Style

How To Style A Blunt Cut Based On Your Hair Type

Layers have their perks, but a blunt cut can offer low-key maintenance with a simple, modern look.

Written by Deanna Pai

The beauty of a blunt cut is that it offers a big impact, whether you’re working with a bob, a lob, or even longer length. And it does that without requiring much elbow grease in return. “Blunt cuts are low-maintenance,” says Raven Hurtado, a hair stylist based in Chicago. For the uninitiated, blunt cuts are haircuts in which the length is all one length — so no layers, no choppiness, and no razored ends.

Because they’re a single length, blunt cuts can be easier to style than their more complicated counterparts. “With layers, sometimes you have to take sections in different directions to style,” says Hurtado. There’s none of that here — mostly because you just don’t need it. “The appeal of a blunt cut is it gives a healthy, clean look,” Hurtado says. “It looks polished and put-together.” With that said, the styling will differ depending on your hair type.

Scroll on to learn how best to work with a blunt cut depending on your hair texture — including products from Ulta Beauty that you’ll need on hand to make the most of it.

Straight Hair

Straight hair and a blunt cut are a match made in (hair) heaven; each plays up the other for a super-sleek look. Maximize that effect when you’re styling. “For straight hair, use a flat iron and finish off with a shine spray for a glossy look,” Hurtado says. Try BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Ionic Straightening Iron, which heats up quickly and features ionic technology for extra smoothing, and then spritz hair with Kenra Professional Shine Spray to give strands a glossy look without adding weight.

Wavy Hair

The challenge of a wavy blunt cut is that it can be a little harder to get the movement and separation of waves, which is why it helps to use a wave-enhancing product. “Use a texture spray on damp or dry hair and use your fingers to separate the waves, achieving volume and texture for an effortless look,” says Hurtado. Briogeo Superfoods Banana + Coconut Soft Wave Texture Spray skips the salt (which can be drying) for naturally hydrating coconut sugar, which gives hair a piece-y look. While waves work well with air-drying, you can also use a tool like Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler - Complete Long to create smooth, voluminous waves without the extreme heat.

Curly Hair

Curly blunt cuts benefit from a uniform curl pattern, which isn’t always the case for many. To create that definition, then, “apply a gel curl and take sections of hair and twist,” Hurtado suggests. Try Pattern Curl Gel, which offers touchable hold, definition, and moisture with a blend of coconut and cacay oils. “Next, flip your hair over and follow up with a diffuser, scrunching your hair upwards for defined bouncy curls,” she says. Bio Ionic Universal Diffuser allows you to customize the airflow to get as strong (or as gentle) an airflow as you need.

Coily Hair

Blunt-cut coils can make for a dramatic, head-turning look. “Coily hair needs moisture,” says Hurtado matter-of-factly. “Apply a moisturizing cream while it’s wet to keep the curls hydrated and tamed.” Try Naturalicious Moisture Infusion Styling Crème, which nourishes hair with a blend of shea butter and sunflower oil and offers heat protection. Another option is DevaCurl SUPERCREAM Rich Coconut-Infused Definer; it gives curls flexibility, moisture, shine, and length for up to 96 hours — all without feeling stiff or crunchy. Then, diffuse hair with a tool like Curlsmith De-Frizzion Dryer until it’s dry.