When your stylist asks what type of haircut you’re after, chances are good the first thing you mention is how much length you’d like removed (or not removed, as the case may be). But, length is just one factor to consider when getting a haircut. It’s also important to discuss shape with your stylist. The reason being, the shape of your cut can dramatically affect the final result. In fact, we’d argue it can make even more of an impact than the length. Take the U-cut, for example. This angled haircut utilizes face-framing layers to create a voluminous style with body and bounce.
Ahead, we’ll give you an in-depth rundown on the U-shaped haircut and why it’s one style we’ve been seeing everywhere. Plus, we’re sharing 15 inspiration photos to get you excited for your next salon visit.
What Is a U-Shaped Haircut?
According to L’Oreal Professionnel artist Madison Sullivan, a U-shaped haircut is an angled haircut in which the back of the hair is cut bluntly, and the sides are gradually cut shorter to create a rounded “U” shape. The key here is subtlety: The angles and layers should be seamlessly blended together to create a gentle, graceful curve. Done properly, she says, a U-shaped cut creates a “very soft, flowy look” with lots of body and bounce.
Is U-cut good for wavy hair?
A U-cut can be a great option for those with wavy hair, especially if your strands are on the thicker side. By incorporating layers (primarily around the back), the cut reduces excess volume without sacrificing movement. This helps prevent dense, wavy hair from looking too heavy or flat while still maintaining its fullness. Those with fine, thin waves, on the other hand, can benefit from a U-cut, too. The layers create natural volume, giving locks extra body without too much styling effort.
Good hair day by @hairbysarmad.
What Is a V-Shaped Haircut?
We like to think of the V-cut as the U-cut’s edgier younger sister. Whereas the U-cut features soft curves and blended layers, the V-cut has hair cut at a “steep diagonal” around the face. The angles then continue to taper until they reach the back of the head, where they meet to create a sharp, defined “V” shape. The effect, Sullivan says, creates “tons of movement and body around the face.” Highly-textured cuts, like the classic shag, she adds, pair well with the angular shape of the V-cut.
Good hair day by @madisonsullivanhair.
Which Is Better: A U-Cut or a V-Cut?
When it comes to haircuts, there is no “better” or “worse”: It’s all subjective. That being said, the U-cut is definitely the softer option of the two, which may make it preferable for those who want a more natural-looking style. Another upside is that U-cuts require a bit less maintenance than V-shaped haircuts, which require regular trims to keep the lines sharp. But at the end of the day, the only opinion that matters is your own, and you should feel free to wear your hair however you choose.
15 Versatile Ways to Rock an Angled Haircut
Whether you prefer to wear your hair long, short, or somewhere in the middle, an angled haircut is a great way to update your look without committing to a major change. Find 15 of our favorite ways to rock an angled cut below.
Good hair day by @matrix.
Subtle U-Cut
Dip your toes into the (very) versatile world of angled haircuts with a subtle U-cut. Your stylist will start by trimming your hair all around to eliminate split ends, then cutting the sides at a shallow angle to create a soft curve. This cut works well with any hair texture, but the soft U-shape is most noticeable when paired with pin-straight strands. Reach for Redken’s Spray Smooth to replicate the sleek, silky texture as seen above.
Good hair day by @hairby_gloria.
Long Layered U-Cut
U-shaped haircuts are often “paired with some soft, long layers,” Sullivan says—and it’s easy to see why. Flowing layers add body and movement to the tapered style and help emphasize the subtle curve of the chic cut.
Good hair day by @hairsoakedinbleach.
Calligraphy Cut
The calligraphy cut has been trending for quite some time, and the volume-boosting technique isn’t fading from our radar anytime soon. To achieve this layered haircut, your stylist will use a specialized tool to cut your strands at a 21-degree angle. Ask for face-framing layers to play up the cut’s soft, flowy feel.
Good hair day by @maneattractionnnn.
Steep U-Cut
The difference between a steep U-cut and a V-cut lies in the edges: The former features rounded edges, while the latter is more angular. Both are head-turning looks, but we recommend opting for a steep (but still rounded) U-cut if you’d prefer a slightly lower-maintenance look.
Good hair day by @hairbylaquitaburnett.
Coily U-Cut
Coily hair is voluminous, and sometimes all that volume can read as bulky. Adding layers throughout helps eliminate unwanted bulk without sacrificing your gorgeous volume—or disrupting your curl pattern. To further enhance your texture, work a bit of a Matrix A Curl Can Dream Moisturizing Leave-in Cream through clean, damp hair; the manuka honey-infused cream provides moisture and definition without any flaking or crunch.
Good hair day by @lisafarrall.
Coily U-Cut With Fringe
Level up your coily U-cut with brow-grazing bottleneck bangs that seamlessly blend into long, face-framing layers. If you’re prone to frizz, mist a smoothing treatment like Mizani Thermasmooth Smooth Guard Smoothing Serum onto your mane after styling.
Good hair day by @marine.ballin.haircolorist.
Long Razor Cut
There are many different ways to rock a razor cut, but the shaggy-chic style lends itself especially well to a longer cut that tapers into a sharp V shape in the back.
Good hair day by @_serinarenee.
Dramatic V-Cut
We love the versatility of a classic U-cut, but sometimes, we’re in the mood for more drama. Enter: the V-cut. Shorter strands in front steeply taper to meet the longer strands in back, creating an unmistakable (and unforgettable) sharp V. Pair the head-turning cut with a fantasy hue, as seen above, for extra oomph.
Good hair day by @jaymz.marsters.
Rounded Bob
Give your classic bob a modern twist by having your stylist add a soft gradient of rounded layers around your face.
Good hair day by @evgeniyabanyk.
U-Cut With Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs already have a rounded shape, so it only makes sense to mirror that shape with a U-cut. Use a round brush while blow drying to give your hair a soft curl and play up the cut’s natural curve. Be sure to prep strands with a good heat-protectant beforehand—one like Biolage Professional Hydra Source Blow Dry Shaping Lotion also offers weightless hydration and shape memory.
Good hair day by @coryhoffmanhair.
Mid-Length U-Cut
If you’re torn between short and long hair, consider a mid-length U-shaped haircut. The shorter pieces in front will give it the appearance of a lob—but the longer rounded back ensures you still have enough length for braids and updos.
Good hair day by @arrels.perruqueria.
Reverse V-Cut
The classic V-cut is significantly shorter in the front than it is in the back. The reverse version of this cut, however, turns the concept on its head, with a shorter back and longer front pieces. Adjusting the depth of the angle determines how bold this look is: A steeper cut will yield a more angular result, while a softer transition makes for a subtler look.
Good hair day by @maria_luciani_pro.
Graphic V-Cut Pixie
Amplify the rock-and-roll vibes of your angled bob haircut by having your stylist trim a sharp V-shape into the very back of your mane at the nape of your neck, leaving the layers above short to expose the graphic cut. It’s an edgy, unexpected look—and a great way to experiment with an undercut without breaking out the clippers.
Good hair day by @josscollective.
Soft Shag
Shags are traditionally worn a bit messy, but they don’t have to be. Have your stylist cut your layers on a shallow angle for a softer, sleeker take on the classic ‘70s style.
Good hair day by @thebangsbabe.
Layered Bob
Add long, face-framing fringe and barely-there layers to your bob to give it a curved shape reminiscent of a classic U-shaped haircut.
Next Up: Want Thicker-Looking Hair ASAP? Try These 15 Editor-Approved Tips
Interested in trying a U-cut for yourself? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you. And, for immediate haircare advice, take our Hair quiz.
Header image credits (left to right): @madisonsullivanhair and @hairbysarmad
