brianacisneros). “I’m excited about the rising popularity of barrel bangs and big ’90s supermodel hair.”
Photo Credit: Instagram via @derekcashstyles
Photo Credit: Instagram via @cynthiaglam
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Photo Credit: Instagram via @migueldoeshair
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4. The Rachel 2.0
“[The] ’90s aesthetics are still standing strong in 2023 and more (and more!) clients are asking for ’90s-inspired layers,” says @ahappyjustin. The perfect answer to their requests? The Rachel 2.0—aka shoulder-length layers inspired by Jenifer Anniston’s character Rachel Green in “Friends,” cut by the one-and-only Chris McMillan (@mrchrismcmillan).
Photo Credit: Instagram via @salsalhair
Photo Credit: Instagram via @cfhairdesign on @shay.sullivann
Photo Credit: Instagram via @rachelwstylist
5. Extra Long Layers
As J.Lo and Kim K’s longtime stylist, Chris Appleton (@chrisappleton1) has truly seen it all—from glass bobs to overnight platinum transformations. But, there’s one haircut that never goes out of style: Long layers. We like to call these “six-figure layers” because mastering this look (a new shape without losing length!) will keep clients coming back to your chair. “I predict hair cut trends in 2023 will look much more lightweight—hair falling along the face framing with much definition and structure,” says Mujin Choi (@hairbymujin), Global Celebrity Stylist known for his work with K-pop sensation BTS and British M. The luxurious lines [allow the hair] to be more voluminous, making its texture lightweight.
Photo Credit: Instagram via @chrisappleton1
Photo Credit: Instagram via @erickinvisible
Photo Credit: Instagram via @laurapolko
Photo Credit: Instagram via @nubiarezo
Long layers cheat sheet:
- The 6-Figure Haircut—Learn HOW on BTC University with RUSK® Global Creative Director @matt.swinney!
- 6 Tips For Dry-Cutting Long Layers
- Layers: 10 Pro Tips & Mistakes To Avoid
Matt’s go-to scissor:
6. Shaggy Lob
The shaggy lob is sure to be a staple cut this year, according to LA-based cool girl haircutter Yuki Nakatani (@yukistylist). With layered elements of a shag and the collarbone-grazing length of a luxe lob—this effortless cut looks best when paired with long curtain bangs.
To master the cut, watch these classes:
- How To Cut A Short Shag with @styled_by_carolynn
- Shaggy Bob by @jacobhkhan
- The Shag by @sallyhershberger
- All included in the BTC-U Membership—sign up now!
Photo Credit: Instagram via @yukistylist
Photo Credit: Instagram via @stebunovhair
“The Meg Ryan” / Photo Credit: Instagram via @rachelwstylist
Jenna Ortega’s Viral Chop / Photo Credit: Instagram via @davestanwell
Learn how to cut a “Wednesday” star Jenna Ortega-inspired wispy, shaggy lob from @ahappyjustin.
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7. Short, Piecey Layers
“This year it’s gonna be about very long and very short haircuts: full on shaved heads, buzzcuts, pixies, bixies, overall androgynous hairstyles—slightly longer for men and slightly shorter for women,” says @salsalhair.
“There’s a split between the edgier hair trends with disconnection and extreme layering and the softer longer versions of these trends,” adds @brianacisneros. “For example super short pixies I’d lump into the edgier category, while the bixie is a much softer slightly longer version of that.”
Photo Credit: Instagram via @salsalhair
Photo Credit: Instagram via Mujin Choi (@hairbymujin), Global Celebrity Stylist,British M.
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Learn from Joico Global Artistic Director Richard Mannah (@richardmannah):
- How to cut a short, layered haircut
- Techniques to remove weight and build shape
- Graduation tips for cutting layers
- How to personalize a short cut to a client’s face shape
- Included in your membership: Watch on BTC University!
8. Contoured Bob
When our younger clients bring in an inspiration photo this year, expect to see Hailey Bieber. From glazed brunette and glazed donut nails to her viral skincare line “Rhode”—Mrs. Bieber’s model-off-duty aesthetic is on every 2023 mood board. So, when she recently chopped her long layers into a preppy, contoured bob, we knew our clients would shortly follow.
“A broken bob is a rebellious version of pretty much any standard, cookie cutter bob,” says @ahappyjustin. “While the French bob and blunt bob will always be a classic, we’re seeing stylists break the rules, literally, by ditching the polish and throwing in some shattered lines.”
