The feather cut is shaping up to be our favourite chop of 2024

We used to see trends play out slowly over decades, but thanks to social media's fast pace, they now pin-ball back and forth at speed. The feather cut, though, has the sort of longevity and versatility that can withstand the current.

Overall, there's two major trends we see yo-yo each season: super shaggy layers and sleek, blunt cuts. But the feather cut manages to blend the best of both into one chop.

This week, actress Lucy Hale jumped on board. She posted to her Instagram story, noting that she's joined the “short(er) hair club” after a new cut by celebrity hair stylist, Adam Campell and a soft (and slightly lighter) colour refresh by celebrity hair colourist, Matt Rez.

In the picture, Lucy reveals a collarbone length chop scattered with softly trimmed layers.

What is the feather cut?

Feathered cuts have been around for decades, particularly in the '70s and even in the 2000s, when flicky layers (like Alice Cullen) had a quick revival, but the 2020s spin is much softer – with gently feathered out ends versus a rigidly straight baseline and longer layers.

The cut takes its name from the feathers of a bird and, like a bird, the “feathers” (which in this case are layers) can appear fanned out and textural, or smoothed down for a more fluid shape. It means they can add flickiness and movement, but can equally disappear into a style, should you want something sleeker. As for the length, it works on long to short styles, but we love the relaxed length of a lob or collarbone cut, which finishes at the ideal spot to see those soft ends.

How to wear a feather cut?

Below we've rounded up some of our favourite ways to wear the feather cut…

For more from GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk

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