What Is The ‘Kitty Cut’ Hairstyle & Is It Right for You?
In this article:
- Wolf cut, cub cut, kitty cut… What’s the difference?
- Who Can Wear the Kitty Cut?
- How to ask for a kitty cut?
- Styling tips for the kitty cut
In my work with clients from around the world at the Rossano Ferretti Hairspa in Park Hyatt New York, one truth always stands out: the best haircuts are those that feel authentic to the person wearing them. A truly exceptional cut doesn’t follow fashion, it follows you. The so-called “kitty cut” embodies this beautifully. Defined by long, fluid layers and a softly grown-out fringe, this shape enhances your natural texture and moves with ease. It’s not about trends—it’s about timeless elegance and personal comfort.
Refined using the Ferretti Metodo Cut—our invisible cutting technique—the kitty cut is crafted to respect your hair’s natural fall, adapting gracefully to your features and lifestyle.
Wolf cut, cub cut, kitty cut… What’s the difference?
Though these names have become popularised in recent years, it’s important to understand the structural differences between them—especially when discussing your goals with your stylist.
- The wolf cut tends to be heavily layered with a sharp contrast between short and long sections, often styled with a tousled, edgy finish. It draws inspiration from vintage shag shapes and works well for those seeking a bold, rebellious aesthetic.
- The cub cut, a shorter, more playful variation, usually sits at or above chin-length, with defined layering and a stronger silhouette.
The kitty cut is different. Its beauty lies in softness and fluidity—subtle layering that grows out gracefully, frames the face with ease, and brings natural movement without feeling heavy or overly stylized. It’s ideal for those seeking balance, manageability, and a refined silhouette that doesn’t overpower.
Who Can Wear the Kitty Cut?
One of my favourite things about the kitty cut is how universally flattering it is. It can be beautifully adapted for:
- Straight and Fine Hair – Layers bring volume and lightness, while the shape adds interest without overwhelming delicate textures.
- Wavy Hair – The natural bends in your hair enhance the lived-in, tousled look of the kitty cut.
- Curly or Thick Hair – With the right layering, this cut helps manage density while defining shape and movement.
A skilled stylist will adjust the layering and fringe based on your hair’s density, face shape, and natural growth pattern, and knowing your hair type can help you get the most from your cut. It’s also a wonderful option for those in transitional phases—growing out a bob, reshaping long hair, or craving something fresh but not radical.
How to ask for a kitty cut?
When asking for a kitty cut at a salon, it’s important to communicate your personal style while your hairstylist assesses your hair type. At Rossano Ferretti Parma, we emphasise the importance of customization with our world-renowned Ferretti Metodo Cut. This technique tailors the cut to your unique hair texture and type, ensuring the kitty cut complements your natural beauty. Your hairstylist will discuss your desired length, the extent of layering, and how you prefer your fringe to frame your face. Ultimately, if you are in a Rossano Ferretti HairSpa, our Hair Artists are dedicated to creating the best, personalised style for you, with a tailored consultation.
View this post on Instagram
Styling tips for the kitty cut
What I love most about this cut is that it supports effortless beauty. It allows you to work with your hair rather than against it. Whether your goal is to achieve an air-dried natural look or a softly finished salon effect at home, here are my professional tips for getting the most out of your shape:
-
Embrace Air-Drying—But Strategically
The kitty cut’s light layering and soft silhouette are ideal for clients who prefer to let their hair dry naturally. To ensure your cut dries with intention rather than unpredictability:
- Start with a towel-blot dry, not a vigorous rub. Over-agitation creates frizz and disrupts the natural pattern.
- Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle and position your fringe and face-framing layers where you want them to fall.
- Define your texture early. If you have waves or curls, twist small sections around your fingers while damp to encourage shape as it dries. For straighter hair, comb it into place and let gravity assist with smoothness.
Allowing your natural movement to set in place without forcing it creates that effortless texture the kitty cut is known for.
-
Master a Light, Root-Lifting Blow-Dry
For clients who prefer more polish or structure, a gentle blow-dry can enhance the shape without overworking it.
- Use your hands instead of a round brush to preserve softness. Lift the hair at the roots while blow-drying downward to encourage volume at the crown without disrupting the ends.
- For fringe/bangs: Use a flat brush or your fingers to sweep it side-to-side while drying to achieve a soft curtain shape that sits beautifully and doesn’t split or fall flat.
- Avoid over-drying the ends—focus heat at the roots and mid-lengths for natural lift and body.
This approach helps maintain the cut’s fluidity and avoids creating a stiff, overly structured appearance.
-
Work With Your Natural Parting
Unlike very geometric cuts, the kitty cut is flexible in how it frames the face. I encourage my clients to:
- Experiment with shifting their part slightly off-centre—it can change how the layers fall and create more volume where needed.
- If your hair around your parting tends to flatten, try drying your hair in the opposite direction first, then flipping it back to your natural side for added lift.
The freedom of this style lies in its asymmetry and movement—so don’t be afraid to let your parting evolve depending on how you’re wearing your hair that day.
-
Maintain the Cut’s Integrity Over Time
Even the most low-maintenance cut benefits from professional upkeep. To keep the shape fresh and flattering:
- Book soft reshaping appointments every 8–10 weeks. Even if you’re growing your hair, this will preserve the lightness and flow that defines the silhouette.
- If you have a fringe or bangs, you may need a light trim every 5–6 weeks to keep it from overpowering your face or losing its softness.
Remember: well-maintained doesn’t mean high-effort. It simply means your hair continues to look its best, even as it grows.
-
Support Your Texture Between Washes
On days you don’t wash your hair, your cut should still work with you. To keep it feeling fresh and light:
- Use a lightweight texturising spray to refresh the shape and revive movement in layered sections.
- For fringes, a light water spritz and quick restyling with your hands or a brush can restore shape in seconds.
- Avoid heavy products—this cut is about breathability and movement, not stiffness or hold.
Need extra guidance? Learn how to refresh your hair between washes for simple, stylist-approved techniques.
The kitty cut is not a trend. It is a celebration of softness, shape, and individuality. Whether you are easing into a new style or looking to refresh your current look, this cut offers a sophisticated yet playful option that suits many faces and textures.
As always, trust your stylist to interpret the cut in a way that is right for you. The best hairstyles are not copied. They are crafted.
