I was moving around some of my color swatches that I have pinned to a corkboard behind my workspace when I noticed that I had a bunch of pictures of clients that I had taken down over the past year or so. It got me thinking about how much the meaning of the term “alt” hairstyle changes over time. When I first started seeing people in the shop with hair that was split dyed or shaved on the sides people would treat them like they were aliens. Now those hairstyles have become mainstream and everyone wants them regardless of whether they are punk kids or art school students. Just last month I had a woman in her fifties who came in and requested a buzzed side textured mullet and she looked better than everyone else I have seen all year.’
I appreciate how alt hairstyles have become more individual over the years. A costume-like aesthetic is no longer appealing and clients are coming in with ideas that we can collaborate on to create something that works for their face, hair, and lifestyle. I will be honest about the commitment level with some of these, but some are a lot easier to manage than people expect. I have compiled some of my favorite haircuts and color ideas that I think are worth inspiration. You’re welcome to take your phone out and save any that you like, then come to my chair so we can decide what your options are.
#1: Black and Fiery Red Layers with a Heavy Bang
I love the drama here! The blend of a deep blacks base with bright red accents is stunning. The way it contrasts means it looks (and photographs) even better in the bright. The shoulder length cut is perfect because it gives the layers enough room to move and catch the light. The blunt, thick bangs are also on point. Anything wispier would make the whole thing look messy instead of polished and intentional. Now, with regards to the color, reds tend to move away from their owner, and this is a perfect example of this. If you take hot showers expect this color to fade very quickly, and a good color-depositing shampoo will be a necessity. If you’re okay with coming in more than you might usually book, the results will absolutely pay off.
#2: Teal Textured Pixie with a Little Bit of Layer
I have to say, the cut looks so good it makes me want to grab my shears right this second. And we all love the teal, it’s stunning! But what really pulls it all together is the cut and the texture within it. Those subtle layers create movement even when there isn’t a lot of hair to work with. If you have fine hair, this is a great option! The choppy layers give the illusion of fullness even when there’s not a lot there. The bangs have a piece-y texture that keeps it from looking too polished. The one downside is that teal is one of those colors that fades into a minty green situation pretty quickly. Some of my clients end up loving the fade-out even more than the fresh color, so it can work in your favor!
#3 Aqua-Highlighted Shag with a Lot of Texture
I have a real soft spot for shags and this one with the aqua highlights running through it is just fun, there’s no other word for it. You have room to play around with it at that medium length; you can scrunch it up or let it air dry and it’s going to look good either way, which is honestly not something you can say about a lot of cuts. If your hair has any natural wave to it at all this is going to be your best friend because the shag shape works with that texture instead of fighting it. I’m really into this almost oceany, lived-in vibe right now, and the way the aqua pieces are placed is to catch that when the hair moves.
#4: Neon Red Over Black with Those Long Layers
This look is similar to that first red and black look, but the vibe is different since the red is more of a neon/red electric color and the highlights are softer to soften the look. The layers are just below shoulder length and are enough to create movement without looking too thinned. What really makes this one good is the color. The cut is very classic which is nice for the days you don’t feel like styling it, and the color isn’t bland, so you’ll still have regular color appointments. Neon colors are high maintenance though, so the effort is needed.
#5: Purple and Teal Layers with Soft Waves Running Through
I’ll be honest, purple and teal can go very wrong together very quickly if the wrong tones are picked, but done like this, with the tones being deep and blending with each other through the layers, it’s phenomenal. The waves also allow you to see both colors moving instead of just sitting in color blocks. This is a cut that requires thicker hair, and if your hair is on the finer side you may not achieve the same look and I’d probably recommend you go for something else. But if you have the density for this, it’s one of those styles that you’ll catch people staring at and they won’t even realize they’re doing it.
#6: Curly Mullet with the Sides Buzzed Down
What a fun haircut! The back curls will bounce with nice definition, while the shaved sides create a contrast to make it deliberate and cool instead of just weird hair. I enjoy this style on people with natural curls and waves since the texture does a lot of the work. You will want to come in for regular trims because once the sides grow in, it loses the clean line and the cut depends on that contrast staying sharp. If you want to add some fun colors to your curls, go for it! With this shape, even just a natural color will be enough to make it feel like a statement.
