2023’s Top 9 Hair Trends For Men
Bleached Fades, ’90s Cuts & Shags: What’s Trending For Men This Year
In the words of Buffalo Bills barber Jesse Ciffa (@barber.chief), 2023 is the year of “anything goes” for men’s hair trends. With clients looking for both timeless and manageability, there’s been an influx of every haircut under the sun: Skin fades, mullets, texture—the list could go on. To help you keep track, we have complied the ultimate trend guide for every client’s taste and hair type, from messy, mused looks to cleaned-up cuts.
Keep scrolling for this year’s ultimate men’s trend predictions!
1. The Leo
2023 is already sending us a clear message: The ’90s are back and here to stay. Don’t believe us? Check out “Ginny and Georgia” actor Felix Mallard‘s throwback layers and center part that pay homage to Leonardo DiCaprio‘s famous “Titanic” cut—or Sebastian Stan‘s layered undercut.
First things first, the original curtain cut trendsetter:
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Celebs are hopping on the Leo train:
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
We’re loving these ’90s-style curtain bangs by charity barber Chase Henderson (@_backpackbarber). Read more about Chase’s life-changing journey as the Backpack Barber here!
See more of this season’s biggest hair trends in BTC’s Trend Report!
2. Bleached-out fade
Looking for a foolproof way to elevate your client’s classic fade? Just add bleach! These perfectly bright, blended looks by BaBylissPRO® Barberology educators Carlos Estrella (@los_cut_it), Sofie Pok (@staygold31) and others will give fade addicts old and new a head-turning refresh.
Fade cheat sheet:
- Fades: Seeing Harsh Lines? You Need These 3 Tips
- 5 Must-Know Tips For A Perfect Fade with Sport Clips
- How To: Textured Skin Fade
- 5 Tips For Creating Better Fades
Want to learn Sofie’s bleached fading technique? Click here to enroll in her BTC University course on creating the perfect fade each and every time!
View this post on Instagram
If your client is feeling especially bold, don’t be afraid to top your lightener with some color! Use Usher’s bright orange look for Paris Fashion week by Kayla Casey (@kaylacasee) for inspo!
Want more men’s trends? Enroll in BTC University for unlimited access to pro courses!
3. Piecey texture with fade
For fade clients who want to keep a little more of their hair on top, a chic tapered look with plenty of natural texture is the way to go. Think of it as the best of both worlds: Endlessly stylable strands on top and a clean, manageable cut underneath.
Pat’s ‘CurlSponge’ look:
Enroll in Sport Clips Artistic Director Stacia Kelly (scissor_ensemble)’s BTC-U exclusive course for creating a textured men’s clipper cut!
4. A little ON the top
Do you have a client who can’t decide between chopping their hair or letting it grow? With this trendy chop, they can do both. Plus—whether they prefer braids, curls of long layers—this look can be dressed up or down to match any aesthetic. Sounds like a win-win to us!
Take a look at this style inspo from Men’s 2022 #ONESHOT winner Taylor Leven (@badgirltaytay_):
We’re loving this cool look by NFL & UFC barber Pat Regan (@patty_cuts) for NFL running back Alvin Kamara. Click here for five tips to gain pro athlete clientele!
Need inspiration? Watch this transformation by Mark Bustos (@markbustos):
View this post on Instagram
Not sure how to price these trimmed looks? Click here for eight crucial tips on booking and pricing shorter haircuts!
5. The horse tail
Not to be confused with ponytail, the ‘horse tail’ is the mullet’s rugged older brother. This look is longer, bolder and more voluminous—it’s meant to catch eyes! If that sounds like what your client is asking for, keeping scrolling for some killer inspo pics.
Send your clients home with these styling cheats:
- Grooming Glossary: Simple Terms For Teaching Male Clients To Style At Home
- 4 Blow Drying Tips To Teach Male Clients
Watch Camilie (@thefrenchkakkerlak) create this iconic look on rainbow curls:
View this post on Instagram
6. Midlength natural texture
While neat, trimmed looks are on the rise, messy ‘skater’ hair will ever go out of style. Whether your client has shaggy layers, s-waves or curls, this cut is meant to look lived-in—perfect for clients who love the just-rolled-out-of-bed aesthetic. Plus, it’s easy to style, meaning your client will still look great between appointments.
Pro tip: Get the perfect salty, wind-swept look with GRIT Hair Styling Powder from Victory Barber & Brand™! Why? It’s owner Matty Conrad-approved: “This super-powered styling powder gives some serious lift to tired, limp locks and light flexible hold with an ultra-matte finish.”
Related: The “Wet Mop” Is TikTok’s Biggest Men’s Haircut Trend
Already having an influx of long-haired clients? Learn educator Kevin Luchmun (@kevinluchmun)’s full textured midlength barbering technique at BTC-U! Check out the trailer below:
7. The Edgar
We’re all familiar with the classic bowl cut. But the edgy and modern ‘Edgar’ cut takes this cherished look to new heights with a strategic fade on the sides and in the back—and a blunt edge between the top and sides for a more striking result.
Did we mention the Edgar cut can be paired with other trendy favorites—the mullet, the horse tail, ducktail, etc.— for clients who just can’t choose one look? It can!
This Edgar cut by ARC™ Scissors team member Matty is serving up major hair envy:
Matty’s shears of choice? MASTER SERIES: SYMMETRY 10/10 REVERSIBLE BLENDER by ARC™ Scissors! Click here to shop the collection!
Who could say no to this iconic Chuck Bass-inspired look by @coiffeurstory?
View this post on Instagram
Plot twist: Combine two trends into one with this horse tail-Edgar combo by IGK Director of Education Joel Torres (@joeltorresstyle):
8. Pouf & swoop
Is your client looking for the perfect mix of classy and sassy? A tried and true pompadour hairstyle is your solution. This bold, voluminous look can be adapted to most lengths, textures and face shapes, making it a worthy candidate for any client trying to add elegance to their everyday look.
Pro tip: For a more modern vibe, add a slight fade to the sides!
Trend cheat sheet:
Want more looks by Matty? Check out his Beards, Barbering & Men’s Grooming course at BTC University!
Check out Chase’s before and after:
Take your barbering to the next level with BTC University’s barbering course! Learn four cuts for every client from experts like Matty, Kevin, Mark and Mari de Monte (@mari.demonte)!
9. Disconnected undercuts
No cut says “edgy” much like the disconnected undercut. This bold, artful look keeps the difference between the crown and the sides noticeable and even emphasized—almost like a haircut within a haircut! The only thing your clients need to worry about is maintenance; make sure to have them book ahead for a trim so their undercut stays sharp.
Up Next: 4 Pro Barbering Tips You’ll Want In The Shop
