5 Haircuts Everyone in New York Wants Right Now
As a New York native, it may be biased to say that trends are born here but between the chic looks hitting Brooklyn streets and the breathtaking Manhattan rooftops all over Instagram, it’s hard to deny the appeal. So it’s not surprising that some of the coolest hair trends we’re seeing lately are straight from New York salons. We reached out to two hairstylists to tell us about the must-have haircuts everyone in NYC is wearing right now. After a quick scroll through, you’ll probably be setting up an appointment ASAP (and we don’t blame you).
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1. Shag Mullet
Whether you’re calling it the ‘wolf cut’ or the ‘modern mullet,’ this haircut makes anyone feel like a total rockstar. “This is a really popular haircut in NYC, as it has a Saint Laurent/Chloe vibe to it that young New Yorkers love. It started with a few top models rocking this cut for the last couple of years and then more recently, Billie Eilish debuted a version of this style,” says Joseph Maine, celebrity hairstylist and artistic director for ColorWow.
The shaggy cut is all about layers, layers and more layers, which can be difficult to style. Maine recommends using a heat tool (like a blow dryer, curling iron and/or round brush) to keep the layers loose and playful. Then, apply a little serum to your ends for a defined finish. Celebrity hairstylist, Sally Hershberger adds: “Shags are all about layers, texture and volume. To keep up with this style you want to get frequent trims to preserve the look.”
2. ‘90s Layers
We’ve been feeling pretty nostalgic this year so it’s no surprise that ‘90s and early ‘00s looks are making a major comeback. “Think Rachel from Friends. These long, layered looks with heavy, face-framing pieces have become super popular again,” says Maine. “Just smooth all the hair towards the front of your face and let the haircut do the talking.”
When getting ‘90s layers, it’s all about the bounce and volume. (It’s no wonder Gen Z refers to this style as the “fluffy hair” trend.) To maintain the shape of this bouncy style, Maine recommends using a heat protectant to keep your strands smooth and glossy without sacrificing on volume.
3. Blunt Ends
Let’s be honest: We all attempted (or at least thought about) trimming our own hair in the past year. And while some of us chose to experiment with our hair, others were looking for a less drastic option. “After years of textured ends, NYC ladies are opting for more of a blunt finish,” shares Maine. “[They are] enjoying something a little more low-maintenance after the difficulty of getting into the salon last year.” Blunt ends create a sleek finish that makes any cut look more high fashion without too much effort. Maine recommends this look for people with fine or short hair.
4. Short Bobs
Again, the past year has made some people very scissor happy and the results are *chef’s kiss* “Bobs are a timeless style,” says Hershberger. “They are effortlessly chic and when you opt for a choppy bob, you’ll still have volume, layers and movement.” New Yorkers are always on the move (even if we spend most of our time working from home these days), so if we can find a cut that gives us maximum style with minimal maintenance, we’re here for it. Hershberger recommends using a dry shampoo to create extra movement and body.
5. Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs exploded on the Internet last year and the retro look hasn’t lost its momentum yet. “Curtain bangs give you the look of bangs without the full commitment that’s required of blunt, straight-across bangs,” explains Hershberger. “They can be styled in a number of different ways and are easier to wear as they blend into the hair.”
Still unsure of how to style curtain bangs? Hershberger has a few handy tips: “I recommend blow-drying or curling them away from the face so they drape nicely to the sides and won’t fall flat.” She also recommends adding a dry shampoo and a styling product (like 24K Vanity Hair Shaping Balm) to smooth and define your new fringe.
OK, I’m ready for a haircut. What should I ask my stylist?
We know you’ve been out of the salon game for a while, but we got you covered. The best thing to do is communicate with your stylist about everything. Tell them exactly what you want. Start by showing them some visuals (we’ve got five references above to get you started). “Haircuts are best described with pictures, so I always recommend bringing multiple photos of what you want to your stylist. Verbiage can be confusing because people often mean something different from what they say,” adds Maine.
Now, march into your appointment with your head held high and get ready to show off your new look at your next NYC shindig.
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