#7: Black and Teal Multi-Toned Layers
The distribution of colors adds more depth than just the striped illusion. Black and teal segments work together because of the placement of the teal sections. The feather layers bring more lightness to the design even with medium length. If your hair is fine, this kind of style can work even better because it creates the visual dimension thicker hair has because of the extra density. Also, keep in mind that if you have dark hair and want teal, that means bleaching first and keeping those pieces bright is a lot of work.
#8: Black and Teal Curls with a Bold Fringe
This is an example of what people with dense spiral hair might achieve by going all out with their hairstyle, and the result is truly remarkable. The curls make the color highlights in the teal and black color scheme far more dynamic as each strand reflects the color in a unique way. The bangs also contribute a lot; they are bold and thick and draw focus to the face, which I assume is the objective. If your curls are as thick and defined as these, you are already more than halfway there to achieving this look, the cut is solely to add some refinement. However, there is a lot of maintenance that comes with this look. The curls must be kept moisturized, and the teal and black colors will need to be refreshed on a regular basis. This means that a solid maintenance routine with a good curl cream is necessary.
#9: Aqua Layered Cut with Those Soft Bangs
The effort put into this hairstyle is shown in the simplicity of this style. The body and bulk are balanced out by the shoulder length layers and your bangs will sit softly and gently on your forehead so they won’t be high maintenance. They will frame your face perfectly. The aqua hue is playful and bright while the simplicity in the cut offsets everything overall. The color stands out while making it the focal point of the cut. This will also be great if your hair is finer because the cut won’t fall flat and the layers will give a lot of movement.
#10: Sunset Waves with That Orange-to-Blue Gradient
I like this color but understand we will need to do several sessions to get the gradient of bright orange, yellow, and deep blue. Your hair will also face challenges during the bleaching process to pop the warm tones off the cool blues. Your hair needs to be in great shape before we start, this is especially important for the cut. The cut I’m envisioning will be stunning, with wavy layers that sit just above the shoulders and move beautifully. It will be a masterpiece once we add those colors and they’re dazzling in the sun. I’ve done a lot of these and every time the best moment is when the client is just there enjoying the final result. I recommend investing in a good sulfate-free shampoo to keep your hair healthy during the transformation.
#11: Copper and Auburn Curls with Warm Highlights
This looks great! The warm, copper tones with curly hair looks stunning! The copper and auburn colors brighten the hair more than any other natural color and the highlights are the right amount to add dimension without screaming “I just got my hair done!” These medium-length curls have fantastic volume and frame the face in such a soft flattering way. To achieve a color like this, you have to keep those curls moisturized! Warm colors with dry curls are a brassy and frizzy disaster. A good leave-in conditioner is key!
#12: Textured Short Cut with a Soft Fringe
This shortcut looks good and feels great! The softer fringe and the textured detailing throughout the cut makes it less serious and more playful. This haircut is a great option for someone wanting to go short while avoiding the commitment of a pixie cut and the good news is it’s still long enough to feel like hair and not a haircut! The lighter color looks great and brightens up the face. It is super easy to style too! Just a little texturizing paste and work it in with your fingers!
#13: Purple with Black Streaks, Long and Sleek
A good purple color is amazing, but as time goes on, the color fades and looks unfortunate, which makes me nervous and excited at the same time. The black streaks add so much structure and depth to the hair, and I think it’s just so well done. Long, straight, solid lengths really show off the color and black streaks flowing through the hair without any waves to break it up, which means this look is pretty much perfect for you at thick hair. The cut is actually pretty low maintenance, but the color is going to require a lot of your time and money. If you want this hair, be prepared to spend a lot of both!
#14: Textured Lob with a Rooty, Lived-In Blonde
Shoulder length bobs look great on everyone. Dark blonde ombre also gives us built in grow out time. We will also have to have a consult to determine which shade of blonde works with your skin tone and doesn’t wash you out. This length is also ideal for fine hair because it gives the illusion of more hair with added layers and texture. If your blonde hair starts to look a bit yellow, using a purple shampoo once a week will keep it nice and cool.
