@betkeihair
Cute and sassy are a few words that best describe this hot red haircut that gets a boost thanks to its distinctive shape. The back of this style is impressively layered, while the ends are flipped just a bit to add some spice and break the smooth perfection.
For a good haircut, it isn’t just what it looks like; it’s about how it makes you feel. The possibilities for shaping hair are infinite, but two cuts stand out for almost all hair types: the V-cut and U-cut hairstyles. The V-shape gives you those slanted, tapered ends with lots of layers, while the U-shape is rounder and softer. The great thing about these particular haircuts is that they both flatter long, medium, and short hair equally, by creating a structured shape and texture within your strands.
Deciding on which cut works best for you and your hair largely depends on the look you are trying to achieve. For instance, if you are looking for a heavily layered style with tons of movement, then the “V” is best, but if you want something decidedly more subtle with more of an equal length, then you should opt for the “U”. For inspiration, browse some of the most popular “V” and “U” cuts below.
@craftinwith__shears
If your natural hair is very thick, it may be difficult to create the desired shape because of the bulk of your locks. However, the best way to combat extreme thickness is to try angled layers, seen here on this long style.
Long, blonde waves are easy to personalize and hard to overlook. These flowing strands are given life and movement thanks to the soft waves, middle part, and expert cutting technique.
@vividhairsalonandspa
Short hair is something that commands attention, especially with a professionally shaped haircut. That is the case with this edgy yet sexy cut that features a deep chestnut hair color with caramel highlights, a sleek side part, subtle layers, and a soft bang.
@melindabrandthair
Combining several elements that make for a head-turning style, this hairdo features an edgy blonde ombré color (from dark blonde to platinum), soft and subtle curls, and a flattering rounded shape to add structure and depth to the look.
@modernsalon
Super long hair doesn’t have to be dated or boring; a skilled scissor technique can create a cool and flattering shape. This long, red hair is given an update courtesy of the steeply angled baseline to keep it from being all one length.
@modernsalon
This crop, with its short length and jet black hair color, is fierce and edgy, a great option for those who are daring with their hair choices. The finishing touch of the shaved sides brings this style together flawlessly.
@modernsalon
One of the most important things for long hair is to give your locks life with a feel of movement. Incorporating movement is easy once you decide on a cut with layers and the right silhouette.
@tagyourhair
Here, you have bright red hair color, a deep side part with a swoop bang, and long hair that is layered to perfection. The angular shape is so prominent in this cut that you can see the details from both the front and the back.
@modernsalon
You might not notice that this blonde hairstyle is sharp-cornered until you get a look at the back view. From the front, you see some subtle layers, but the back is where the pointed shape really shines.
@krystalhairdesign
Although the curls are the focus, this V-cut hair still benefits from the tapered baseline that gives it depth and dimension. Unlike most V-cuts, this one features most of its layering in the front, while the back retains the most length.
@g_stylin
If you love keeping your hair long with minimal styling, this extended cut with a curved silhouette is perfect for you. The sleek, dark strands are given just a hint of depth thanks to the finely chopped layers.
@makeupbox104
Your hair says a lot about you – and this style speaks volumes. With flamboyant pink ombré and soft, feminine waves, the dramatic, sharp-cornered hairstyle gives off fearless energy. It’s a look that owns the room.
@saloncartier
Cute and sassy are a few words that best describe this hot red haircut that gets a boost thanks to its distinctive shape. The back of this style is impressively layered, while the ends are flipped just a bit to add some spice and break the smooth perfection.
@betkeihair
Some layered haircuts take on a more creative twist, like this detailed style. The back showcases four precisely shaved lines, while the rest of the hair is softly curled and layered for added texture and movement.
@american_salon
Curly hair can sometimes hide the finer details of a haircut, but the right cut helps the curls fall beautifully and naturally. This dark brown style with caramel highlights is a great example – soft, flowing, and full of dimension.
@modernsalon
This medium-length brown hairstyle gets a boost of personality from soft curls that begin mid-length and cascade to the ends. The subtle shaping adds movement without feeling too frisky. Such curls photograph beautifully, so if you have a photoshoot in mind, pin the image for later.
@littleweninger
Thanks to the soft curl pattern and cool blonde hair color, this style is a hair dream that has come true. Even if you want to wear it straight, it will still look amazing because of the strong silhouette.
@jmayhelen
Curled hair can look just as stunning as straight styles, and this photo proves it. The subtle ombré highlights bring out the shape of the cut, which remains visible from the back, even with all the voluminous curls.
@hairbychaemarie
Looking for a new way to wear curls? This look delivers. The vibrant auburn color pairs with chunky, smooth curls that loosen slightly at the ends for a touch of effortless texture.
