30 Bowl Cut Ideas You’ll Love in 2023

This bowl haircut is a very unique take on the style, due to the skilful blend of blunt cut and razored layers. The hair has been dyed strategically to further accentuate the difference of textures. So, well, isn’t it a good idea to innovate your own short cut?

40 Ways to Rock a Bowl Cut

Today’s bowl cut for women is a far cry from what we remember in the 80’s and 90’s. As an edgier hair style it has most recently been worn by some of the fashion’s biggest risk-takers like Miley Cyrus and Rihanna. This look is best pulled off with statement makeup, vibrant hair color or extreme earrings.

The Modern Bowl Cut Versions

While there are obvious benefits (can you say ‘low-maintenance’?), it’s also totally liberating to reveal your face to the world. With one simple hairstyle, you can make the statement that has nothing to hide and everything to gain.

So here’s some inspiration for your next short do.

1. Grazing Fringe

For a lighter look that’s still feminine, try a wispy fringe. Keeping your bangs longer, it still lets your bold arches peek through. Try an ash blonde hue for your hair and a bold color to accentuate your eyebrows. Or color your strands in some subtle pink and purple shades to enhance the charm.

2. Edgy Bangs

A shorter bowl cut can be balanced out with a long piece-y fringe in front. Give it some attitude and texture for a complete edgy vibe. Add in a slight pop of color or an accent tone, and you’ve got a cool and crisp style.

3. Sent from the Future

A modern cut deserves a futuristic feel. Make a statement with a silver-grey all over color. Some long wisps up top and a purely blunt cut create an effortless and chic appearance.

4. Deep Part

Not only is this bowl haircut for women elegant and sophisticated, it is also fearless. The severe and deep part combined with the striking color fade effect keeps this style polished and chic.

5. Follow the Curve

As far as bowl cuts go, here is one of the sweetest versions. It’s simple and understated, but it has been expertly cut with care and detail. Leaving length on top allows for more room to play and stylize.

6. Bowl-Cut-Inspired Pixie

How do you look feminine and fearlessly modern? With a short undercut haircut featuring some long, soft layers. This look perfectly walks the line between being edgy and ladylike, so if your style and personality walk the same line, you should definitely give this cut a try.

7. Edgy Bowl Cut

For a bowl cut that challenges the typical iteration of the style, ask your stylist to shave your sideburn. It might sound crazy, but it’s really catching on in the female hair styling world, and it’s easier to pull off than you might think.

8. Textured Bowl Cut with Highlights

If you want a beautiful bowl cut that makes you feel like a popstar, then you need to remember two things: highlighting and texture. Be sure to ask your stylist for highlights that really stand out. They should be two or three tones lighter than your base. Add separation with products designed for short, straight hair.

9. Layered Platinum Bowl Haircut

Platinum is absolutely one of the best colors for this hair style. You get grunginess and classic glam rolled up in one look. What more could a modern girl want? To really make the shade pop, go for dark hair underneath. Natural blondes can ask for a cool toned brown dye on the shaved part.

10. Choppy Lavender Hair

Your new bowl haircut should be as boundary-pushing as you are. The bowl has considerably evolved in the last few years, so don’t think you need to stick to a set concept. The version you see in this picture showcases longer hair at the temples and closely cropped nape, everything in a gorgeous pastel purple shade, wow!

11. Sunset Colored Hairstyle

The pink and orange tones in this hairstyle are gorgeous—especially when paired with a bold lip and warm toned skin. Black women look particularly stunning with bowl shaped cuts. To recreate this, be sure to keep the front bangs layered and uneven instead of blunt.

12. Mod Fashionista’s Bowl Cut

For a bowl hairstyle that is retro and mod, go for straight, naturally colored hair. This style would be right at home in the most fashionable streets of Paris. Blunt bungs and angled sides complete the futuristic look. To keep your hair soft and sleek, you’ll have to apply conditioning treatments regularly.

13. Bowl Haircut with Edgy Bangs

When you choose a stylist for your new bowlcut, be sure to find someone whose sense of adventure matches your own. If you’re looking for something unique and experimental, find a professional who has experience with creative cuts. This version features a dark cropped undelayer and long blond layers sprinkled on top and flowing along the sides.

