Image Credit: Getty / Edward Berthelot
- The “C-shape” haircut is trending everywhere these days.
- The look features ’90s-inspired layers cut in “C” shapes.
- A good example of the soft, face-framing haircut is Rachel from Friends.
Earlier this year, animal-inspired hair trends had a moment — from “octopus” layers to the “jellyfish” haircut — but more recently, cuts inspired by letters of the alphabet have taken over our social media feeds. The “U-shape” became popular for simulating fuller hair, as did the “V-shape” for layers, and now the “C-shape” is all we’ve heard about in the last few weeks.
While the style isn’t technically anything new, it’s been given new life thanks to everyone’s obsession with bringing everything back from the ’90s. If you’re curious to learn more about C-shaped haircuts, we reached out to the famed hairstylist and Virtue Labs ambassador Xavier Velásquezand Raven Hurtadostylist at Maxi Salon in Chicago. Read on to learn what exactly a C-cut is, how to style it, and what it looks like on different hair lengths and textures.
What is a C-shape haircut?
The C-shaped cut gets its name from the way its face-framing layers are cut into “C” shapes. The layers typically start at chin length and curve inward. It’s a versatile style that suits just about anyone. “The C-shape haircut is great for anyone with longer hair — especially people with thick hair — because it removes weight and bulk,” Hurtado tells POPSUGAR. If you have short or fine hair, the cut adds texture and volume to the hair and actually has the ability to make the hair look longer thanks to the way it falls.
Velasquez adds that it’s also flexible in terms of daily styling. “It really bodes well for whatever way you wear your hair on a daily basis,” he says. “It looks great or in an updo, and there are fun layered bangs.”
As far as upkeep goes, this style is about as low-maintenance as it gets. “Unlike a pixie cut or a shorter hairstyle, you don’t need to see your stylist as often,” says Velasquez. “The C-shape keeps its cut as the hair grows, so I’d recommend going in.” [to the salon] every three months.”
How is a C-shape haircut different from a V-shape or U-shape haircut?
All alphabetical haircut names can get a little confusing, so let’s quickly break down the most popular ones for you. “The C-shaped haircut has a strong effect on the face-framing, while the V-shaped cut mainly depicts sharp layers throughout the hair,” says Velasquez. “The U shape is a rounded look with the longest hair in the middle and the shorter shaped sides.”
Still not sure which cut is right for you? The best way to look at it is this: if you are looking for softness on the face, the C-shaped cut is your best bet. If you want a lot of volume without effort, the U-shaped haircut will get you there, no problem. If you’re looking for dimension and depth, ask for a V-shaped cut.
How to style a C-shape haircut
If you’ve recently made a hair transformation into a C-shape cut but aren’t sure how to style it, it’s actually pretty easy. “The most iconic C-shape haircuts came from the ’90s — think Jennifer Anniston in ‘Friends’ — so the best way to style it is with a simple blowout,” says Velasquez. He recommends starting with a volumizing product like Virtue Volumizing Primer ($38) to add body to hair before blow-drying with a large round brush and twisting all sections of hair towards your face. To finish, Velasquez suggests using a soft-hold hairspray to set the style in place.
Hurtado says if you’re not comfortable with a round brush, you can also use the Trademark Beauty Easy Blo ($30, originally $49), “which combines a blow dryer and brush in one.”
Inspiration for the C-shaped haircut
When you’re ready to make an appointment, both Hurtado and Velasquez agree that arriving with inspiration photos in hand is the best way to ensure you leave the salon in the style you want. “Express how you want to pull the face-framing layers starting at the jawline and through the hair,” says Velasquez.
Keep scrolling for some of our favorite takes on the trend.