The wolf cut, the bixie, the new lob, the octopus cut, the shag, the mixie, the glam mullet and the butterfly… and the list goes on. These are haircuts that are creating a buzz in salons and social media platforms ahead of very exciting new year. It seems that after many years of Rapunzellength hair in its various incarnations, the haircut is once again the star of the hair world. So what are these new haircuts and who suits them? Here is our guide to the ones to watch and wear, and the haircuts you should seriously avoid.
The WOLF CUT
I have to admit I had to Google why this multi-layered shag-inspired haircut is called The Wolf and apparently it is because ‘it’s a little wild.’ Oh dear. Anyway, it’s a modern take on a 70s shag haircut, a little Jane Fonda im her 70s heyday. It’s a sexy, easy-to-wear layered haircut that can work brilliantly on lots of hair types and textures. It first appeared post-pandemic, its origins reportedly from South Korea’s K-pop scene and became a huge TikTok phenomenon. Weirdly, this is a haircut that can span many generations from teenage hipsters to ageing rock queens with the likes of Billie Eilish and Miley Cyrus (right) getting in on the act. When cut and styled properly it is a joy to behold — imagine you are channelling your inner Stevie Nicks. Be warned, when badly executed you may end up ‘sailing’ into Rod Stewart territory.
Who suits this? Those of you with thick to medium hair, straight to wavy. It’s not ideal for curly hair unless you fancy a Brian May version but is especially good on round and oval face shapes and little or no hair expertise is required to style this shape. All you’ll need is good hairdryer and some great styling products.
For texture, we recommend Joico Glamtex (€23, lookfantastic.ie)
The BIXIE
We all love a hybrid name it probably started when two celebs got together in the early 2000s — remember Brangelina? Or Kimye? Anyway, it’s a thing with haircuts now too, the bixie is a short bob or bob-pixie. It is essentially a layered bob, where you have the precision and various length suitability of a chosen bob shape but with internal layering for flexibility volume and texture, it can be sassy and sexy as well as sophisticated and business-like, with a little hint of Meg Ryan’s famous 90s haircut. Phoebe WallerBridge (below left) has a version. But beware — this haircut can look like the dreaded cut of the Karen meme if not handled properly and that is the haircut to avoid at all costs. Unless you are a Karen, in which case, carry on.
Who suits this? The bixie is perfect for fine to medium hair types and small oval face shapes, though it can be adapted to triangle face shapes. It’s a no for round faces. It should look undone and slightly bed-headed, a little wandwaving will give it glamour and sass but try not to use brushes tongs or rollers.
For bed head volume we recommend Alfaparf Style Stories Sea Spray (€11.95, beautybuys.com)
The Octopus Cut
Improbably named after a slimy, ink-squirting, eight-legged deep sea dwelling beast, this is an updated ‘Rachel’ — the 90s supercut famously worn by Jennifer Aniston in the hit comedy Friends. This updated version though, is about the bangs which frame the face and can be altered to suit many different face shapes, as sported by model Kaia Gerber (right). At its most extreme it can look a little stringy and almost jellyfish looking but when left to a professional, this haircut can be one the most flattering haircuts of all time. Styling can be as minimal or technical as you like as the cut lends itself to lots of styling options but a good solid old-school round brush will be your best friend on most days. We recommend Denman Head Huggers to get close to the root and give maximum volume and shine.
Who suits this? This can be tweaked to suit most face shapes and hair types. The technical aspect of this haircut is pretty extreme so you need a stylist with a lot of experience in layering and precision. The beauty of the cut is its chunky texture and balance while volume and root lift is at its core.
Try R&Co Blowout Balm (€23.20, hemera.ie).
THE FRENCH BOB
Probably the sexiest of all the bobs, of course, it’s French — or is it? There are versions of this little foxy shape all over the world; in New York its uber sharp and domineering; in Tokyo it’s sleek, tucked behind the ears and businesslike but in Paris it’s undone and slightly dirty, maybe unwashed from a night in a smoky cellar in Pigalle but looking all the better for it. The quintessential French bob should be beautifully cut then left to live on its own — just shampoo occasionally and let the elements take over. That is the beauty of this wonderful haircut, maybe my favourite of all the new looks for 2023, a classic that reinvents itself every few years. This time it has an innocence and understated quality, more Natalie Portman in the film Leon than Sally Bowles in Cabaret. It is a precision haircut and its key features emphasise the jawline, cheekbones and eyes with its strong outline and eyebrow-kissing fringe. Not for the fainthearted but for those who like to make a statement like influencer Taylor Lashae (pictured above left), Who suits this? The brave, the edgy, the stylish and the cool. Think Siouxsie Sioux, Linda Evangelista in her supermodel pomp, Wendy James of Transmission Vamp with her bleached-up indie girl version. This haircut is less about suitability and more about attitude.
Who suits this? You, if you want it. What makes it French? A pile of hairspray and the slight whiff of a Gitane.
We recommend Alfaparf Style Stories Original Hair Spray (€11.51, millies.ie).
THE MIXIE
Another cute little hybrid, this time the pixie mullet, except it’s really just a little feather cut, a Chelsea cut to those of you who remember the early 70s skinhead craze. It’s actually a weirdly feminine haircut that is stunning on a small, elfin face. Elegant and angelic, it has edge and style in abundance and crosses over from street culture to the mainstream with effortless ease. The essence of this style is getting the elements perfect, the extremities of the length, the right fringe proportion to the face and the understanding of texture, control and application. There is a fine line before it crosses over into something more brutal or masculine so your stylist should not only be an expert on short hair, but every care should be taken to avoid the cut looking like the work of a barber.
Who suits this ? If you already love a classic French crop like Mia Farrow’s famous Rosemary’s Baby cut then this is a great new idea for you. Emma Corrin (inset) wears hers well and with minimal styling and fuss, you can have ultra-cool girl hair every day.
For texture shine and definition try R&CO Control Paste (€29, spacenk.com)
