While I didn’t have much of a strict plan for my recent trip to Paris (my best travel memories always come from random, random places I visit!), there was one non-negotiable on my itinerary: booking a haircut at the renowned David Mallett Salon. While I’d had the chance to visit the famed hairstylist’s New York location at The Webster, I’d never set foot inside this airy Parisian apartment in the 2nd arrondissement, so needless to say, I had high expectations (I’d heard about it from multiple beauty editors, since it’s a staple for local French women). I’m happy to report that I emerged transformed, not only with new bangs, but also a whole new perspective on hair trends.
Let’s go back a bit. A few days before my much-anticipated interview, I ate some pain au chocolat and spent a lot of time people-watching to gauge whether Parisian cool style was on display. (That’s beauty journalism, right?) Rather than the bouncy, ’90s-style layered hairstyles that New York’s It girls have been sporting for the past few months, I noticed that many of the French women I passed were sporting buzzcuts with bangs. This makes sense, since they’re the very secret to Parisian chic. Still, I was a bit shocked by the complete lack of layered hair among the locals.
When I asked the stylist later, she confirmed that, indeed, more customers are now choosing the blunt cut over layers. In fact, she pointed out that this style can make your hair look even fuller. And I’ve officially decided to go for the blunt cut over layers for summer 2024. Read on for more expert opinions, and also check out my handpicked shopping list for this versatile style.
Why does a blunt cut make hair look thicker?
Layers can help give the illusion of fuller hair. Short hair adds texture and volume to your overall look. But don’t underestimate the visual impact of a blunt cut. “When you choose a blunt cut, your hair appears fuller because it’s at a consistent length and creates a solid baseline with no height,” says hairstylist Devin Graciano, chief product officer at Goldie Locks. “By not adding layers, this haircut visually makes your hair appear thicker and gives it an overall voluminous look.”
Essentially, a blunt, one-length cut distributes weight at the ends, making hair appear fuller. “This evenness creates a solid, thick edge, as opposed to the look of thin layers that can make hair look thinner,” says hairstylist and education director Colin Ford. Sachajuan.
Honestly, blunt cuts work for all hair types, and they can be personalized to suit any hair length and texture. For example, Graciano says that women with curly hair should add “subtle inner layers” to accentuate the shape without taking away from the overall sharpness of the blunt cut. Trace Henningsen She agrees: “A blunt cut will flatter curly hair, but it needs to be done carefully to avoid creating a boxy look. Dry cutting curly hair with subtle inner layers will help control volume without sacrificing the blunt effect.” And for curly hair, it can be helpful to taper the blunt cut slightly to maintain the hair’s natural volume, she adds.
If you opt for bangs (like me), your stylist will trim a section of your bangs to blend them into the overall cut, but rest assured that the final result will be of uniform density. “Adding bangs to a blunt cut helps define your face and accentuate the volume of hair around your face, creating an extra sense of volume,” Ford declares. Plus, it adds to your cool-girl vibe.
Blunt Cut vs. 90s Layers
Can’t decide between layers or a blunt cut? Ultimately, each style has its advantages and it all comes down to personal preference. You are the expert on your hair! But if you’re torn between the two styles, here are some pro suggestions on what factors to consider: your approach to styling.
“The curled ends make your hair look thicker, minimize split ends, and make your hair look healthier. This style is easy to maintain, offers plenty of styling options, and the bangs frame your face beautifully,” says Henningsen. It expresses a more chic, modern aesthetic. “’90s layers, on the other hand, add volume and movement, offer plenty of styling options, frame your face, and give you a softer, more relaxed look for an alluring look,” she adds. The latter may end up being more maintenance-intensive, as the layers are trickier to work with. Henningsen notes that you may need to make multiple trips to the salon to ensure the layers fall just right.
Ford agrees: “Layering adds texture and volume to your hair, making it look more dynamic and voluminous, but it also means more maintenance and styling effort.” While layers give you more freedom in styling, an even blunt cut may be easier to manage on a day-to-day basis.
Finally, think about where you want volume. My wavy-curly hair already has natural volume, so I don’t really want texture around my face. Rather, I want more weight at the ends, which tend to taper and aren’t dense enough. So, for me, a blunt cut was the answer. Bardot-inspired bangs that reach my lashes were like a “when in France” bonus.
Shop the best hair care products for summer
Acts + Acres
4% Candelilla Matte Styling Paste
This candelilla wax-based pomade will keep your bangs in place perfectly – a little goes a long way!
Crown Affair
Texturizing Air Dry Mousse
I used to be scared of mousse (my mind always lingered images of crisp, stiff curls), but Crown Affair’s lightweight formula has changed my mind, leaving me with soft, touchable curls.
Blue & Green
Weekly Repair Mask
When I apply this mask, I literally feel my hair come back to life, and after just a few minutes, my hair feels incredibly silky smooth.
Day
Mirage Mist Leave-in Conditioner
Since I started using this detangling leave-in, I’ve received more compliments than ever before: “My hair smells amazing!”
Briogeo
Don’t despair, let’s repair it! Rich Rice Shampoo Concentrate
A non-damaging shampoo isn’t just a dream. This water-activated solution lifts scalp impurities and repairs hair, and its waterless formula is easy to pack in your carry-on (a tip for your next international trip!).
Leonor Gleyre
Serum de Soir Sublimateur Styling Serum
According to Henningsen, this smoothing serum “helps smooth blunt cuts, reduce frizz and add shine.”
Christine S.
Dry finish working texture hairspray for volume and texture
“If you have wavy or curly hair, a lightweight texturizing spray can help give your ends a natural texture while keeping them looking neat,” says Henningsen. This dry finish spray also works well to refresh your bangs if they’re feeling a bit oily.
Goldie Locks
Dry Shampoo Powder
I love powder dry shampoos because they don’t clog pores (which aerosol sprays tend to do).
Sachajuan
Ocean Mist Sea Salt Spray
For dreamy, effortless waves, this sea salt mist is a must.
Ceremonia
Papaya Scalp Scrub
I love Ceremonia products. They are effective, but the smell is too strong. Very goodThis scalp scrub is synonymous with summer with its heavenly fruity scent.
