Last year may have given us Brat Summer, but things are moving in a decidedly prim direction for 2025. Hair-wise, you’ll be seeing a lot more of the Charlotte cut.
It follows in the footsteps of rising trends we’ve seen elsewhere, like the ultra-feminine hair trend (which has seen Princess updos and dainty buns return), or even fashion re-runs, like the pearl necklace, which is making an undeniable comeback and resurrecting vintage charm, referencing the likes of Jackie O and Coco Chanel as it goes.
What is the Charlotte cut?
Remember in Legally Blonde when Elle Woods was trying to nail the perfect first-day-at-work outfit? She flew through her wardrobe, musing: “too Nancy, too Hillary, too Monica, too perfect for words!” This is that in haircut form.
The Charlotte cut lands on the same energy as Sex & The City’s Charlotte York. It’s a little prim, preppy, traditional and romantic. You can imagine it worn with an alice band, a pearl necklace and a tailored cardigan. But as with the ultra-feminine hair trend, it comes with a modern update, and we’ve seen it worn with a pinch of salt from the cool-girls who have been pairing it with edgier outfits and relaxed tailoring.
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As for the chops actual anatomy? It’s essentially a lob or collarbone-length style, cut one-length with minimal or invisible layering (to distance itself from the shaggier Rachel or butterfly cuts that have been trending). The styling is just as important. The trend keeps things feeling polished and sleek, but it should feel approachable, like a girl-next-door swishy finish versus anything too “done”. Mussy sexture is definitely not the vibe here, though.
Why choose the Charlotte cut?
Any haircut you get is an opportunity to inhabit a character of your choosing, in the same way that landing on your outfit can help signal your personality. This one leans into the coquette, demure and old money trends that are only continuing to grow and evolve into 2025. But the cut offers versatility. It doesn’t actually lock you into one trend since you can choose to style it up in different ways on the days you want something a little more cutesy, edgy or relaxed.
It’s also perfect if you’re growing out a bob, or moving from longer hair toward a bob cut more cautiously since it’s basically a longer, lob chop.
How to wear the Charlotte cut?
We keep seeing the trend everywhere. Here’s some of our favourite ways to wear it.
Girl-next-door Charlotte cut
This cute collarbone-length Charlotte cut feels effortless, approachable and not too styled. A quick blast with a blow dryer and a brush can give this semi-sleek finish.