18 of the Trendiest Hair Colors, Hairstyles and Haircuts for 2023

Your signature ‘do may have carried you through 2022, but 2023 ushered in some daring new styles that may warrant a mane makeover. There are plenty of hair trends to choose from, so you’ll never run out of ideas. 

Whether you’re flirting with the fantasy of a new hair color, a trendy cut, or a chic hairstyle that you’ve never played with before, there’s really no limit when it comes to what you can do. We have a few (okay, more than a few) stylish options up our sleeve that can add some zest to your beauty look. Leave your typical go-to's behind and try one (or more) of these 18 best hair trends of 2023.

1. Box Bob

The 2023 hair trends are all about large beauty in a small package. The box bob is just that, delivering a short, jaw-skimming haircut without any layers. It gives your strands a naturally full appearance and the ultra-short length also helps to frame your features. 

The box bob is a great option for thin hair because the uniform ends help to fake the appearance of denser strands. If you have thick hair and you’re wanting to try this trendy ‘do, ask your stylist for layered ends to remove some weight.

2. Short Braided and Twisted Styles

Following along with the theme of big beauty in a small package are short, braided and twisted hairstyles. Think protective styles that pack a punch with shoulder-skimming lengths, like box braid bobs and short passion twists. If you rely on long strands to make a dramatic statement, these short styles are here to change your mind.

3. Voluminous Blowout

The voluminous ‘90s blowout made its way back into the fold for 2022 and it’s not going anywhere in 2023. Whether you keep a standing appointment with your favorite stylist at your local salon, or rely on your blow dryer and velcro rollers to get the look, it’s a gorgeous, bouncy style that turns heads for any occasion. Be sure to stock up on some L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold, Light Hairspray Unscented for a lightweight finishing touch. 

4. Expensive Brunette

You may have seen this vibrant chocolate-inspired hair color all over your social media feeds during the winter and you can expect it to continue to dominate throughout the year. This dark shade has depth, dimension and an ultra-glossy finish. 

It’s a hair color trend so dazzling that it looks like it can only be done by a professional, but you can actually try it on your own using an at-home hair color kit, like the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Medium Brown.

Maintain your expensive brunette color between salon visits with a hair color gloss, like the L’Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Gloss in Cool Brunette, which deep conditions and corrects faded hair color in as little as five minutes. In between wash days, the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Tinted Dry Shampoo for Brown Hair absorbs oil at your roots while maintaining the richness of your brunette hair color.

5. Octopus Haircut

The wolf haircut was super popular last year and this year, it’s gotten upgraded with more face-framing layers, longer layers throughout mimicking the look of another animal whose name it bears — meet the octopus haircut. Expect to see more influencers and celebs sporting this edgy yet chic ‘do well into 2023. Head to your stylist to get the look as perfecting the layers that resemble the shape of an octopus can be a bit difficult on your own. You don’t want to spend the rest of the year trying to grow out a DIY haircut catastrophe.

6. Auburn Brown Hair

Auburn hair color was the hottest shade of 2022. In the new year, don’t expect that to change much. Auburn will still be a gorgeous, rich hue sported by many but hybrid shades, like auburn brown — think auburn hair color toned down with ribbons of chocolate brown — will become more popular. The reason is because these hybrid shades provide vibrancy that’s a bit subdued and easier to maintain than the notoriously quick-to-fade red hair color.

To indulge in auburn brown hair color at home, DIY the look with the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Medium Auburn Brown.

7. Butterfly Haircut

Layered haircuts, like the controversially-chic jellyfish cut and bouncy yet modern butterfly cut are making a hot turn into the new year. The latter is made up of short, face-framing layers and longer layers throughout the rest of your hair to keep your style light, bouncy and voluminous. Pair the cut with a voluminous blowout and you’ll have that iconic ‘90s hairstyle that many still try to recreate today.

8. TWA

The TWA — teenie, weenie afro — is another short style with a micro name, but don’t let the length fool you, it’s small but mighty. This style adds a little height to your ‘do and it’s a great way to flex your natural coils and bouncy texture. 

To keep your curls looking their best, add a curl-defining system to your routine, like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Moisture Push Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Moisture Seal Conditioner and the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Non-Stop Dreamy Curls Leave-in Conditioner. This trio is infused with hyaluronic acid and castor oil to shape your curls without weighing them down.

