It’s easy to think the classic bowl cut is a thing of the past, but it is making a stylish comeback. Today’s version is more polished and updated, with cleaner lines and more edge. It’s a fresh take that works well for people who want a bold, modern look.
But before clients rush into getting a bowl cut, it’s good to know they can choose from different styles depending on their hair type, length, and face shape. The bold bowl cut usually gives off a sharp, high-fashion vibe, so it’s not for everyone. If clients consider going for it, here are ten ideas that can inspire them.
Table of Contents
10 bowl cut hair ideas men and women should consider
1. Classic bowl cut
2. Afro bowl cut
3. Wavy hair
4. Bowl cut with a natural fringe
5. Straight hair bowl cut
6. Bowl cut with low fade
7. Bowl undercut
8. Spiky bow cut
9. High and tight
10. Thick hair bowl cut
Final words
10 Bowl cut hair ideas men and women should consider
1. Classic bowl cut
- Style: Modern
- Styling required: Minimal
- Products: Texturizing powder
The classic bowl cut is great if men want something bold but not over-the-top. The modern version keeps things clean and simple, with an even cut and a fringe that falls around the middle of the forehead. Unlike the older, super flat versions, today’s take adds more texture on top, giving the haircut some style and contrasting nicely with the short, buzzed sides.
2. Afro bowl cut
- Style: Sharp
- Styling required: Minimal
- Products: None
Clients shouldn’t skip the bowl cut because their hair isn’t straight. With the right approach, the style can still look great. For instance, if clients have afro-textured hair, stylists will only have to shift the style slightly.
Afro bowl cuts usually keep the fullness up top and in the front, paired with a sharper, buzzed undercut. An afro’s natural volume and texture cut a bold, standout look. So, if clients are up for something unique, it’s worth a try.
3. Wavy hair
- Style: Loose
- Styling required: Moderate
- Product: Sea salt spray and matte clay
The wavy hair bowl cut is a less common style, but it’s a perfect way to make a statement. The natural waves add volume, giving the haircut a bold, fuller look. Since wavy hair can sometimes look messy, the bowl cut helps balance that out—it’s short and clean enough to keep things looking neat without losing that amazing natural hair texture.
4. Bowl cut with a natural fringe
- Style: Modern
- Styling required: Minimal
- Product: Sea salt spray
If clients have a natural fringe, they’re halfway to pulling off a great bowl cut. All that’s left is trimming the rest of their hair to match the length of the fringe. It doesn’t take much work, and the result is a clean, even style that looks sharp yet modern—and it’s easy to keep up with, too.
5. Straight hair bowl cut
- Style: Retro
- Styling required: Moderate
- Product: Hair paste
Afro and wavy hair can pull off a bowl cut with minor adjustments. But what about straight hair? Well, it’s also a great haircut for them. In fact, straight hair is the best option for the bowl cut, especially when shaping the fringe.
However, stylists must ensure the cut is even all around and use a brush to comb the fringe forward. The result is a sleek, longer fringe that can help soften and flatter almost any face shape.
6. Bowl cut with low fade
- Style: Modern
- Styling required: Moderate
- Product: Texturizing powder and matte clay
Bowl cuts are more flexible than many think—not just in length but also in how clients blend them with other styles like fades. A bowl cut with a low fade is a great choice for men with beards, as the low fade creates a smooth transition between their hair and beard, tying the whole look together. If clients pair the cut with a sharp fringe, this style will give their faces a strong definition while still looking stylish and well put together.
7. Bowl undercut
- Style: Modern
- Styling required: Moderate
- Product: Matte clay
Adding an undercut is a fantastic way to give the classic bowl cut a modern edge. Undercuts are trendy now and instantly add a cool, stylish vibe to any look. When stylists pair them with a bowl cut, clients get a fresh update that instantly stands out. Plus, this combo can help make their faces look slimmer, so it’s a great option if that’s the effect clients want with their haircut.
8. Spiky bowl cut
- Style: Modern
- Styling required: Moderate
- Product: Matte clay and paste
Spiky hair is giving major ‘90s vibes—and many Gen Z clients are here for it. Anyone hoping to tap into that trend can add spikes to their bowl cut. It gives the style a bold, edgy twist and adds a bit of a masculine feel. The texture and volume of the spikes also help shape the face and give it a more rugged, standout appearance.
9. High and tight
- Style: Modern
- Styling required: Moderate
- Product: Texturizing powder and matte clay
As the name suggests, the high and tight bowl cut sits higher up on the head and keeps the hair on top pretty short. It usually stops well above the ears, making it easy to maintain since clients don’t have to deal with much hair.
This style is also a great in-between option for people growing their hair out and wanting something neat while it happens. It works especially well for people with thick hair since the shape helps manage volume while still looking sharp.
10. Thick hair bowl cut
- Style: Loose
- Styling required: Minimal
- Product: Texturizing powder
This style is the closest anyone will get to the classic, vintage bowl cut everyone remembers. Inspired by the ‘60s mod look, it’s all about strong shape and volume—something thick hair does well. Clients who are into retro styles and have naturally thick hair are lucky. This cut is a perfect match, bringing out the best in their hair’s texture while giving off a cool, old-school vibe.
Final words
It’s no surprise that old trends are coming back into the beauty world—and the bowl cut from the “70s and “80s is no exception. Many might remember it as that short, rounded haircut with blunt bangs. But these days, the style has gotten a serious upgrade, with modern versions showing on celebrities and turning the bowl cut into a cool, stylish look again. So, if clients want a bowl cut, feel free to inspire them with the ten styles discussed in this article.