14. Feathered Cut with Shaved Sides

For women who want to try a new modern look but still maintain some femininity in their style, a choppy bowl hairstyle is the perfect choice. Long bangs that fall towards your brow are very flattering while shaved sides bring an urban vibe.

15. Bowl Cut with Heavy Bangs

Heavy bangs—simply meaning long bangs with lots of layers pulled from the crown forward —can be a very nice compliment to beautiful eyes and full lips. You get the best of both worlds: short hair that is easy to style and an emphasis on your best features.

16. Extreme Haircut with High Shaving

This bowl haircut is a very unique take on the style, due to the skilful blend of blunt cut and razored layers. The hair has been dyed strategically to further accentuate the difference of textures. So, well, isn’t it a good idea to innovate your own short cut?

17. Neon Side Parted Bowl Cut

This gorgeous shade is so unexpected! You will definitely stand out with this color which tends to pair beautifully with dark shades of makeup and clothing. The asymmetry of this haircut is another element contributing to the overall wow factor.

18. Silver Hair with Jagged Fringe

If blonde is totally not your thing but you want to try the dark-versus-light concept for your short haircut, go for silver. It pairs really well with dark brown hair. Ask your stylist for wispy bangs in the front—that way you can have fun styling them just right.

19. Blunt Blonde Bowl Haircut

Depending on your style and personality, you might like bowl cut hair that is sleek and accurate. This version pairs really well with futuristic fashion. The sleek perfection of the cut creates a more thought-out and less subversive style.

20. Bowl and Bob

If you want to try certain elements of the bowl but are not ready to jump into the style, then try bowl cut-inspired bangs and pair them with your common bob. You can keep longer hair along the sides for a look that is half bowl and half bob.

21. Ice Blue Bowl Cut

With silver and white hair colors becoming very popular and widespread, this ice blue hue is a breath of fresh air. The color is really gorgeous paired with dark brows and lips. To pull it off without looking too perfect and princessy, allow your hair’s natural wave and texture to shine through.

22. Textured Cut with Undershave

Bowl cuts can also skew elegant and sophisticated. For a chic style that will look super cool paired with punk rock clothes and jewelry, ask your stylist for a deep side part, an undershave that runs above your ears, long bangs and subtle highlights. Cutting the hair close above the ears gives the cut a beautiful shape and boosts thickness of your hair.

23. Short Fringed Bowl Cut

Not for the faint of heart, this style takes the asymmetry trend to a whole new level. The side burn is shaved on one side, while the other side is kept long and wispy. The high-up blunt fringe adds to the futuristic appeal of the look.

24. High Fade Bowl Haircut

This beautiful cut has a very glamorous vibe, due to the cool toned platinum locks and bold undershave. Notice how the line of demarcation is high up on the head? That gives it an edgier, more unisex look. If you want something more feminine, try having the line a little lower.

25. Tucked Back Bowl Cut

Clearly, the bowl cut has taken on a life of its own. There are no set rules or requirements. The clean shaved temples and short fringe give this version a modern flare. With long textured pieces in the back, this cut offers a lot of cute styling options. And that color is to die for!

26. Firm Hold

The bleached out color and blunt-end cut combine to create an androgynous feel. With an extra-firm hold hair product, you can maintain your precise hairstyle throughout the day.

27. Soft and Simple

Bowl cut hair isn’t easy for just anyone to pull off. It’s as much about confidence and attitude as the cut itself. A perfectly maintained chic and sleek ‘do that makes no excuses.

28. Tousled, not Tamed

Add some sass to your shorter cut with tousled, textured pieces in the back. For a bed head feel that embodies free-spiritedness and confidence, be sure to select the right texturizing hair product.

29. Long Story

A longer version of this hairstyle can help ease you into the full-on short cut. Slightly covering the ears and keeping bangs long gives you ample room to play with style and color.

30. Detailed Cut

Who says a haircut needs to be even all-around? Introducing some unexpected longer pieces adds intrigue to the bowl haircut. Toss in plenty of subtle highlights and a blunt, short fringe. Draw attention to your beautiful female facial features and artistic makeup.

31. Jewel Tones

Shorter ‘dos have another added benefit – less maintenance when it comes to hair color. Fewer and shorter strands mean more ability to play with color and keep it looking sharp. Try iridescent colors in deep green jewel tones for fun and sophistication.