9. Golden Caramel Highlights

A deliciously sweet-looking style, caramel highlights are the perfect way to add some dimension to dark hair. The warm-toned highlights look particularly flattering on those with warm undertones but they’re absolutely customizable for everyone. 

If you consider yourself a DIY hair color pro, try your hand at caramel balayage using the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Balayage At-Home Highlighting Kit. With an expert applicator to create hand-painted strokes and a toning mask to blur your roots, this at-home hair color kit allows for gorgeous, hand-painted ribbons highlights without the hefty salon bill. 

10. Gemini Hair Color

Gemini hair color earns its moniker from the zodiac sign’s infamous dual personality. On the hair, it’s a bit less trying and includes two contrasting shades, like brown and pink or black and blue to create a multi-tonal hair color. It’s rebellious and non-traditional which is why we love it. To give Gemini hair color a quick spin, grab the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color, which will gradually fade out with each wash. 

11. Short Shag

Short hairstyles always have a place in our hearts because they’re chic but often easy to maintain. It’s likely why the cropped shag is back on the must-have list for 2023. It’s a look that has edge and can be customized to fit any face shape. We especially love it with curls for a bouncy, full style that shows off your covetable texture. In between washes, spritz your strands with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Refresh & Reshape Leave-In Spray, a hydrating hair treatment that will help your curls maintain their gorgeous shape.

12. Wispy Bangs

Getting bangs is an easy way to update your look if you don’t want to touch your length or if you’re committed to your current color. This year, wispy bangs are the natural progression from curtain bangs and are so popular, you may consider getting the fringe for yourself. To save yourself from the potential heartache of an at-home haircut mishap, see a professional to get the soft, lightly-feathered fringe. 

13. Micro Bangs

While we’re talking all things trendy bangs for 2023, this is the perfect moment to turn your attention to micro bangs — ultra-short bangs that hit around mid-forehead. While they aren’t going to be for everyone, we love their rebellious nature and the way they instantly upgrade any style you pair them with. 

14. Blunt Cuts

While it may seem like there’s a new version of the layered haircut trending each month, expect to see a spike in blunt haircuts on social media. While layers tend to be better for thick, curly and wavy hair, a blunt cut is a much better option for fine, thin, naturally straight hair and even damaged hair because the uniform ends make the hair appear thicker. In addition, a blunt bob is easily one of the chicest hairstyles to sport and we know 2023 is welcoming shorter styles with open arms.

15. Bixie Cut

The bixie cut is the offspring of the pixie cut and the bob. It’s longer than a pixie but a bit more layered than a bob, which makes its relaxed shape simpler to maintain. The bixie looks best with texture so if you have naturally curly or wavy tresses, take this as your sign to try the short, hybrid cut. If your hair is naturally straight or fine, no worries, enlist the help of the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty to add matte texture and hold.

16. The Modern Mullet

This popular ‘80 style that many of us were keen to forget ever existed has come back with a style vengeance. Dubbed the modern mullet, this upgraded take is chic, rebellious and definitely not like the one your uncle sported years back. The experimental style now includes choppy layers throughout and looks great on a variety of hair textures. And since you’re probably curious — yes — it still evokes that infamous party-in-the-back and party-in-the-front vibe.

17. Textured, Swept Pixie

If you prefer a sassy, short ‘do you’ll be happy to know that the classic pixie you love is getting a slight update in 2023. With piecey bangs swept back to the left or right ear, or straight back to the crown of your head, paired with all over texture, this edgy style will continue to be a crowd pleaser. If done the right way, your swept pixie just may be reminiscent of our favorite ‘90s R&B divas.

18. Ultra-Long Hair

Sported by your favorite celebs on the red carpet and your favorite reality show villains alike, long, silky hair is not going anywhere for 2023. If you’re on your long hair journey make sure you invest in a hair care system formulated with length preservation in mind, like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Restoring Shampoo for Long, Damaged Hair, the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Restoring Conditioner for Long, Damaged Hair and the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream Leave In Conditioner. This system strengthens long hair and seals split ends so you can save every inch.

Next: 8 Easy and Chic Slicked-Back Hairstyles to Try

Photo Credit: IG/@kiyo_meynewyork, Design Credit: Sarah Duvivier