There’s a new hair trend sweeping Hollywood, and it’s set to make your cheekbones pop…
One new haircut trend is making waves for its ability to give an instant lift without a single cosmetic procedure, and it’s taking the celebrity world by storm. The kitty cut is up a staggering 10,471 per cent in searches year on year, with nearly 50,000 people looking for it each month.
The cut has caught the attention of celebrities because it frames the face in a way that accentuates the cheekbones and jawline, creating the illusion of a natural mini facelift. By softening the features and adding subtle volume in all the right places, it refreshes the face and gives a finished look that takes years off without requiring a drastic chop.
The kitty cut
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Unlike the wolf cut, which went viral last summer and leans more into edgy layers and bold texture, the kitty cut is gentle and feminine. Its layers are carefully feathered around the face and through the mid-lengths, giving movement and shape while keeping the overall silhouette soft.
Nicole Petty, hair expert at Milk & Blush, says the name comes from its feline-inspired elegance rather than any quirky cat-ear shape. It is flattering on nearly every hair type, particularly for those growing out curtain bangs, because the layers blend seamlessly with the rest of the hair. The subtle shaping also means it grows out gracefully, so you are less likely to end up in that awkward halfway stage that often happens with other layered cuts.
Celeb inspiration
If you want examples of celebrities wearing the kitty cut this season, there are plenty. Demi Moore just debuted a fringe-heavy version of this cut, showing how it can be achieved with extra long layers (rather than the usually-seen mid-length look). Michelle Keegan even debuted a version of it herself last week, opting for longer fringe sections rather than the typical side fringe.
For more traditional kitty cut references, look to Jenna Ortega, Laura Harrier, singer Ahn Yu-Jin and Nicole Kidman.
On straight hair it creates sleek volume, on wavy or curly hair it adds bounce and body, and when paired with a simple blow-dry or soft curl, it frames the face beautifully. Hairstylists are calling it the facelift haircut because the strategic layering lifts the eyes and cheekbones, bringing out natural bone structure and giving a fresher, more open appearance.
Styling the kitty cut is straightforward, which is part of its appeal. A few minutes with a round brush during a blow-dry is enough to bring the layers to life. For a softer, tousled finish, a curling wand can add bends to the mid-lengths while a light serum or shine oil keeps ends smooth. Volumising sprays at the roots add lift without weighing the hair down.
With its rising popularity and celebrity endorsement, the kitty cut is shaping up to be the haircut everyone will be asking for this season. For those looking to refresh their style and add a flattering lift to their features, this soft, layered look is a modern, wearable answer to the search for naturally youthful, face-enhancing hair.