30 Bowl Cut Hairstyles

Ready to reinvent the timeless bowl cut with modern flair? The bowl cut offers a bold, versatile silhouette, perfect for a variety of textures and personal styles. Rush stylists specialise in tailoring bowl cuts to suit your hair type, face shape and lifestyle.

What Is a Bowl Cut?

The bowl cut is characterised by its rounded shape that frames the head evenly, reminiscent of the classic ‘bowl’ silhouette. It has evolved over time, with various textures, fades and lengths making it a contemporary and edgy choice. This style is a great choice for straight, wavy, curly and afro-textured hair and can be adapted to suit different lifestyles.

Key Considerations for a Bowl Cut

Hair Type

Hair texture can impact the bowl cuts’ appearance and movement. Consulting with your Rush stylist prior to opting for this style is vital, as they will help adapt the cut to your hair density and type.

Face Shape

Bowl cuts can be tailored to compliment different face shapes by adjusting length and layering. Softening the edges works best for angular face shapes and opting for more volume will help add dimension to rounder faces. 

Lifestyle and Maintenance

It is extremely important to choose a bowl cut that fits your lifestyle and grooming habits. Regular trims are key to maintaining the shape, especially for sharper fades and textured variations. 

Styling Versatility

Consider how versatile you would like your bowl cut to be, whether you prefer a sleek, polished look or a more textured, edgy finish. Discussing styling options with your Rush stylist will ensure your cut matches your personal style and daily routine.

Top 30 Bowl Cut Styles

1. Classic Bowl Cut

The classic bowl cut is a blunt haircut with evenly cut rounded hair that frames the face like an upside-down bowl. It features a straight fringe and sides with the back cut short and uniform to create a cohesive, distinct silhouette. Seen on celebrities such as Noah Schnapp.

Best for – this style is great for those with narrower face shapes as it can provide a much more balanced effect.

Styling tip – use a light-hold pomade for a smooth, polished finish.

2. Textured Bowl Cut

This modern take on the classic bowl cut removes the severe, distinct look by adding layers and unevenness for movement and depth. Creating shaggy layers results in a tousled and stylish finish. Seen on celebrities such as Dominic Fike. 

Best for – this is a great option for those with textured hair as it enhances the cut’s shape and adds dimension.

Styling tip – apply a sea salt spray and style the hair with your fingers to create definition.

3. Taper Fade Bowl Cut

The taper fade bowl cut features a graduated taper fade along the sides of the head to create a seamless transition from the longer hair on top to the skin at the neckline and temples. Seen on celebrities such as Justin Bieber. 

Best for – this style is great for those with thicker hair as the shorter sides balance the overall volume.

Styling tip – blow-dry the hair upwards to lift the roots, as this creates more volume.

4. Messy Bowl Cut

The messy bowl cut is a modern variation of the classic bowl cut that intentionally features texturised, uneven and layered hair for a less uniformed appearance. This is often styled with a sea salt spray and air dried to create tousled volume. Seen on celebrities such as Timothee Chalamet. 

Best for – this is a great option for those seeking a low maintenance style as it requires minimal styling. 

Styling tip – for a shaggier look, re-apply your styling product of choice after drying to create more separation. 

5. Curly Bowl Cut

This style combines the traditional rounded shape of a bowl cut with naturally curly hair textures which results in a voluminous, retro-inspired look. This style emphasises the natural movement of curls and often incorporates layers. Seen on celebrities such as Harry Styles. 

Best for – this is a great option for those with medium length curly hair, especially types 2C-3B.

Styling tip – use the ‘bowl method’ by dunking your head into a bowl of water, scrunching and pressing a leave-in conditioner into your hair to define curls.

6. Asian Bowl Cut

The Asian bowl cut is a blunt style where the hair is uniformly cut to an even length around the head. Particularly popular in East Asia, this style can feature variations often with layers to fit a fashionable aesthetic while accommodating to the straight texture and shape of Asian hair. Seen on celebrities such as Chris Tashima. 

