The Hush Cut Is Trending for Fall — Here’s Why We’re Obsessed With The Low-Key Layered Style

What Is a Hush Cut?

The hush cut is a wispy, layered haircut with a round silhouette, similar to an octopus cut or wolf cut. It often includes thin front bangs and face-framing layers with short to medium layers throughout and soft, feathery ends. The difference between the octopus cut and the hush cut is that the latter is a subtler version. Not only does this make it a great entry point for those looking to try out a layered style, it also makes the cut easier to maintain and grow out. 

How to Ask Your Stylist for a Hush Cut

According to Colin Ford, education director at Sachajuan, the best way to ask your stylist for a hush cut is to share a picture that clearly portrays the elements of the haircut that you are looking for. 

Since the hush cut is layered, it will require different techniques for different hair types, especially if you have wavy or curly hair. “One important aspect is that the texturizing of the hush cut can be done when the hair is dry,” Ford shares. “This way, you can see the desired amount of wispiness being achieved.”

The hush cut works best for those with medium to thick hair because the layers remove bulk. That said, it can still work for those with fine hair when the right adjustments are made. “Finer hair would not need as much texturizing as medium [or] thicker hair types would,” says Ford. If you have fine hair, you can add texture with a texturizing spray or pomade. 

How Should You Style a Hush Cut at Home?

Straight Hair

When styling a hush cut on straight hair, Ford likes to start with a leave-in conditioner, like the Sachajuan Leave In Conditioner, to detangle the hair, and a root spray to add volume at the crown. We suggest the Matrix High Amplify Wonder Boost — it includes a targeted spritz applicator to add extreme volume at the roots without weighing hair down. 

Then, Ford applies a styling cream (we like the Dae Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream) to hair before he begins blow-drying with a medium round brush. He recommends using rollers after drying the hair to create more volume and bounce. 

If you’re looking to air-dry your hush cut, apply a frizz-reducing styling cream, like the Redken All Soft Moisture Restore Leave-In Treatment with Hyaluronic Acid, to your hair when damp. Use your fingers to scrunch your hair for texture, or create a three-strand braid and take it out when your hair is dry. Finish everything off by applying the Redken Texture Paste through the length of your hair to create lived-in definition.

Wavy and Curly Hair

After shampooing and conditioning, squeeze the excess water from your hair and apply a leave-in conditioner, like the Carol’s Daughter Born To Repair Defining Leave-In Cream With Shea Butter, to smooth the hair and add definition. Then, spritz on a multi-benefit leave-in, like the Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Leave-In Conditioner. It adds shine, improves manageability, shapes curls and adds moisture without weighing down your hair.

Next, diffuse your curls with a blow-dryer (we recommend using a low heat setting), or use a medium round brush to blow out the hair. You can also air-dry your hair — the hush cut works really well with curls and waves because the layers keep your curls lightweight and bouncy. 

When the hair is dry, Ford recommends applying the Sachajuan Finish Cream through the ends for added shine and definition.