It’s safe to say the world of hair went through an experimental phase over the course of the last year-plus. We tried the at-home dye jobs, DIY trims, slicked-back ponytails for Zoom, and even switched our side parts to middle parts thanks to Gen Z. But now, the hair hibernation is over and we’re reentering society ready for a hairstyle metamorphosis. After all, the fact that mullets are trendy again should be proof enough that major changes are happening.
Why such big changes? Oftentimes, a haircut can signal a big emotional relief. After a year of upended routines, loss, and pandemic fallout, it’s no surprise that people are flocking to their stylist’s chairs ready for their post-2020 chop. “So many people are telling me how lifeless, brittle their ends have been feeling and also a desire to usher out the old quarantine energy they feel their hair was holding onto,” says Los Angeles-based hairstylist and educator Holly Seidel. “Making a big length or shape change can feel so empowering and bold. I’ve been cutting so many shags, pixie cut hybrids, and face-framing bangs,” she adds.
Meet the Expert
Holly Seidel is a Los Angeles-based craft hairdresser and educator specializing in razor cuts. Known for popularizing the modern shag on the west coast, Seidel draws in clients from all over the U.S. and overseas for her signature modern-meets-vintage aesthetic.
From curly hair shags to undercut pixies, these 17 haircut ideas will have you ready for your makeover episode all year long and beyond.
1. Modern Mullet
Mullets are no longer a joking matter, they’re back and quickly becoming an “it” hairstyle for those willing to take the plunge—like Kesha’s modern take on the look that sports tons of texture. Luckily, this bold cut is also incredibly flattering. “I’m not surprised mullets have become so popular again. It’s such a versatile haircut and what makes it so modern is that it works for literally everyone,” says Seidel. The only requirement? “You just have to be up for the disconnected look between the front and the back, that makes it a true mullet,” Seidel explains.
2. Glam Mullet
The modern mullet screams edge and attitude, but there are gentler approaches. “It can be cut softly with a razor to create angelic tendrils framing the face for a chic look,” notes Seidel. This glammed up version on Miley Cyrus features delicate, face-framing pieces and we’re 100 percent obsessed.
3. Short Mullet
Don’t worry, shorter hair lengths can take part in this style too, as proven by Demi Lovato’s latest chop. If you’re going for the modern shaggy mullet, you'll want to find a stylist who is comfortable with razors—which help achieve those signature wispy pieces. Want something a little edgier? Ask for scissors. “Scissors are used to cut choppy layers, hard edges, and even super short micro bangs for a punky street style effect,” Seidel says.
4. The Blowout Bob
It’s classic, polished, and the latest 90s style to make its way into the trend zone. The blowout bob (we’ll refrain from calling it “the blob” for now) is a voluminous chin-to-shoulder length cut that gives us major Clueless vibes. Selena Gomez’ long bob channels Winona Ryder in the best way.
To keep your blow dry sesh frizz-free, reach for a protective cream like BRIOGEO HAIR CARE Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection and Heat Protectant Crème to keep strands nourished.
5. French Bob
Cut right along the jawline, the French-inspired bob haircut is pure je ne sais quoi. It can be air-dried for a messy-chic look, curled for an old Hollywood vibe (as seen here on Katy Perry), or paired with bangs for a modern-day Amélie style!
6. Blunt Bob
In sharp contrast to the bouncy bob above comes a sleeker take with blunt ends. To get this look you’ll want to resist the urge to get layers and ask your stylist for a single-length lob—aka long bob—which is universally flattering for any face shape or hair type.
7. Roaring 20s Bob
Another style on Seidel’s radar is the micro bob, which Halley Berry demonstrates flawlessly. It’s reminiscent of jazz-age styles (think flapper finger waves) and seems eerily appropriate considering that we’re now in the twenties of the 21st century.
8. Curtain Bangs
Proof that fringe can be low maintenance? Curtain bangs. They’re super flattering, a little retro, and easy to style. “They are cut to part in the middle with feathery shorter bits in the middle of the eyebrows and gradually taper into longer cheekbone framing curtains,” explains Seidel, who adds that the key is finding the sweet spot where the longest pieces of the bang land on your natural face shape.
Rounder faces look especially fab with this style, Seidel tells us. “They can have the illusion of sculpted cheeks if the tapered ends of the bangs are cut to curve in just below the cheekbone and above the jaw.”
9. Baby Bangs
Baby, or micro, bangs are definitely a commitment but with all that saved up angst and attitude there’s no better time to take a crack at this bold trend. Emma Watson’s micro fringe keeps a ton of movement through feathery layers, but you can also opt for choppy square-shaped—just don’t forget to rock a smoldering smoky eye every now and then.
10. Tousled Bangs
If you’re not feeling the volume of curtain bangs or the lack of volume with baby bangs, piecey bangs (like these on Dakota Johnson) will be juuuust right. They’re thinned out a bit to give a more ethereal look and can be parted in the middle or swept to the side, making them super versatile.
Pro tip: Keep a little dry shampoo on hand for when you need to tousle and fluff them back into shape. We love the EVA NYC Freshen Up Dry Shampoo—the mini size is perfect for popping in a bag.
11. Curly Bangs
Say it louder for everyone in the back: All curly hair types (from 2c to 4c) can rock bangs! Starting with a solid air dry to avoid any shrinkage, it’s best to work closely with your stylist to get the length you’re looking for—remember, you can always trim more later. Afterwards, tons of moisture will help keep the frizz away from your curly fringe—MARC ANTHONY Coconut & Shea Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner is an Ipster go-to.
12. Razor Shag
As T-Swift shows us, this 70s-inspired cut is effortlessly cool and looks right at home on a red carpet. But the pest part is that it’s totally low maintenance and, according to Seidel, can last for the long haul when done well. “With lots of movement, internal layers, and soft framing bits throughout, they can continue to evolve over time into a beautiful longer layered cut,” says Seidel. “Sometimes I don’t see return clients for as long as a year because they liked what the initial cut grew into.”
13. Curly Shag
Sandra Oh routinely shows off her expertly cut curly shag that’s soft, voluminous, and full of piece-y layers. You can choose your level of volume with this style by air-drying for a subdued effect or using a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to amp it up.
14. Choppy Pixie
While pixies are a big hair commitment, they showcase your features and are just as versatile as just about any other cut—point in case: Jourdan Dunn’s choppy pixie, whose face-framing layers and highlights add tons of dimension. When going for a dramatic change in length, be sure to have a grow out game plan with your stylist!
15. Mermaid Pixie
Kind of like the forever staple beachy waves, mermaid waves take all that salty crunchy goodness and transform it into a more languid, almost wet look. “You can achieve it by using a moisture balm/salt spray combination and works best with hair that has a little wave,” says Seidel, who adds that it’s perfect for nearly all face shapes and hair lengths.
16. Sleek Pixie
The simplicity of Halsey’s slicked-back pixie style makes this cut a no-brainer. It’s a timeless aesthetic and the perfect option for that second (or third) day hair. FYI: To get this sleek hold, you’ll want a healthy amount of pomade!
17. Undercut Pixie
Quite possibly the coolest version of a pixie, the undercut style consists of shaved sections near the temples and around back with longer layers up top. Ruby Rose has tried—and totally nailed—just about every pixie in the book and her undercut style takes home the gold right along with them.
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