The 5 Haircuts Everyone in New York Wants Right Now

The butterfly cut continues to have be a hit in NYC, and Eisenlohr predicts it won’t lose momentum anytime soon. The buzzy cut offers face-framing pieces and connected layers that give you ultimate fullness. “It gives a nod to ‘90s and early 2000s hair with lots of pieces and messy volume,” she tells me. “Regardless of hair types and textures this trend suits everyone that wants volume and a bouncy blowout.” One tip for styling a butterfly cut: Apply a whole lot of mousse to add a soft grip and maintain its volume. 

According to McCarthy, there’s a rising hair trend in NYC that will surely make heads turn. Known as the step mullet, it combines a modern mullet and step haircut (aka widely spaced layers along the length of hair to give the illusion of fullness). “New York is such a crucible of ideas that end up being expressed aesthetically, particularly by the younger generation. It’s a trend that rides on the back of nostalgia while playing with the redefined terms of gender expression. The strong case for it is how versatile the cut is depending on proportions,” he explains. The haircut is best suited for fine to medium and/or straight to curly hair.

Let’s face it: We often take inspo from our sisters across the pond and this Parisian bob is a prime example. “A Parisian bob is a chic, jaw-length bob with a soft, slightly blunt cut—often featuring subtle layering or a natural bend for effortless movement. It embraces a minimalist, undone aesthetic inspired by the effortless elegance of French women,” explains Korab. “It’s gaining popularity in NYC because it suits the city's fast-paced yet stylish lifestyle. It offers a chic, effortless look without requiring too much maintenance, making it perfect for professionals, creatives and trendsetters.” In order to style this trendy bob, Korab suggests a volumizing spray or mousse that adds lift, or a texturizing spray for a more natural, undone look. 

Despite newer fringe styles popping up, curtain bangs remain a top choice for city dwellers. “Curtain bangs are parted in the middle, creating a ‘curtain’ effect on either side of the face. These bangs tend to be longer than traditional bangs and blend seamlessly into the rest of the hair. This style adds volume and texture, making it suitable for all hair types and lengths,” says Cleveland. For more volume, she suggests using a blow dryer and a round brush, or a flat iron to create a soft bend in the hair. Once you’re done lifting the fringe, spritz on some hairspray before heading out the door. 

Fairy waves are already being projected as *the* hair trend for spring and Cleveland is seeing it all over NYC. She tells me, “Fairy waves are soft, loose waves that create a natural, effortless look. These waves are lighter and airier than tight curls. This style adds volume while maintaining a bohemian vibe. They offer a low-maintenance look that resonates with the city’s aesthetic.” She adds that it’s also a great style to wear all year round. If you want to achieve this look, Cleveland recommends using a 1- to 1.5-inch curling wand to create a soft, loose pattern. “It is important to avoid over-styling as fairy waves are supposed to look ‘effortless.’ For texture, use a hairspray or sea salt spray to add volume,” she adds. 

OK, I’m Ready for a Haircut. What Should I Ask My Stylist?

The best thing to do is communicate with your stylist about everything. Tell them exactly what you want and show them any visual inspiration you have in mind for the look. (Psst, I’ve found five references above to get you started). Once you have your photos ready, march into your appointment and walk out the salon with a fresh cut that you can show off at your next shindig.