32. It’s in the Layers

Just because a hairstyle is short doesn’t mean it needs to be all one length. Get a layered bowl to add texture and volume. Plus, layers help to keep your ‘do looking sharp without much added effort, for the ultimate low-maintenance hair style.

33. Length Matters

For a carefree short-haired look with lots of body, try a classic bowl cut that grazes the cheekbones. By keeping some length, you can afford to thin your cut out a bit more.

34. Eye-Catching Magenta Cut

For the right balance between sweet and sassy, try a blunt cut with a bold magenta or pastel pink color. Adding shine-enhancing products helps to keep it looking fresh and pristine.

35. Silver Richness

Bold doesn’t always have to be bright. The contrast between the daring blunt silver bang and the deep rich espresso color is gorgeously understated. All you need is the perfect earrings and eyeliner.

36. More Color, More Volume

As far as short haircuts for women go, here is one that’s fun and funky. With ample volume and a myriad of colors, you’ll have endless days of adventure and confidence. Just think of all the compliments you’ll receive!

37. Low-Maintenance Wisdom

If there’s one thing you learn in life, it’s how much time (and money) you can save with the right haircut. Try a cut that’s perfect for maintaining sophistication but adding in the oomph of edginess. Let your natural color speak for itself and show the world you’ve got nothing to hide.

38. Cute and Light

For an adorable bowl haircut that is soft and airy, try a style with semblances of a pixie cut. The extreme light color and fine hair texture keep it looking silky and smooth. But rest assured this cut is still all attitude and a great way to enhance your fabulous facial features.

39. Keep it Short

For a cut that takes short even shorter, this style is the one. A bit more length on top and at the back adds interest. Plus it offers the ability to play with the style a bit more. The bonus benefit here is that it elongates the neck and enhances your best features.

40. Purple Layered Style

Here is a cut that was made popular during 60’s. But this time it’s been remixed with infinite colors and endless style. The cut speaks for itself, and this stunning look is easy to pull off with the right attitude.

If you thought one bowl cut is the same as any other, these pictures have proved otherwise. With a fresh cut bowl you can achieve versatility, edginess, and even elegance. What’s even more is the confidence a woman can gain from going short and sticking to it.

30 Bowl Cut Ideas You’ll Love in 2023

Looking for modern or classic examples of a bowl cut? Read on to learn what a bowl cut is, see real-life examples of this style, and determine if this haircut suits you.

Wait, Bowl Cuts Are Back in Style?

We never thought we’d say this, but guys – it looks like bowl cuts are coming back. Don’t panic! We’re not talking about the puffy ‘shroom style cuts mom gave you in the ’90s.

There’s a bolder, better version of the cut on the rise, and we can’t lie — it looks pretty good. Before we show you some of our favorite upgraded bowl and mushroom cuts, let’s have a quick lesson on this iconic haircut.

Other Trending Hairstyles:

What Is a Bowl Cut?

A bowl cut (also known as a mushroom cut) is a haircut that features bangs that go all the way across the front. The back and sides are either the same length as the bangs, or longer toward the back.

However a bowl cut is done, the ends of the hair follow a straight or angled line around the head. The result is a mushroom-like haircut that looks like it was done with a bowl inverted on the head as a guide.

In fact, that’s how bowl cuts got their name. In medieval times, a bowl was used as a guide for cutting. Also, it’s featured in the movie Dumb and Dumber.

So, a bowl cut is a haircut with:

• Blunt bangs across the forehead
• Back and sides cut to same length as bangs
• Or, back and sides cut longer than bangs at an angle

There’s a lot of variation in these haircuts. They can be shaved underneath with longer hair on top. They can be very short or long enough to cover the ears. These haircuts can be worn by children, men, and women.

We usually think of yesterday’s straight hair tucked under at the ends when we think of bowl cuts, but today, they are commonly worn messy, layered, and tousled with wavy or curly hair.

Now that you know what makes any old hairstyle a bowl cut, it’s time to take a look at some of the revamped, new-and-improved examples you might consider getting.

30 Bowl Cuts We Love in 2023

Check out these updated versions of the classic bowl/mushroom cut. They’re coming back into style for a reason. Which one can you see yourself sporting?

1. Short Undercut

This example features super-short hair on top with a fringe that hits the temple area instead of the eyebrows. The hair underneath is shaved, making this a cool hybrid between the two-block cut and a mushroom cut.

