The ‘Charlotte cut’ is 2025's most flattering haircut

Last year may have given us Brat Summer, but things are moving in a decidedly prim direction for 2025. Hair-wise, you'll be seeing a lot more of the Charlotte cut.

It follows in the footsteps of rising trends we've seen elsewhere, like the ultra-feminine hair trend (which has seen Princess updos and dainty buns return), or even fashion re-runs, like the pearl necklace, which is making an undeniable comeback and resurrecting vintage charm, referencing the likes of Jackie O and Coco Chanel as it goes.

What is the Charlotte cut?

Remember in Legally Blonde when Elle Woods was trying to nail the perfect first-day-at-work outfit? She flew through her wardrobe, musing: “too Nancy, too Hillary, too Monica, too perfect for words!” This is that in haircut form.

The Charlotte cut lands on the same energy as Sex & The City's Charlotte York. It's a little prim, preppy, traditional and romantic. You can imagine it worn with an alice band, a pearl necklace and a tailored cardigan. But as with the ultra-feminine hair trend, it comes with a modern update, and we've seen it worn with a pinch of salt from the cool-girls who have been pairing it with edgier outfits and relaxed tailoring.

As for the chops actual anatomy? It's essentially a lob or collarbone-length style, cut one-length with minimal or invisible layering (to distance itself from the shaggier Rachel or butterfly cuts that have been trending). The styling is just as important. The trend keeps things feeling polished and sleek, but it should feel approachable, like a girl-next-door swishy finish versus anything too “done”. Mussy sexture is definitely not the vibe here, though.

Why choose the Charlotte cut?

Any haircut you get is an opportunity to inhabit a character of your choosing, in the same way that landing on your outfit can help signal your personality. This one leans into the coquette, demure and old money trends that are only continuing to grow and evolve into 2025. But the cut offers versatility. It doesn't actually lock you into one trend since you can choose to style it up in different ways on the days you want something a little more cutesy, edgy or relaxed.

It's also perfect if you're growing out a bob, or moving from longer hair toward a bob cut more cautiously since it's basically a longer, lob chop.

How to wear the Charlotte cut?

We keep seeing the trend everywhere. Here's some of our favourite ways to wear it.

This cute collarbone-length Charlotte cut feels effortless, approachable and not too styled. A quick blast with a blow dryer and a brush can give this semi-sleek finish.

Add some vintage charm by rolling the ends under to create more volume at the ends.

A side-flip adds volume and side-partings are a major trend for 2025 in their own right.

This prim Charlotte cut has a little retro energy about it as well. The flicked ends feel a little ‘60s, but add an alice band and it would give ’90s preppy nostalgia.

Zendaya's been channelling old money vibes with preppy midi-length hair for a while now. She's worn hers multiple ways including this ultra polished nod to Hollywood waves.

Collarbone length curls cut blunt at the ends is a beautiful way to wear the Charlotte cut, and for extra Charlotte energy, add an alice band or style it paired with a preppy cardigan or skirt suit.

This half-up Charlotte cut feels extra romantic with the addition of a prim bow.

Go graphic with an exaggerated flick for a glam way to wear the style.

We love the volume and bounce of this stunning Charlotte cut. Invest in a hot brush or get to grips with your blow dryer and a round brush.

Wear it simple centre parted with the length ironed straight for a cool-girl take on the look.

For more from GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk

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