Winter's Hottest Haircut Trends Are Extra Edgy, Low-Maintenance, and Might Just Convince Me to Get a Mullet

I hated haircuts as a kid. Now? I can't think of anything more transformative than a fresh cut. Whether it's subtle layers or a dramatic pixie, I've found that getting a little scissor happy is an easy way to change my energy with the season (especially during one as long and cold as winter). And when looking at the most popular winter haircut trends, it seems I'm not the only one itching for a new vibe.

While the playful, natural curls of fall will stick around—along with a Kris Jenner-esque cunty little bob—you can expect a bit more excitement from winter's haircut trends. Wildcard cuts like the "bixie," modern mullet, and even baby bangs will be coming in hot. Celebrity hairstylist Mia Santiago believes nostalgia is to thank for the rise in daring cuts. "These shaggy haircuts blend edginess and playfulness for people," she says. "Plus, they're versatile as they grow out and don’t feel awkward."

Ahead, I spoke with a few expert hairstylists, along with Santiago, to hear their takes on all of the haircuts that will get you through the end of this year and into the next. Keep reading for their predictions on the top winter haircut trends—and how to style them.

The Bixie

Why choose between a bob and a pixie when something in the middle can be just as chic? Enter the bixie cut. "We’re seeing a huge return of short, confident cuts," says Santiago. She explains that the bixie, which strikes a perfect balance between a bob and a pixie, is back in a softer, more wearable form. "This is a great transition haircut for growing out a short haircut, and it also complements most face shapes, which is so encouraging if you’ve been wanting to try a short crop," Santiago adds.

Curly Cuts

Natural curls will be here in a big way for winter, which means that curly cuts tailored to each individual's natural curl pattern will be everywhere. "I predict we’ll be seeing people who actually do have natural curls or waves finally showcasing them more often," says Dusty Schlabach, curly hair specialist and founder of CurlMaps. "It’s a flex-because you can’t fake real curls and natural patterns without it looking very 'done' and too polished to feel effortless; some can’t be replicated at all."

Sofia Meyer, stylist at Lrn Beauty, notes that she has been seeing a surge in clients at her NYC salon who are asking for cuts that embrace their natural hair texture.

Long Layers

Long layers never truly go away, and this winter, their versatility is winning big points with clients. "My most requested cut lately has been long layers with a face-framing angle," says Meyer. "I believe this style will trend all winter long." This cut looks great whether it’s styled or left undone, and when worn in a ponytail, the layers add movement and bounce.

Modern Mullet

Modern mullets are all about exuding edge without all of the upkeep. "These shapes create hair that looks intentional yet relaxed," says Santiago. "They flatter wavy to curly textures or finer hair that needs shape and body. This new wave of shags and mullets embraces imperfection—hair that moves, bends, and feels authentic."

She explains that many of her clients want cuts that air-dry well, grow out seamlessly, and showcase natural texture, which is where this cut comes in handy. It's easy to maintain while still being "full of character and endlessly cool."

Baby Bangs

The best way to signify a change? Bangs, obviously. Proof: Nicole Kidman just cut a pair after filing for divorce. But for winter, baby bangs are what's on the menu. "I love a statement bang," says Meyer. "It's a fresh and fun way to change up your cut, especially if you don’t want to cut the length."

Length Without Layers

To achieve length, regular trims are a must. Grown-out, lived-in hair without the layers is what Schlabach is noticing among his curly-haired clients. To reach this point, he recommends maintaining a healthy hair routine so that all you need is a light dusting every few months.

"This seems to be the dream for a lot of curly girls, and to achieve it means they put in the work to keep it healthy so it doesn’t break before they get it to the length they want," he explains. "The weight of the length keeps the shape relatively chill, but full enough at the ends." He also suggests adding a side part to create some face framing and add a touch of volume.

The Blunt Bob

While there are many versions of the bob to choose from (it'll never go out of style), the blunt bob is for all the scissor-happy people out there. "For those who love short hair, the Gracie Abrams blunt bob is it," says Meyer. "This cut is effortlessly cool." Whether you wear it with a middle or side part, it always looks polished. I especially love how a bob looks when paired with an oversized winter scarf.

Model-Off-Duty Layers

For winter, bouncy, effortless layers are what's trending, especially for those who want to lighten their load without sacrificing too many inches. Santiago notes that people are tired of flat, one-dimensional hair. "Layered cuts bring dimension, bounce, and movement," she says. "Think soft, cascading layers that frame the face and enhance your natural texture. It’s the 'model-off-duty' cut that looks expensive, but doesn’t try too hard."

The Shag

After making a comeback a few years ago, the modern shag is still a popular choice, and it's especially well-suited for those with naturally textured hair or curls. "This one has been here for a while and isn’t going anywhere soon," says Schlabach. "It’s a great move for curly’s because it ensures shape while retaining whatever length they prefer, and can be worn with or without an evident fringe."

The Franco-Italian Bob

It wouldn't be a haircut roundup without the proper ode to the bob. While the "blunt bob" à la Gracie Abrams is in for all of the cool girls, a more French or Italian-inspired rendition is a little more timeless.

"This season’s bob is all about effortless structure," explains Santiago. "Think chin-to-collarbone length, clean lines, and soft movement. Whether it’s the polished Italian bob or a tousled French take, it’s giving 'I woke up in Paris but live in L.A.' vibes." She notes that while bobs are evergreen, there's a noticeable shift toward "cuts that feel polished without being stiff." Winter brings high collars and hats, so a haircut that hits the collarbone won't get caught in them.

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Meet the Experts

Mia Santiago

Mia Santiago is a celebrity hairstylist and master hair cutter. She honed her talent of cutting and styling at the iconic Sharon Dorram at Sally Hershberger salon in New York City where she started her career and still works. Mia spent 15 years in NYC focusing on building her salon and celebrity clientele, creating advertising, editorial, and red carpet looks, and has tamed the tresses of Hollywood superstars including Mariska Hargitay, Hugh Jackman, Martha Stewart, Dr. Oz, Dove Cameron and Grammy Award winners such as Ed Sheeran, John Legend and Twenty One Pilots. Mia has created iconic styles for renowned events, with red carpet looks for the VMA's, Billboard Music Awards, iHeart Music Awards, Tony’s, Tribeca Film festival, SXSW, to name a few, as well as major campaigns like KidSuper and Abercrombie and Fitch. Residing in Columbus, OH, Mia own Headspace by Mia Santiago and still travels often between NYC and LA.

Dusty "CurlVision" Schlabach

Known to millions as CurlVision Dusty is a 20+ year industry veteran who has quickly become one of the most influential curl specialists in the world  by not following the trends but by building a community around his authentic and unconventional approach to working with curly hair. Today, he specializes in dry curly cuts that embrace the hair's natural texture and are uniquely tailored for each client. Through his work, he’s continuously been able to empower curly haired people to love their natural texture as it is.

Sofia Meyer

Florida-born, NYC-sharpened—Sofia Meyer is all ease, edge, and thoughtful technique. Trained under Lauren and Nicolette, she brings LRN Beauty’s modern, detail-driven approach to everything she touches. Her specialty is uniting color and cut, creating complete looks that feel seamless, wearable, and uniquely personal. Sofia’s strength lies in seeing the whole picture—how tone, shape, and texture work together to define a style. Whether the shift is subtle or bold, she has a way of making every change feel intentional, balanced, and fresh.