Hair
Jul 12, 2023

The C-Cut Is the Nostalgic Haircut Trend That's Making a Chic Comeback

by Eleanor Vousden

As a beauty editor, I've seen many hair trends come and go, then subsequently come back around again. Right now, we're officially in our bob era. Of course, the bob is a timeless haircut, but it's hard to ignore how many celebrities are going for the chop right now. From the Italian bob to the box bob and just about every type of bob haircut in between, it's a hair trend that's going strong in 2023. And every single hairstylist I speak to in salons says it is one of their most requested haircuts right now. But it begs the question: What's the next biggest trend?

Photo:

GETTY

The C-cut, as the name suggests, gets its namesake from the shape of the layers that form a flattering C shape around the face. To achieve that feathery flick, some hairstylists like to use a razor (as did Aniston's hairstylist, Chris McMillan, when he created 'The Rachel') which results in plenty of texture, shape—and So. Much. Volume. I'm obsessed with the bounce.

The good news is that the C-cut (or the curve haircut, as it's also been coined) suits all hair lengths. I've been seeing it on every hair length, from bobs with sleek C-shaped layers to longer lengths that have so much bounce and shape with this haircut. And on curly hair, this cutting technique allows the curls to fall in a C-shape, with volume at its peak at the sides of the face before curving back inwards.

If you're looking for some C-cut hairstyle inspiration, scroll on ahead for the chicest styles I've found, as well as the best products to style the curve haircut.

C-cut hairstyle: Elsa Hosk with short bob

Photo:

@hoskelsa

Team the C-cut shape with a bob for a look that's so 2023.

Photo:

@anaasmood

Note the voluminous C shape that gives curly hair a beautiful shape.

Photo:

@lauraharrier

I still think about this sleek style on Laura Harrier.

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@aysha.sow

I love the volume those flicked-under layers give this bob cut.

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@adamburrell

She may have opted for the box bob now, but Hailey Bieber really pulled off those nostalgic flicks layers on her long hair.

C-cut hairstyle: C-cut on short bob haircut

Photo:

@tylynnenguyen

If you already have a bob, try blow-drying the ends of your hair inwards and under for an easy update.

C-cut hairstyle: C-cut haircut with fringe

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@cassdimicco

Those flicks layers work beautifully with a fringe too.

C-cut hairstyle: C-cut haircut on mid-length hair

Photo:

@natashandlovu

Yup, the C-cut hairstyle looks great on mid-length hair too.

JVN Hair

Complete Blowout Styling Milk

£25

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A great blow-dry serum will help you achieve shine and gloss. I really rate JVN's for smoothing the hair without any heaviness.

Hershesons

Zhoosh Foam

£14

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If you have fine hair, a hair foam or mousse will help give your hair bouncy volume and help hold those layers if you're styling them to be flicks.

Dyson

Airwrap

£480

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The Dyson Airwrap was practically made for this trend—use the round barrel attachment to curl the hair inwards for long-lasting bounce and shine.

Beauty Pie

Pro-Dry Barrel Brush Small

£15

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Price shown is member price.

The good news is that you can easily re-create this style with a round brush and your trusty hairdryer. The shorter your hair, the smaller brush that you will need. Simply guide the hair inwards and use your hairdryer nozzle to blast each section. Be sure to use the cold-shot button on your hairdryer to set the C shape into place before letting your hair out of the brush.