U Shaped Haircut: The Style That Flatters Women Over 40 and Makes Hair Look Two Times Thicker

The thick, bouncy hair that many of us 40 and older once sported back in the ‘80s is all the rage once again thanks to social media platforms like TikTok, which have loads of videos on how to achieve fuller looking hair from styling tricks to trending cuts. Topping the list of body-building hair cuts is the U-shaped haircut. This style is when the ends of the length of hair are cut into a shape that resembles the letter U. Keep scrolling for all you need to know about this trending cut and how it can make hair look thicker than ever.

What is a U-shaped haircut?

Though it’s trending right now, this hairstyle was actually first made popular in the 1950s by pin-up girls. “These days, this cut is most easily recognized by the curved U shape created in the hair perimeter's shape,” says celebrity hairstylist Chaz Dean .

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The benefits of a U shaped haircut

It works for all hair types

The U shaped haircut is also very adaptable for different hair textures from straight to wavy as well as hair lengths. “You can do this haircut on hair as short as shoulder length all the way down to the mid-back,” says hairstylist Terri Rehkopf , owner of Ippodaro Natural Salon in San Antonio, Texas. “This style works best for mid-length and long hair, as it gives more volume to your hair and creates a healthier appearance.”

It makes hair look thicker

So where does this hairstyle get its hair-thickening magic from? The pros we spoke to say the secret lies in the way this cut helps add weight and density to hair with subtle layers. “Longer hair in a U-shaped form automatically creates more volume and movement, just by the law of gravity,” says Willian Whatley , Creative Education Director for Scruples Haircare, and former hair stylist on Ambush Makeover. “It helps create more volume by pushing the hair shorter to the front and center.”

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It’s flattering

“The super subtle face-framing layers of the U-cut will highlight and soften up face features,” says Rehkopf. Yet another boon, according to Whatley: “The U-shaped haircut is timeless, especially for women over 40, who are usually told to always keep their hair cut shorter — with this haircut they can keep their length and still have an up-to-date style.”

It’s low-maintenance

“What makes the U-cut one of the easier haircuts to maintain is because of the natural fall from being shorter to longer in the back with a rounded perimeter,” says Whatley. This allows the hair to flow naturally whether you blow it out or let it air dry. What’s more, the grow-out is very forgiving, promises Dean. “Just remind your stylist at each trim, which should be about every 6 to 8 weeks, that you want to keep the soft U-shape versus going for any blunt or sharper edges.”

What to ask for when getting a U-shaped haircut

To keep hair looking as thick as possible when it comes to getting this cut, Dean advises making sure your stylist doesn't add too many layers. So when you’re at the salon, you’ll want to ask your stylist for a U-cut with hair length that is angled and face-framing. “You want it shorter in the front to gradually longer in the back,” explains Dean. “The shape should be rounded so you don’t have ‘sharp’ corners, so the hair keeps the U-shape.” Adds Whatley; “Tell your hairstylist that you don’t want the hair to have a hard weight line, you want it to flow from shorter to longer from the front.”

How to style a U-shaped haircut

When it comes to styling this haircut, it’s best to use styling products like mousse or volumizing spray to enhance the volume of your hair, adds Rehkopf. We like Drybar Southern Belle Volume-Boosting Mousse and Bed Head Queen For A Day Thickening Spray For Fine Hair . To do: Apply product according to directions on the bottle to damp hair, then when styling, use a round brush and blow dryer to lift the roots and create a smooth finish while focusing on directing the hair outward to accentuate the U shape.

Additionally, since U-shaped haircuts come with some slight curving and add more texture to your hair, using a curl cream can prevent any frizziness while maintaining your natural texture. “One of my favorites is the Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream ,” says Rekhopf. “This leave-in conditioner fights frizziness without stickiness.” This product also includes argan oil and vitamins that keep your hair looking smooth and hydrated all day long. To use: Apply a dollop to damp hair after your regular shampoo and conditioning routine. Then, use fingers to work through hair from roots to ends.

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