@belanovasalon
This streamlined pixie cut proves that precision and layering matter. The hair is sculpted with clean lines and evenly spaced layers that add volume and movement throughout the top.
@mou_broxxn
A V-shaped cut is strategic for women with long, thick hair because it allows you to maintain the length without the feel and look of overpowering heaviness. An ombré with light caramel highlights also provides a weightless and airy feeling to dark, dense strands.
@thesalonbeau
A tapered haircut does not always have to come to a dramatic point at the ends; it can also be soft and subtle, as shown here. You can play this game further and blur the contours of the cut with a cute ombré featuring all the sweetest tones – chocolate, caramel, and honey.
@bloheartsyou
Texture is important in any hairstyle, and the key is to make sure that it complements your haircut. Bold, bouncy curls may seem overdone, too heavy, and shapeless without layers and the proper contouring that comes from quality shaping.
@blotampa
If you are a woman who shuns convention, this non-traditional haircut is for you. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a long, layered cut; you can take the concept literally by actually etching the letter into your undercut.
@johnny_spanakos
This type of haircut and ombré is a famous couple, but you can always make your look less predictable with a new hair color idea. Dark blue highlights in high-shine black layers seem mysterious and absolutely unhackneyed.
@american_salon
Loose waves are the most universally appealing style because they work well with any hair color and almost any length. This medium-length hairstyle is perfect for women who need to look pulled together every day, and it can easily take you to any event if you have a super-packed schedule.
@modernsalon
Long and soft loose curls are a no-brainer. Plus, with the length that falls far below the shoulders, this haircut is long enough to pull your locks into a comfortable ponytail or any sophisticated updo you see in a new hair trend report.
@nataliakop
Feel like your long, loose waves need more dimension? Balayage highlights the natural flow of the layers. The gradual lightening draws attention to the shape and texture. Suddenly, the ends pop like never before.
@american_salon
Great styles are the ones that don’t require much effort. Natural bedhead waves are stylish, effortless, and easy to maintain. They’ve got that easygoing feel that works for all kinds of routines, but still look put-together.
@modernsalon
If you have thick hair, have some fun with a two-tier layered haircut that provides terrific volume. It will look best on women with mid-length straight or slightly wavy, thick hair.
@american_salon
If you are blessed with thick, luscious locks like these, you don’t need to do much to make them stand out. Regular trims of long layers are all you need to maintain the structure and shape of your hairstyle, which will inevitably lead to an overall stunning appearance.
@modernsalon
Plum red and burgundy curls create a fiery and attention-getting look. A V-cut hairstyle allows you to rock heavy curls, which still look compact and well-organized. While the color is deep, it is also vibrant, so it may be better suited for environments that welcome expressive styles.
@emzysalonandspa
When you want to give straight hair some body without heavy curls, bumping the ends provides a quick dose of volume. Drawing attention to your ends is especially useful with a pointed baseline because it showcases the special design of the cut.
@number_76
Sometimes, simple is best. There is nothing groundbreaking about this hairstyle, but that doesn’t take away from its flair. Loose soft curls and sun-kissed highlights are timeless because they are a good option for many different hair types.
@jillianmariebeauty
When you style your curls mid-shaft to ends, you achieve a gorgeous modern hairstyle, keeping your hair from looking too big or too dated like an ’80s perm. Create loose waves with a curling iron, gently brush them out for softness, and finish with a light-hold hairspray.
@american_salon
Jet black hair is alluring for many reasons; it is mysterious, it reflects light, and it may hide breakage better than lighter hues. The hairstyle in this photo combines all three for a perfectly lovely look. If you need a hairdo that will look good in any environment, this is your best bet.
@sarabarnettwilliams
The best part of this pointed haircut is that no matter how long you take between trims, the style will still retain its shape. To achieve easy beach waves, tie your hair in a high bun and let it air dry and set overnight.
@iamtheloud1
Ombré hair has been trending for many seasons now. But that doesn’t mean that you have to go with the typical dark-to-light variations to highlight your V-line style. Have some fun with shades of purple and a hint of gray for a unique, head-turning hairdo.
@modernsalon
Blonde ends instantly brighten dark hair and bring life to long, limp locks. The best part is that this style doesn’t require any touch-ups, because the roots remain dark and don’t make the growing-out phase difficult.
@gustavoblesa
The key to having healthy, straight hair is regular trims – nothing ruins a good haircut like split ends. If you dye your hair, it is even more crucial to pay attention to the ends, because they can break more easily. A layered cut will structure thin strands and provide body.
@american_salon
The V-haircut and U-haircut have been around for quite a while, but the key to keeping them modern is to incorporate new ways to wear them. Whichever cutting style you choose, always remember that the actual cut is the key thing and the style is secondary, but important nonetheless. So have fun with your tapered haircuts and remember to choose a style you feel great in.
