woman with hand on hip
Those familiar with figure skater Dorothy Hamill will have a good idea of what a wedge haircut looks like, though this classic short-haired style has evolved over time. Originally popularized during the 1970s, the wedge haircut started out more like a Hamill bowl cut and now features multiple short, angled layers that sit on the shoulders. It’s a look that appeals to young and old, men and women, making it one of the most versatile styles.
With a wedge haircut, the hair at the nape of the neck is cut as short as possible, and the layers get longer and longer as they reach the top of the head. Instead of being cut bluntly, as with a bob cut, the ends of the hair are cut at a variety of angles, creating volume and movement in the hair. This style also lends itself to bright colors for those who want a more daring look.
The wedge haircut works best for those with straight hair, as curly or frizzy hair is difficult to layer straight. Women and men with wavy hair can wear a wedge, but this will require a lot of extra styling on a daily basis. While the wedge haircut can be styled into a messy look by tousling your hair, it can also be tamed for seniors or professional settings. The versatility of the wedge haircut could be one of the reasons it spans generations.
Anyone looking to switch from a longer style to a wedge haircut will want to make sure their stylist knows what they’re doing, as extreme precision is needed to create the right mix of layering, definition, and movement. Every barber and even individual stylists will have different ideas about what it means to create this look. Photos cut out of magazines or printed from the Internet can make it easier for the stylist to visualize the cut the way the client wants.
Perhaps one downside to the wedge cut is that it requires regular maintenance to maintain its shape, requiring regular visits to the barber about every six to eight weeks. Also, while this cut is short and looks easy to wear, it needs to be styled daily so it doesn’t look sloppy. Those looking for a low-maintenance option may do better with a hairstyle cut in longer layers close to the shoulders so that the hair can be easily pulled back into a ponytail.