Androgynous Hairstyle Inspiration For Your Next Salon Visit
For those who like to experiment when they get in the salon chair, nothing makes a statement like an androgynous cut. Caught somewhere between masculine and feminine energy, these hairstyles are the perfect way to express yourself and look super-stylish while doing it. But with so many androgynous styles to go for, choosing the best one for you is the tricky part. Hair might grow back, but we all know there's no regret quite like a chop that doesn't suit you.
Contrary to popular belief, an androgynous haircut doesn't have to just be a pixie or a buzzcut (though those are great options). Going for a unisex-inspired 'do doesn't mean saying goodbye to your long hair if you don't want to. While there are plenty of short styles to try, including all the variations of said pixie, you can also pull off this aesthetic with long locks if you go for something like a creative undercut or one of the many interpretations of the mullet.
You might want to take inspiration from celebrities who make androgynous styles look effortless, like Rihanna and her undercuts or Cynthia Erivo and her buzzcuts. Or perhaps you're looking for the best 'do for your face shape, whether it's a textured pixie for a square face or a blunt bowl cut to suit a narrow face. Whatever you're in the market for, our list of the best androgynous styles below has you covered.
A buzzcut is the most daring take on androgynous hair
If you're feeling bold, no androgynous hairstyle is as daring as the buzzcut. This ultra-short 'do takes confidence to pull off since you'll have next to no hair to hide behind, but the upside, along with the fact that styling takes seconds and it's super-practical, is that it exudes power and beauty. Buzzcuts tend to look especially stunning with brightly colored hair, but you could also rock your natural shade. After all, this style speaks for itself. Ready to take the plunge? Here's all the info you need for growing out a buzzcut.
Pompadour hair gives you the best of both worlds
The pompadour look returned to the mainstream in the late noughties, with stars like Rihanna proving just how hot this gender-bending style can be. An ode to '50s rockstars and heartthrobs, it's the perfect 'do when you want an androgynous feel but don't necessarily want to cut all your hair off. Rather than reaching for the scissors, this look is really about the volumizing and styling to create the signature "wave" silhouette. In that regard, it's great for anyone who's not 100% committed to a chop.
The mullet will never truly be gone for good
The classic mullet tends to come in and out of fashion, but no matter the era, this look will always blur the lines between masculine and feminine. There are lots of iterations of this traditional style, but the key ingredients are short layers at the top with short or even shaved sides and then long hair at the bottom. The beauty is that you can go as long as you like with the base layer of the hair, and given the volume that naturally occurs on top of the scalp from the short layers, it's ideal for those seeking an edgy look.
Try a wolf cut for a slightly less edgy mullet
The wolf cut is technically a kind of mullet, but it leans slightly feminine. It has the same short layers on the top and longer layers on the bottom but with more density and layering around the face, whereas a classic mullet is extremely short or even shaven around this area. The wolf cut tends to get thicker at the back of the head, and again, the base layer can be as long or as short as you like. Ultimately, this is such a distinctive style, and you can achieve a trendy wolf cut with any color you like.
The shag is the most feminine iteration of the mullet
If the mullet sits on the masculine side and the wolf cut is somewhere in the middle, the shag leans heavily toward the feminine territory. It has the same cropped layers at the top and longer base layer but with much more framing and length around the face. The distinction between the top short layer and the bottom long layer isn't so jarring, as everything blends together nicely. Additionally, most shags are characterized by bangs. Curly shags tend to create a particularly distinctive and beautiful look!
You can't go wrong with a classic pixie cut
The pixie is perhaps the most well-known androgynous style, and given the versatility of this look, it's truly an option for everyone. Depending on how you look at it, this cut is both masculine and feminine, channeling Peter Pan and Tinker Bell in equal measure. You can wear a pixie textured or keep it sleek, and it looks good both with bangs and without. Though this seems like a 'do that will have you running to the salon for maintenance every week, it actually looks great when lived in or grown out, so you don't have to worry about strict upkeep.
The undercut is the ultimate answer to cool
The undercut was another unmissable part of Rihanna's stunning hair transformation, popping up around the time she was experimenting with the pompadour. This is another hairstyle that allows you to have complete control over length — it's traditionally worn with short hair, but for a more outstanding and feminine look, you could pair your undercut with long hair at the top. Otherwise, you could wear it with a lob haircut for the perfect in-between length.
Don't knock the bowl haircut until you try it
The bowl cut gets a lot of flack, but this doesn't have to be a style that seems like your mom cut it by literally putting a bowl over your head. When styled intentionally, it creates a high-fashion moment and can even end up looking too cool for school. Plus, it's the perfect androgynous style that evokes masculinity and femininity at the same time. To keep it trendy, team it with trending colors and take the time to style it to your liking, whether that's with straight hair or texture. Now that you've got your hair sorted, here's our guide to nailing androgynous dressing.