Undercut hairstyles are no longer just a trend—they’re a timeless statement of individuality, confidence, and creativity. From sleek buzz cuts to intricate designs, undercuts offer endless possibilities for personal expression. Whether you’re looking to make a bold fashion statement or simply add an edgy twist to your everyday look, this guide has 44 stunning undercut hairstyle ideas to inspire your next salon visit. Let’s dive into the world of chic undercuts and explore how you can rock this versatile style.

Why Choose an Undercut?

Undercuts are more than just a haircut—they’re a canvas for self-expression. By shaving or closely cropping sections of your hair while leaving other parts longer, you create contrast, texture, and dimension. This style works on all hair types and lengths, making it accessible to everyone. Plus, undercuts can be hidden or revealed depending on how you style your hair, giving you flexibility in how bold (or subtle) you want to go.

As hairstylist Sky Kim explains, “Undercuts allow women to embrace their unique personality while experimenting with shapes, patterns, and colors. It’s about owning your look and feeling empowered.

The Best Undercut Hairstyles for Women

Here are 44 jaw-dropping undercut styles that will leave you inspired:

1. Chignon Undercut

Zoe Kravitz proves that elegance and edge can coexist with her iconic chignon undercut. The pulled-back bun exudes classic glamour, while delicate braids and a side undercut add a modern touch.

Why It Works: This combination balances sophistication and playfulness, perfect for formal events or casual outings.

2. Pearl Details

Adorn your undercut with pearl barrettes for a romantic twist on the classic mohawk. This look combines softness and structure, creating a feminine yet daring aesthetic.

Styling Hack: Use bobby pins or decorative clips to secure the pearls in place.

3. Pattern and Space Buns

A graphic undercut paired with space buns is a match made in heaven. This playful style lets you showcase intricate designs while keeping the rest of your hair fun and youthful.

Pro Tip: Experiment with different patterns, like geometric lines or waves, to personalize your look.

4. Nature-Inspired Design

Take inspiration from nature with a buzzed flower design. When you shave off a larger portion of your hair, you gain more space to create detailed artwork—like this breathtaking floral pattern.

Why It Works: Floral designs soften the edginess of an undercut, making it both bold and beautiful.

5. Avant-Garde Rainbow

For those who love color and creativity, this rainbow-colored pixie cut is a showstopper. With its blend of pastel hues and micro bangs, this style screams modern and fashion-forward.

Trend Alert: Pastel colors are having a major moment, so don’t shy away from trying something vibrant.

6. Rose Gold Glamour

Jada Pinkett Smith elevates the undercut with rose gold curls. Her graduated style transitions seamlessly from shaved sides to voluminous curls, offering a harmonious blend of textures.

Why It Works: The warm tones of rose gold complement deeper skin tones beautifully.

7. Frohawk

Coarser hair types shine in this chic frohawk undercut. The voluminous afro mohawk contrasts perfectly with the closely shaved sides, creating a striking silhouette.

Maintenance Alert: Keep your curls hydrated and defined with a curl-enhancing cream.

8. Box Braids Side Part

Box braids get a fresh update with a side-parted undercut. This timeless style adds an unexpected twist, making it perfect for those who want to honor tradition while embracing innovation.

Styling Hack: Accessorize with beads or cuffs for added flair.

9. Asymmetric Lob

Taraji P. Henson demonstrates how undercuts can be soft and ethereal. Her asymmetric lob features a deep side part and shirred sides, adding elegance to the edgy cut.

Why It Works: The asymmetry creates visual interest without being overwhelming.

10. Peek-a-Boo Undercut

Long-haired beauties can enjoy the best of both worlds with a peek-a-boo undercut. Shave the nape of your neck and tie your hair up to reveal the hidden design whenever you choose.

Pro Tip: This style is ideal for those hesitant about committing to a full undercut.

11. Long Hair with Buzzed Side

Can’t part ways with your long locks? Keep one side lengthy and buzz the other for a cool asymmetrical look. This style offers versatility and drama in equal measure.

Why It Works: The contrast between long and short creates a dynamic, eye-catching effect.

12. Locs Side Part

Kelela’s locs with a side-parted undercut prove that undercuts work beautifully with protective styles. This timeless look combines cultural significance with contemporary flair.

Celebrity Inspiration: Pair your locs with bold accessories for a personalized touch.

13. Old Hollywood Glam

Tati Gabrielle bridges the gap between vintage and modern with her blonde braids styled into finger waves. Her buzzed undercut adds an unexpected edge to the glamorous look.

