IU's "cowgirl" cut is perfect for switching up your look

This season’s popular “cowgirl cut” might perhaps be the hair counterpart of the “clean girl” aesthetic. Popularised by the likes of American singer Sabrina Carpenter, and K-pop idol IU, this hairstyle combines face-framing bangs with choppy layers to create a relaxed, natural and carefree look.

“The style is all about looking effortlessly chic,” says Jerry Lin, chief director of Chez Vous: Private Space. “It embraces imperfections such as uneven ends, a bit of frizz, and a touch of unruliness.”

The cowgirl cut is a versatile look that can be customised to suit different face shapes, adds Ted Kim, managing director of Suchehwa by Ted.

For those with round faces, Ted recommends going for curtain bangs and layers to draw attention to the upper portion of the face while soft layers and a side swept fringe will add a touch of femininity to square faces.

However, he cautions those with very thin hair against this style “as the long layers may make the hair appear even thinner.” Ted shares that achieving the perfect tousled waves or managing longer layers still require some effort.

Jerry says women with dark and coarse hair should avoid this style as “the movement and texture of the cut might get lost, resulting in a messy, rather than stylish and tousled look.”

“You’ll need the right products such as a lightweight spray to hold the strands in place,” he advises.

To style the cowgirl cut at home, mist the hair with Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray before blow drying from the hair roots to add volume and texture. Next, use a roller to roll the fringe and use a flat or curling iron to curl the ends into a C shape. To keep the hold on, spray the Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, remove the roller, and you are all set.