Layered haircuts are nothing new—these textured cuts have long been beloved for their ability to remove bulk and add movement to every hair type. But of all the layered cuts out there, the hush cut may just be one of our favorites. This viral cut, which typically features long bangs paired with wispy face-framing layers, captures the spirit of the classic shag, but with a much softer feel. It’s airy, it’s delicate, and it’s on track to be one of the biggest hair trends of 2025. If you’re looking for a new style to embrace this year, keep scrolling—we’re sharing details on the quietly-cool look, below.
What Is The Hush Cut?
The hush cut is a layered haircut that pairs long, fluid layers with airy curtain bangs. It’s similar in many ways to the classic shag cut but with a few key differences.
The first and most important distinction lies in how the hair is cut. With a shag, the layers are meant to be obvious and distinct. They’re often cut with a razor and placed throughout the hair for a choppy look with lots of body and volume. The hush cut, on the other hand, employs a less-is-more approach to layering. The layers are soft and fluid, and they’re typically concentrated around the face rather than cut throughout the hair. The goal is to create airy movement rather than messy texture.
Another difference is in how long the cuts are. The classic shag can be worn short or long, depending on your preferences. The hush cut, meanwhile, is strictly a longer haircut. It typically falls a few inches below the shoulders, with the shortest layers beginning around the jawline.
Is The Hush Cut Suitable for All Hair Types?
Like most layered haircuts, the hush cut is suitable for a wide range of hair types and textures. It’s most popular among those with straighter, finer hair, as the delicate layers help add body and movement without thinning out the hair too much. However, those with thicker, coarser hair can score the effortless look, too. If your hair is thick, your stylist may opt to add ghost layers throughout to remove unnecessary bulk and give your strands a more weightless feel.
Keep in mind, though, that the hush cut is best suited for long hair. You can still ask for airy, wispy layers if your hair is shorter than shoulder length, but your hair may not end up quite as fluid as a traditional hush cut.
How To Style the Hush Cut
The beauty of the hush cut is how easy it is to style—in most cases, you can simply let your hair air dry. We do, however, recommend using a styling aid to help add a bit of tousled texture.
For fine, straight hair, we love the Pureology Style + Protect Weightless Volume Mousse. The weightless formula helps condition the hair, adds volume, and boosts shine—all without weighing the hair down. To use it, work a golfball-sized amount throughout damp hair and let your hair air dry naturally.
If your hair is wavy or curly and you want to lean into your natural texture, spritz the Matrix A Curl Can Dream Scrunch n’ Go Defining Spray throughout your damp mane, then scrunch your hair and let it dry naturally (or, if you’re in a rush, blow-dry it with a diffuser). The ultra-light formula with rose water and manuka honey helps seal in moisture, providing up to 48 hours of frizz control for shiny, bouncy waves and curls without a weighty feel.
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Interested in trying the hush cut for yourself? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you. Ahead of your appointment, you can also take our Hair Quiz for expert advice.
Header photo credits: SalonCentric
