If last year's nail and makeup trends took their inspiration from food (we're looking at you, "strawberry girl" and latte makeup), then hair trends were about looking to the animal kingdom. From the fox cut to the wolf cut and the jellyfish to the butterfly haircut, you name the creature, and there's probably a cut inspired by it. Now, we're seeing the rise of the "kitty cut" as a key style in 2024's hair trends as we head into the New Year.
What Is the "Kitty Cut"?
Up 400% in Google searches, the kitty cut takes its inspiration from the wolf cut and '70s-inspired shag haircuts. While these hairstyles are typically cut with a razor to achieve an ultra-textured look, the kitty cut has a more polished effect, with face-framing, rounded layers and a collarbone-skimming length. In essence, it's the wolf cut's sleeker feline sister, complete with an expensive-looking polish.
Your hairstylist will be able to advise which form of the kitty cut will suit your hair texture and length, but it typically has long layers that frame the face and a curtain fringe to create a "feline" silhouette. It looks great cut into a shoulder or collarbone length (a brilliant choice if you're thinking of growing out a bob), but it works well in longer lengths too.
Ready for some inspiration? Scroll ahead for all the kitty cut haircut ideas to take to the salon as well as the best products to style the kitty cut.
Kitty Cut Haircut Ideas
Note the rounded, face-framing layers and the ends that skim the collarbone.
Emily Ratajkowski's kitty cut has face-framing layers that enhance her features.
Rachel Zegler's tousled kitty cut looks so chic.
Imani Randolph's curly kitty cut frames her face beautifully.
The kitty cut is great for adding subtle shape and extra volume.
Suki Waterhouse showcases the kitty cut on long hair with a cool-girl fringe. We love the '70s vibe.
Further proof that the kitty cut looks great with a fringe.
Shop Kitty Cut Styling Products
The starting point for great styling is a really good shampoo. This one leaves hair weightless and bouncy.
A hot brush is your best friend for achieving that blown-out look without having to head to the salon.
A healthy shine makes this haircut look expensive, and Color Wow's viral Dream Coat Spray leaves hair glass-like.
No hot brush? You can still create that bounce with a traditional round brush and your hair dryer.
A targeted blow-drying nozzle is key to smoothing the hair follicle for a glossy shine.
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