Achieving a wedge haircut requires precision and attention to detail, especially since the style is defined by its layered structure. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cutting a basic wedge haircut, along with creative variations to suit different hair types and face shapes.
Step-By-Step Guide to a Wedge Haircut
- Prepare the Hair
- Wash and blow-dry the hair, ensuring it flows naturally downward.
- Use a flat iron if necessary to make the hair sleek and uniform.
- Cutting on dry hair is crucial as it provides a more accurate visual of the length, avoiding any distortion caused by shrinkage when wet.
- Divide the Hair into Sections
- Create three sections: top, middle, and bottom.
- Clip up the top and middle sections, leaving the bottom section loose for cutting.
- Cut the Bottom Section
- Comb the bottom section thoroughly and determine the desired length.
- Gather the hair at the center, hold it between your index and middle fingers, and cut straight across to the marked length.
- To achieve the wedge effect, cut at a slight angle, gradually increasing steepness with thinner sections for precision.
- Cut the Middle Section
- Unclip the middle section, comb it, and mark the desired length.
- Using the same method as the bottom section, cut the hair to achieve a layered look.
- Shape the Top Section
- Unclip the top section and comb it down. Leave out sections at the front and sides for bangs and layers.
- Brush the remaining hair and cut it to the desired length to create the final layer.
- Feather the Front and Sides
- Comb the front and side sections to remove knots.
- Use the point-cut method to feather the sides for a softer look.
- Style the Bangs
- Cut the bangs according to your preferred style, whether blunt, side-swept, or feathered.
- Feather the bangs lightly for a seamless blend with the rest of the layers.
- Final Touches
- Feather the ends of all three layers to soften the look.
- Style the hair in waves or leave it straight to add texture and volume.
Creative Variations of the Wedge Haircut
A wedge cut isn’t one-size-fits-all. It can be tailored to suit various hair textures, lengths, and face shapes. Below are some popular variations:
- The Classic Wedge
- Features short, graduated layers at the nape with longer layers on top.
- Creates a rounded, voluminous silhouette.
- Ideal for straight or slightly wavy hair.
- The Inverted Wedge
- Incorporates shorter layers at the back and longer, angled layers in the front.
- Provides a dramatic, face-framing effect.
- Perfect for round faces or thicker hair, as it elongates the face.
- The Stacked Wedge
- Adds multiple short, stacked layers at the back for maximum volume and lift.
- Best for those with fine hair, as it enhances body and shape.
- Complements square or oval face shapes beautifully.
Fun Fact
Did you know Olympic figure skating champion Dorothy Hamill made the wedge haircut famous during the 1976 Winter Olympics? Her signature cut inspired countless women to replicate the look, cementing its place in hairstyling history.
Key Takeaways
- A wedge haircut is defined by its three distinct layers that create dimension and movement.
- Feathering the layers and ends adds softness and definition.
- This versatile cut can be styled straight or curly with minimal effort, making it ideal for different occasions.
Before dismissing the wedge haircut as a relic of the bowl cut era, think again! Modern wedge styles are chic, trendy, and tailored to suit every individual. Explore the stunning variations and get ready to embrace this timeless yet contemporary look.
33 Chic Wedge Haircuts Ideas
If you are getting a wedge haircut for the first time, questions like, “Does short hair suit me?” or “Will I look good with short hair?” might pop up in your mind. A wedge haircut is a good start as it suits all hair types and textures. And the best part is, it will eventually grow out! Here are some chic wedge hairstyles to try.
1. Bronde Wedge Cut
Some of us prefer a hint of color on our hair. Not the edgy, bold color but subtle shades of brown. This drool-worthy ombre wedge cut is a perfect example of it. The hairline at the back is well-defined, and the layers make it appear voluminous. Choose this incredibly flattering sunny brown ombre, and make heads turn wherever you go!
2. Skunk Stripe Wedge Cut
Need something daring but not too edgier? This wedge cut with a skunk-inspired white stripe on one side of the head is for you. The long front layers and a subtle hint of undercut add a twist to the regular wedge cut. Go for this style, and add a little drama to your straight, fine hair.
3. Classic Wedge Cut
This is the wedge cut that you’ll see most women choosing. It has a well-defined back hairline and not too many layers. Opt for this wedge cut if you have a thin face. If you have a slightly round face, the layer above the jawline can make it look rounder. When using edgers on the neckline try not to make any straight hair lines. Also, you must stay out of the natural hairline.
4. Modern Vintage Wedge Cut
Edge meets vintage in this gorgeous wedge cut. This was the kind of wedge cut that was popular back in the ‘20s. A sharp, tapered hairline at the back was all the rage back then. Adding a nice A-line to your wedge cut can take your hairstyle up many notches.
