The ‘90s brought us some of beauty’s most iconic (and freshly revived) looks, like supermodel blowouts, French manicures, and shimmery pastel eyelids. You can add another resurrected trend to the ranks: the Christy Cut.
“I love that it is equal parts bold and minimal,” says Jennifer Korab, celebrity hairstylist and owner of Renaissance Salon & Spa in Hillsborough, New Jersey. “It makes a statement without trying too hard, and it looks just as good on the runway as it does on the street.”
Intrigued? Keep reading to learn what the Christy cut is, how it’s being adapted to modern times, and pro tips on styling it.
Photo by 305pics/GC Images
What Is the Christy Cut?
Inspired by supermodel Christy Turlington who rocked this look through the ‘90s, the Christy cut is a cropped style that embraces soft structure, a little texture, and a sort of non-fussy easiness. “It’s a sleek, fashion-forward take on the classic bowl cut. It’s sharp, sophisticated, and has that effortless cool-girl vibe,” Korab says.
Technically, yes, it is a bowl cut. But not the awkward bowl cut associated with your childhood. This variation is a polished, modern version with tailored edges and soft underlayers. Korab says it hugs the head in all the right places, with clean lines and a refined silhouette that gives it a high-end editorial appeal.
“We are in a major ‘90s revival, and bold, structured hair is part of this movement,” says Korab. “Celebrities like Hunter Schafer and Charlize Theron have been spotted with similar shapes, and there’s something striking about a short haircut that frames the face and shows off your features. It’s confidence in haircut form.”
Celebrity hairstylist Mia Santiago agrees, adding that this fresh take makes it feel new with a twist of nostalgia woven in. She adds, “Plus, people are loving embracing their natural texture. The model, Mathilda Gvarliani, is perfection rocking the Christy.”
How to Style and Maintain a Christy Cut
Whether you’re going for the big chop or looking for a new way to zhuzh up your short hair, this cropped hairstyle is surprisingly flattering and versatile. Korab recommends it for those with straight to slightly wavy texture, and notes that it really flatters oval, heart, and square face shapes.
- Bring a photograph to your stylist so they have a visual reference of the look you’re going for. From there, you can customize the Christy cut to your specific features.
- “Blow dry with a small round brush to keep that polished finish,” Korab says. Work with your hair’s natural texture and waves versus trying to go against it. Bringing out your natural texture is the beauty of this style.
- Finish by styling with using a lightweight smoothing cream or styling balm to define the shape and control flyaways. A shine spray can also take it to the next level.
- Since this haircut is all about shape, regular trims every four to six weeks are essential. Alternatively, Santiago says you can let it grow out and evolve over the course of eight to 12 weeks if you’re OK with adding length.