Searching ‘hair trends 2023’ on Google? You’ve landed at the right place to find them. To get ahead of the curve, we’ve quizzed the UK’s top stylists and colorists to find out exactly which hairstyles, cuts, and colors are set to dominate this year. From uptown blonde to the box bob, these are the only hair trends that you need to know.
Looking back, 2022 saw a new wave of experimental, yet laidback looks, come to the fore. Hairstyles for long hair stepped aside, making space for shorter ‘dos like the bixie haircut, Italian bob and boyfriend bob. In terms of color, red dominated with countless celebrities (including Zendaya, Lucy Boynton, and Tessa Thompson) experimenting with this shade.
So, what can we expect to see in 2023? “There is a real return to more polished styles," says Sam McKnight, legendary hairstylist and founder of his eponymous haircare line. "Think less messy and more groomed. It can be either in your blowout or with slicker silhouettes," he continues. Here, we break down the biggest hair trends for 2023, as predicted by the pros.
Hair trends 2023: 8 trends to try now
1. Uptown Blonde
Paloma Faith
Blonde is set to be big in 2023. But not just any shade of blonde, specifically ‘uptown blonde’. Coined by Nicola Clarke and Zoe Irwin, creative directors at John Frieda Salons, uptown blonde refers to an all-over, golden warm color that takes its cue from the ‘90s. This is in direct contrast to another huge trend - cooler and rootier tiramisu hair and mushroom blonde. “Ash blonde has been a macro trend that’s dominated for over a decade,” says Irwin, “but now there’s a return to this golden, warm blonde – and it’s refreshing to see.”
“Clients are asking for a brighter blonde that’s more glamorous,” says Clarke, who notes that ash tones dull the color down, while warm tones add glow and brightness. Cate Blanchett, Billie Eilish, and Paloma Faith have all recently turned up the warmth with blocks of creamy color. “The reason it’s ‘uptown’ is because it’s high maintenance, as soon as it’s got a root on it – it’s a different look,” says Irwin, who recommends booking salon appointments every 3-4 weeks to maintain the color. For a fresh take on this '90s blonde hair idea, keep your eyebrows dark, “it combines glamour and grunge,” adds Irwin. Noted!
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2. Deep side partings
Zendaya
Sorry Gen Z-ers, but there’s a new way to part your hair in 2023 – and it’s not straight down the middle. Enter: the deep side parting. Spotted on the Spring-Summer ’23 runways, Bella Hadid and co sported polished ponytails with strong side partings at Miu Miu. Elsewhere, at Erdem, the models’ hair combined flowing waves with slicked-down side partings to create contrast. This look works nicely with another 2023 trend, the asymmetric bob, and is popular off the runway too. Zendaya has worn her rich coffee hair color in a deep side part, while Anya Taylor-Joy, and Julianne Moore are also fans of the deep side parting.
“I see a deep side parting as power hair,” says Syd Hayes, celebrity session stylist, and BaByliss ambassador, “it can range from sleek straight glass-like hair with super shine, to big curls and attitude.” To recreate this look, Hayes recommends using “the BaByliss 9000 Cordless Straightener for the sleek straight look and the BaByliss Hydro Fusion Hair Dryer (using the diffuser) for the big curls look.”
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3. Box bob
Kerry Washington
The bob with bangs is a big trend that’s going nowhere fast. And as a summer hairstyle in 2023, we will see a sharper finish with blunt edges and cropped bangs. “Think Amélie meets Vidal,” says Hayes. For the uninitiated, the Amélie bob (inspired by the leading actress in Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s 2001 film Amélie) is a flippy, chin-grazing bob with extremely short bangs, “The Amelie bob helps create structure and definition, flattering most face shapes,” says Jordanna Cobella, Wella Professionals digital craft expert and Cobella salon owner. “It’s worn best with a slight wave and texture.”
The Vidal, in contrast, is less soft and more severe. “It’s this extremely classic Vidal Sassoon – think Fumio’s 1976 Box Bob,” says Hayes. Spotted recently on Kerry Washington, the box bob works best with sleek, straight hair and super sharp edges. If, however, this cut is too severe for your liking, ask your stylist for a volumized bubble bob with softer edges and more movement. The experts are predicting that both cuts will be everywhere in 2023.
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4. The supermodel blowdry
Jessica Chastain
2023 will see the return of the glamourous supermodel blowdry that was made famous by Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, and Veronica Webb in the ‘90s. “There’s a revival for all things ‘90s and hairstyles are no exception,” says Cobella. Classic and classy, the bouncy blowdry works well on most hair types – “especially on hair that is naturally straight,” says Cobella, “as you can create a wave you never knew you had.”
