What’s old is new in the world of fashion and beauty. This is especially true considering how trends from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and early 2000s leave and reemerge after a while. Take the bowl cut. You may think it has no business trending in 2025. But guess what—it’s back and better than ever.
The modern take on this classic style presents it as a clean cut with some extra oomph and finesse. We encourage you to try it out if it’s on your radar. But first, many contemporary bowl cut styles now exist to suit various face shapes, hair lengths, and textures. Let’s check them out together so you can make your choice.
The Bowl Cut Defined & Redefined
Otherwise known as the mushroom hairstyle, this is a simple yet standout hairstyle for men and women. It features short hair on the sides while the top is left long and even with a fringe. The result is usually a rounded hairdo that resembles a bowl or a mushroom head, hence its name.
This retro haircut, inspired by the 1980s, has been refurbished. While traditional mushroom cuts had even lengths, modern iterations incorporate varying lengths and styling options, like curls and layers.
However, some things stay true. For instance, the cut still retains its roundness and short bangs. Also, it’s still that edgy coiffure only bold and daring fashionistas sport. So, before you give it a shot, speak with your stylist so you get the exact mushroom haircut you envisaged.
Notwithstanding, the distinct feature of the modern bowl cut is its flexibility. Today’s interpretation of the haircut isn’t limited to rigid, uniform styles. Instead, it welcomes personalization to cater to individual preferences, face shapes, and hair textures.
ALSO READ: Jellyfish Haircut: How to Style for a Daring Look
Modern Bowl Cut Inspiration for You
Here are inspos to get you started with this edgy haircut:
Textured Bowl Cut
Introduce texture to your haircut by adding choppy layers for that shaggy vibe. Do this all over your hair and you’ll get a haircut with natural movement for an effortless finish.
Classic Bowl Haircut
Don’t want a contemporary take? Maintain the original round haircut and complement it with short bangs. Concentrate on your hair’s natural shape and adjust the length for symmetry.
Bowl Haircut with Bangs
This variation lets you hide your forehead or clip your hair to the side. Add long or short bangs to your haircut. Keep the bangs at your desired length and style, whether straight, side-swept, or curtain bangs, and blend them seamlessly into the rest of your hair for a cohesive look.
Mushroom Hairstyle with Fade or Undercut
Whether you’re combining this cut with a low or high fade or an undercut, shaved sides and back are modern tweaks you don’t want to miss out on.
ALSO READ: Fade Haircut: 28 Stunning Styles for a Clean Look
Mushroom Cut & Highlights
Jazz up your hair with a bit of color. It’ll create a bold look that surely turns heads. Try black hair with blonde highlights, red streaks, or purple flashes. Whichever hue you choose will add more flair to your style.
Colorful Bowl Haircuts
Highlights play it safe. But what if you go all the way by rocking a bold-colored mushroom cut? Think full blonde, green, red, grey, or ginger hair color. Colors are a timeless way to draw attention to yourself. Experiment with them as you like for your hair.
Curly or Wavy Bowl Cut
Waves and curls are best known for adding volume and texture to any hairdo. If this is your hair type, ask your stylist to manipulate it into a bowl shape and let the curly bangs shine through.
Afro Bowl Cut
This hairstyle isn’t for straight or curly hair alone. So, if you have type 4 or kinky hair, transform it into a bowl haircut. Your afro hair will create more volume and texture for the look. Feel free to add a fade or an undercut to maintain the contemporary vibe.
Side Bangs Bowl
Bored of the regular fringe? Experiment with a side parting. It’ll create an asymmetrical look that embraces different lengths.
Long Bowl Cut
Just as the bixie cut combines a bob with a pixie, the longer bowl haircut is a blend of the bob with cropped fringe. The long hair around your face adds shape, creating a soft, flattering look that helps you stand out.
ALSO READ: The Man Bun: 31 Stunning Styles for the Dapper Man
Old Bowl Haircuts Die Hard
Today’s bowl cut variations are designed for aesthetics and easy maintenance. Their versatile length and styling options give you a comfy look you can rock with or without regular salon visits, so long as you use the right styling products. It’s a short cut—ideal for busy and active lifestyles, perfect for today’s adults.
So, pick from the ideas we’ve shown you above, or scroll down for more inspiration and hit the salon ASAP.
ALSO READ: Curly Hairstyles: 26 Stunning Ideas You Should Recreate ASAP