2. Curly Bowl Cut

Natural curls put a modern twist on the old-school version. The curls are cut to follow the classic bowl shape without being too rigid.

3. Swept Forward

A few layers will give your hair more dimension and texture. Sweeping it forward with a bowl cut keeps it from looking outdated and shows off the layers.

4. Wavy Ear-Length Cut

These cuts look great with any hair color or texture, but we really love the dimensional effect dark, wavy hair gives them. Cut to the ear level, this fashion-forward cut is easy to manage and takes no time to style.

5. Bowl Cut With High Drop Fade

These haircuts don’t have to be super long. We like the short version with a high drop fade pictured here as a modern twist.

6. High Curly Crop

Bringing the long top up a bit higher is a trendy way to wear the ‘shroom cut. Many guys who don’t have naturally curly hair to give the top height and texture are getting perms.

7. Parted Bangs

This kid is sporting a straight bowl cut with a slight off-center part. If you’re looking for a haircut suitable for a little boy who hates sitting still to have his hair styled, this is perfect.

8. Stacked Mushroom Cut

A stacked mushroom cut is propped up by successively shorter layers underneath. This gives the hair some added volume and height in the back.

9. Messy Shag

A side part makes a big difference in the way a bowl cut looks. If this model’s hair were brushed down and forward instead, it would look like the classic version. But we love this tousled, messy twist.

10. Choppy Full Bangs

With straight hair, you can add a little interest and texture to this cut with choppy bangs. An uneven line in the front helps separate this cut from the old-school versions.

11. Pieced-Out and Layered

Styling wax can help you make sections of the hair look “piece-y” while giving it some hold. Sweep the hair off to one side for a casual look.

12. Tousled Top

Steering clear of the carefully coiffed mushroom cuts of the past, this version is mussed up and tousled for a more casual and updated look.

13. Coily Crop

Super curly hair cut to the temple area brings a modern twist to the classic. Bringing the long portion up much higher looks edgy and clean-cut at the same time.

14. Light Violet With Short Fringe

Modern women are breaking the rules of a classic bowl cut with a vivid color and a shorter fringe that isn’t the same length as the rest of the hair. We like the way this cut frames the face.

15. Curtain Bangs

Popular in the ’90s, a center or off-center part lets the front of the hair hang over the forehead like curtains. Make sure to leave the top at least eyebrow length for the best effect.

16. Hipster Parted Fringe

Keep longer straight hair out of your eyes with a bowl cut like this, where the front of the hair is parted to the side and held with a dab of light to medium hold gel.

17. Point Shaved Undercut

Light blonde hair pairs perfectly with a classic-style bowl haircut. But the surprise in the back – a point-shaved undercut – adds a little edge.

18. Low Fade Bowl Cut

You can always modernize a bowl haircut with a fade. A low fade that starts just above the ears refreshes this cut and makes it new.

19. Parted in the Middle

You don’t have to wear a bowl cut straight down and forward. Take a page out of this guy’s book, who parts it down the middle for a face-brightening look.

20. Layered With Side Swept Bangs

Instead of letting the hair fall straight down, use a small amount of gel or pomade to sweep the front over to one side across the forehead. This softens the look.

21. Temple-Length Curls

Don’t sleep on this haircut, because it’s getting more popular by the minute. It’s like a blend between Patrick Mahomes’ iconic cut and the classic mushroom cut.

22. Arched Fringe

The shape of this cut is almost classic, but with the twist of an arched fringe across the front. Add in a vivid hair color, and you’re anything but dated.

23. Sporty Shag

The textured nature of curls is such a great fit for a bowl cut. They keep the hair from lying limp and flat and create so much interest in the haircut. A curly shag like this is perfect for active guys who need their hair to stay out of their face.

24. Short and Tapered

A shorter bowl haircut is a new way to wear the trend without pointing too much to the older style. Pair it with a tapered cut to keep the lines from looking too harsh.

25. Parted off-Center

An unexpected part is a great way to style a longer bowl cut like this. Parting off-center near the middle really opens up the face and gives the hair more shape.

26. Undercut With Side Part

Doing an undercut with a bowl cut helps keep your head cool and looks great. Part it off to one side so you can tuck your hair behind your ears to keep it out of your face.

27. Parted and Casual

The effortless look is always popular – it looks cool and requires less of your time to style. Part a bowl cut to the side and tousle your hair with a little mousse or gel for this look.

