18 modern hair Hairstyles That Are Trending Everywhere Right Now

The Effortless Shag

Never quite out of style, the shag has made a colossal comeback, and its modern iteration is all about effortless texture. This isn’t your grandmother’s shag; think less rock-star perfection and more “I woke up like this” cool. The modern shag features heavily layered ends, curtain bangs that blend seamlessly into the face-framing layers, and a ton of movement. It’s a perfect cut for those with wavy or curly hair, as it enhances natural texture and reduces bulk.

The Modern Mullet

Yes, you read that correctly. The mullet is back, but fear not—this is a chic, softened version far removed from its 80s counterpart. The modern mullet, often called the “mullet,” is a stylish blend of short layers on top and at the sides with a longer, textured back. It’s edgy, rebellious, and has been spotted on fashion icons and celebrities everywhere. This cut is a bold statement for the non-conformist.

The “Clean Girl” Bob

Minimalism meets sophistication in the “Clean Girl” bob. This trend is all about sharp, precise lines, a glossy finish, and an overall aura of put-together ease. Typically falling anywhere from the chin to the shoulders, this bob is blunt or has the slightest of A-line shapes. The key is in the health and shine of the hair, making it look incredibly sleek and polished. It’s a timeless cut that feels incredibly fresh right now.

Curtain Bangs

A subset of the shag but powerful enough to stand alone, curtain bangs continue to dominate. These face-framing layers are parted down the middle, gracefully grazing the cheeks and creating a soft, retro-inspired frame for the face. Their versatility is their superpower; they work with almost any hair length and texture and can be styled straight, wavy, or curled under for a more vintage feel.

The Bowel Cut

Pushing the boundaries of avant-garde fashion, the bowel cut is a dramatic, sculptural look. It involves a very short, almost bowl-like cut around the sides and back, with a longer, heavy fringe that can be styled in various ways. It’s an artistic and high-impact hairstyle for those who see their hair as a form of self-expression and aren’t afraid to make a powerful statement.

Soft Layers and “Butterfly” Hair

Inspired by the 70s but filtered through a modern lens, the “butterfly” haircut is all about creating volume and a feathery, winged effect around the face. It uses long, soft layers to lift the hair, giving it a light, airy feel that resembles butterfly wings. This cut is fantastic for adding bounce and movement to medium-to-long hair without sacrificing significant length.

The Wispy Pixie

The pixie cut gets a soft update with wispy, textured ends and a slightly grown-out feel. Instead of being slick and severe, this version is playful and touchable. Pieces are left longer around the ears and nape of the neck, and the top has a piece-y, separated texture. It’s a low-maintenance yet incredibly chic short hairstyle that exudes confidence.

90s Blowout

Nostalgia is a powerful force, and the 90s supermodel blowout is back in a big way. Think big, bouncy, smooth waves with tons of volume at the crown. This style is the epitome of glamour and is perfect for a special event or when you just want to feel exceptionally polished. The modern take might use a larger barrel iron for a softer wave rather than tight curls.

Textured Lob (Long Bob)

The lob remains a perennial favorite, but the current trend is towards a more lived-in texture. This involves adding subtle layers, choppy ends, and using sea salt spray or texturizing mousse to create a beachy, undone wave. It’s the perfect balance between a professional bob and a carefree, weekend vibe.

Barrel Rolls/Banana Rolls

This retro-inspired updo has taken over social media. The barrel or banana roll involves rolling sections of hair inward or outward to create a sleek, curved shape, often pinned at the back or sides of the head. It’s a sophisticated and architectural look that works for both day and night and is a refreshing alternative to a standard bun or ponytail.

Money Piece Highlights

While technically a color trend, the money piece is so impactful it changes the entire hairstyle. This involves dramatically lightening the front sections of hair that frame the face—think a thick, face-framing highlight. It adds dimension, brightness, and a modern edge to any cut, from bobs to long layers.

The “Wolf” Cut

If the shag and the mullet had a love child, it would be the wolf cut. This wildly popular cut is characterized by its intense shaggy layers, lots of volume on top, and a choppy, textured finish throughout. It’s wild, untamed, and incredibly cool, perfect for those who want maximum texture and a rock-and-roll attitude.

Sleek, Low Ponytail

Sometimes the simplest styles make the biggest impact. The sleek, low ponytail is a hallmark of modern sophistication. The key is a perfectly smooth crown, often achieved with a boar bristle brush and a light-hold gel, with the tail sitting neatly at the nape of the neck. It’s a go-to for a powerful, polished look that works in the boardroom or on the red carpet.

Natural Texture Embrace

Perhaps the most important trend of all is the celebration of natural hair texture. Whether you have tight coils, loose waves, or anything in between, the modern approach is to enhance and define what you have. This means using curl creams, defining gels, and diffusers to create healthy, bouncy, and defined curls and waves. Cuts are designed to work with the natural pattern, not against it.

The Octopus Cut

Another descendant of the shag, the octopus cut is a playful, layered cut for short-to-medium hair. The goal is to create tentacle-like pieces that frame the face, resulting in a shape that is shorter and rounder on top with longer, wispy pieces around the perimeter. It’s a fun, edgy, and very modern take on short hair.

Face-Framing Layers

For those who want a refresh without a major chop, strategic face-framing layers are the answer. This technique involves cutting soft, long layers that start around the chin and cascade down, drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones. It adds dimension and softness to any haircut and is universally flattering.

The “Wet Look”

Straight off the runways, the “wet look” is a high-fashion styling trend that creates the illusion of hair just emerging from water. Achieved with strong-hold gels, lotions, and glossing sprays, this style slickes hair back for a sleek, dramatic, and ultra-modern effect. It works for short bobs, long hair, and everything in between.

Modern Perm

The perm has been reinvented. Gone are the days of tight, uniform poodle curls. The modern perm is about creating soft, natural-looking waves and body that last. It can be used to add texture to straight hair or enhance existing waves, resulting in a low-maintenance, lived-in look that air-dries beautifully.

Finding Your Perfect Trend

With so many incredible options, the best modern hairstyle for you is the one that makes you feel the most confident and authentic. Consider your hair’s natural texture, your lifestyle, and your maintenance tolerance. Bring inspiration photos to your stylist and have an open conversation about what can be adapted to suit you perfectly.

Remember, hair is a powerful accessory for self-expression. Whether you opt for the bold lines of a clean bob, the untamed texture of a wolf cut, or the simple elegance of a low ponytail, wear it with confidence. This is your year to experiment and shine.