Best for – this style is great for those with rounded or oblong faces and is particularly popular in cultures influenced by East Asian fashion trends, who see the style as youthful.

Styling tip – apply a small amount of wax and sweep the hair to the side for a more versatile look. 

7. Undercut Bowl Cut

This style features very short or shaven sides which creates a stark contrast against the longer hair on the top, which is shaped in the classic bowl shape. Seen on celebrities such as Macklemore. 

Best for – this low maintenance style can be adapted to most face shapes by adjusting the length throughout the top section.

Styling tip – apply a texturising product to damp hair and blow-dry the top sections upward to add more volume.

8. Long Bowl Cut

The long bowl cut maintains generous length on top, which can be styled in a number of ways. This style often includes a straight, blunt fringe or bangs and a consistent, curved outer perimeter. Seen on celebrities such as Jared Leto. 

Best for – this style is great for several face shapes, it can help balance longer, narrower face shapes and soften square faces.

Styling tip – for those with flatter hair, use a sea salt spray throughout to add texture. 

9. Shaggy Bowl Cut

The shaggy bowl cut features longer hair on top with a shorter back and sides and features the addition of choppy, textured layers and often a fringe for movement. Seen on celebrities such as Jacob Elordi. 

Best for – this is a great option for those with rounder faces as the face-framing layers can help elongate the face. 

Styling tip – embrace the shag’s edgy vibe by curling sections in alternating directions to give a new dimension. 

10. Mid Fade Bowl Cut

This trendy style combines the classic bowl cut on top with a graduated mid-fade on the sides, creating a modern look with contrasting textures. The hair on the sides gradually tapers into a shorter length higher on the ear. Seen on celebrities such as Zayn Malik.

Best for – this style is best for those with thick, straight hair as it emphasises the shape more. 

Styling tip – for extra hold, add a small amount of pomade to the ends.

11. High Fade Bowl Cut

Much like the mid fade bowl cut, the high fade bowl cut features the classic bowl shape on top, where the hair is cut to a uniform length all around the head, combined with a very short, high contrast fade on the sides and back that starts higher up the head. Seen on celebrities such as Robert Pattinson. 

Best for – this style is great for those with square or round faces who are looking for a low maintenance, structured style. 

Styling tip – for a polished finish, blow-dry the hair with a round brush to create lift.

12. Bowl Cut with Natural Fringe

A bowl cut with natural fringe features a rounded, even cut around the head with a straight, blunt fringe that frames the face without being over-styled or heavy. Seen on celebrities such as Joe Keery.

Best for – this is a great option for those with thinner hair as the addition of a natural fringe can make hair appear thicker.

Styling tip – avoid using combs to maintain a natural, effortless appearance.

13. Afro Bowl Cut

An afro bowl cut is a variation of the classic bowl cut that is adapted for natural or afro-textured hair. It features a round silhouette that is cut to a uniformed length and often features layers on top for volume and movement. Seen on celebrities such as Oliver Tree. 

Best for – this is a great style for naturally curly hair who want a bold, low-maintenance style. 

Styling tip – scrunch a defining product into the hair, focusing on the roots, to enhance the shape and volume. 

14. Low Fade Bowl Cut

This style blends together the classic bowl cuts even, bowl-like fringe with a low fade’s subtle, gradual taper of hair length on the sides and back starting just above the ears to create a clean, modern look. Seen on celebrities such as David Beckham. 

Best for – this is a great option for those with thick hair who want to create a soft transition and maintain volume on top.

Styling tip – use a pomade to add a slight shine and more structured look.

15. Bowl Cut with Drop Fade

The bowl cut with drop fade incorporates gradually fading sides that curve down behind the ear and dip lower at the back, creating a natural, flowing line around the head with the classic shape of a bowl cut. Seen on celebrities such as Ryan Gosling. 

Best for – this style is great for anyone looking for a more structured look. The bowl shape can help do this whilst adding volume.

