6 voluminous cut Hairstyles That Are Trending Everywhere Right Now
If you’ve been scrolling through your social media feeds lately, you’ve likely noticed a glorious shift. The sleek, pin-straight styles and tight, slicked-back buns of yesteryear are making way for something far more dynamic and, frankly, fun. Volume is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever. We’re not talking about the teased-to-the-gods hair of the 80s (though we salute it), but rather, a modern, artfully disheveled, and incredibly textured approach to hair.
This movement is all about the voluminous cut—hairstyles that are engineered by expert stylists to create body, movement, and a sense of effortless cool right from the salon chair. It’s a celebration of natural texture, face-framing layers, and the kind of hair that looks amazing even when it’s a little messy. Ready to embrace the body-positive hair trend? Let’s dive into the six voluminous cuts that are absolutely everywhere right now.
1. The Modern Shag: The Undisputed Queen of Volume
If there’s one haircut that has completely taken over, it’s the modern shag. This isn’t your grandmother’s shag; today’s iteration is a masterclass in controlled chaos. The key to its volume lies in the strategic, often razor-cut layers that remove weight from the hair, allowing it to naturally lift and separate. It’s typically characterized by choppy ends, plenty of texture around the crown, and, of course, those iconic curtain bangs that frame the face perfectly.
Who is it for? The modern shag is incredibly versatile. It works wonders on wavy and curly hair, enhancing its natural pattern. But even those with straight or fine hair can achieve incredible volume thanks to the internal layering that gives the hair something to “grip” onto. It’s a cut for the bold, the creative, and anyone who wants a low-maintenance style that looks intentionally undone.
Pro Tip: Ask your stylist for “internal layers” and “texturizing” to achieve that signature piece-y, voluminous effect without adding too much bulk.
2. The Butterfly Cut: The Epitome of Soft, Airy Volume
Inspired by the delicate wings of its namesake, the butterfly cut has fluttered its way to the top of the trend charts. This cut is all about creating a soft, airy, and floating effect around the shoulders. The technique involves long, face-framing layers that start at the chin or below, lifting the weight from the mid-lengths and ends. The result is a silhouette that resembles a butterfly’s wings—wider at the top and tapered in, creating a halo of volume that beautifully frames the face.
Who is it for? This is the perfect cut for those with medium to long hair who crave volume and movement but aren’t ready to part with their length. It’s exceptionally flattering, as the layers draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones. It works beautifully on straight, wavy, and lightly textured hair, creating a romantic and ethereal look that’s both modern and timeless.
Pro Tip: The butterfly cut truly comes to life with a blow-out. Use a round brush to lift the roots and curl the ends under or out for that iconic, winged shape.
3. The Octopus Cut: The Edgy, Textured Sibling
For those who find the butterfly cut a little too soft, meet its edgier cousin: the octopus cut. This bold and playful style is defined by its short, heavily layered back and longer, tentacle-like pieces in the front. The volume here is concentrated at the crown and through the front sections, creating a dramatic, almost architectural shape. It’s a mullet-adjacent cut that embraces texture and a “lived-in” feel, making it a favorite among the fashion-forward crowd.
Who is it for? The octopus cut is for the true trendsetter. It suits those with a bit of natural wave or curl to help the layers separate and form those distinct “tentacles.” It’s a statement-making cut that exudes confidence and a nonchalant attitude. If you have fine hair, this cut can actually make it look much thicker and more substantial.
Pro Tip: Scrunching a texturizing paste or sea salt spray into damp hair will enhance the separation and piece-y definition of this cut, giving it that perfect “just-been-to-a-concert” vibe.
4. The Collarbone-Layered Blowout
Sometimes, the most impactful trends are the chicest and most wearable. The collarbone-length layered cut is a timeless style that has been revamped for the volume era. Hitting right at the collarbone, this length is universally flattering. When combined with soft, long layers, it creates a perfect foundation for a bouncy, voluminous blowout. The layers prevent the hair from looking heavy or triangular, instead encouraging it to flip out or under in a classic, healthy-looking way.
Who is it for? Honestly, everyone. This is a fail-safe cut for any hair type or face shape. It’s professional enough for the office but can easily be dressed up for a night out. For those with fine hair, it provides much-needed body; for those with thick hair, it manages bulk while adding shape and movement.
Pro Tip: To achieve the perfect blowout at home, section your hair and blow-dry with a large round brush, focusing on lifting the roots for maximum volume before curling the ends.
5. The Voluminous Mullet: The Rebel With a Cause (For Body)
Yes, you read that right. The mullet is back, but it’s been thoroughly reimagined. The modern voluminous mullet is less “business in the front, party in the back” and more “soft layers in the front, textured, voluminous party in the back.” The focus is on creating a seamless flow from short, face-framing pieces to a fuller, longer back that’s packed with layers and texture. The volume is key—it’s what separates the 2020s mullet from its 1980s predecessor, making it feel fresh, artistic, and cool.
Who is it for? This is for the fearless individual who wants to make a statement. It works exceptionally well with wavy, curly, and coily hair textures, as the natural volume plays into the cut’s architecture. It’s a celebration of individuality and a rejection of conventional beauty standards.
Pro Tip: Embrace air-drying with this cut. Apply a curl-enhancing mousse and let your natural texture do the work. Use a diffuser to amp up the volume at the crown if needed.
6. The Long-Layered Volume Bomb
For those who believe that length and volume are mutually exclusive, we present the long-layered volume bomb. This cut proves you can have it all. The secret is in the placement of the layers. Instead of just trimming the ends, stylists add layers throughout the hair, focusing on the top and middle sections to lift the entire shape. This prevents the dreaded “triangle head” and gives long hair a sense of lightness, movement, and incredible body.
Who is it for? Anyone with long hair who feels it’s looking a bit flat, heavy, or lifeless. This cut is a game-changer, instantly adding dimension and a youthful bounce. It’s perfect for creating glamorous, old-Hollywood waves or beautiful, flowing beachy waves.
Pro Tip: When styling, flip your head upside down and blow-dry the roots first. This simple trick provides an instant volume boost that lasts all day.
How to Maintain Your Voluminous Cut
Getting a voluminous cut is the first step; maintaining it is the second. The right products and techniques are crucial for keeping your hair full of life.
Embrace Texture Sprays and Mousses: These are your new best friends. A good texturizing spray adds grit and separation to layers, while a volumizing mousse applied to damp roots provides a lasting lift.
Get Regular Trims: Voluminous cuts rely on their shape. As your hair grows, the layers can blur and lose their definition, causing the hair to fall flat again. A trim every 8-10 weeks will keep the shape intact.
Change Your Part: It’s a simple but effective trick. Switching your part from side to side, or trying a middle part, trains your hair to lift away from the scalp, preventing it from getting “stuck” flat.
Invest in a Good Dry Shampoo: Not only does it absorb oil on non-wash days, but the powdery formula also adds incredible texture and grip at the roots, making your hair easier to style and visibly fuller.
Ready to Take the Plunge?
The trend for voluminous cuts is more than just a passing fad; it’s a movement towards more expressive, personalized, and low-maintenance hairstyles. These cuts celebrate individuality, texture, and the simple joy of having hair that moves. Whether you’re drawn to the romantic butterfly, the edgy octopus, or the timeless layered blowout, there’s a voluminous cut out there waiting to transform your look and boost your confidence. So book that salon appointment, show your stylist these pictures, and get ready to live your life with more bounce, body, and beauty.
