10 Mid-Length Kitty Cuts to Recreate This Fall, From ‘90s Layers to Wispy Bangs

The Gist

• Kitty cuts lean softer than shags and wolf cuts, with blended layers that create movement without sacrificing fullness.

• InStyle rounds up 10 mid-length kitty cuts worth recreating this fall.

There's nothing quite like sitting in the salon chair and suddenly forgetting every haircut you've ever wanted. From butterfly cuts and wolf cuts to chin-grazing bobs , it's hard to keep up with the latest haircut trends . And if you're indecisive (like yours truly), a mid-length cut might just be the perfect sweet spot. Sure, it's often coined that "awkward" in-between length, but kitty cuts are proving otherwise. After its first major surge in 2024, the soft, layered haircut made its way onto the heads of everyone from Billie Eilish and Jenna Ortega to Laura Harrier. But what exactly separates the kitty cut from the rest?

Celebrity hairstylist Mitchell Ramazon explains that it's all about a softer approach to the layers ."The kitty cut is a softer, more understated take on the heavily layered cuts we've been seeing, and it usually falls around the collarbone with longer, seamless layers and subtle face-framing pieces," he tells InStyle . "It gives you movement and body without feeling overly styled, which I think is exactly why people are gravitating toward it right now." Celebrity hairstylist Hayley Heckmann agrees, noting that the cut typically sits around the collarbone and features subtle face-framing layers. "It's popular because it feels fresh and polished but is still really easy to grow out," she says.

As for styling, the goal is to play up that effortless texture. Heckmann recommends TRESemmé A-List Collection Dry Texturizing Spray : "It gives the hair that textured, effortless finish without making it feel too done." To really show off the layers, Ramazon likes to prep with Nexxus Prep & Protect Heat Defense Spray before blow-drying. It protects against heat up to 450°F while helping keep hair smooth, soft, and polished. "I'd finish with a little Nexxus Repair & Nourish Ultra Lightweight Hair Oil through the ends for that expensive-looking shine without losing the movement," she adds.

Ahead, discover 10 mid-length kitty cuts that just might inspire your next trip to the salon.

Meet Our Expert

• Mitchell Ramazon is a celebrity hairstylist.

• Hayley Heckmann is a celebrity hairstylist.

01 of 10

Classic Kitty Cut

When in doubt, stick to the classics. Billie Eilish's collarbone-grazing cut hits all the kitty-cut hallmarks: soft, seamless layers, subtle face framing, and just enough texture to keep things interesting. It's polished without looking precious—and practically begs for a little tousling.

02 of 10

Wispy Bangs

Suki Waterhouse makes a strong case for pairing a kitty cut with wispy bangs. Her soft, piecey fringe blends seamlessly into the face-framing layers, giving the cut that effortless, slightly undone quality. The wispy texture also keeps the bangs from feeling too heavy, allowing all that movement through the lengths to take center stage. Consider it the cool-girl approach to fringe.

03 of 10

Curtain Bangs

Jenna Ortega's curtain bangs melt right into the kitty cut's face-framing layers, creating that cool, tousled shape without veering too shaggy. The result? Soft, sultry, and just undone enough to look like you didn't try too hard.

04 of 10

Long Layers

When it comes to long layers, Jennifer Aniston practically wrote the rulebook. Keeping a kitty cut on the longer side delivers plenty of bounce and movement without requiring you to part with too many precious inches. Finish with a glossy, bouncy blowout for peak Aniston energy.

05 of 10

Shaggy Kitty Cut

Naturally, Miley takes the kitty cut for a walk on the wild side. Choppier layers and plenty of tousled texture give the otherwise soft silhouette a rock-and-roll edge, landing somewhere between polished and perfectly mussed.

06 of 10

Curly Kitty Cut

Who says the kitty cut is reserved for straight strands? Ruth Negga shows how beautifully the shape works with curls , with layers that let her natural texture spring up rather than weigh it down. The rounded silhouette gives curls plenty of body and definition while still keeping that signature kitty-cut softness.

07 of 10

Tousled Waves

A little bend goes a long way. Laura Harrier's tousled waves bring out every layer of the kitty cut, adding body and dimension while keeping the finish soft and unfussy. Recreate the look with a curling wand, alternating directions for that effortless, lived-in texture.

08 of 10

Short Kitty Cut

Not ready to commit to a full-on bob? Take a cue from Selena Gomez and go for a shorter kitty cut that skims the shoulders. The cropped length gives those soft layers a little extra bounce while still leaving plenty of room to play with styling.

09 of 10

With Flippy Ends

Sabrina Carpenter knows a thing or two about a bouncy blowout. Her flippy ends give the kitty cut a touch of Old Hollywood glamour, with swooping layers that feel equal parts retro and modern. Grab a round brush and blow-dryer to curl the ends away from the face—the bigger the bounce, the better!

10 of 10

With a Side-Part

Consider Rachel Zegler proof that the side part is very much alive and well. Sweeping a kitty cut to one side instantly adds volume at the roots while giving those face-framing layers a little extra drama. For even more oomph, work in a volumizing mousse before blow-drying and flip your part to the opposite side once your hair is dry.

Read the original article on InStyle