You know the feeling: You’ve booked a hair appointment and have an idea of what you want, but when you sit down in the stylist’s chair, you’re unable to communicate the exact cut you’re envisioning. Maybe you saw it on a celebrity or in a magazine, but you’re not sure of the correct terminology to explain it and you end up with a cut that’s not quite what you were hoping for.
Haircut trends and language changes fast, and we know it can be super confusing to keep up with style names and what’s hot. That’s why we’ve created a glossary of some of the most popular haircut terms so you can better communicate your cut dreams.
Bob
The bob is the ultimate short cut. A bob is typically cut short, hitting at either the jawline or before the collarbone. Bobs can work for every hair type and are an extremely versatile way to rock short hair.
Blunt bob
Blunt bobs are short cuts with straight-across, blunt cut ends. They work for a variety of hair types and can also be cut “soft” for a slightly more undone look.
Asymmetrical bob
Think more Victoria Beckham’s iconic cut, less Kate Gosselin. The asymmetrical bob is a short cut where one side is longer than the other, giving it an asymmetrical look on the wearer.
Angled bob
Angled bobs are cut shorter in the back and longer in the front. This can also be referred to as a wedge haircut.
Lob
“Lob” is a portmanteau of “long” and “bob” because that’s exactly what it is: a bob haircut cut longer, usually around the collarbone. This is a great option for anyone who wants to go shorter but doesn’t want to lose a ton of length, and it works well for a variety of hair types, especially wavy hair.
French bob
A French bob is a bob haircut that is cut a bit shorter than the classic chin-length bob; it’s often cut near the ears or cheekbones.
Choppy or textured bob
A textured bob is cut with lots of choppy layers to create effortless texture.
Curtain bangs
Curtain bangs are cut longer and parted slightly to frame your face like curtains. These can also be called Bardot bangs a la Brigitte Bardot.
Blunt bangs
Blunt bangs are sharper bangs that are cut straight across and generally brush the brows.
Layers
Layers are exactly what they sound like: short or long layers cut into the hair, often to enhance texture, reduce weight or give hair a thicker, fuller look.
Long layers
Long layers are a great way to add more movement, volume and texture to longer hair without making a big chop.
Shag
The shag haircut has made a huge comeback since first becoming popular in the late ‘60s and ‘70s. It’s a tousled, heavily layered style with a choppier, more undone texture and works really well on medium to thicker hair types.
Pixie cut
The pixie is a super short style that tends to be cut about half and inch to three or four inches in length. Think Halle Berry’s signature short pixie or Audrey Hepburn’s polished ‘50s style.
Bixie cut
The “bixie” is a fusion of the pixie and a bob, allowing for longer lengths and more styling options.
Razor cut
A razor cut is cut with (you guessed it!) a razor or razor comb for a softer finish than a scissor.
Now that you know the terms, are you ready for a big chop or touch up? Either way, we’d love to see you! Schedule your next appointment now.
