See a feathered haircut on your face before you book
Feathering gives hair a soft, brushed-back movement with a 70s feel. See whether it suits you before anything is cut. Free to try.
What is a feathered haircut?
A feathered haircut has soft layers that blend into one another and sweep away from the face. The ends are lightly tapered instead of blunt, so the hair moves and flicks outward in a gentle, retro shape. It can be done on a bob or on long hair.
Feathered looks, and how each one works
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Feathered long layers
On long hair, the layers blend so softly that you do not see steps. The ends taper and flick away from the face. This keeps your length and adds a light, brushed finish that is easy to fall into.
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Feathered bob
A bob with tapered ends that turn out or flick back at the jaw. The line is softer than a blunt bob. It reads as relaxed and a little vintage, and it looks best with a blow-dry.
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The retro fringe
The classic 70s fringe is longer, parted in the middle or to one side, and brushed back and away from the forehead. It frames the eyes without covering them, and it grows out into the rest of your layers.
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How the flick is made
The shape is mostly in the drying. A round brush or large hot rollers turn the ends away from the face while the hair is warm. Let it cool in place, then brush lightly so it blends instead of staying stiff.
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Feathering fine hair
Fine hair can look fuller with feathering because the layers add lift at the front. Keep the feathering light and the bottom length strong, or the tapered ends may look wispy and thin.
- Best for
- Straight or slightly wavy hair with some body, and anyone who likes a soft, brushed look. It works on bobs, lobs and long hair.
- Upkeep
- Feathering depends on the blow-dry. Plan on a round brush or large rollers most days, and a trim now and then so the tapered ends keep their shape.
- Watch out for
- On very curly or very coarse hair, the fine ends can puff instead of sweep. On thin hair, ask for light feathering so the ends do not turn see-through.
More looks to try
Try a feathered look in the app
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Add one clear photo
Use a front-facing photo with your hair down and your face fully visible. The soft layers around your face show best that way.
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Pick a bob and a long cut
Browse the catalogue and choose one soft layered bob and one long layered cut. Seeing both helps you decide which length feels right.
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Import a retro reference
Found a 70s-style feathered cut on Pinterest or Instagram? Import the photo and see that exact cut on your own face.
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Toggle and compare
Use See original, regenerate for another version, then download or share your favorite. Your texture and your stylist's technique decide the final result.
Take it to your stylist
Use the words soft and blended
Say you want layers that blend with no visible steps, and tapered ends. That separates feathering from choppy, textured cuts.
Show the direction
Bring a photo that shows which way the ends go: flicked away from the face, or turned under. Your stylist cuts differently for each.
Ask for a blow-dry lesson
Ask them to show you how they dry it. Feathering looks very different with a round brush than air-dried, so learn the move before you leave.
Good to know.
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How is a feathered cut different from a butterfly cut or a shag?
Feathering is about blended, tapered layers that sweep away from the face with no visible steps. A butterfly cut stacks shorter face layers over longer ones for volume, and a shag uses choppy, textured layers around the crown. Feathering is the softest and most brushed of the three.
How is feathering different from regular layers?
Regular layers can be blunt steps of different lengths. Feathering tapers each layer into the next so the hair has one smooth flow, and the ends are lightly thinned. It is a finish and a style, not just where the layers start.
Is a feathered haircut good for fine hair?
It can be, with light feathering. The soft layers at the front add lift, and the shape looks full. Keep the bottom length fairly strong, because heavy tapering on fine hair can leave the ends see-through.
Can I wear a feathered cut without blow-drying?
You can, but the sweep will be softer. Feathered hair air-dries into a gentle wave on many hair types, which is nice, but the flick usually needs a round brush or rollers. Ask your stylist how your hair behaves.
Does a feathered cut work on gray hair?
Yes. Soft, tapered layers can look lovely on silver and white hair, especially with a gloss or shine routine. Gray hair can be drier, so ask your stylist about keeping the ends healthy so the feathering looks smooth.
Keep exploring
- Layered Haircut Simulator See yourself with layers before you book the cut
- Butterfly Haircut Simulator See a butterfly haircut on your own photo first
- Bob Haircut Simulator See yourself with a bob before you cut it
Ready for your new look?
See it on you before you cut. Free to try.