Styling tip – focus on creating texture and separation throughout the top section with a matte product such as a clay or paste.

16. Disconnected Bowl Cut

A disconnected bowl cut features a bowl like shape on top combined with severely short or shaven sides which creates a stark, sharp contrast between the two sections. Unlike a traditional bowl cut, the disconnect eliminates the blending between the top and sides. Seen on celebrities such as Devon Sawa.

Best for – this style is great for those looking for a bold and stylish look. It works great on most face shapes.

Styling tip – define the style by using a comb to create a more precise part, slicking the hair down for a more polished look. 

17. Spiky Bowl Cut

The spiky bowl cut is a modern version of the classic bowl cut. It keeps the bowl shape with the addition of textured, choppy and spiky ends instead of a blunt perimeter. Using a razor will help create separation and movement. Seen on celebrities such as Emile Hirsch. 

Best for – this is a great option for those looking for a low maintenance look as it requires minimal styling. 

Styling tip – work a small amount of wax through your hair using your fingers to twist the hair strands up and outwards to create a spiky effect. 

18. The Asymmetric Bowl Cut

The asymmetric bowl cut intentionally breaks the standard, uniform shape by creating a longer length on one side of the head and a shorter, tapered length on the opposite side. This contrast gives an edgier and modern look. Seen on celebrities such as Johnny Depp. 

Best for – this style is great for those with straight hair as it can showcase the styles shape and definition easier.

Styling tip – define the parting with a pomade or gel and smooth and shape the hair on both sides.

19. Bowl Cut with Bangs

A bowl cut with bangs features the classic shape of a bowl cut with a blunt, even cut fringe around the head at the same length. The sides and back are often cut to a short, consistent length. Seen on celebrities such as Joe Keery.

Best for – this is a great style for anyone with high cheekbones and larger eyes as this style can emphasise them.

Styling tip – add volume by blow-drying upwards with a round brush. 

20. Bowl Cut Pixie

The bowl cut pixie adds modern fusion to the classic bowl cut, the edginess and short length of a pixie cut results in a geometric, low maintenance style with fuller, rounded crown and a distinct fringe. Seen on celebrities such as Harry Styles. 

Best for – this is an extremely versatile style and can suit most face shapes, it can also be adapted to highlight your best features.

Styling tip – apply a volumising mousse for texture and hold. 

21. Mullet Bowl Cut

The mullet bowl cut is a hybrid cut that combines the classic features of a bowl cut with the classic longer in the back, shorter in the front length of a mullet. It is typically paired with a straight fringe whilst the back section is left long and often layered and wispy. Seen on celebrities such as Rob Lowe. 

Best for – this is great for those with thicker hair who are looking to thin it out slightly. 

Styling tip – prep the hair with a leave-in conditioner or detangler to keep the hair soft and manageable.

22. Bowl Cut Hair and Highlights

A bowl cut with highlights is a classic cut that features strategically placed lighter strands that can be used to create a contrast against the base colour to add dimension to the blunt cut style. Seen on celebrities such as Justin Bieber.

Best for – this is a great style to add volume to thinning hair, the highlights also add a modern variation on the classic style.

Styling tip – use a cleansing shampoo regularly to maintain shine. 

23. Mushroom Bowl Cut

The mushroom bowl cut is a haircut that resembles the shape of a mushroom, this classic style normally features blunt, precise edges for a sharp look or can have added layers for a more textured look. Seen on celebrities such as Noah Schnapp. 

Best for – this is a great option for those seeking a bold and versatile look. 

Styling tip – use straighteners for a sleek, soft finish. 

24. Ear Length Bowl Cut

An ear length bowl cut is cut to a medium length that typically falls below the ears, with the hair cut evenly and straight all the way around the head. This creates a soft, rounded silhouette that extends to the ears. Seen on celebrities such as BTS’s Jungkook.

Best for – this is a great option for those with thick, straight hair who are wanting to soften their overall look. 

Styling tip – use products such as a mousse or gel to add hold, texture and smooth out the fringe with styling cream and control frizz.