Richard Morrill recommends, “Use a clipper guard setting # 6 on your first two sections if you’re cutting this beauty yourself.”
5. Perfectly Curled Wedge Cut
The wedge haircut is mostly by straight-haired women, but it can show off those stunning curls as well. If you have a wider face, keep the layers of your wedge cut just below your jawline.
Richard Morrill gives an expert tip to achieve this look, “This cut can also be classified as a lob. Each tendril is hand spun with a light holding hair gel and air dried. Once your hair is dry do not run a comb through the hair. You will end up with a frizzy mess.”
6. A-Line Wedge Cut
Much like the wedge cut, the bowl cut was also the inspiration for the A-line bob haircut. The curved hairline at the back of this wedge cut lends it an A-line effect. The rich brown color of this hair look lends it a luxurious touch.
7. Fiery Wedge Cut
Wedge cuts are the best to try new colors on because of their layers. These layers showcase vibrant hair colors in all their glory. The color blend of this wedge cut is a beautiful combination of deep plum and fiery red. The contrast between these two colors adds tons of depth to this hair look.
You can also add purple, green, blue, and pink highlights to your fiery wedge to add more vibrance and depth to your overall look.
8. Layered Wedge Cut
A layered wedge cut is best suited for the summer. Ideally, the layers should be longer in the front and shorter at the back. That is the trending wedge cut look of 2019. Add some soft babylights and style it in some waves to give yourself the perfect beach-ready look.
9. Softly Curled Wedge Cut
It never ceases to amaze me how a little bit of styling can completely change a hair look. Take a look at this simple wedge cut. It’s a simple cut, but just adding curls at the ends spruces up the entire look. It looks understated yet beautiful.
10. The Character Wedge Cut
Some of us like being edgier than the rest. We like adding subtle twists to our hairstyles and clothes to stand out from the crowd. This wedge cut is a perfect example of that. The hair of this wedge cut has been swept to one side, and its ends have been turned up with the help of some hair gel. You can take this look to the next level by adding some bright violet streaks to it.
11. The Mom Wedge Cut
All women love looking good, including moms! Just because you have kids does not mean you can’t sport a stylish haircut. This wedge cut is perfect for moms and sophisticated women.
12. Layered And Curved Wedge Cut
If you love short hair but don’t want a haircut that’s too edgy, look no further. Layered softly in the front and at the sides, this wedge cut is perfect for that girl-next-door look. It’s also great for anyone who loves playing sports and wants to keep their hair off their face.
13. Permed Wedge Cut
Have you ever had one of those moments when you really wanted to give yourself a makeover? Well, if you have had long hair for a while, it’s time you went this wildly permed wedge cut. It looks playful and youthful!
Richard Morrill further instructs, “If you have naturally curly hair or you want to change your look up, do an ombre curl. Simply flatten the root to mid-shaft of your hair. This style is not recommended on heart shaped faces. Unless you wear one side behind your ear.”
14. Pastel wedge Cut
The wedge cut is perfect for flaunting those gorgeous pastel colors. Its layers accentuate your hair texture and display the hair colors beautifully. Don’t simply take my word for it, try it out and see for yourself!
15. Deep-stacked wedge cut
That’s right, the stacked bob can also be done up in a wedge cut. This stacked wedge style is cut deeply at the back. The blonde highlights on brown hair make this intensely tapered bob look even better. If you have super thick straight hair, this haircut can be very flattering. Not suited for fine hair.
16. Slight undercut wedge cut
Back in the day, men shaved their hair because they couldn’t afford to maintain long hair. Over time, that became a trend. If you don’t want a complete undercut, opt for this subtle undercut wedge cut instead. Though it’s super edgy, it’s understated enough to be sported in a professional work environment.
17. Simple wedge cut
If you’re looking for something really simple, this is it. The layers of this wedge cut are cut long to add some nice texture and volume to it. If you have wide cheeks or your hair lacks volume, this is one of the best haircuts to make the most of your locks.
18. Angled wedge cut
An angled haircut combined with a wedge cut is one of the most sought-after cuts. It is made up of sharp layers cut at a steep angle: long in the front and short at the back. It’s modern, uber stylish, and perfect for anyone working in a fast-paced corporate office.
19. Tomboy wedge cut
The wedge cut is very versatile. It can be sophisticated and mature or youthful and wild, depending on your preference. It’s no wonder that so many women love the wedge cut! The burgundy highlights of this tomboy-inspired wedge cut add a nice finishing touch to this look.
