The U-Shape Haircut Is the Secret to Salon-Worthy Volume and Bounce

With fluffy hair making a comeback, it is no surprise that haircuts promising more shape and volume have become popular requests at salons. And the U-shape haircut is one of the most requested. “By creating face-framing layers for this cut, your stylist has instantly given your hair movement and a beautiful contour to highlight any face shape,” hairstylist, Evalyn Lopez Benoit tells Byrdie. Not only does the U-shape cut give your hair maximum bounce and movement, it also magically works on all hair types. On thick hair, the cut “removes weight and bulk and gives lift towards the front [to look] less boxy on thick hair,” hairstylist Raven Hurtado says. On thinner strands, it adds more texture and body.

We’ve reached out to hairstylists for a full breakdown on getting a U-shape haircut. Keep reading for their advice on maintenance and styling, as well as some visual inspiration to bring to your next appointment.

What Is a U-Shape Haircut?

The U-shape haircut looks exactly like you might picture it—but perhaps more subtle. The back and middle of the hair are kept at their longest length, while the sides are gradually cut shorter in order to give your hair a rounded look. Face-framing strands are cut to stop about chin-level to complete the look.

"The U-shape haircut is similar to a V-shape haircut," Hurtado explains. "The difference with a U-shape is the sides are rounded, giving it a curved look, while the V-shape haircut is more pointed towards the middle." Both styles may give your hair some added dimension but the U-shape offers a softer result. "The U-shape haircut is softer with light long layers that are rounded and blended while keeping the perimeter the same length," Hurtado says. The result? A haircut that leaves hair looking lush and full of dimension.

Does It Work on All Hair Lengths and Textures?

A U-shape haircut can be done on every hair length. It all comes down to how short you are willing to cut your face-framing strands. "The shorter the client's perimeter length is, the shorter the face-framing will need to be," Lopez Benoit says. "I think to keep this haircut looking soft and subtle, [it] would best suit a length that is, at minimum, past the shoulders."

As this cut removes weight from the hair, it is especially perfect for those with "thick, shapeless hair, who feels like their hair is just dragging them down," she adds. The U-shape haircut can work on all hair types, from thin and straight hair, to curly and coarse textures.

How to Ask for a U-Shape Haircut

Try asking for the cut by name at the salon, as it is well known among hair stylists. Hurtado recommends asking to "keep the length and add light face-framing—just enough to give fullness and to remove some of the weight." 

"To see if this cut would be right for you, consult with your stylist and bring in plenty of inspo photos to show them," Lopez Benoit says. "After deciding if their overall length is ideal for this cut, I would then focus on how they would like their face contoured with the framing layers we'll be adding in the front. The real beauty of the U-shaped haircut is the versatility that can be played with when it comes to face framing and the client's face shape."

How to Maintain a U-Shape Haircut

U-shape haircuts are generally easy to maintain. Your hair should preserve its shape as it grows out. Keep it looking sharp with trims about every six to eight weeks. We recommend setting a standing appointment with your stylist to ensure the cut doesn't lose its shape over time.

How to Style a U-Shape Haircut

The U-shape haircut can be styled in a variety of ways, which is one of its main advantages. Whether your hair is worn straight, curly or blow-dried into a roller set, you "will always see that visual of the U-shaped ends," Lopez Benoit says.

Both stylists like to use a curling iron to define the layers throughout. Hurtado prefers a 1.25-inch iron, while Lopez Benoit like to opts for a larger size. "Take a large section of hair (roughly four fingers width) and, starting at the tip of the hair, roll the iron toward the base. Release the section and spray with Kérastase Laque Couture Medium Hold Hair Spray," Lopez Benoit recommends. "Repeat on every section, alternating the direction of the iron. Once complete, flip the hair upside down, shake it out, and your mega bombshell transformation is complete."

The U-Shape Haircut On Celebrities

Medium-Length Hair with Bangs

Becky G was seen wearing a U-shape haircut at the 2024 Latin American Music Awards. Her thicker strands maintain both shape and volume. Her ends and bangs were curled inwards for a sleek and glamorous result.

Natural Curls

Those with curly hair can benefit from a U-shape haircut, as seen here on H.E.R., as it adds shape while enhancing natural texture.

Layers with Volume

Although Bella Hadid opted for a straight blowout, her hair remains bouncy thanks to the U-shape haircut. She opted for short face-framing strands and lots of layers for even more volume.

Blowout with Side Fringe

Viola Davis wore her hair in a timeless blowout style at a red carpet event. Her fringe seamlessly blends into her face-framing layers and connects to the rest of the length of her hair. She opted for a side part for some additional face framing.

Curtain Bangs

Sydney Sweeney opted for 1970s-inspired curtain bangs at an industry event. They were cut to blend with shorter layers, while her ends were curled inwards for a vintage effect.

Curly Bob

Zendaya wore her hair in a curly 'do—complete with bangs and a U-shape cut—at 2021 photo call for Dune in Paris. Each layer adds volume while helping maintain and boost her curls.

Long Waves

The U-shape cut also helps add shape to long hair. Amanda Seyfried wore the style in a middle part and subtle waves, while her face-framing strands were cut just under her chin.

Side-Swept Bob

Margaret Qualley opted for a timeless Hollywood hair style during the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures' annual gala in 2023. Her hair is swept in a deep side part, while her face-framing strands were curled for even more volume.

Straight with a Middle Part

A U-shape cut is an efficient way to add shape to long straight hair. Here, Gemma Chan wears hers in a middle part while her face-framing strands were cut near her shoulders. Longer layers can offer a more casual look.

Long and Curly

Charlie XCX has been sporting a U-shape cut as her hair is both long and curly. The cut adds shape to longer strands while preserving their length.