There's no better way to get out of a haircut rut than by exploring the coolest hairstyles from around the US, especially when it feels like the Internet is serving you the same five styles week after week—and you've taken the same photo to your stylist for the last two years. In addition, a fresh-from-wherever-you're-not chop helps you stand out from the crowd.
Here are the most popular haircuts of 2018 from every corner of the US. Check them out!
1. New York, NY: Dramatic Pixie
On the polar opposite side of the lob, stylists in NYC are also seeing a surge in requests for short haircuts, says Nunzio Saviano, owner of Nunzio Saviano Salon in New York, NY. "The girls who had lobs for a long time are going even shorter now," he says. Just don't make the mistake of assuming a pixie is low-maintenance; depending on your hair texture, it could actually be more work.
2. San Francisco, CA: Strong Bob
The strong bob—also known as a blunt bob—is on the rise in SF. "This cut is a statement," says Jon Reyman, owner of Spoke & Weal salons in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. "Cool is more important than 'sexy' right now. Or rather, cool is the new sexy." The strong bob works for any hair texture, but if yours is dense, ask your stylist to thin it out first.
3. Honolulu, HI: Chandelier Layers
The 2017 version of beach waves? Chandelier layers. "It's perfect for long- to medium-length hair, works with all hair types, and can be easily adjusted for your face shape," says Alan Vuong, owner of Salon Blanc in Honolulu, HI. It has layers that fall freely and precisely, which adds volume that won't be weighed down or flattened. "Ask your stylist for long layers at the back and smooth, graduated layers to frame your face," suggests Vuong. "Or you can balance the layers with long bangs that can be styled to either side."
4. Chicago, IL: The Shag
The Midwest has moved on from lobs—sort of. "The lob is making way for the modern shag," says Nicole Coil, a stylist at Blueberry Moon in Chicago, IL. "Lots of textured layers create a soft shape, which is perfect for curls and waves. And it works to give lift and volume to smooth styles." Translation: It works for every hair texture. The shag is also ideal for Chicago's endless winter months, she says, because it keeps its shape under hats and beanies better than long layers can.
5. Atlanta, GA: Curly Bob
If you have natural curls, look no further than the bob. "The bob is a very popular cut for curls, because it can be flattering on many face shapes and curl patterns," explains Robin Sjoblom, owner of Southern Curl in Atlanta, GA. "Curly girls want something other than long, curly hair. They want a style." Plus, she says, it's easy to maintain and grows out well.
6. Washington, D.C.: Layered Lob
Sensing a trend yet? The lob maintains its status as cut of the year in D.C. with a notable difference from what's big among L.A. girls right now: layers. Essam Chalf, owner of Fringe Hair Studio in Washington, D.C., says it's all thanks to illusion long layers give: "It offers a noticeable change for long-haired women, who may not be ready to commit to a shorter cut."
7. Boston, MA: Curly Fringe
B is for Boston, and also, bangs. "It's an easy way to soften a look and add dimension," says Michelle Lee, owner and manager of Salon Eva Michelle in Boston, MA. They're definitely a commitment, but can do wonders for your face shape. A good trick to make sure you get the bangs you're picturing: Bring photos of what you don't want, in addition to styles you love. "Those speak volumes more," Lee says.
8. Miami, FL: Wavy Lob
Apparently, it's a lob's world and we're just living it. "It’s pretty, sophisticated, and customizable," says Andrea Battista, co-owner of Junior & Hatter salon in Miami, FL, on their most-requested style. If you wear beachy waves or have curly hair, make sure your stylist accounts for the coil of your curls. "The length should be left long enough to compensate," Battista says.
9. Seattle, WA: Long Lob
"The lob looks good with varying lengths, which makes it perfect for all face shapes and hair types," says Stacie Bowie, owner of Bowie Salon and Spa in Seattle. When it's a little more grown out—think past your collarbone and around your shoulders—it's even easier to style and manage than the original.
10. New York, NY: Curtain Bangs
Bangs can be easy to manage, so long as you choose the right kind. Curtain bangs are about as low-maintenance as they get. "Curtain bangs are the gateway to bangs, because they're super versatile," says Emily Heser, stylist at Cutler Salon in New York, NY. "They're long enough to grow out or pin back if you want, but they can also be cut into a shorter look." If you're on the noncommittal side when it comes to your cuts, consider this your match.
