The Feathered Cut Is This Season’s Standout Hair Trend
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21 hours ago
Craving some retro bounce? The feathered cut had you covered.
While trends come and go, some go on to live a second (and, sometimes, a third) life. One such trend currently making the rounds in the salon (again) is the feathered cut, the nostalgic, 70s-inspired hairstyle that promises plenty of volume and drama.
What Is A Feathered Cut?
‘A feathered cut features light, wispy layers that are gently tapered to create softness and movement,’ explains Neale Rodger, Style Director at STIL. ‘The name comes from how the hair resembles a feather-like and airy appearance, especially at the ends. This style adds texture, bounce and dimension without losing length or volume, making it ideal for people wanting shape without a dramatic chop.’
It’s this floaty, layered look that Neale says makes it a stand-out in the salon. ‘The layers are designed to help the hair flow back and outward to give that big, bouncy, glamorous supermodel feel.
‘It’s also a versatile, flattering look and easy to style with today’s more natural, low-effort aesthetic,’ he adds. ‘It’s a great option for those big, voluminous blow dries as the loose, feathered ends are super easy to mould into the perfect bouncy finish.’
Neale also points out that the hairstyle has long been on the trend circuit – its rise in popularity, he suggests, comes courtesy of the nostalgia shift. ‘It was really popular in the 70s and 90s and is now making a comeback with a modern twist, thanks to the trend towards big blow outs and styles like the butterfly cut,’ he says. ‘Farrah Fawcett’s iconic 70s style laid the foundation for the feathered cut, but we’re seeing today’s take on celebs like Zendaya, Kaia Gerber and Jennifer Lopez.’
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Does It Work For All Hair Lengths?
The versatility of this cut means that it can work for all hair lengths – meaning anyone can get on board with the trend. ‘It works beautifully on medium to long hair, but can also be adapted for short cuts like bobs, pixies, wolf cuts or shags with feathered bangs or layers,’ confirms Neale.
Who Suits This Cut?
‘Feathering is ideal for straight to wavy hair, but it can also be adapted to fine or thick textures with the right layering,’ notes Neale. ‘You can feather curls too, though this tends to create a more sculptural finish. But feathers can be super flattering for round, oval and heart-shaped faces, as they softly frame the face and elongate the silhouette.’
How To Ask For A Feathered Cut In The Salon
Neale recommends you, ‘ask for soft, feathered layers that frame the face and blend back through the length. Emphasise that you want movement and lift, not choppy or heavy layers.’ He also suggests bringing, ‘reference images to help guide your stylist with the shape and length you like.’
@mikaylaflynn5 #farrahfawcett #70shair #featheredhair #butterflyhaircut #diyhaircut #butterflyhaircut #westernfashion ♬ original sound – Mikayla Flynn
How To Style A Feathered Cut
Since the feathered cut is big on bounce and volume, it will require some styling to get it looking its best. ‘Start by adding a bit of volumising mousse or spray to the roots before styling, then use a round brush and blow-dry away from the face to get that iconic flick effect,’ guides Neale. ‘For a more modern look, you can use a large barrel curling iron to add loose waves and brush them out. Finish with dry shampoo or texturising powder, which can help lift and separate the layers.’
What Next?
In short: more feathers. ‘I think feathered cuts are ultimately blending in with other trends like butterfly cuts, modern shags and wolf cuts, so expect to see more hybrid styles that mix feathering with curtain bangs or longer layers,’ says Neale. ‘As the retro revival in hair continues, we’ll see more textured, playful and hopefully rebellious variations across all lengths and textures.’
Hair Inspiration
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