The Biggest Haircut Trends of Fall 2022
Your Complete Guide To The Haircut Trends Clients Will Request This Season
We’re entering our *fall era*—aka that time of year when we see a rush of clients ready to swap out their lived-in summer looks for a new persona… and a new haircut. This means a new wave of inspo pics and the “trend” terms they’re seeing on the internet—butterfly layers, mermaid cuts, Birkin Bangs galore. Are you ready to deliver?
To prepare for cooler weather and the season’s hottest hair trends, read our complete BTC Fall 2022 Hair Trend Report and get pro tips from top cutters! Plus, the educational classes you need to watch ASAP.
1. Butterfly Cut
What do clients want this season? Two words: Volume and layers. Don’t be fooled by this viral haircut trend—it’s a lot more than a ton of long layers. Learn pro tips and get a step-by-step breakdown on how to create fringe, the face frame and layers without losing length.
Pro Tip: Are your scissors TRULY made in Japan? Here are the five questions you must ask yourself before investing in the tools you rely on to master new trends and level up your craft behind the chair.
Photo Credit: Instagram via @matildadjerf
Photo Credit: Instagram via @biancacolour
Photo Credit: Instagram via @jhair_stylist
2. ’70s Layers
This year, we’ve seen every type of shag haircut cycle in and out of cool-girl trends. Feathered layers, mega volume and texturized ends—what’s not to love? On our fall trend radar, we’re seeing a nod to style icons like Goldie Hawn and Farrah Fawcett with a retro vibe.
Here’s your quick shag trend cheat sheet:
- Shags: 5 Tips To Cut Layers Like A Pro
- Cutting The Corners Are Crucial—Here’s Why!
- Curly Shag: Step-By-Step Breakdown & Headsheet
- Cutting A Shag: 7 Things To Definitely Do
The Goldie: Rachel Williams (@rachelwstylist) cut this retro shag on BTC Editor Lauren!
Photo Credit: Instagram via @skipdoeshair
Photo Credit: Instagram via @chelseahaircutters
Photo Credit: Instagram via @jhair_stylist
Photo Credit: Instagram via @slickback_buttahtoast
3. “It Girl” Hair: Shoulder-Length Cut
A long lob that grazes the shoulders—that’s what our clients are requesting. This wearable, lived-in length looks great paired with airy texture. We’ll let you in on a dry-texturizing secret to achieve this look: Here’s everything you need to know about shear shattering.
Pro Tip: Finish this trendy long lob with soft, undone waves. But first, check out five pro tips for styling voluminous waves on shorter lengths.
Watch Next: How To Cut A Short, Layered Cut with @richardmannah on BTC-University!
Photo Credit: Instagram via @yukistylist
Photo Credit: Instagram via @salsalhair
Photo Credit: Instagram via @kelleyscanvas
Photo Credit: Instagram via @chrisweberhair
Photo Credit: Instagram via @slickback_buttahtoast
4. Bottleneck Bob
The “bottleneck bob”—coined for its signature shape—or “the pinched bob” will be a staple fall haircut. Often paired with curtain bangs, this look focuses its volume throughout the crown with a pinch at the corner of the eyes. Then, it falls into a soft, blunt and texturized bob or lob.
Bottleneck bobs 101: Read this complete guide!
Photo Credit: Instagram via @ella_purnell by @renatocampora
Photo Credit: Instagram via @salsalhair
Photo Credit: Instagram via @lucyhale by @kristin_ess
5. Long, Volume Layers
How many times have we heard, “I want a new cut—but keep the length!”? The limit does not exist. Once you have this cut in your arsenal, watch and find out why they call it the 6-figure haircut: Long, volume layers without losing length.
The keys: Create framing layers with a ton of texture and volume. Easy enough, right? If the answer is “no,” check out these common mistakes to avoid and expert tips.