Photo Credit: Instagram via @slickback_buttahtoast
Photo Credit: Instagram via @haileybieber
Photo Credit: Instagram via @dyananematalla
Photo Credit: Instagram via @matt.swinney
Get ready for this request:
- Hailey Bieber’s Preppy Bob: What You Should Know
- 5 Bob Cutting Tips for Textured Hair
- How To Avoid a Bulky Bob
- The ‘Boy Band’ Bob: Channel ’90s Heartthrobs
9. Voluminous Layered Bobs & Lobs
“I think people will be getting more into shorter bobs with lots of layering and movement,” says celebrity stylist and Moroccanoil®️ artist Greg Gilmore (@greg_gilmore). Don’t know the difference between a layered and texturized bob? Read this ASAP—because your clients will be requesting this look that creates soft volume on fine hair and looks great with natural waves or texture.
Pro Tip: Clients with fine hair? Get pro cutting and styling tips to make bobs and lobs appear fuller from Carolynn Judd (@styled_by_carolynn) with Moroccanoil®️.
Celebrity stylist Taije Simon (@lovetaije) is already seeing short, layered bobs and lobs on the trend radar—she recently gave Zendaya a fresh chop for the New Year that you can expect to see in your clients’ inspo photos.
Photo Credit: Instagram via @zendaya cut by @lovetaije
Photo Credit: Instagram via @aarongreniahair
Photo Credit: Instagram via @styled_by_carolynn
Photo Credit: Instagram via @kelleyscanvas
10. Contour Cut
Just like makeup, contour cutting accentuates your client’s face shape and highlights their features. Think beyond supermodel layers.A “frame cut” can be worn at any length and requires you to think beyond standard head diagrams—instead, the look is personalized based on length, density and texture. “Contour haircutting takes into consideration the client’s face shape to give the most flattering contribution to their look,” says Line One Hair Founder and Beverly Hills-based stylist Drea Henty (@andreahenty)—a cut that lifts, moves and adds life.
Photo Credit: Instagram via @andreahenty
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Photo Credit: Instagram via @curlfactor
Photo Credit: Instagram via @salihtunbulofficial
Photo Credit: Instagram via @shiroml
Contour layering 101: Learn the dos & don’ts on BTC University with @joeltorresstyle!
11. The Curve Cut
What’s a “curve cut”? Layers that naturally fall into a U- or V-shaped layered perimeter. “Key word, layered perimeter,” says @ahappyjustin. “The cut has everything sharp about a short layered cut around the face, but seamlessly blends into the layered perimeter.”
Photo Credit: Instagram via @ahappyjustin
Photo Credit: Instagram via Mujin Choi (@hairbymujin), Global Celebrity Stylist,British M.
Photo Credit: Instagram via @hairbymickk
Celebrity stylist Cynthia Alvarez (@cynthiaglam) says clients should ask for:
- Face-framing fringe just above the chin
- Long layers overall with shorter layers at the top half for volume
- U-shape cut (or V-shape)
Pro Tip: Style the cut into a ’90s bouncy blowout with a round brush, blow dryer and Biolage‘s Volumizing Mousse, says Cynthia. “Smooth ends with Biolage All-In-One Oil. This helps define and piece out your ends while protecting the hair.”
12. ’70s Retro Shags: The Goldie, Farrah & Bardot
“Fringes and ’70s vibes are [making] a comeback,” says Australian-based content creator Shannon Williams (@shannonjjwilliams). From Brigitte Bardot to Goldie Hawn and Farrah Fawcett, shag expert Rachel Williams (@rachelwstylist) is channeling retro elements with heavy, eye-sweeping fringe.
“The Goldie”
Photo Credit: Instagram via @rachelwstylist
Shag cheat sheet:
- How-To: Face-Framing Shag with @rachelwstylist
- Curly Shags: Tips & Head Diagrams
- The Shag 101: Dos & Don’ts
Rachel’s go-to scissor (that is ALSO available for left-handed cutters)
Use codeBTC2023 for 15% OFFRachel’s go-to ARC™ Scissor!
“The Farrah”
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A post shared by ✨ SHANNON . JJW . HAIR . GOD ✨ (@shannonjjwilliams)
“The Bardot”
Photo Credit: Instagram via @salsalhair
Photo Credit: Instagram via @rachelwstylist
WATCH ON BTC UNIVERSITY: The Mother of Shags @sallyhershberger’s Best Tips!
13. Mod Haircuts
“We’ve been playing with eras for a few years now and we’ve seen a huge resurgence of looks from the ’90s, ’70 and even some from the ’80s,” says @ahappyjustin. “In 2023, there will be a huge nod to ’60s cutting, specifically the style of Mod. Shags, bowls, crops—all without any rules.”
Photo Credit: Instagram via @coiffeurstory
Photo Credit: Instagram via @carm_inthetresses
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For you: 15% OFF ALL ARC™ Scissors! Use code BTC2023 at checkout.
14. Feathered & Razor Haircuts
“I think we will see a lot of fun short cuts again, but this time with bangs and texture,” says NYC-based stylist Erickson Arrunategui (@erickinvisible). His advice?: “Master cutting a good fringe and work on your razor skills. The razor just adds amazing texture to a haircut that will make it feel so effortless and moldable.”