20. Well-defined wedge cut
Do you like your hair perfectly sculpted and in place? If so, opt for this well-defined wedge cut. Normally, you need to use a gel or mousse to style your hair perfectly. However, this wedge cut has a naturally-sculpted feel and can be styled without using many products.
21. Flicked-out ends
This haircut was big in the ‘90s. Almost every teen and young adult sported (or wanted to sport) this haircut. It’s been sported by celebrities like Kelly Clarkson. This look seems to be making a comeback now. Its flicked-out ends help frame your face.
22. Curly wedge cut
Loving yourself involves being comfortable with how you look. Accept your naturally curly locks and flaunt them with this playfully wild wedge cut.
23. Ashy wedge cut
This mildly messy wedge cut is taken up a few notches with a lovely deep ash blonde hair color. The color adds a chic touch to this classic wedge cut.
24. Multi-Layered Wedge Cut
If you have thick hair, showcase your hair’s texture and volume with this multi-layered wedge cut. The layers are cut all over the hair to add more dimension to it. Color this cut with a dark chocolate brown shade to finish off the look.
25. Vintage Wedge Cut
Back in the early 1900s, this was a wedge cut that most of the young women sported. Paired with a scarf or a barrette, this wedge cut was a big trend. It’s making a comeback now, and I love it! I like how different it is from most of the wedge cuts you see now. The side-swept bangs wrap up this cut wonderfully.
26. Teased Wedge Cut
Love the ‘80s look? Then, you’ll love this haircut. If you have thin hair, this asymmetrical haircut is a great way to make it look voluminous. Backcomb your wedge from the top to the down. Comb the top section of your hair for a neater look.
27. Defined Hairline Wedge Cut
Showing off a well-defined hairline is a growing trend right now. You don’t need to go for an undercut to achieve this look. Opt for this wedge cut instead. Let your wedge cut look messy as it adds a youthful vibe to the look.
28. Pixie Bob Wedge Cut
Confused whether to go for a pixie cut or a bob? Choose both with this modern wedge cut. The long sideburns and back to front layers make this a very chic and stylish look. Spritz on some hairspray to keep your hair in place.
29. Slick Wedge Cut
Most women love the angled wedge cut. This haircut is cut close to the hairline at the back to give it clear definition. Straighten your hair to create an edgy and bold hair look.
30. Long Wedge Cut
If you’re not one for short hair, the wedge cut has your back. Notice how the hair is cut short at the back and long in the front, but it’s subtle and not too angled. This is the perfect look for working women who want a stylish haircut while still looking mature.
31. Sunset Wedge Cut
Adding color to your locks can really liven them up. Opt for colors that are similar in tone, like these shades of blonde and light ginger. This color blend is reminiscent of sunsets, long walks on the beach, and everything good in the world.
32. Slick Black Wedge Cut
In my opinion, this is one of the best wedge cuts. This wedged bob has the perfect ’D’ shape along with a clean, angled finished. Keep the layers and ends soft to add definition to your face.
33. Layered Pixie Cut
The layered pixie cut is a bold and versatile hairstyle that packs a punch in style and attitude. This chic haircut features short layers at varying lengths, creating texture and dimension while maintaining a sleek and edgy look. Its playful yet sophisticated vibe accentuates facial features and highlights the neckline. Its adaptability allows for personalization, thus catering to different hair types and face shapes. This daring and stylish haircut has captivated fashion enthusiasts for its ability to exude confidence and flair.
Each wedge style provides a unique twist, allowing personalization based on your hair texture and face shape. While wedge hairstyles can give you a sharp and edgy look, they require quite a bit of maintenance. Head over to the next section for some maintenance tips to keep your haircut in perfect shape.
Maintaining a Wedge Haircut: Tips for Longevity and Style
A wedge haircut is all about structure, volume, and defined layers, making regular maintenance essential to keep its distinct shape intact. Follow these tips to ensure your wedge cut stays chic and stylish:
- Stick to a Regular Trim Schedule
- Book trims every 6 weeks to maintain the graduated layers.
- As your hair grows, the structure of the cut can lose its definition, so timely touch-ups are key.
- Choose Volumizing Hair Products
- Use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to enhance the fullness of your hair.
- This is especially beneficial for fine hair types, as it helps maintain the haircut’s signature body and lift.
- Style with the Right Tools
- Pair a round brush with a blow dryer when styling to create root lift and bounce in the layers.
- Focus on the crown area to achieve the iconic rounded shape.
- Incorporate a Lightweight Texturizing Spray
- Add texture and definition by applying a lightweight texturizing spray.
- This prevents the haircut from appearing flat and keeps the layers looking fresh and lively.
With consistent care and attention, your wedge haircut will remain polished, voluminous, and effortlessly structured, making it a timeless and versatile choice for any occasion.
