Hair & Makeup

This Is The Hottest New Hair Trend For 2023

Not only is the ’90s-inspired ‘chopped cut’ (aka TikTok’s U, C or V-shape) this season’s hottest new look, it also needs just one product, a quick rough-dry and a hint of polish to achieve it. Here, celebrity hairstylist GEORGE NORTHWOOD tells us how to get the ultra-flattering, low-maintenance cut just right. By MALENA HARBERS

Beauty
The ‘chopped cut’ works just as well on long, straight hair as it does on wavy or curly shorter styles

Start with a good base cut

“When you’re young, you can wear choppy layers in a bit of a boho style, or long and unkept for that cool Kate Moss-in-the-’90s vibe. But if you’re a little older, you’ll also want to add an element of refinement to this cut. You want to look like you’ve had a haircut and that you’ve invested in it, so the key is to start with a solid base haircut. After that, it’s up to you if you wear it messy, but it will keep some extra polish if you start from a place of healthy, well-cut hair.”

Texture matters

“This cut is great for all hair types; however, if you already have textured or really frizzy hair, be careful about going down the super-choppy route because manageability is so important – and your hair will become a bit less manageable, as the choppy cut can cause more Similarly, if your hair is super-straight, fine or thin, make sure your hairstylist leaves the back straight, as too many choppy layers can make your hair look thinner – which is why I focus on layers to frame the face instead. Plus, too many layers at the back (on all hair types) can look a bit dated and a bit too ’90s, so I tend to stick to longer layers in general and create more shagginess at the front of the hair.”

Stick to seamless (not chunky) layers

“While the TikTok trend is all about very chunky layers, in real life, this look is difficult to style, which is why I always chop into the layers so they’re much more blended with the rest of the hair. If you go too chunky, you end up with a Rachel-from-Friends look – and you want a modern twist on the ’90s trend, not an actual ’90s haircut. By chopping into the layers, hair becomes a bit more seamless and shaggy – and that’s important for easy styling.”

Rough-drying is key

“With the right cut, you shouldn’t need to spend too much time on styling. I use a wave-holding spray on most people’s hair when damp. This encourages a wave and adds a bit of texture; alternatively, if your hair can take the moisture, go for something rich, such as a moisturizing cream or serum, and scrunch it through your hair. Next, rough-dry your hair with a hairdryer to get a shaggy, messy look. Then, use a hot hair tool to add a bit of structure back in, by smoothing out a few sections and sculpting hair into the shape you want. If you have a shorter cut, a flat iron is best to create a structured wave, whereas a curling iron works well for longer or straight hair. If your hair is super-thick or too big, flatten it a bit with the irons. And, if you have naturally wavy hair, it might just need a bit of a blast with the hairdryer – and a brush.”

Don’t skip regular maintenance

“Thanks to the layers, you’ll find this haircut grows out really nicely – and even gets better and more lived-in with time. That said, you should still head back to the salon no later than 10 weeks after your cut, to keep that element of refinement, rather than it looking too boho. If you have color, you’ll need to keep that fresh, too.”

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