The seasons are changing, and if the onset of autumn means you're feeling the urge to chop all your hair off to freshen things up, you're not alone. Fortunately for you, short hair styles are majorly trending right now so there's a tonne of short hair trends to refer to if you're looking for some inspiration.
For one, the bob is more popular than ever—so much so that in 2023 alone it's already had several new variations. The box bob, Italian bob, blunt bob, and bubble bob are just a few we're covered here on Who What Wear UK, and we're certain that this chic, low maintenance style is going to be just as popular through the rest of the year.
From cuts and colours to styling techniques and product recommendations, we've covered the biggest and best short hair trends for 2023. Whether you're considering taking a leaf from Hailey Bieber's book and getting a chop, or you're looking for a new way to freshen up your already short hair, scroll down for all the inspiration you need.
1. The Box Bob
A box bob is all about structure. We love the way that this one makes hair appear thick and full, thanks to flipped-in ends.
Sleek, straight, and styled inwards at the ends, Ama's box bob is perfection.
Best products for box bobs:
The key to a box bob looking fresh is to maintain a little bit of volume at the roots. Spritz it in when things start to fall flat.
If you're after a smooth, polished finish, this silky finishing cream is perfect.
Smooth down humidity-induced frizz and flyaways with this handy kit.
2. The Micro Fringe
If you're ahead of the trends and already sporting a bob for 2023, one way to mix things up is to experiment with a fringe. We particularly love a brow-skimming micro fringe—it's cool, edgy, and looks so chic.
Alyssa's micro-fringe has become her signature look, no matter what the length of her hair.
Best products for micro fringes:
Keep this mini brush on hands for touch ups throughout the day—it will help you to prevet your fringe from looking 'gappy'.
To stop your micro fringe from looking flat, add a tiny bit of this texture spray in and brush through from side to side.
Fringes (of any length) can run the risk of getting greasy quicker than the rest of our hair. To save yourself from too-frequent hair washes, keep a dry shampoo on hand instead.
3. The Slicked Back Bob
Slicked back buns and ponytails may be out of your reach if you have short hair, but sleek, combed back hair can still be achieved if your hair is above shoulder-length.
This neat, tucked back look is not only easy to achieve, but also perfect for hiding greasy hair come day three.
Best products for slicked back looks:
A tiny bit of this pomade warmed up in your hands will help you to achieve a sleek and smooth finish.
Gel is often a go to for a slicked back look, but try to find a lightweight or moisturising one, which won't restrict movement or feel heavy.
This brush is perfect for super controlled stying and sectioning as well as brushing flyaway strands into place.
4. The Italian Bob
We've no doubt that The White Lotus' Simona Tabacaso inspired hundreds of new bobs when Season 2 aired late last year. Now known as the 'Italian bob', this look is all about volume from roots to tips.
With a combination of the right products and the right heat tools, this voluminous, bouncy style is surprisingly easy to achieve.
Best products for the Italian bob:
Lift, volume, and shaped ends no longer require mutliple brushes and heat tools—the Dyson Airwrap will make achieving this style feel effortless.
You'll need a heavy-duty mousse to not only keep the shape in the lengths of your hair, but also to keep roots bouyant.
For hair that feels as well as looks thick and voluminous, a growth-stimulating serum is essential.
5. The 90s Blowout
If your hair is still short but edging towards your shoulders, it's easy to fall into a rut or start shoving it up in a messy bun or ponytail. To freshen things up, ask your hairdresser to cut in some 90s-inspired layers.
To ensure that your layers take centre stage, you're going to need to get to grips with juggling your hairdryer and a round brush. This look is all about volume.
Best products for a 90s blowout:
If you want to smooth and style hair but don't want product to way your hair down, this lightweight styling milk is the answer.
Mousse is a blowdry essential, but unlike the heavy, sticky formulas of yesteryear, this one is weightless and invisible.
A good hairdryer is of course essential to any blown-out look. This one uses an innovative light technology to help to safely dry hair—increasing shine, smoothness, and moisture retention in the process.
6. The Barbie Blonde Bob
Ever since the Barbie movie aired this summer, bright platinum blonde hair has been one of the biggest colour trends for 2023. As seen on Lily Allen, it looks incredible with a short sleek bob.
Loose waves styled away from the face are a great way to make blonde hair pop.
Best products for maintaining Barbie blonde:
Misting this through your hair pre-blowdry will help to add shine and freshen up your blonde.
If your hair isn't naturally blonde then you're going to need to give it some serious TLC. This one-and-done treatment brightens and hydrates.
Banish warm and brassy tones and give your blonde an ice-cool refresh with these clever blue and purple-toned toner drops.
7. The Shag
Undoubtedly 2023's edgiest short hair look, the shag is proof that layers and volume really are on trend. This is another style that looks low maintenance, but actually requires a bit of behind-the-scenes work to maintain texture and lift.
While it can be easier to make a shag work in curly hair, this look is proof that it looks just as great in straight hair too.
Best products for the shag:
Instant volume and texture, in one quick spray.
Focus on scalp care and exfoliation to keep roots lifted and maintain volume.
If you find that regular conditioners weigh your hair down and suppress movement and texture, try a spray-on version instead.
8. The Micro Bun
If you think that short hair equals limited styling options, think again. It can actually be much easier to style short hair into updos since there's less of it to deal with, and much less weight (which can cause styles to fall). The slicked-back micro bun is a big trend for 2023—it's chic, elegant, suits everyone, and is super easy to recreate.
Whether you opt for a sleek, groomed micro bun, or a looser, more casual one, this style is incredibly easy to wear.
Best products for the micro bun:
A small bristled brush is essential for grooming hair into place without any lumps and bumps.
Use a tiny amount of this smoothing cream to flatten frizz and flyaways if you want to create a slicked-back style.
These barely-there scrunchies are perfect for keeping small buns in place.
This story was previously published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Next Up: The Experts Have Spoken—These 12 2023 Hair Trends Are the Only Ones That Matter
Promo images:
@bettinalooney; @haileybieber; @frannyfyne
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