The Iconic 1970s Wedge Haircut Is Back To Inspire Your Next Short Style

Short hair never goes out of style, and even those who have been donning above-shoulder lengths can always find a new refresh to try out at the salon. While there is no shortage of stylish bob cuts to choose from, sometimes going old-school is the most surprisingly perfect answer. For a new look any time of year, we're seeing a long-forgotten, once-iconic short cut coming back onto the scene, and it's got major volume and personality. Ever heard of the wedge haircut? It's gotten a modern makeover. Here is why you should consider trying a wedge haircut at your next salon appointment.

What Is a Wedge Haircut?

Here's a hint: What do Dorothy Hamill and Victoria Beckham have in common? They've both rocked the wedge haircut. A huge trend in the 1970s and later again in the 1990s, the wedge haircut lands anywhere from bob-length to pixie style. The short cut is characterized by a volume-packed crown due to layering and tapered ends at the nape of the neck. It became a popular pick for women with thin or fine hair, thanks to its ability to lift up flat, limp, or drab strands and feign thickness and volume by removing weight. Now, the cut has been modernized with more flattering layering and angles. As in, you aren't going to risk looking like a mushroom-shaped mane!

The term "wedge" refers to an incline. Simply put, the hair is getting higher via an angle cut and layering. Thanks to lots of layers, the style looks angled or stacked, which is flattering for many face shapes and can enhance cheekbones and other facial features. While the wedge cut was traded in for the more well-known stacked bob, now people are taking those angled bobs shorter—bringing the wedge haircut back.

How To Cut a Short Wedge Haircut

While a wedge haircut is similar to a bob or stacked cut, it’s important to note the different styles before heading to the salon, so you’ll know what to ask for. A wedge has short layers in a variety of lengths, with the hair cut short at the nape of the neck and longer layers near the face. Stacked cuts, like a stacked bob, have longer layers that give a graduated, fuller, and more rounded look in the back. Bobs can be long or short but are typically the same length in front and back and longer than a wedge. Give your wedge waves, messy layers, or smooth and straight stacks, with the variation in length adding volume and texture.

With this short style, there's no end to the possibilities. If you want bangs, go for it. Find your perfect silhouette, from a subtle A-line bob to a dramatically stacked-in-the-back crop. There's not just one wedge cut, thank the heavens. So you still have room to personalize.

How To Style a Wedge Haircut

A wedge haircut is a no-brainer for someone who wants to add lots of style with little maintenance. You can opt for soft and subtle layers or a more choppy, playful style. Keep the cut’s volume by using hair products that provide lift instead of relying on styling tools. Comb your hair with your fingers and let your hair air-dry for fuss-free care. To maintain the cut’s shape, get a trim every four to six weeks.

Need more inspiration for your new haircut? These hairstyles are trending, so step outside of your comfort zone with one of these cuts at your next salon appointment.