As we bid adios to 2023, it’s time to reflect on a year of signature hairstyles that dominated the runways, red carpets, big screens, and local salons. There were a lot of From innovative looks by celebrity stylists to modern twists on classic looks of decades past, here are our favorite 2023 hair trends. Which one will you bring into the new year?
1. The Modern Shag
Kicking off the year, the modern shag proved to be a resounding favorite. Characterized by its textured layers and carefree vibe, this versatile style offered a contemporary take on the classic shag haircut. Nobody owned this look better than Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday Addams, whose instantly iconic Wolf Cut howled across social media (5.7 billion views on TikTok) all year long, its shaggy layers coveted by everyone from the red carpet to the school hallway. There are several ways to rock a modern shag, and a huge part of its appeal is that it can be adapted to almost any hair type and hair length, from short bobs to long waves. Plus, it’s a shag, which means it’s supposed to look scruffy and tousled and perfectly imperfect.
Style icon: Jenna Ortega
Get the look with: Lu's Freedom Collection, to give those curls and waves added volume, shine, and bounce.
2. The Blunt Bob
The timeless bob underwent a dramatic transformation in 2023, with the addition of curtain bangs, wispy bangs, or blunt-cut bangs to spice things up. The blunt bob is a short cut with a powerful silhouette that frames faces and accentuates features. It’s a super versatile choice that is the go-to choice whenever you’re ready for a big chop. The precision of the blunt cut adds a modern edge to the classic bob, making it a go-to choice for those who wanted to stand out from the crowd.
Style icon: Hailey Bieber
Get the look with: Lu’s Control Collection, because bobs need precision styling and zero frizz.
3. Mermaid Waves
Channeling a bohemian and ethereal aesthetic, mermaid waves washed over the hair world in 2023. Inspired by the Disney live-action retelling of the animated classic, the style is achieved through various styling techniques like braiding and curling, creating loose, flowing waves reminiscent of beach-kissed tresses. Mermaid waves offered a romantic and whimsical look that effortlessly transitioned from casual outings to formal affairs.
Style icon: Zendaya
Get the look with: Lu's Freedom Collection, to make those curls look as rich and glowy as if they were flowing underwater.
4. Barbie’s Half-Up, Half-Down Bow
We’re staying in Hollywood for our next hairstyle that defined 2023. There was no bigger cultural and style icon than Barbie this year, thanks to Margot Robbie’s unforgettable performance as the most famous doll in the world. And her half-up, half-down bow inspired thousands of admirers, adopters, and how-to tutorials. It’s also one of the easiest long hairstyles to pull off.
Style icon: Barbie aka Margot Robbie
Get the look with: Lu's Rescue Collection. You can achieve this iconic look with a variety of products, but Rescue will help nourish hair that’s been stressed out by pins, bows and ties that stretch your strands and create tension.
5. Pixie Power
Cute yet daring, the pixie cut continued to be a symbol of confidence and individuality in 2023. This iconic short hair style saw bold variations to suit almost any face shape, including shaved sides, asymmetric cuts, and vibrant colors. The pixie cut celebrated fearlessness and self-assurance, appealing to those who embraced a no-nonsense approach to fashion. A close second was the Bixie, a chic fusion of the bob and the pixie, sported by celebs like Halsey and Úrsula Corberó.
Style icon: Nicole Scherzinger
Get the look with: Lu’s Control Collection. Much like its cousin, the bob, pixies look best when every strand is where you want it to be, and nothing gives you game-changing manageability quite like Control.
6. Curtain Bangs
Inspired by vintage Hollywood glamour, curtain bangs were a big trend that graced the faces of numerous fashionistas in 2023. This style features long, face-framing bangs that seamlessly blended into the rest of the hair. Even McDonald’s got into the act with their take on curtain bangs! Whether worn with loose waves or sleek straight strands, curtain bangs added a touch of sophistication and charm to any look.
Style icon: Camilla Cabello
Get the look with: Lu's Freedom Collection, for wavy, lustrous, and full-bodied waves to make those face-framing layers really pop.
7. The Rachel 2.0
It’s back ... or maybe it never really left? The most iconic ’90s hairstyle returned in a big way in 2023 with new and bold interpretations of the classic. Jennifer Anniston revealed a fresh take on The Rachel’s face-framing layered style earlier this year, with version 2.0 looking more sleek and modern, with blonde highlights to complete the look.
Style icon: Always and forever Jennifer Anniston, but that’s too easy, so we’ll go with Priyanka Chopra.
Get the look with: Lu’s Control Collection. Unlike it’s bigger, poufier predecessor, the new Rachel is all clean lines and edges, perfect for Control.
8. Birkin Bangs
A nod to ’60’s style icon Jane Birkin, Birkin bangs are a short, blunt cut that requires less hair than normal blunt bangs, and they were everywhere in 2023. Because its characteristic wispy bangs aren’t as full as a typical fringe, this look is ideal for those with fine hair. It’s a low-maintenance choice that works with various hair lengths, either above, below, or at the eyebrow level. If there was any doubt that this style was going to dominate the year, that ended when Taylor Swift sported Birkin bangs for her Eras Tour.
Style icon: Taylor Swift
Get the look with: Lu's Rescue Collection. Rescue works to help nourish and protect fine hair, helping to make this style appear soft and radiant rather than thin or unhealthy.
From reimagined classics to pop culture references to bold choices, the year’s most popular hairstyles reflected a diverse range of tastes and a celebration of individuality. As we turn the page on 2023 and welcome the new year, we also look forward to new hair trends to try on your next salon visit!
