What Is The "Kitty Cut?" 2024’s Most Popular Haircut Is A Classic Comeback

Among all the haircuts that come in and out of fashion, the nostalgic bob never fails to remain a steadfast salon staple. While there have been many trending above-shoulder hairstyles in recent years—from the lob-length shag to the fringed French bob—there’s always a new version of the short cut grabbing everyone’s attention. This year, there’s another 70s-inspired long bob that everyone is asking for at the salon, and it’s called the “kitty cut," which just proves that things always come back around.

What Is The Kitty Cut?

With searches for “kitty cut” majorly up as we’ve entered into 2024, it’s easy to see why the classic-silhouetted short hairstyle is appealing to so many people of all ages and hair types. At its core, the kitty cut is between the length of a long bob or shoulder cut with long textured layers throughout and overgrown curtain fringe framing the face. It’s meant to be low-maintenance and softly textured, which is where the name is derived.

Unlike the “wolf cut”—which is basically a 1970s-style shag—that was trending last year, the kitty cut is slightly softer with rounded layers and breezy texture instead of razored layers and blunt bangs. However, the two cuts are similar in aiming to offer more volume than blunt cuts and longer cuts—just imagine a more wearable version of the shag cut for lower-maintenance folks! For those who prefer a style that lingers above the shoulders or simply want to make a chop, the kitty cut is a universally flattering option that feels classic but nothing close to boring. 

How Do You Style The Kitty Cut?

When asking for a kitty cut, it’s most important to always arrive with photo inspiration. However, you can ask for a lob-length cut with long layers and slightly shorter face-framing layers. Instead of choppy layers, ask for seamless rounded layers that fall easily into whatever your natural texture is. The basis of this haircut is meant to be naturally voluminous and able to be air-dried, but for extra texture or polish, you can use a diffuser or round brush when blow-drying. 

The best thing about this trending cut is the effortless ways in which you can style it. It can be made more classic with a middle part, or more playful with a tousled side part. Those who prefer a bit more fringe can accentuate the long layers with swooping retro curtain bangs. Those with curls can get major volume with shorter layers (and more of them overall) throughout. Leave the length grazing your collarbones, or take it up just below the chin.

How To Ask For The Kitty Cut

Any hair stylist will tell you that when looking for a new cut, make sure to tailor it to your hair type and to always be cognizant of bringing inspiration that feels realistic for your length, thickness, or texture. Luckily the kitty cut is versatile and customizable enough to let your stylist cater to your strands to achieve the overall breezy, layered look. Before you head to the salon, make sure to heed the rest of our tips for how to avoid accidentally getting the wrong haircut.

Need even more ideas? Check out These Haircuts Are Going To Be Huge In 2024.