Close-cut pixie crops and the many iterations of a bob might be all the rage right now, but if you enjoy having longer lengths, a classic feathered haircut will help bring some bounce back to tired hair without requiring a dramatic chop.
The feathered haircut became popular in the 1970s, with Farrah Fawcett as its most memorable poster-girl. ‘It is often associated with the glamorous, free-spirited style of that decade, and has seen various revivals in later years, maintaining its status as a classic and versatile hairstyle,’ shares revered hairstylist Errol Douglas MBE.
In fact, modern day layered hairstyles such as the ‘wolf cut’ and ‘butterfly cut’ are evolutions of the feathered haircut. Essentially, without the 70s feathered cut, there would be no Matilda Djerf hair-inspos on our Pinterest boards.
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What does feathered hair look like?
As its name suggests, this haircut is characterised by ‘soft, wispy layers that frame the face and create a voluminous, airy look,’ says Douglas. ‘It often involves hair being styled away from the face, resembling the smooth and sleek feathers of a bird. This hairstyle is usually achieved by cutting layers that are then blown out or styled with a round brush to give the appearance of “feathers”.’
These days, the style is much subtler than Fawcett’s extra voluminous ‘do. ‘The layers got longer and the face framing became more connected to the length creating a softer shape through the front,’ offers Katie Jane Bailey, hairtylist at Larry King’s Notting Hill salon. It can be styled as glamorous waves, but as Margot Robbie and models at Tom Ford SS24 prove, it looks great as a straight, sleek look with a 90s vibe, too.
What are the benefits of a feathered haircut?
This haircut wins brownie points for versatility. It helps to give fine hair types the illusion of extra volume and bounce, while those with thick hair can use the feathered cut to remove any weight and create a refined silhouette. It is also easy to maintain. Regular trims are useful to keep the shape, of course, but even if you miss an appointment (or two), your hair will most likely still retain its bounce thanks to the layers.
It’s amazing for curly and coily hair, too. Says Douglas: ‘The layered cutting technique helps manage the volume of curly or coily hair, preventing it from looking too bulky or heavy, plus feathered layers add structure and shape to the hair, giving it a more defined and polished look. This can help highlight the natural curl pattern and create a balanced silhouette.'
According to him: 'By thinning out the ends with feathered layers, the overall weight of the hair is reduced, making it easier to manage and less prone to frizz. Feathered layers can also help emphasise and define the natural curl or coil pattern, making the hair’s texture stand out beautifully.’
How is a feathered haircut achieved?
As with all haircuts, the feathered style should take into account your hair type, facial structure and features, as well as your lifestyle. But in general, the look is achieved by slicing out the front of the hair to create a soft shape, and connecting the face framing pieces with the rest of the layers, creating a lovely flow throughout the haircut.
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On curly and coily hair, it’s imperative that your hairstylist creates bespoke layers that follow your natural curl pattern. Shorter layers add volume and shape, while longer ones reduce bulk .
‘This method focuses on cutting each curl individually to ensure it falls correctly and naturally. After cutting, the hair is styled to define the layers and the feathered effect. This might involve diffusing to enhance the curls, applying curl-defining products, and possibly some light shaping or trimming to perfect the final look,’ says Douglas.
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Medina Azaldin is the beauty editor of ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK, working across print and digital features. She has more than seven years journalism experience and has previously written for Red and Good Hoousekeeping. When she's not demystifying the latest skincare ingredient, sniffing out the next big perfume trend or uncovering the science behind wellness practices, you'll most likely find her in Hatchards Piccadilly or watching a crime series with her cats. Oh, and she's a competitive cheerleader, too.
