We might only be around six weeks away from the end of 2023, but the hair trends are still coming in thick and fast. Whether it’s various shades of copper, linen blonde, the preppy bob or even faux bobs, this year has seen an array of must-try cuts and colours take centre stage, with the latest being a modern version of the bowl cut. Enter: basin bangs.

OK, so you’re probably now having a flashback to that time you took hair-cutting matters into your own hands aged six, but believe us when we say that this is a look that’s not only more intentional but it’s also a whole lot more chic – think 90s Demi Moore and Linda Evangelista rather than Jim Carey’s Dumb And Dumber vibe. 

“Basin bangs are a rounded, curved shape that is cut either perfectly blunt or just a little textured,” says Tom Smith, hair stylist and trend forecaster. “They’re designed to curve around the eyebrows and the brow bone.”

It’s a look that’s been growing in popularity recently and is the latest iteration of the trend for micro bangs that we saw earlier this year; as Smith says, it’s a great one for highlighting bold brows or for those who want to frame their eyes. 

“It’s also good for anybody with higher or wider foreheads or long faces, thanks to the fact that this cut has the ability to softly close-in the face,” he explains. 

While it is possible to go too short, Smith says that it’s best to ask your stylist to cut the hair just short enough so you can see a small amount of forehead above the highest point of the brow. 

“If it’s a softer look you’re going for, you can ask for a choppier, eyelash-skimming shape, which is reminiscent of autumn’s ‘shadow bangs’ look, but creates a similar feeling to basin bangs without going the whole way,” he says.

“The other great thing about this cut is that it suits most hair types. While the same face-framing shape can be achieved on curly hair, it will have a fuller shape thanks to the 3D texture that type 4 hair has,” says Smith.

However, it is worth noting that if you’re somebody who has a strong parting or a cowlick, this sort of cut can be challenging and it’s vital to know that it will require a lot of daily styling to achieve the desired look. 

Once you’ve gone for the chop, make like Rosario Dawson and pair your basin bangs with a bold lip, and you’re onto a winner for the festive season.

Main image: Getty