Photo Credit: Instagram via @pekelariley
Photo Credit: Instagram via @chrisweberhair
Photo Credit: Instagram via @lizhaven
Photo Credit: Instagram via @kelleyscanvas
Photo Credit: Instagram via @bykileyfitz
Included in the BTC-U Membership: Master 6-figure layers with @matt.swinney!
Ready to be a 6-figure stylist like Matt? You’ll need his go-to ARC™ Scissors Paragon II:
6. Long Chunky Layers
Are your shag lovin’ clients looking to switch it up and lean into an edgier vibe? A heavy fringe paired with chunky, face-framing layers are the answers to their hair prayers. Don’t know where to start? Read three tips to take the fear out of shags.
Pro Tip: Remember to accentuate your client’s face shape by allowing the layers to sweep the eyebrows, cheekbones or chin and collar bone.
Photo Credit: Instagram via @salsalhair
Photo Credit: Instagram via @sahrita23 and @nubiarezo
Photo Credit: Instagram via @hirohair
Photo Credit: Instagram via @rachelwstylist
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Related: Is a trim the same as a haircut? Read this!
Learn how to cut a face-framing shag from @rachelwstylist on BTC University!
7. Rachel 2.0
Yes, we’re talking about Jennifer Aniston’s iconic haircut in “Friends”—this ’90s-inspired midlength cut originally cultivated by Chris McMillan (@mrchrismcmillan) is back on our radar with some 2022 updates. Think a midlength layered cut that sweeps the face-frame and skims the shoulders.
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Photo Credit: Instagram via @salsalhair
8. Contour Cutting
“Your cut should do all the things for your [client’s] face shape,” dishes @andreahenty, celeb stylist and owner of Line One Hair Extensions and Bomane Salon in Beverly Hills. “For some clients it’s minimal and the magic and layering is interior, subtle on the perimeter but done with lots of thought of how to build the shape to flatter the face and make everyday styling a breeze.”
Pro Tip: Is your client coming in for a fall blonding session? Do you start your balayage services with a haircut? Here’s why you should.
Watch @andreahenty break down contour cutting using her ARC™ Scissors below!
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Photo Credit: Instagram via @nubiarezo
Photo Credit: Instagram via @chelseahaircutters
Photo Credit: Instagram via @memmieyo
Photo Credit: Instagram via @que_color
Learn how to cut to enhance balayage with @danilo.bozic: Included in your BTC-U Membership!
9. Layered Lob
Luxe layers on shorter lengths—this look is ultra-wearable, so no wonder it’s one of the most sought-after haircuts this season. Before you dive into the cut, ask yourself: Do you really know the difference between texturized lobs and layered lobs? Read this to find out!
Peep your go-to trend cheat sheet:
- 3 Steps To Transition A U-Cut Into A Lob
- How To Use Texturizing Shears: 4 Problems & Solutions
- How To Texturize Lobs Like A Pro
Photo Credit: Instagram via @styled_by_carolynn
Photo Credit: Instagram via @slickback_buttahtoast
Photo Credit: Instagram via @haircolorkilla
Photo Credit: Instagram via @sarabotsfordhair
10. Baby Bob & Bangs
“Emily In Paris”—who? Achieve that French coolness factor—or dare we say *Je ne sais quoi*—with an ultra-cropped bob with fringe. The French mini bob looks chic when worn straight, beveled or texturized. Get this step-by-step to try it yourself!
Photo Credit: Instagram via @erickinvisible
Photo Credit: Instagram via @ashleyhairla
Photo Credit: Instagram via @ahappyjustin
Photo Credit: Instagram via @slickback_buttahtoast
Photo Credit: Instagram via @jayne_edosalon
Watch @jayne_edosalon’s French bob transformation quickie below!
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11. Short Cuts: Bixies & Mixies
Pixie cuts will always be on-trend, but we’re spotting longer variations in 2022: Like the viral mixie cut that fuses mullet and pixie elements and can be personalized based on how long a client likes to wear their fringe, layers or perimeter. Or the bixie cut that’s equal parts bob and pixie with a shattered, face-framing finish.