25. Bowl Cut with Side Bangs and Layers

Adding side bangs and layers to the classic bowl cut creates a modern twist on the classic style. Complimenting the style with a fringe that is swept to one side rather than cut across the forehead. This combination creates a dynamic, contemporary look compared to the traditional cut. Seen on celebrities such as Justin Bieber. 

Best for – this is a great style for those with slightly wavy hair, this style will add volume and movement making it a great choice for those looking to add dimension to their style. 

Styling tip – dry your bangs with a hairdryer, shaping them outward and down to create volume. 

26. Crop Bowl Cut

A crop bowl cut is a combination style where the hair on top is cut shorter, similar to a French crop, while the overall top maintains the rounded, even-length perimeter of a traditional bowl cut; it often features buzzed or faded sides. Seen on celebrities such as Jonathan Taylor Thomas.

Best for – this style highlights straightness, therefore is great for those with sleek hair.

Styling tip –  ruffle and tousle the top with your fingers to create texture and volume.

27. Long Fringe Medium Bowl Cut

This classic variation of the bowl cut features a blunt, straight fringe that extends further down the forehead, often reaching the eyebrows and is paired with the signature rounded, even-length hair around the sides and back. Seen on celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio. 

Best for – long fringes can help elongate round faces and can soften sharp, square jawlines.

Styling tip – add a texturising product to add movement rather than keeping it blunt and heavy.

28. Choppy Bowl Cut

The choppy bowl cut combines the signature fringe of a traditional bowl cut with a softer, more dimensional look, adding movement and preventing the style appearing heavy or dated. Seen on celebrities such as Timothee Chalamet. 

Best for – this is a great option for those with thick hair, it can also be adapted to different textures and face shapes. 

Styling tip – use a texture-enhancing product like a matte paste or wax on dry hair and use your fingers to create a ruffled, tousled look. 

29. Layered Bowl Cut

Unlike the traditional, blunt-edged bowl cut, this style uses layering to create softer edges and a more textured, shaggy and symmetrical finish. Layers are often cut short and textured at the crown of the head to add volume. Seen on celebrities such as Dominic Fike.

Best for – this is great for those with thinner hair as the layers can help add thickness.

Styling tip – let the natural movement of your hair guide your styling for an effortless finish. 

30. Textured Fringe Bowl Cut

A textured fringe bowl cut is a variation of the classic bowl cut where the fringe is deliberately layered and styled to create movement, dimension and more natural, tousled look. Seen on celebrities such as Jake Bugg.

Best for – this style is great for those with round, square or oval faces. The added texture can balance the jawline or elongate the face. 

Styling tip – apply a sea salt spray to damp hair and use your fingers to scrunch for volume.

What Should I Ask My Barber For?

When discussing your cut, make sure to bring reference images to ensure your barber/stylist knows exactly what you want. Getting the right shape, height and length is extremely important and your Rush stylist can adapt this to best suit you. 

Styling Your Bowl Cut

The bowl cut is an extremely versatile style and can be styled sleek and polished or textured and edgy. For volume and texture, use sea salt sprays or a texturising mousse and for hold and shape, use a matte clay or pomade. For those with curls, blow-dry with a diffuser attachment to help enhance your curl pattern.

Tips for Maintaining a Bowl Cut

Regular Trims

Getting regular trims every 3-4 weeks will help keep the shape crisp.

Hair Care Routine

Using a nourishing shampoo and conditioner that is suited to your hair texture is a great addition to your hair care routine. For those with curly hair, use leave-in treatments or oils to enhance moisture and manageability. Avoid using excess heat styling to preserve hair health.

Keeping the Shape Fresh

To help keep the shape fresh, use styling tools and products to maintain volume and definition. Protect the hair with silk or satin accessories while sleeping to keep hair soft and shiny.

Book Your Bowl Cut Appointment at Rush

If you’re looking to change up your style, book into your nearest Rush salon to ensure your bowl cut is looking its best.