“With the return of hot rollers and even more tools launching that can give you that supermodel blowout in a cinch (well, with a little practice), taking your hair to new heights is easier than ever,” says McKnight. This also works beautifully with trending layered hairstyles such as the oval layer haircut. The pros top tip? When using your best hot rollers, “let them cool down to set the shape before taking them out,” says Hayes, “the longer you leave the roller in, the longer the shape will last.” Lots of body and bounce give the appearance of fuller, thicker hair – and who doesn’t want that? “There is a real conversation of women suffering from hair loss and thinning and this is the perfect go-to style,” adds McKnight.
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5. Liquid brunette
Laura Harrier
Liquid brunette is the uber-glossy hair color that’s taking over in 2023. Essentially the brunette equivalent of uptown blonde, this color trend involves an all-over global tint with added dimension on top. “People are steering away from California-beachy hair and brunettes are going back to more of a brunette,” says Clarke. “That's not to say that they’re completely solid, but the tones are a lot darker and closer to the natural color, rather than being a soft, hippy, bleachy color, and shine is really important.”
For subtle dimension, the stylists recommend steering clear of packet dyes. “Some people think it’s an all-over color and a tint – but when you do that, it’s incredibly jarring for the skin tone,” warns Irwin. “It doesn’t work. This has multiple tones within the brunette.” To achieve the look, “we do these tiny strands with very low peroxide bleach, then a gloss goes on top to give it this beautiful finish,” says Clarke. “It’s a ‘double take’ in a room kind of color,” adds Irwin. We're sold!
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6. Wet look hair
Tessa Thompson
A total head-turner, the wet look hairstyle is set to steal the spotlight for Spring-Summer 2023. Already an A-list go-to, this smooth style has been spotted on the likes of Margot Robbie, Tessa Thompson and Rihanna. “We saw a lot of wet looks at the SS23 shows,” says McKnight. Slicked-down, sculpted styles ruled the runway at Balmain, Richard Quinn, and Dries Van Noten. But as with many high fashion trends, it can be hard to make this work for everyday wear, “unless you’re on holiday,” adds Hayes.
“The key to recreating this look at home is to wear a more polished, masculine silhouette,” says McKnight. “Wear your hair sleeker – think less messy and more groomed. A side parting can be the secret for that slight nod to the masculine.” As for products, it’s all about gels or cremes for a sleek look. “Gel is making a huge comeback,” notes McKnight. “For a softer finish, mix it with a leave-in conditioner.”
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7. Palm Springs pink
Megan Fox
If you thought pink hair had had its moment, think again - along wth another bold hue (blue gray hair) it's set to be one of the key summer 2023 hair color trends, “we’ll see more clients experiment and embrace romantic tones such as pastel pinks and marshmallows,” says Cobella, who’s calling this hue ‘Palm Springs Pink’. “What I particularly love about the Palm Springs Pink is that clients can experiment with this pastel shade without having to commit long-term.” If you’re already blonde, “consider a temporary wash of pastel pink to dip your toe in,” suggests Tom Smith, leading hair stylist and trend forecaster.
Not solely for blonde hair, Robert Eaton, creative director for Russell Eaton Salons and Wella Professionals technical director, thinks we’ll be seeing more pink-blushed brunettes too. “By layering a brunette with blush pink tones, you’ll achieve a soft, expensive, and luxurious color,” says Eaton, “think pink glaze with bundles of shine.” As this trend takes full force, and pink hair becomes less surprising to see, Smith predicts that "super intense, saturated versions of this shade will make an appearance," too.
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8. Sculpted up-do's
Anya Taylor-Joy
The sky-high ponytail is here to stay in the hair trends of 2023. One of the chicest hair up styles around, this sleek ‘do is super versatile and by no means a one-trick pony (ahem). "The key here is to adapt the style to make it work for you,” says McKnight. After some oomph? “Keep some root lift at the crown for a little volume,” he says. Or, for a softer look, “leave out a few face-framing pieces.”
You can also create different moods with the humble ponytail. “Straight feels powerful and a little strict while bouncy with waves can feel playful,” says McKnight. If you’re after something that’s effortlessly cool, “twist it up into a '90s-inspired knot.” Spotted at Moschino and Halpern on the SS23 runway, higher-than-high ponytails made a statement. “It’s a great style if your hair is a bit greasy or if you need to switch up a look from day to night,” adds Hayes, “just pull it back and add an accessory – it’s so easy and looks seriously chic.”
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