Bob haircuts are trending in 2024—but not just any basic blunt cut. You may have seen the Baroque bob with its polished, soft waves or the modern A-line bob that's shorter in the back and longer in the front. Another popular—and a little bit niche—haircut is the "halo" cut.
The halo haircut is all about creating a rounded perimeter around your face, like a halo. We spoke with a professional hairstylist to learn more about the cut, how to style it, and whether or not it's right for your unique features.
- Wes Sharpton is a stylist and the Lead Brand Educator at Hairstory.
- Nunzio Saviano is the owner of Nunzio Saviano Salon in NYC.
What Is the Halo Haircut?
Like a bowl cut, the halo haircut is a short, chin-length bob with connecting bangs. "A halo cut is a mixture between a bob and a bowl cut. It has the length of a bob but has bangs that are connected to the framing," explains stylist Wes Sharpton. "This removes the traditional bob angle in the front, which creates more of a halo effect. The style also has layers throughout, giving it more of a bowl shape."
When cut shorter, "the halo haircut resembles a pixie or short shag, with blunter edges that add thickness around the haircut’s perimeter for a fuller appearance,” explains salon owner Nunzio Saviano.The vintage-inspired cut is suitable for all face shapes and hair textures.
"I believe that anyone can rock this look. What's important is deciding how you'd like to customize the elements of the style," says Sharpton. For example, if you have curly hair, the layers can accentuate your curls' natural volume and shape. For straight hair, the halo haircut's rounded layers can accentuate your face's natural contours.
How to Customize the Halo Cut With Your Stylist
The halo haircut can be less than flattering if not adequately customized—or if it grows out too much. "As with every haircut that is having a moment, it's really important to ask your hairdresser to customize it for you," says Sharpton.
"Some people may prefer this style with the haircut a little shorter, whereas others may prefer it a bit longer. What's really important is talking to your stylist and figuring out how you would like the cut to look, what would be best for you, and what will make you feel the most confident."
When speaking to your stylist, Saviano says to “ask for rounded layers across the head and soft, rounded edges along the hair’s perimeter to achieve the halo effect.” For curly hair, share your desired length, and be sure they account for any curl shortening when the hair is dry. (Bring pictures for reference.) For straight hair, discuss a length that will naturally round under. If the layers are too long, they may flip outward and ruin the halo effect.
Maintenance and Styling Tips
Since this isn't a low-maintenance cut, expect to go in for a trim every six weeks or so. "You might be able to trim the bangs once it's established, but I would strongly recommend against trying to cut this entire shape yourself," says Sharpton.
This isn't the type of cut you want to try with a stylist you're not confident in. "Bowls and bobs take years to master as a hairdresser, so definitely look to an expert to obtain this style," says Sharpton.
Daily styling is as straightforward or as involved as you want. "Styling can range from wearing it as is—in its natural textures, be that straight, curly or in between—to blowing it out and/or using hot tools to create waves," says Sharpton.
Heat Styling
For straight hair, Saviano says to use a volumnizing spray on damp hair, then blow-dry using a round brush to lift the roots and create softness around the edges. Finish with a light texturizing spray to enhance the halo effect and add movement.
For curly hair, use a volumnizing mousse with a curling cream on damp hair, blow dry using a diffuser only. Saviano suggests adding a finishing cream to separate and add shine to the curls.
If you use any additional hot tools, Sharpton recommends protecting the hair with a heat protectant spray.
Air Drying
If you want to air dry your hair for a more natural look, simply apply a leave-in conditioner, mousse, or a product like Hair Balm ($37, Hairstory) to define and soften the hair, then let it dry as usual.For curly hair, hair plopping is an ideal heat-free method.