Why It Works: This fusion of old-school charm and edgy details is utterly captivating.

14. Curly Mohawk

Natural curls take center stage in this voluminous mohawk undercut. Clean lines and zig-zag patterns enhance the overall impact, making it a true standout.

Pro Tip: Define your curls with a lightweight gel for maximum volume.

15. Heart-Shaped Design

If you’re looking for something sweet yet bold, try a heart-shaped undercut. This playful design is sure to turn heads and spark conversations.

Why It Works: Hearts symbolize love and individuality—a perfect representation of what undercuts embody.

16. Sleek Undershave

An undershave with white-blonde hair is as bold as it gets. The clean lines and sharp contrast between shaved sides and longer strands create a striking visual effect.

Expert Advice: Maintain your undershave with regular trims to keep the edges crisp.

17. Icy Blue Pixie

Short hairstyles provide the perfect opportunity to experiment with color. This icy blue pixie cut with a deep side part is bold, edgy, and undeniably cool.

Trend Alert: Icy shades continue to dominate the hair color scene.

18. French Bob with Undercut

This blunt bob gets a fashion-forward upgrade with a subtle undercut. Flipped-in ends add a retro vibe, while the shaved sides bring it firmly into the present.

Why It Works: The juxtaposition of classic and modern elements makes this style unforgettable.

19. Zig-Zag Undercut

Sometimes, classics are classic for a reason. A zig-zag undercut adds instant intrigue to any hairstyle, proving that simplicity can still be impactful.

Pro Tip: Ask your stylist to incorporate zig-zags into your undercut for a unique twist.

20. Pixie with Volume

A voluminous pixie cut pairs beautifully with an undercut. Keeping length on top allows for daily styling versatility, while the shaved sides add drama.

Why It Works: Volume amplifies the overall impact, making this style effortlessly chic.

21. Geometric Lines

If you’re getting an undercut, why not have a little fun with it? These edgy, geometric lines are bold, playful, and utterly amazing. Perfect for those who want to make a statement, this style combines clean lines and sharp angles that add a futuristic touch to your look.

Why It Works: The structured design contrasts beautifully with softer hairstyles, creating a dynamic and eye-catching effect.

22. Double Row

Take your super sleek hairstyle to the next level by incorporating an undercut shaved into two identical rows. This subtle yet striking detail adds texture and dimension without overwhelming the overall aesthetic.

Pro Tip: Pair this style with a high ponytail or slicked-back hair to highlight the intricate details of the double-row design.

23. Wave Design

Play around with graphic lines, shapes, and waves on your undercut for a truly unique look. This wave design is especially fitting for those with long or thick hair because it can be hidden if desired—but trust us, once you see how stunning it looks, you won’t want to cover it up!

Why It Works: The fluid curves of the wave design soften the edginess of the undercut while adding artistic flair.

24. Double Swoop with Bangs

Recreate Sara Ramirez’s iconic hairstyle by adding a shaven undercut on the side of your head. Style your bangs in a swoop at the front and create a second swoop at the back for added drama and volume.

Celebrity Inspiration: This versatile style works well for both casual and formal settings, depending on how you accessorize.

25. Braided Bun

Jada Pinkett Smith proves that undercuts can elevate even classic styles like braided buns. Her platinum-hued box braids paired with a buzzed undercut bring a modern twist to a timeless look.

Why It Works: The combination of intricate braids and a bold undercut creates balance between tradition and innovation.

26. Bleach Blonde

Could this style get any cooler? We think not. A flipped, platinum pixie cut pairs perfectly with a contrasting undercut, making it a standout choice for those who love bold, fashion-forward looks.

Maintenance Alert: Keep your bleach blonde vibrant with regular toning treatments and purple shampoo to prevent brassiness.

27. Subtle Sides

For those who prefer understated elegance, opt for simple shaved sides that are barely noticeable until you get close. Crisp lines at the temples add shape and definition, ensuring the style feels polished and intentional.

Why It Works: This minimalist approach offers versatility, allowing you to switch between sleek and voluminous styles effortlessly.

28. Side-Swept Pixie

Colored hair takes center stage when paired with a side-swept, layered pixie cut and an undercut in your natural hair color. This bold contrast enhances the vibrancy of your dye job while adding depth to the overall look.

Styling Hack: Use texturizing spray to enhance the layers and give your pixie cut a tousled, lived-in finish.

29. Star Shape

Pick a shape you’ll love showing off—like this star design that we’re totally obsessed with. Whether you choose stars, hearts, or other patterns, these designs let you express your personality through your hair.