28. Drop Mushroom Cut

Even if pink isn’t your thing, this drop version of the classic dips down in the back for an updated look. The front hits mid-forehead, and the drop is done behind the ears with a shaved undercut.

29. Choppy Layered Cut

Mushroom cuts have a lot of versatility when you add choppy layers. This cut extends just past the ears and angles down in the back.

30. Wavy Middle Part

Make the most of your waves with a medium-length bowl cut and a middle part. Parting down the middle gives you swooping bangs that can hang loose or be tucked behind the ear.

Things to Consider Before Getting a Bowl Cut

Some of us were traumatized by a bad bowl haircut early in life. We hope the inspiration photos above helped show that today’s mushroom cuts are much different from the 90’s monstrosities.

If you feel ready to get back out there and try again, arm yourself with knowledge first. Here’s what you need to know before you get it done.

• Know what’s different about the modern version. Vintage bowl/mushroom haircuts were voluminous and polished. Today’s are often layered, choppy, wavy, or curly. And if they’re left straight, they need some added interest – shorter bangs, an angled back, or an undercut all work perfectly to bring the style into today’s fashion.
• Face shape matters.Most face shapes will look great with any kind of bowl haircut – heart, oval, and square faces are all a good fit. But if you have a round face, a bowl cut can exacerbate the fullness at the cheeks and make your face look bloated. A shorter cut with a fade can help diminish the added volume on the sides for round faces.
• Make sure your stylist knows what you want. If you’re visiting a stylist who might not be up on today’s trends, asking for a bowl cut might result in you getting the vintage version you’re still having nightmares about. Make sure you’re specific about what you want and have plenty of inspiration photos to show them.
• Know your hair type and characteristics. It’s easy for a stylist to make your hair look great in the salon or barbershop, but you need to understand your hair and how it tends to behave before you get this cut. If you have cowlicks, super coarse hair, stick-straight locks, or curls that always frizz, a bowl cut could make those challenges even harder to manage.
• Thick hair can puff out when cut this way. Thin and medium-thick hair won’t have issues with a mushroom cut, but super thick or coarse hair can. If you want to avoid the puffy look, have your stylist undercut the hair under the longer top or thin out the hair underneath.

Frequently Asked Questions

Would I Look Good With a Bowl Cut?

It depends on the face shape you have. A rounder face can pull off this look better than an oblong-shaped one because the length of the hair will be more flattering. Bowl cuts also look good on curly hair, as the curls add texture and volume to the haircut.

Why Are Bowl Cuts So Popular?

Bowl cuts are popular because they are effortless to maintain and suit various face shapes. They are also a simple way to achieve a modern, edgy look. People who choose bowl cuts can alter the length and texturize or thin their hair to suit their personal style.

Who Started the Bowl Cut?

The bowl cut was worn by European sportsmen as early as the 1500s. It was later popularized by the Beatles in the early 1960s and continues to be a popular haircut for both men and women and is seen as a simple and practical hairstyle for young boys.

Do You Use a Bowl for a Bowl Cut?

Bowl cuts are hairstyles in which the hair is cut short and evenly around the head. It gets its name because a bowl is often used to create the shape, and because it looks like an upside-down bowl sitting on the head. Bowl cuts are a popular style for children as they are easy to maintain and are not too short.

What’s the Difference Between a Bowl Cut and an Undercut?

Differences in length, styling, and thickness are common distinctions between a bowl cut and an undercut. Bowl cuts are shorter and are styled around the head in a bowl-like shape. An undercut is a haircut where the hair on the sides and back of the head is cut very short or shaved, while the hair on top of the head is left longer.

Should You Get a Bowl Haircut?

If you’re thinking about getting a modern bowl or mushroom cut, now is the time to do it. You’ll be at the forefront of this growing trend, and you’ll love the way it looks. These haircuts are easy to manage and quick to style.

When it comes to the old school bowl cuts of yesteryear, we can’t be mad at ‘em. They taught us a lot. Take a few pointers from the vintage version, keep the parts that looked good, and put a modern twist on the cut to make it less dork and more New York.

Important Disclaimer

You Probably Need a Haircut provides general information only. We do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Each user should evaluate the information on our site and is encouraged to do further research before taking any action, inaction, or making any decision based on the content provided on our site.

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