The Charlotte cut hairstyle is prim, preppy, traditional and leans into that 90s aesthetic that we're seeing so much of right now. But who does it suit, what celebrity references are good to show clients and what do you need to know about creating the haircut everyone is talking about in 2025?
Where does The Charlotte Cut get its name from?
Inspired by Sex & The City's Charlotte York, it's prim and it's proper. Picture the cut worn with an Alice band, a pearl necklace and a cute cardigan.
But even though it's elegant, it can be given a modern twist with a more cool girl vibe - think pairing it with edgier outfits and relaxed tailoring. In short, it's timeless. "I see the Charlotte Cut as a very classic haircut that dips in and out of trends," confirms Jake Nugent, OSMO Ambassador.
Why is everyone talking about The Charlotte Cut hairstyle in 2025?
Clients who got bobs - aka THE hair cut of 2024 - might be wondering where to go with their hair next, but The Charlotte Cut is the perfect solution. Jake agrees: "Because it’s a one-length cut with minimal layering, it’s great for anyone who’s growing out a bob or thinking of going shorter without committing to a full chop."
How do you describe The Charlotte Cut to clients?
"I typically describe it as a collarbone one-length cut with a soft face-frame," shares Harry Andreou, at TONI&GUY Winchester. We've also heard it called the Lob, Clavi cut or soft bob.
What makes The Charlotte Cut the ideal hairstyle for 2025?
"This year, effortless, clean and polished styles are a huge hit, especially with the rise of the clean girl aesthetic," states Jake. "The Charlotte Cut fits perfectly into that trend – it's sleek, chic, and versatile. It’s got that old-money, preppy feel but with a modern edge. It’s polished without looking too ‘done’."
What hair types work well with The Charlotte Cut?
In short, it works on both shorter lengths and longer lengths, but the experts agree that the effect of the blunt cut would be best highlighted on straight, smooth and glossy hair so the secret is in the prep - think smoothing treatments and shampoos that hydrate and nourish.
How do you do The Charlotte Cut?
"For shorter hair, do a cut blunt at the edges and to the collarbone length that slightly rounds up at the front," shares Melissa Timperley, Alfa Italia Ambassador. "Only add minimal layering - we like to use our invisible layering technique for a polished and smooth look while still maintaining movement and body."
She adds: "It also works on longer lengths using the same invisible layering pattern and blunt rounded edges, but we would add more face framing around the front."
Who does The Charlotte Cut suit?
You can always adapt haircuts to suit different hair types and face shapes.
"To create a Charlotte Cut on thicker hair, remove weight first. For curly hair, layering will enhance their natural curl pattern and avoid that typical triangular shape that can sometimes happen with this look," Nestor advises. As ever it's all in the consultation, so if your client doesn't have the hair type for this trend, talk them through how you are going to adapt it to suit them.
"The cut avoids harsh lines, making it flattering for a variety of face shapes and hair types and it can be worn from chin-length to just above or below the shoulders," shares Nestor. "It's great for those who want to try something shorter without going dramatically short."
What colour goes best with The Charlotte Cut?"
"Being a collarbone-length, one-length cut, it exudes a prim, upscale, and romantic charm and can be adapted to different colour applications," says Joana Merêncio, Andreia Professional’s Technical Hair Trainer. She suggests solid colours such as rich chocolate or mocha browns, deep blacks, or even golden honey blondes to get that old money feel.
How to style The Charlotte Cut?
Melissa Timperley cites mousse and this styling wand as her secret weapons to styling The Charlotte Cut in the salon. Her top tip? "Curl all the hair towards the face," she adds.
What celebrities wear the Charlotte Cut Hairstyle well?
We love it on Kristin Davies (Charlotte York herself), Zendaya, Keira Knightly, Nava Mau, and Queen of the Lob Margot Robbie.
