The 8 haircuts trending so far this year and how to request them
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOBIAS ROWLES
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
The micro bob, jellyfish cut, velvet crop and more.
Switching up your tried-and-true hairstyle can be daunting, particularly when you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for. Thankfully, the internet has given us a lexicon of new hairstyles to bring to the salon, from the ’70s-style kitty cut to the classic Italian bob.
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Here, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top trending haircuts so far this year. Scroll on for fresh inspiration, reference photos and notes on how to request your new ’do.
Jellyfish cut
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If you’re feeling indecisive, the jellyfish cut – a kind of bob/mullet hybrid – gives you the best of both worlds. It’s striking, contemporary and a little avant-garde. It comprises one shorter, blunt layer and a disconnected longer layer, with the hair split up into two distinct parts. You can opt for a more subtle jellyfish style with short, choppy bangs, or go all-out with dramatic tiered layers.
Wolf cut
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After gaining traction on TikTok in 2021, the wolf cut is officially trending again. Loved for its low-maintenance styling abilities, the wolf cut is a choppier, messier, more voluminous version of the classic shag. It’s a mullet without the commitment – long, wispy layers at the back and short, choppy layers towards the front.
Velvet crop
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Somewhere between a buzzcut and a pixie, the velvet crop gets its name from its soft, suede-like texture. It’s a few inches longer than an all-over buzz, and can be worn messy or parted and slicked back. For extra dimension, opt for all-over bleach or a playful shade of pink or blue.
Italian bob
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If you’re familiar with the ’20s-style French bob (a blunt cut, usually hitting just above the jawbone), the Italian bob is its slightly longer, messier sister. Inspired by Simona Tabasco’s lob in The White Lotus, the Italian bob looks best when left to air dry, spritzed with some sea salt spray. To switch it up, add some volumising mousse and a deep side part.
Kitty cut
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The kitty cut is ideal for those looking to switch it up without making a dramatic chop. It’s wolf cut-adjacent with a more ’70s feel, characterised by soft texture, face-framing layers and feathered ends. Flattering on most hair types and lengths, the kitty cut looks best when worn to accentuate your natural texture.
Wixie cut
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Described as a ‘winged pixie cut’, the wixie is the edgier version of a classic pixie cut. With messy layers, wispy pieces and a slight shag at the back, the wixie is a great style if you’re trying to grow out a super-short cut. Play around with styling by investing in a good texturising product, a fine comb and a smoothing gel.
Halo cut
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It’s hard to imagine a version of the infamous bowl cut could ever be described as ‘flattering’, but the halo cut is exactly that. Like a bob with a shorter, rounded silhouette, it’s soft and voluminous. The halo effect is achieved by forgoing any choppy layers or hard edges – instead, stick to round, bouncy curls and face-framing tendrils.
Micro bob
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With enough length to give you all kinds of styling opportunities, the micro bob is a modern classic. Falling at the nape of the neck, it’s just shy of pixie (or ‘wixie’) territory and looks great styled naturally, curled up at the ends or slicked back with gel. For extra flair, add a collection of clips or rows of bobby pins around the hairline.
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