The C-Cut Is The Nostalgic Haircut Trend That’s Making a Chic Comeback
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?
It’s been hard to ignore a certain nostalgic hairstyle that has been doing the rounds on my social feeds lately. We all know Jennifer Aniston’s iconic ‘The Rachel’ haircut from the nineties, and those flicky layers that accompanied hairstyles into the noughties. And I’m here to tell you that this trend is back in a big way and has a modern update: the C-cut hairstyle.
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.
Note the voluminous C shape that gives curly hair a beautiful shape.
I still think about this sleek style on Laura Harrier.
I love the volume those flicked-under layers give this bob cut.
She may have opted for the Box Bob now, but Bieber really pulled off those nostalgic flicks layers on her long hair.
If you already have a bob, try blowdrying the ends of your hair inwards and under for an easy update.
Those flicks layers work beautifully with a fringe too.
Yup, the C-cut hairstyle looks great on mid-length hair too.
A great blowdry serum will help you achieve shine and gloss. I really rate JVN’s for smoothing the hair without any heaviness.
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.
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.
Price shown is member price. The good news is that you can easily recreate 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.
Price shown is member price. If you have medium-length hair, then a slightly larger brush will be better for you.
Price shown is member price. If you have very long hair, reach for the largest round brush you can find. Beauty Pie’s ones are particularly great.