Fun Fact: Undercut designs are customizable, so don’t hesitate to collaborate with your stylist to create something uniquely yours.

30. 1950s Greaser

Channel retro vibes with Taraji P. Henson’s classic 1950s greaser look. Featuring loose strands à la James Dean, this style combines vintage charm with modern edge thanks to the undercut.

Why It Works: The juxtaposition of old-school glamour and contemporary flair makes this style unforgettable.

31. Ponytail Undercut

If ponytails are your go-to style, take things up a notch with a cool undercut that complements your sleek updo. This unexpected twist adds intrigue to an otherwise simple hairstyle.

Pro Tip: Experiment with different ponytail heights—high, low, or mid-level—to change up the vibe.

32. Cheeky Pattern

Accentuate a cheeky patterned sidecut with extra volume on top and chic highlights. This playful style is perfect for those who aren’t afraid to stand out in a crowd.

Why It Works: The dramatic volume draws attention to the intricate details of the undercut pattern.

33. Braided Style

Show off your undercut with a cool braided style that you’ll want to wear again and again. From fishtails to French braids, there are endless ways to incorporate braids into your undercut look.

Styling Hack: Secure your braids with decorative cuffs or beads for added flair.

34. Space Buns

Let’s revisit Miley Cyrus’s unforgettable 2013 MTV Video Music Awards look. Her blonde, buzzed undercut was punctuated by twin space buns, creating the ultimate show-stopping ‘do.

Trend Alert: Space buns continue to be a festival favorite, so feel free to rock this playful style anytime.

35. Winged Lines

A fluid, curved wingback design combined with short curls at the crown? Say no more. This style is equal parts elegant and edgy, offering a fresh take on traditional undercuts.

Why It Works: The curved lines add movement and flow, complementing the natural bounce of curls.

36. Buzzcut

Keep things short and chic with a buzzcut all over, accentuated by a clean linear design. This style is perfect for those who crave simplicity without sacrificing style.

Low-Maintenance Perk: Buzzcuts require minimal styling, making them ideal for busy lifestyles.

37. Shaved Nape

A buzzed-nape undercut is subtle enough to hide if you choose but stylish enough to show off. Whether you wear your hair down or up, this detail adds a touch of intrigue.

Why It Works: The shaved nape elongates the neck, creating a flattering silhouette.

38. Skullet and Mohawk Combo

FKA Twigs showcases her experimental sense of style with a classic short mohawk combined with an extra-long skullet. This daring combo pushes boundaries and redefines what’s possible with undercuts.

Why It Works: The contrast between short and long elements creates visual interest and drama.

39. Pompadour

Tilda Swinton has been rocking her signature undercut for years, and this grandiose pompadour might just be one of our favorites. The voluminous lift at the crown adds height and sophistication.

Why It Works: The pompadour’s structure balances the shaved sides, creating harmony in the overall look.

40. Mullet

There are buzzcuts—and then there are down-to-the-scalp cuts. Clean-cut sides paired with an on-trend, messy mullet create a look that’s effortlessly cool and undeniably modern.

Why It Works: The mullet’s “business in the front, party in the back” philosophy ensures versatility and attitude.

41. Sideburn Spotlight

Put the spotlight on your sideburns (and make your ponytails even cooler) with a subtle linear undercut design above your ears. This small detail makes a big impact.

Why It Works: The linear design frames the face and adds symmetry to your hairstyle.

42. Touch of Color

Make your undercut even more of a statement by dying it a splashy hue, like this punchy red. Combined with red highlights throughout and a braided hairstyle, this look takes boldness to the next level.

Trend Alert: Colored undercuts are having a major moment, so don’t shy away from experimenting with vibrant shades.

43. Subtle Lines

Ask for simple lines on your undercut to amp it up while keeping it super subtle. This minimalist approach is perfect for those dipping their toes into the world of undercuts.

Why It Works: Subtle lines add texture and intrigue without being overwhelming.

44. Bowl Cut

Ruby Rose’s undercut is almost completely concealed by her ultra-glossy, rounded bixie (okay, it’s a bowl cut). However, the buzzed temples give it away, proving that even classic styles can benefit from a modern twist.

Why It Works: The undercut adds an unexpected edge to an otherwise polished and structured haircut.

Final Thoughts

Undercuts are a celebration of individuality, creativity, and confidence. With these 44 inspiring ideas, you’re sure to find a style that speaks to your personality and complements your features. Whether you opt for bold designs, subtle lines, or vibrant colors, remember that your hair is an extension of yourself—so own your new look with pride!