What do Rosario Dawson, Miley Cyrus and Rihanna all have in common? They have all had undercut or sidecut hairstyles at one point or another! Both of these cuts have broken a few rules, laughing in the face of other cuts deemed conventionally attractive, in favor of a bolder, more original approach.
Not only that, it's also totally possible to fake the look if you don't feel ready or brave enough to do it for real. All you have to do is create a deep side part and flatten the smallest side against your head using styling gum. Then, simply arrange the rest of your hair around it so that it falls over the flattened section a little.
So, what's the difference between them?
The sidecut (also known as the half hawk) is a style that features a shaved section on one side. The undercut, however, is when the entire back of the head is shaved but the hair on top remains long and falls to one side, meaning the undercut section is only visible when the rest of the hair is styled to show it off. Ultimately, the results are pretty similar, with the shaved (or faked) areas usually peeking out from under a side-swept curtain of long hair.
Not so very long ago, sporting a sidecut or an undercut meant you were a punk. In fact, if these cuts ring a bell it's because they were pretty common thirty years ago. If you thought the 80s were over, you would be wrong. One of the first to wear the undercut was actually David Bowie, believe it or not.
Unsure about trying an undercut?
If you're contemplating trying one of these out for yourself, just be aware that they suit longer faces more than angular shapes and whatever you do, go to a salon to get it done! For the look to work, it's important to get the delineation of the shaved section done by a professional but more important is the fact of not hurting yourself.
As for the rest of your hair, keep in mind that a wavy, well-lacquered coupe will truly complement the shaved section.
So, do you dare?
