Getting the right hair cut can make all the difference – to your mood, your look, and the way others perceive you. Whether you’re going for a dramatic change or a simple update, the perfect hair cut is essential. The beauty of hair trends in 2016 is about expressing individuality, adaptability and easy elegance. Whether you have a round, square, or oval-shaped face, and whatever your hair type and texture might be, there’s a style that will suit you.
Here, we’ve put together 15 of the most beautiful and fashionable hair cut styles of the year – and all have the stamp of approval from stylists working in salons today.
This year’s most in-demand hair cut styles are the textured bob, layered curtain bangs, the wolf cut and the shaggy lob. They’re suitable for any hair texture and face shape.
The importance of your hair cut
A new haircut makes more of an impact on women’s confidence than any other beauty product change, according to the Professional Beauty Association’s 2024 survey, in which 72% of women reported feeling more confident with a new cut. Your haircut defines your look – it can frame your face shape, balance your facial proportions and reflect your style. So it’s worth taking some time to find the right one.
Our 15 favourite hair cuts for 2016
1. The textured bob
The timeless bob is given a touch of texture. With razored ends and piecey layers, this cut is relaxed and undone. It’s perfect for fine- to medium-haired girls.
2. Curtain bang lob
A long bob (lob) with curtain bangs that frame the face is one of the most in-demand hair cut styles of 2016. The bangs naturally fall to the side, creating a retro look that works well with all face shapes.
3. The wolf cut
A recent invention of social media and still all the rage, the wolf cut combines the layered texture of a 70s musician with the volume of a modern cut. It’s suitable for all hair types – straight, wavy and even curls – and it’s easy to maintain.
4. The layered pixie
Nothing is more glamorous than short hair cut ideas like the layered pixie. This hairstyle has subtle layers on top for volume and texture, and short sides to maintain a sharp look. Perfect for women looking for a chic and practical cut.
5. The bixie (bob and pixie mix)
The bixie is a great option if you can’t choose between a bob and a pixie. The bixie is both. It’s longer in the front and shorter in the back and has a whole lot of style. Thanks to Instagram stars and celebrities, this is one of the hottest trendy hair cut 2016 styles.
6. The shag cut
Thick layers, frayed ends and binge (optional) are the epitome of cool-girl hair. It thickens thin hair, and de-thickens thick hair – a win-win.
7. The blunt bob
Sometimes simple wins. The blunt bob is a sophisticated, modern and stylish cut that’s cut straight across at jaw or chin length. Teamed with a shiny blow-out it looks stylish and chic.
8. The butterfly cut
It’s a new and in-trend hair cut. This is a hair cut style with heavy interior layers that give you a “wing” effect, as hair would fall naturally. It looks amazing on medium and long hair.
9. Collarbone with face framing layers
This length is a sure-fire winner for most women, and sits just below the collar bone with subtle layered hair cut styles to frame the face. Appropriate for both work and play.
10. The Italian bob
A longer version of the bob, with a slight outward curl at the end, the Italian bob is simple and chic. It’s Audrey Hepburn – for 2026. And it works well with curtain bangs.
11. The C-cut
The C-cut gets its name from the curve that it creates by layering to make the hair looks slightly rounded. It’s a particularly good choice as a best hair cut for women with oval or heart-shaped faces.
12. The long shag
Like the shag but don’t like it short? With the long shag, it’s all about layering and texture, but with length well beyond your shoulders. Just add curtain bangs and you’ve got one of this year’s most sought after hair cuts.
13. The micro fringe bob
Unexpected and edgy – the micro fringe (very short bang) and sleek bob is a beast. This isn’t for everyone, but if you want to make an entrance, this will certainly get you attention.
14. Textured ends (long hair)
Long hair doesn’t equal no haircut. The textured ends take out some of the volume, create movement and generally update the look, so it doesn’t look so long. The perfect length if you want to keep your hair long, but feel like you’ve made a change.
15. The octopus cut
The octopus cut is a new addition to this collection of trendy cuts, with a volume crown of hair on the top and longer “tentacle” layers. It’s bold and exciting, and it works for most occasions.
Here’s how to find the right hair cut for your face shape
We all know the cut can make a difference. Here’s a quick guide:
- Oval face: You can wear pretty much anything, you’re the envy of us all! The wolf cut or collarbone layers are good choices.
- Round face: Look for cuts that are higher at the crown and longer at the bottom. The lob or long shag works great.
- Square face: Layers and curtain bangs will add softness. Beware jaw-length blunt cuts.
- Heart face: Flatten a broad forehead with side-swept bangs and bobs. The C-cut is ideal.
- Long face: Width is needed with layers, a shag or curtain bangs. Steer clear of long, blunt and straight cuts.
How to keep your new hair cut
Once you get the cut, it’s not over. Here are some tips to keep it salon fresh:
- Cut every 6-8 weeks to avoid split ends and keep it looking good.
- Shampoo with a sulfate-free formula.
- Use a heat protectant before using heat styling tools.
- Use a deep conditioner weekly if your hair is dry or coloured.
- Ask your stylist for tips on how to style your particular cut.
The latest hair cut trends for 2016
There are also some overarching themes in this year’s hair cut trends:
- Low maintenance: Hair that looks good as it grows out is increasingly in demand.
- Messy over polished: Unkempt styles are preferred to sleek and straight.
- Customisation: Hair stylists are tailoring cuts to an individual’s hair pattern, not a picture.
- Healthy hair: Less heat, more texture – hair cuts that enhance your hair’s texture.
Conclusion
The 2016 hair trend you’re looking for could be the edgy bixie, the chic wolf cut or the classic layered lob. It all comes down to knowing your facial shape, hair type, and personal style – and then finding a hair stylist who can turn the look of your dreams into a reality.
Don’t be scared to change things up. A new cut can transform your hair, and how you feel about yourself each and every day.
Ready to book? Share this guide with your stylist, and choose your favourite.
