Short, chic, curly: On-trend hairstyles that will make you the 'mane' character


Actress Julia Garner’s chic curly short cut is a hot look right now. Photo: Instagram/Julia Garner

If you’re ready for a new look and changing your tresses even if it’s as simple a move as trying out a different parting, or sporting a daring new ‘do, there are endless options to choose from.

Whether you want to make a bold pivot from the easy and breezy norms of peak pandemic times to more vibrant, statement-making hair trends, here are the latest trends.

Short styles

With temperatures in Malaysia soaring to 39 degrees Celsius, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if you’re feeling impulsive with your hair length – the temptation to chop it all off to reduce the amount of maintenance (and sweating!) is probably at an all-time high right now!

Thankfully, almost anything goes these days when it comes to short hair. Take inspiration from actress Julia Garner’s chic curly short cut or her edgy pixie style at the recent Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Los Angeles.

Romantic waves are a huge trend right now. Photo: Mise En Scene
Romantic waves are a huge trend right now. Photo: Mise En Scene
The curly bob is a chic and versatile style that embraces natural curls and adds a playful bounce to your overall look, framing the face beautifully. It can be customised to suit different face shapes by adjusting the length and layering.

Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron is also known for rocking short hair, most recently sporting a blonde bob at Paris Fashion Week.

In addition to the curly bob and pixie cut, there are numerous other short hair styles that are trending in 2023 such as the asymmetrical bob, which adds an element of asymmetry with one side longer than the other, creating a fashion-forward look.

Read more: No time to style your hair? No problem, because the 'bedhead hair' trend is here

Chic updos

Get ready to showcase your features because updos are making a major comeback, and are set to become the perfect choice for glamorous occasions, or even casual outings in hot, humid weather.

While traditional sleek buns never go out of style according to Seventeen magazine, there will be a surge in more intricate updo designs.

From tousled and effortlessly chic looks inspired by well-known figures like Pamela Anderson to meticulously sculpted styles such as finger waves, these sophisticated updos will dominate this year (or at least until the weather cools!).

When it comes to updos, one style that reigns supreme and offers endless versatility is the ponytail. From sleek and polished high ponytails to playful and flirty low ponytails, there is a style for every occasion.

Whether you opt for a high ponytail for a touch of elegance or a low ponytail for a more relaxed and romantic feel, ponytails offer endless possibilities, and you can even incorporate braids or accessories to take it up a notch.

Curls of all kinds

If you spent the last two decades straightening and rebonding your naturally wavy or curly hair to achieve the sleek, straight 2000s Christina Aguilera-esque hair, it’s time to stop and embrace the texture that God gave you.

Curls – whether they’re tight ringlets, loose waves, frizzy coils or flowy swirls – are so hot right now, and plenty of straight-haired people are heading to salons to perm their hair.

If your hair is naturally textured or curly but you don’t know where to start when it comes to finding the right product for you, worry not because ever so often there are new options in the market for you to experiment with.

From homegrown companies to well-known brands, everyone is jumping on the curly bandwagon so go out there and do some research.

In the interest in non-heat curling methods, there are even hair accessories that can be used as scrunchies, and when released, produce romantic waves that last for hours.

Polished perfection

Polished-looking, straight hair is an easy way to look glamorous in an instant. Photo: IGK
Polished-looking, straight hair is an easy way to look glamorous in an instant. Photo: IGK
Curls are trending right now, but that doesn’t mean straight hair is out.

A healthy shine and sleek straight locks go hand-in-hand, an easy way to look glamorous with little effort.

For best results, head to a salon to get your hair professionally flat-ironed, as the stylist will be able to also treat your hair and recommend the correct products for your hair type.

If you’re pressed for time most days, you can always DIY at home, after all there are plenty of hair styling products and devices with online tutorials that make the process a lot easier for you.

Just remember to make sure that you don’t burn your hair or damage your follicles by always using a heat-protectant serum.

Apart from protecting your tresses, the oils it contains will help to keep your hair frizz-free and keep flyaways at bay.

Read more: Having trouble drawing on eyeliner? Try using your finger instead

Healthy hair

This is not a style trend, but it’s being included because the importance of taking care of your tresses is up there with getting a cut that suits you.

In the ever-evolving world of beauty, one trend that has gained significant traction is the emphasis on healthy hair.

This trend acknowledges the fact that hair growth is a unique and individual process, and there is no universal solution that guarantees results for everyone.

One aspect that often goes unnoticed is scalp care, which plays a crucial role in promoting healthier hair growth.

Allure.com highlights the importance of maintaining scalp health for optimal hair growth, explaining that a well-hydrated scalp indirectly contributes to hair growth, drawing a parallel with skincare.

Experts concur that certain ingredients exhibit potential benefits for hair growth, listing rosemary oil as one such ingredient.

Don’t stop there, as there are plenty of other oils, scalp treatments, and even specially designed hair brushes that help with hair growth and health.

Cleansing bars that promote scalp health are also becoming a trend, so keep an eye out for products that work for your hair type.

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beauty , trends , haircare , hairstyles

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