The 2010s witnessed the birth of countless trends that have since become mainstream. Cara Delevingne single-handedly propelled the microblading industry to a global phenomenon with her iconic big brows. Beyoncé's song "Flawless" popularized the , while Kylie Jenner started the overlined lips craze. But perhaps the most defining moment of the tens is how these three ladies (plus many other style icons) rocked an undercut hairstyle.
If you're not familiar with the undercut, it's a hairstyle distinguished by the deliberate contrast between the closely shaved or trimmed hair on the sides or back of the head and the longer, more voluminous top section. The bold juxtaposition separates this half-buzzed ‘do from other run-of-the-mill chops.
After years of being somewhat dormant, the modern undercut hairstyle is slowly but surely making its return to the spotlight. Notably, stars like Keke Palmer, Demi Lovato, and Charlize Theron have led the charge in reviving this head-turning look. Intrigued? Keep scrolling, and you might find a new hair inspo.
Undercut Hairstyle Can Go from Rock ‘n’ Roll to Soft Glam
The disconnected cutting technique has a long history, dating back to the 1920s and reaching its zenith in the ‘80s when it appealed to punk subcultures. However, it remained a predominantly male-oriented haircut until the late aughts when model Alice Dellal stepped onto the red carpet with a striking combination of her long blonde hair and shaved side. She then sported this eccentric ‘do as the face of the Chanel Boy bag – the quintessential It-girl purse – elevating the undercut to a high-fashion status.
Despite its undeniable flair, the undercut has faced resistance. Many even label it as an . Those who dare to wear it would hear a lot of “you’re so brave” and “I could never pull it off” comments, which sound like compliments but actually hint that there’s something inherently shameful for embracing the look.
True, the undercut strays from conventional feminine looks. And here lies its power: it can be both fierce and elegant, edgy and sophisticated, all at once. So if you want to make a statement, or are bored with the same-old looks, here are some undercut hairstyle looks to choose from.
The long undercut is both chic and laidback.
Not ready to part ways with your long mane? Keep the length on one side and shave the other for an asymmetrical finish. The shape gives an instant face-lift effect, bringing attention to your sharp cheekbones and jawline. You can also customize it by opting for a closely cropped look or a subtle buzz.
When it comes to styling, the possibilities are endless. Create a deep side part and do a to add a touch of sultriness. If drama is what you’re after, copy Natalie Dormer’s cascading French braid – one of our favorite undercut hairstyles to date.
Play it cool with 2-side undercut.
The double-sided undercut is just like you imagine. Both sides of the head are shaved, leaving the middle part as long as you want to. What makes this style even cooler is you can play with many designs. Go for a faux mohawk à la Miley Cyrus if you’re a fan of . For the rebel hearts, a V-shaped neckline will earn you some oohs-aahs.
The low-fade haircut is perfect for a peek-a-boo pattern.
Your first rodeo into the undercut hairstyle can be intimidating. Instead of going for a drastic change, glide the clippers a few inches above the nape of your neck. The buzzed area can be hidden when your hair is down, making it an office-friendly look. At the same time, it’s a practical choice for those with . The low fade debulks the strands on the back and helps your hair to lay flatter (translation: not frizzy).
How to Maintain Your Undercut
The classic undercut is generally a wash-and-go hairstyle. However, if you also have it with shaved lines and designs, regular trims every two to four weeks help keep the edges sharp and in shape.
In case you do want to grow out your hair, cutting all of your hair short to match the length is the name of the game. Once the buzzed part is at least an inch long, turn it into a . Another option would be switching your hair part to cover up the undercut.
Since the undercut hairstyle exposes your scalp, dryness and flakes can become more apparent. Use a gentle product like Sunsilk Naturals Coconut Hydration Shampoo to remove any product buildup without stripping your hair of its natural oils. It has vitamins A, C, and E to hydrate your locks and make them bouncy.
If you have oily hair, use Sunsilk Naturals Watermelon Freshness Shampoo, which is formulated with micellar to deeply cleanse the scalp. It also contains mint that leaves a cooling sensation – perfect for humid days.
It's about time the undercut hairstyle is put on the same pedestal as the and the . It's a standout and trims styling time in half! Honestly, we don’t see any cons here. Go ahead, take the leap, and relish in the fact that you have the same ‘do as Rihanna and Queen B.