Why You Ought to Ask For A ‘U-Shape’ Haircut

#1 What’s a U-shape haircut?

Hairdressers will know that the U-shape haircut is nothing new. However up to now few weeks the method has assumed viral TikTok standing due to a handful of stylists exhibiting off their current work (to not point out purchasers who’re obsessed).

So what precisely is the U-shape haircut? It’s just about as labled, in response to Stephen Buller, director at Buller + Rice hair salon. “As we have seen before with the wolf cut and curtain bangs, trends on TikTok allow us to revisit an old style with fresh eyes,” says Stephen. “The U-shape haircut is very similar to the classically popular V-shape haircut, in that they both involve the back and middle of your hair being longer than the sides.” The way in which the hair falls when dried creates a barely curved silhouette.

“The U-shape haircut is a more subtle, versatile shape,” provides Stephen, “and this allows for layers with a more even outline.” In different phrases, if you happen to do go for layers, they seem seamlessly blended into the remainder of the hair fairly than chunky and apparent, as can typically be the case.

#2 What’s going to a U-shape lower do for my hair?

“The U-shape haircut is a good all-rounder,” says Stephen. “You can play around with the length, going as short as the shoulder blades to the mid back.” One nice facet of the U-cut is that it options face-framing layers, which lend dimension and cease hair from wanting limp. “You can personalize the amount of layering you want and can even pair it with curtain bangs or a more structured fringe,” says Stephen. “This allows for people with finer hair to keep thickness and volume.”

If TikTok is something to go by, the U-shape haircut seems simply as fairly straight because it does curly. However the ’90s are going nowhere and most stylists are set on an enormous, bouncy blow-dry to essentially improve each the layers and the ‘U’ curve. If that’s not your model, refined beachy waves additionally amplify the meant fullness of a U-shape haircut.

Simply look to Refinery29’s senior social media editor Elli Weir, who we despatched alongside to Buller + Rice for the lower. Not having had a haircut for a protracted whereas, Elli’s ends had been just a little straggly and shapeless. Stephen began on the sides, chopping Elli’s lengths a couple of inches shorter than the mid-section, snipping in some lengthy layers. The outcome? Hair that appears and feels thicker and more healthy.

Alternatively, the U-shape haircut works when you have thicker hair, says Stephen. “There’s the option to include lots more layering throughout the lengths to reduce weight.” This additionally lends thick hair texture and motion in order that it doesn’t sit closely on the shoulders.

#3 How do you model the U-shape haircut?

This lower seems unbelievable on all hair colours, however sure highlighting methods will deliver out the layers, says Stephen. “Balayage and ombré hair trends are a staple in the salon currently. This method of dark-to-light [color] works perfectly for the U-shape haircut as the layers and varying lengths showcase the nuances in the colors beautifully.”

Stephen favors delicate, refined curls and unfastened waves — types which are well-liked at Buller + Rice. “Waves will complement the gentle curve that the haircut forms with the ends of your hair,” says Stephen. Use a curling wand (Buller + Rice loves the ghd Curve) for a relaxed, textured wave. “Simply take small sections of hair and wrap around the wand at different angles,” says Stephen, for the fresh-off-the-beach look. Earlier than touching the warmth, he recommends, spritzing detangler by way of damp hair to nourishes it and shield it from warmth. Then, run by way of with a wide-tooth comb or a delicate bristle brush to create a looser, extra voluminous look.

You may be extra of an air-dried hair individual, although, and Stephen says you’ll be able to nonetheless simply model this lower utilizing a heat-free methodology. You’ll want a sea salt spray. “After towel drying, spritz [it] into the hair and scrunch — then off you go. Alternatively, use a diffuser for more natural waves and volume without excessive heat.”

#4 How do you keep the U-shape haircut?

“With any layered style it’s best to get regular trims” says Stephen, who recommends reserving right into a salon each six to eight weeks, simply to mud away any cut up ends.

Inner layering (often known as invisible layers, lower in beneath the highest part of hair) accentuates the model, says Stephen, immediately including extra quantity and texture.

How do you have to ask your stylist for the U-shape haircut?

Displaying footage or movies of cuts you’re keen on is essential. On TikTok, @thelucycao recommends asking for “soft layers all the way around, a nice ‘U’ shape for fullness, and an overall trim to get rid of dead ends”. Equally, @alyssastephanie asks their stylist for a mix of medium to lengthy layers alongside face-framing layers and a U-shaped again. Fortunately, all certified hairstylists will probably be well-versed on this specific pattern.