Hair
Jun 14, 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 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 big hair trend?

Photo:

GETTY

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

The good news is 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 strands that get so much bounce and shape with this haircut. 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 ahead for the chicest styles I've found and the best products to style the curve haircut.

C-cut hairstyle: Elsa Hosk with short bob

Photo:

@hoskelsa

Pair 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 look.

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@lauraharrier

I still think about Laura Harrier's sleek style.

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@aysha.sow

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

Photo:

@adamburrell

She may have since opted for a box bob, 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 in and under for an easy update.

C-cut hairstyle: C-cut haircut with fringe

Photo:

@cassdimicco

Those flicked 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

$29

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A great blow-dry serum will help you achieve shine and gloss. I love this one from JVN for smoothing the hair without any heaviness.

R+Co

Aircraft Pomade Mousse

$36

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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

$600

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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

$25

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