#15: Long Layered Mullet with One Side Shaved
Of course, mullets have been trending, but I put my money on long layered hedges with a shaved side because that style seems more future-forward to me. The long layers give a softer, more inviting look overall to the cut. But the shaved side would do a lot to change the whole vibe of the cut. The waviness would help to keep the look from getting too serious. This is a confident haircut. What’s the word? Deliberate. People will see it and make comments. If that sounds like a lot, it is. For styling, every single layer needs to be defined, especially the face framing layers, and the shaved side needs to be maintained regularly to keep it from looking like a more careless kind of grown out.
#16: Long Layers with Heavily Textured Bangs
This hairstyle features face-framing bangs that hit at the perfect length to show off the eyes, while the chin-length layers that flow around the chin create a beautiful contour that follows the jawline. I think this is one of those haircuts that looks really expensive and high maintenance, but in reality, it’s really not, and that’s always a plus. The styling is minimal since the bangs would need to be blow-dried for the desired look, but the rest of the hair will do its thing. Slightly wavy or straight hair will provide the cleanest finish for this look.
#17: Red and Black Multi-Tonal Layers
I like the color contrast. The combination of red and black, particularly with several long layers is gorgeous. I like the way the layered movement lets the colors intermingle and flow, and it’s especially nice with thick hair. The variation of color with the light is beautiful and shows quality hair color. I won’t beat around the bush, the maintenance on this look is high, so keep that in mind. A smoothing serum will help with shine and keep any wayward frizz under control between appointments.
#18: Two-Toned Waves with a Short Fringe
My favorite hairstyles are short bangs with longer wavy hairstyles. With that cut, you can achieve a playful vibe that’s impossible to get with a style that’s all one length. The two-tone colors of this hairstyle also play into that energy beautifully. I love how the colors mix and how bold they are, but it looks natural how the colors split and mix with the waves. If you have hair that is already wavy, you will be able to style it less because this haircut works with your hair rather than against it. Instead, you will get to enjoy the hairstyle! It’s great for medium to thick hair because of how it will lay. The bangs will need to be trimmed every three to four weeks, but everything else is pretty low maintenance as it grows out.
#19: Bright Yellow Textured Mullet with a Shaved Side
I love how this cut is not for the faint of heart. The bright yellow is by itself a commitment as it requires extensive lifting to get to a clean and vibrant yellow. Then you add the shaved sides and mullet shape and you’ve really turned the corner into fully self-expressive territory. The longer bits hold some curl and texture which is what keeps this from feeling too harsh and makes the whole thing feel more wearable. To me this works best on someone who naturally has some wave or curl in their hair otherwise trying to create that texture on straight hair with a cut this short would mean a lot of daily effort. You will also need to do some regular clean ups on the shaved side.
#20: Textured Pixie with Choppy Bangs
The hairstyle is slightly tousled and edgy. Choppy bangs and shattered lengths give that post wind tunnel look with very little styling (even if it really took you 10 minutes to get it looking that perfect). The dark base is also great to keep it super versatile; you can add a few highlights later if you want to change it up before you change the cut. For finer hair, the softness of the tousled layers balances out the angularity if you have more of the features.
#21: Fiery Red Layers Over Black with a Face-Framing Fringe
The fringe here is what makes this cut different from all the other red and black combos, as it totally shifts the vibe of the haircut. While the other looks felt very editorial and dramatic, this one is a lot more friendly. The fringe softens the whole look and draws attention more to the face. The mid-length layers are working to create some volume and movement while the red is perfectly placed to catch the light. Same caveat as always with vivid reds, you’re going to be spending time and money maintaining that colour where it should be. But it’s one of those colours that even when it starts to fade a little it still looks intentional and pretty.
#22: Cherry Red Bob with Blunt Bangs and Soft Waves
One of my favorite hair colors is cherry red because it’s a bold choice, but the color offers enough depth to not look cartoonish. I think it pairs particularly well with a bob and blunt bangs. Soft waves are also great, especially if your hair is on the flatter side, and they give the hair more volume. The bangs are also what give the look’s retro vibe. I also think this style is great on heart-shaped faces because the bob’s width at the jaw balances the narrow chin. Bobs show damage really easily so I recommend a hydrating shampoo, especially since red-treated hair tends to dry out faster.
#23: Rainbow Waves, Long and Full of Color
I think rainbow hair is stunning. I love how fresh it looks after it is done, although I do not care for how it looks a few weeks after as it can look muddy. I get that frustration, as all of the colors look faded and mixed together. That said, when someone is going to do this, and their hair is long and healthy enough to show all of the colors, the end result is gorgeous. The waves help to show each color and how they blend. The length of the hair keeps the colors organized. The balayage technique creates a smooth transition between colors, which I know is not the most practical. To me, you should get it done if you are able to maintain it.