The return of the haircut is here, says Ulta Beauty Pro Team Member and Matrix Global Artistic Director Michelle O’Connor (@michelleoconnorbeauty). Start dusting off your skills: “Feathering, thinning, texturizing—to give the hair a signature look [versus] very simple blunt cutting. I think there are going to be a lot of stylized feathering [and] ways to create softness in the hair.”
Photo Credit: Instagram via @andy_doesyourhair & @brianhickman1
Photo Credit: Instagram via @michelleoconnorbeauty
Photo Credit: Instagram via @carm_inthetresses
15. French Bob
“I’m predicting the fun bob that’s seen on Simona Tabasco who plays Lucia Greco on ‘The White Lotus,’” says Sally Hershberger (@sallyhershberger). The French bob—or in this case, the Sicilian bob that feathers out versus in for a playful vibe—will reign supreme this year. The secret? Pair with fringe and bevel away.
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Photo Credit: Instagram via @weeklyyeg & @bluntvicki
Photo Credit: Instagram via @ryanaustinhair & @igksalons
Photo Credit: Instagram via @nataliemckellhair
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A post shared by Erickson A, @bumbleandbumble (@erickinvisible)
16. Soft, Blunt Bob
From the ultra-wearable soft bob to the “bottleneck bob”—picture a retro-esque Coca Cola bottle that starts with a pinched fringe that transitions into blunt layers through the ends—expect to see an influx of clients requesting a big chop.
Remember: The keys to this resident cool-girl cut are avoiding beginner mistakes that ruin the perimeter, removing weight to prevent a bell-shaped bob and cutting even lines.
Pro Tip: Follow this guide of how and when to use texturizing shears to blend a bob.
Photo Credit: Instagram via @yukistylist
Photo Credit: Instagram via @hirohair
Photo Credit: Instagram via @chrisjones_hair
Can’t cut a bob with confidence? Watch @chrisjones_hair’s class on BTC-U!
17. The Bixie
The viral bixie haircut—that fuses elements of a pixie and bob—will continue to top the trend charts through 2023. Learn how to achieve the cut from start to finish on BTC University with bixie expert @brianacisneros.“I’m seeing where people are trying to combine haircuts, like where you’re getting the best of both worlds,” @michelleoconnorbeauty agrees. “So for example, in the Bob, you might have features or characteristics of pixie, so that it becomes like this softer version of the bob.”
Photo Credit: Instagram via @brianacisneros
Photo Credit: Instagram via @hairladylo
Photo Credit: Instagram via @mathilda.gvarliani
18. The Pixie
While a pixie cut isn’t really a trend—it’s a timeless staple cut in the salon—we have seen an influx in pixies that take on elements from bobs (the bixie) and mullets (the mixie) galore. With 2023’s hair mantra being “the big chop,” expect to see some pixie transformations this year.
Watch @greg_gilmore teach how to cut and style a pixie on BTC-U!
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Photo Credit: Instagram via @marco_firriolo
Photo Credit: Instagram via @salsalhair
Photo Credit: Instagram via @katrisharose
19. The Wolf Cut (or Shullet!)
Trend experts like celebrity stylist Kellon Deryck (@kellonderyck), @michelleoconnorbeauty and @ashleenormanhair predict that the “wolf cut” is here to stay. When clients show an inspo photo of this mullet-shag hybrid haircut, we know most of what they like is actually the styling.
Personalize the cut based on length, density and texture, and for wolf cut first-timers, educating them on how to air-dry and style their hair will go a long way.
Photo Credit: Instagram via @coiffeurstory
Photo Credit: Instagram via @brianhickman1
Photo Credit: Instagram via @coiffeurstory
20. Modern Mullets
PSA: This is not your uncle’s mullet. This androgynous, iconic statement look is THE ultimate cool cut. Before you go for business in the front, party in the back—read the key differences between a shag and a mullet, and learn how to personalize the cut for a contour effect.
Mullets have made a major comeback, says Mujin Choi (@hairbymujin), Global Celebrity Stylist known for his work with K-pop sensational BTS and British M. “It gives an ambiguous sensation, emitting androgynous appeal reminiscent of boyish charm,” he adds.
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Photo Credit: Instagram via @ocean_navarro
Photo Credit: Instagram via @eristheplanet
Photo Credit: Instagram via @queerinyourhair
Plus, Our Fringe Guide!
From over 20 of the industry’s biggest celebrity hairdressers, artists and influencers—everyone agreed: Fringe is IN this year. From the return of Tumblr era side bangs to the only easy way to attain a Birkin (aka Birkin bangs), we’re going to see fringe requests all year long.
Read our official 2023 Fringe Trend Guide—click here!
Photo Credit: Instagram via @yukistylist