The Bixie—Photo Credit: Instagram via @brianacisneros
The Mixie—Photo Credit: Instagram via @endlesslyloveclub
12. Undone, Texturized Bob
We can’t stress this enough: The soft blunt bob is already saved on your clients’ moodboards—so get ahead of their next salon visit by dusting off your bob-cutting skills. Just remember: The perimeter will make your break your bob, so score tips to cut with ease. Then, learn common mistakes to avoid like the dreaded “bulky bob” and how to remove weight from thick hair to ace this cool-girl cut.
Photo Credit: Instagram via @yukistylist
Photo Credit: Instagram via @chrisjones_hair
Photo Credit: Instagram via @thebangsbabe
Photo Credit: Instagram via @menzabolamba
Photo Credit: Instagram via @styled_by_carolynn
Photo Credit: Instagram via @hirohair
Photo Credit: Instagram via @chrisjones_hair
13. Mermaid Cut
Our clients love to come in with internet buzzwords like the “mermaid cut” or “wolf cut”—you know the drill. It’s a shag. This layered look has a heavy emphasis on the face-frame with choppy, disconnected elements and pairs perfectly with curtain bangs and air-dried texture.
Photo Credit: Instagram via @brianaguilarhair
Photo Credit: Instagram via @modestspotcarrillo
Photo Credit: Instagram via @salsalhair
Related: 5 Dry-Cutting Tips You Didn’t Learn In Beauty School
14. Birkin Bangs
Is there anyone cooler than ’60s style icon Jane Birkin? Short answer: Absolutely not. As we see a sixties revival in fashion, it’s no surprise that Jane’s effortless fringe is on our trend radar. Think feathered ends that skim the eyebrow or eyelashes—and looks good both slightly parted and swept to the side.
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Photo Credit: Instagram via @maralafontan
Photo Credit: Instagram via @chrisweberhair
Photo Credit: Instagram via @taylu_me
Photo Credit: Instagram via @nikkilee901 and @florido
15. Grown-Out Curtain Bangs
Rewind to the start of 2022—the time of expensive brunettes, mixies and bixies galore—a lot of our clients requested curtain bangs. So naturally, we’re seeing this trend pivot into a more grown-out, lived-in vibe. Here’s what you need to know.
Curtain Bangs 101: Here’s Your Cheat Sheet
- How To Cut Curtain Bangs In 4 Easy Steps
- 5 Tips For Curtain Bangs On Every Client
- The Best Kept Secrets For Styling Curtain Bangs
Photo Credit: Instagram via @yukistylist
Photo Credit: Instagram via @justinemarjan
Photo Credit: Instagram via @chelseahaircutters
Photo Credit: Instagram via @kelleyscanvas
Watch this fringe-cutting quickie from @franckhair below!
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16. Heavy Fringe
While feathered-out curtain bangs are a go-to for some of our clients, we’re seeing a return of heavier fringe looks. A heavy bang looks great with strong or blunt lines that make a statement. Before your next client walks in, read this fast fringe guide to choosing bangs for every client.
Photo Credit: Instagram via @marisacuts
Photo Credit: Instagram via @rachelwstylist
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17. Shaved Buzz Cuts
Our clients right now: “I saw Doja Cat with a shaved buzz cut, so I got a shaved buzz cut.” But seriously, we’ve seen a huge influx in celebs like Willow and Ruby Rose opting for a shaved look. Take it to the next level by pairing the look with vibrant hues or intricate color designs—check out the inspo below!
Photo Credit: Instagram via @willowsmith
Photo Credit: Instagram via @dojacat
Watch best-selling 90-minute classes to master:
- Bobs & lobs
- Long layers
- Shags
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Read Next: Our Editors Picked These 7 Must-Have Fall Products
