Nine hair trends that will dominate in 2023 [photos]

The past year has seen the most experimental and sometimes even outrageous hair trends.

The adventurous spirit continues into 2023.

TOP NINE HAIR TRENDS FOR 2023

The focus for the new year is on reinventing oneself. Here are nine ways to do just that, according to Vogue.

1. ARTISTIC FLAIR

The key to this trend is to get as creative as possible. “For so long, it’s just been about the haircut, but we’re starting to see a return to styling again,” Luke Hersheson told Vogue. “Now the question is more about how you wear your hair up without it feeling too old-fashioned… which is why very slick, gelled up-dos are a big trend right now,” he added.
Top knots, ballet buns, gelled kiss curls – the more intricate, the better. It’s time to kick the good old fashioned updo a bit of a facelift.

“Concentrate on bringing the sides of your hair up in line with your cheekbones,” Hersheson says. “Generally, these kinds of styles are easier to do when the hair is wetter as it’s a bit more malleable,” he added.

2. THE BOX BOB

Yes, bobs are still very much in. International session hairstylist Syd Hayes predicts that the “box” style will be one of the most popular hair trends of 2023. “It’s an extremely classic Vidal Sassoon bob,” Hayes told Vogue. “A sharp shape, that’s striking—less about the layers and more about straight lines and angles,” he adds.

3. LONG LUSCIOUS LOCKS

Long, luscious locks remain one of the year’s biggest hair trends. But, the style is moving towards a more polished aesthetic. Be it a classic blowout or big voluminous waves, just make sure every hair is in its plays, Vogue reports.

4. SIDE PARTINGS ARE IN

“I tend to favor a middle part, but it feels like a good time to flip the parting deep onto the side,” George Northwood told Vogue. “It suddenly makes things feel fresh and new, especially with a bob.” He name-checks Emma Corrin in Lady Chatterley’s Lover for reference. They “went from a deep, side-parted marcel wave into a very textured, undone bob with the same parting.” Both looks, he says, worked with their delicates features and highlighted how a bob can move from elegant to sensual with just a little tweak. Another example of the side parting in action is Alexa Chung, whose latest looks feature several side partings; she adds an embellished barrette for extra sparkle. Chelsea Handler also rocked the trend at the Critics Choice Awards, where she played host.

5. THE WET LOOK

“Ultra glossy, impossibly shiny, wet-look hair is a 2023 trend that is set to be everywhere,” says Northwood.
“On the catwalk, Chanel and Saint Laurent showed us how to wear this style at any length, whether it be center-parted, with a deep side part, down or textured. A great way to take a daytime look into the evening, it can also work on any hair type. We offer a texture release and silk press in order to achieve the look, and we really focus on hydrating the hair,” Charlotte Mensah, international hairstylist told Vogue.

6. SCULPTED BRAIDS

“We’ll see more braided styles crafted to look like sculptures,” reveals Mensah. Celebrities like Gabrielle Union sported the look at the Strange World premiere. Rihanna showed off her braids on the Golden Globes red carpet alongside A$AP Rocky. 

7. 70s BANGS

Bangs are here to stay. They are one of the most requested styles in salons, according to Hersheson. “There are nuances to them, though—they can be Stevie Nicks-style and really obvious or a bit more grown out. Either way, they’re the epitome of cool-girl hair,” he told Vogue. Blow them out or wear them undone. 

8. MULLETS ARE BACK

The divisive mullet made a comeback this year, and at Larry King’s salon, hairstylist Lilli Bridger created a ‘Noughties’ take on the trend for digital creator Mia Regan. “It was really reminiscent of the short style that Paris Hilton wore at that time,” he says. “It embraces those flicky ends that were key back then—it’s a style of hairdressing that will be big in 2023.” 

9. CROWN CARE

This is not necessary a hair style trend, but making sure your scalp is healthy and well taken care of, is key. Especially if you are planning to try all the above mentioned trends. “The importance of scalp health is catching on,” says celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin. She is known for working with the Kardashians.
“Scalp care is essential to achieving shiny, healthy hair.” 

ALSO READ: Manicure trend alert: Lipgloss nails are all the rage

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY MARIETTE VAN NIEKERK