#24: Black and Crimson Layers with Face-Framing Bangs
I think red and black will always go well together. It’s eye popping, but never too much. The middle length is nice because it’s long enough to show the layering and the color contrast, but it’s not long enough to be difficult to manage. The bangs soften everything and help frame the face. The layers help keep it from looking too dull which is a problem with dark colors. Darker colors can often look like a solid block of color if you aren’t careful. If you have thick hair, this will have a beautiful movement. The layers will help if you have natural wavy hair.
#25: Multi-Tonal Short Cut with Curled Ends in Teal, Pink, and Purple
I appreciate the way all the different colors used in this hairstyle come together, because in most cases, a combination of these colors would look sloppy, but with this example, it all comes together flawlessly. The end of the hair are curled so that you can see the colors as they wrap around like presents, and the layered effect gives the style a bouncy fun volume. The pricing gives it a cohesive look and also helps the style from looking chaotic. This is most definitely a high maintenance color situation. This means that to keep all of the colors looking fresh and vibrant, they will require frequent touch ups. If you don’t like maintaining the hairstyle, then this is definitely not for you. However, if you do enjoy it and think of it as a fun process, this is a great style option.
#26: Textured Bob with a Hint of Lavender
I love this style for its subtlety. Nothing feels obnoxios or over-the-top and the lavender color mixed into the texture is a perfect compliment. The bob is cut in soft layers which really adds movement and with the elbow grazing length, it can be styled in so many different ways. Depending on the lighting, the lavender can look like a light trick, which is super cool. A lot of people won’t be able to put their finger on what’s different, but they will know something is different. Pastel shades tend to go brassy really quickly, but with this placement of color, you won’t have to worry about it as you would with an all over color.
#27: Pastel Purple Melting into Blonde Layers
I love the way the cut blends pastel purple with blonde. The way the colors blend is like a watercolor painting. The medium-length layers of the cut create movement and help the colors get more lively. For finer hair, this is also a great color option because the blended colors create the illusion of thickness that the hair may lack. If you have a heart or oval face shape, these layers will frame you perfectly. Keep in mind that the purple tones will fade much faster than the blonde, so if you like that, then you will need to embrace the fade or book appointments every few weeks to refresh the color.
#28: Shag Cut with a Big Bold Fringe
As I mention all the time, I cut a lot of shags. It’s easy to tell a good shag from a great shag, and in my experience, it almost always comes down to the fringe. This particular shag features a bold statement fringe that isn’t overbearing and plays nicely with the layers of the cut to create a really effortless look with lots of texture and movement. If your hair has any wave to it and it gets a bit dirty, that’s a huge bonus! This is the exact type of haircut where you will wash it, let it dry, and walk out the door, and it’ll look amazing (and that’s the dream for most people). The fringe will definitely need a trim every few weeks to stay in that perfect sweet spot, but apart from that, the haircut is going to require very little maintenance.
#29: Chunky Black and Pink Layers
I’m excited that chunky highlights are back, and that they look better than before! The improvement in placement is really nice, and the pink pieces look good with the black base. The layered cut is nice because it gives good movement to the pieces. It keeps everything looking fresh! Medium lengths are good for easy maintenance, and the bangs tie it all together. The pink dye will obviously fade, and you’ll need to bleach those sections to get the best results on your dark hair, so be sure to keep it conditioned. With all that contrast, it’ll likely be a high effort look so it’ll be worth it!!
#30: Long Sleek Layers with Soft, Easy Bangs
This is a great example of a classic cut. It has long, soft layers, low-maintenance bangs, and an overall polished look. Adding layers will make fine to medium density hair a lot more bouncy and airy without giving up length. We understand the concern about losing length because it’s still growing, and we promise to keep that in mind! Bangs are very easy to blow dry, so if that’s your thing, these bangs will work with you because you’ll only need a quick morning blow dry. For the thicker hair, the layers will take out a lot of bulk while still keeping a good shape that will allow the hair to fall just right. It’s a good and simple style, and that’s definitely the vibe we are after some days.
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