As 2022 draws to a close, we are already looking to next year and anticipating the hair trends that will be dominating in 2023. Whether you haven’t updated your look in years, or you simply want to try something new in midlife, it’s time to embrace your sassiness to the core.
Anyone at any age can rock any hairstyle. Period. The right one for you is the one that matches your personality, lifestyle, and vibe. Luckily, there’s a whole host of new hair trends just waiting to be experimented with.
What are the hottest trends?
There’s no hairstyle that fits all, but one thing is sure: 2023 is a perfect time to go big and bold. The new year marks the return of Farrah Fawcett flicks but with a technicolour Barbie pink twist, and the hottest hair finishes (bouncy curls, wet hair, ultra-shiny lengths or slick updos).
And guess what? Hairstyles from the ’90s are having a comeback. According to Allure, the famous layered haircut named “The Rachel” (after Jennifer Aniston’s Friends character) has been rebranded as the octopus haircut — and TikTok is already bursting with videos of midlife women getting the chop and styling it. Another ‘90s look that got its 2022 revival and will be here to stay is the bob-pixie, aka the new bixie. Characterized by its jaw-skimming length, the bixie reminds us of the ’90s “it” girls’ favourite hairstyles (think Meg Ryan and Cameron Diaz).
Not sure what’s the best look for you? We’ve gathered top hairstylists’ predictions for the haircuts and styles that will take over in 2023 so that we could inspire you to change your style in the new year.
Bobs are back! Whilst bobs have never been unpopular, they will see a dramatic resurgence in 2023, and we have already seen evidence of this on recent red carpets.
“Recently sported by the likes of Kristen Bell and Christina Ricci, it is an iteration of the classic bob style that works wonderfully for fine hair, as it can add texture and fullness to hair that can otherwise look flat by reducing the weight of the hair“, says Nicole Petty, Hair Expert at Milk + Blush. “The style can also be adjusted according to your face shape. Those with longer faces can opt for grown-out bangs to shorten the face, while rounder faces keep it longer through the front to add length”.
The ongoing cost of living crisis and busy lifestyles have drastically changed the hair routines and styles of many women who want low-maintenance hairstyles that take very little time to style. Choppy layers, shaggy cuts, and blunt bobs are just some of the messy cuts and styles that can work for every hair type and texture.
It’s all about making styles look effortlessly put together, leaving pieces of hair loose around the front of the face and adding volume to the top of the head to create a tousled and windswept look.
Celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons, who has worked with stars like JLo and the Kardashians, says wispy bangs will be the fringe of choice this year. 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.
“Wispy bangs are absolutely stunning, and as more people venture into the bold decision that is to bang, or not to bang, the answer in my opinion for this upcoming year is this take on the trend“, he says. “Wispy bangs are a more delicate take on the classic fringe with longer pieces layers on the outside, and the shortest pieces in the middle“.
No matter how long or short your hair currently is, it’s likely that the butterfly haircut can work for midlife women, too. A beautiful, modern take on the popular ’90s bombshell blowout look it adds glamour and volume and it is a perfect effortless layered hairstyle that works on all hair textures.
To style this cut that resembles a butterfly wing, use a volumizing spray on damp strands and blow out your hair with a round brush to lift and add volume throughout, beginning with sweeping the fringe more to the sides.
It’s a short, practical “boy cut” as hairstylist Starr Mason calls it, though most Black women will recognize this cut as a short afro, great for curly hair.
“Choosing a length that is around one inch will give the versatility to finger wave the cut for a touch of glamour, while still being able to wear a no-fuss natural look when feeling carefree,” says Mason. “When it comes to colour, lighter and brighter shades create the illusion of expansion. Platinum is the perfect exclamation point for this statement look.“
Ready to change your look? Take the plunge and book your next hair transformation as soon as possible to start the new year on the right foot. New goals and dating resolutions can wait.