ICYMI: Bobs and bangs are poised to take over this spring and the latest haircut trend that’s popping up on our feeds proves this point even further. Meet the kitty cut, a ‘70s-inspired lob that combines generous layers, length and fringe. The pros say it’s going to be the purr-fect style for springtime, so here’s everything you need to know about the kitty cut. Plus, how you can style and maintain the look all season long.
Mark Our Words: The Kitty Cut Is Going to Be Everywhere This Spring
Utter purr-fection
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Published Mar 15, 2024
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Meet the Experts
- April Kayganich is a hairstylist, educator and network stylist for Hairstory. She is currently a texture and color specialist based in Los Angeles and teaches aspiring stylists about how to work with all hair types.
- Juli Akaneya is a New York-based hairstylist who specializes in editorial, advertising and high fashion looks. She has previously worked with brands like Something Navy, Verb and Veronica Beard.
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What is the Kitty Cut?
A kitty cut consists of a lob (long bob), textured layers and grown out fringe. Known as a softer version of the wolf cut, it’s a great option if you’re looking to bring volume, add layers or spruce up your existing style. “The kitty cut is a great transitional cut for anyone who currently has a box bob, shag or curtain bangs. It’s an easy way to grow out your hair,” explains Akenya.
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What's the Difference Between the Kitty Cut and Wolf Cut?
The wolf cut is a shaggy mullet that features lots of texture and choppy layers. Meanwhile, the kitty cut relies on softer, rounded layers that give off a more lived-in look. Although both cuts provide plenty of volume, the kitty cut offers more versatility for all hair textures.
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Why is the Kitty Cut So Popular Now?
Over the last three months, search for “the kitty cut” has gone up by 200 percent and TikTok has deemed it the trendiest cut of 2024. It helps that A-listers like Jenna Ortega, Laura Harrier and Emily Ratajkowski have been seen rocking versions of the cut (and providing us inspiration). Plus, who doesn’t have a soft spot for fun sounding haircuts that are inspired by animals? From the butterfly to the jellyfish cut, it’s not surprising that the kitty cut is now trending.
How Do You Achieve the Kitty Cut?
The experts recommend bringing pictures of your desired kitty cut to the appointment. This makes it easier to achieve the look you want based on your hair type, need and preference. From there, the stylist uses a dry cutting technique to follow your natural texture. According to Kayganich, this helps establish the length to “create longer layers through the shape and around the face. The point of this cut is to create subtle movement, and if you create too much shape, you can lose that soft texture.”
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Does the Kitty Cut Work On All Hair Types?
Yes, the kitty cut works on all hair types. Whether you have straight, wavy or curly locks, a stylist can tailor the cut to work for you. Akenya notes that curly hair will require a razor or thinning shears to remove some of the weight out of the hair, which provides texture to the cut. She adds, “This method will help the look grow out nicely and not become too voluminous.”
Those with straighter locks will get internal layers, a technique that cuts underneath each section to remove weight out of the hair and create more movement. Kayganich explains this method ensures your stylist doesn’t create too many layers and keeps your length. One more thing: a stylist may take your face shape and hair density into consideration to really get the most of the kitty cut trend.
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How Do You Maintain the Kitty Cut?
The experts recommend getting a trim every three to four months for straight hair, whereas curly and coily folks can extend their cut to every four or five months. “The choppy layers make it very low-maintenance and it’s a great cut for people who don’t want to do too much with their hair or go to the salon too often for a trim. It’s meant to look lived-in!” adds Akenya.
How Do You Style the Kitty Cut?
This low-maintenance cut doesn’t require much styling. However, if you’re looking to elevate things from time to time, here are some stylist-approved tips to follow:
- Use a blow dryer and round brush. This combo is great for achieving a voluminous blowout. Just apply heat protectant spray before using a round brush, focusing on the roots for a fuller look.
- Use a curling wand for more definition. Kayganich suggests a 1- or 1.5-inch curling iron to create piecey layers throughout. Then, apply some styling cream or spray for extra hold and shine.
- Grab a diffuser. If you have wavy or curly hair, a diffuser will enhance your pattern and minimize frizz. Apply a curly cream or spray before drying your strands.
- Go the air-dry method. This step requires minimal effort and allows your layers to dry in its natural state. Kayganich suggests using a texturizing spray (or a balm) to emphasize the movement of your layers. Bonus tip: Scrunch product into damp straight or wavy hair. Rake it through wet curly and coily hair to enhance your strands.
- Play around with hairstyles. “You have versatility because depending on the length, you can wear your hair half up/half down or all up, especially since you have some layering around the face,” says Kayganich.
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