A chop cut is a specific type of haircut that involves cutting the hair straight across at one length. This creates a very blunt, one-length look with no layering or tapering. Chop cuts have been popular on and off since the 1920s, and can work for many different hair types and face shapes when done correctly.
What are the key features of a chop cut?
A chop cut has several defining features:
- The hair is all one length. There is no layering or tapering, so the hair is cut bluntly at the bottom.
- The hair frames the face at chin level or above. Chop cuts are usually fairly short.
- The ends of the hair are very straight and blunt looking. There is no point cutting or texturing.
- The hair can be parted in various ways, but is often parted right down the middle.
- Chop cuts remove all or most of the length, so they work best on shorter hair. Trying a chop cut on long hair is very dramatic.
- The hair is typically cut just above or below the ear lobes as the shortest point.
Overall, the main identifier of a chop cut is the very straight, blunt ends all at one length. This creates a bold, dramatic look when done well.
What is the history of the chop cut?
Chop cuts first emerged in the 1920s along with other short bob hairstyles for women. They became popular again in the 1960s and 1970s. Recently, chop cuts have come back into fashion, often used for making a bold style statement.
Here is a brief overview of the history of the chop cut:
- 1920s – Short, blunt bob cuts become popular, including chop cuts that are cut very straight at the bottom.
- 1930s – Longer hair grows in popularity again and chop cuts fade out.
- 1960s – Short, graphic hairstyles come back into fashion, including chop cuts.
- 1970s – Punk culture embraces chop cuts for their edgy, rebellious look.
- 1980s – Chop cuts fall out of mainstream fashion.
- 2000s – Chop cuts start to make a comeback, often seen on celebrities.
- 2010s to today – Chop cuts keep rising in popularity, with modern variations on the classic look.
So while chop cuts have waxed and waned over the decades, they have circled back as a trendy, artistic cut for the 21st century. Many celebrities have recently sported chop cuts, demonstrating their versatility and style.
What face shapes work best for chop cuts?
Chop cuts can be adapted to flatter different face shapes with the right styling. Here is an overview of which face shapes can pull off a chop cut well:
Oval faces
Oval faces tend to suit most hairstyles, including chop cuts. The rounded chin and forehead are nicely balanced by the straight lines of a chop cut. An oval face can wear a chop cut parted in the middle or swept to the side.
Round faces
Round faces can benefit from the angled lines of a chop cut to add shape. Styling the hair swept forward helps reduce width. Chop cuts work best if they are above the jawline for round faces.
Heart-shaped faces
A chop cut helps minimize a wide forehead for a heart-shaped face. Keeping the chops at chin length and adding volume at the sides of the head also balances out a pointy chin.
Square faces
The blunt edges of a chop cut complement a square jawline nicely. Parting the hair off-center helps soften the square angles. Chop cuts work well when cut to chin-length or a little longer for square faces.
So in summary, oval, round, heart-shaped, and square faces can all wear chop cuts well. The key is modifying the length and part to flatter specific facial features. Very long narrow faces are the one exception that usually do not suit chop cuts.
What are the most popular chop cut hairstyles?
There are a few common variations of chop cuts that have risen to popularity:
Pixie chop cut
A pixie chop cut is very short, cropped above the ears and nape. It creates a soft, wispy texture while still maintaining those straight edges. This is a great low-maintenance option.
Bowl chop cut
The bowl chop cut features hair that is longer in the front and cut shorter in the back. It frames the face nicely. Bowl chops often have bangs.
A-line chop cut
An A-line chop cut is shorter in the back and angles down longer toward the front. This can create more versatility in styling while keeping the choppy edges.
Shaggy chop cut
A shaggy chop cut adds choppy layers throughout while still maintaining the blunt bottom edge. This look has an undone, casual texture.
French chop cut
The French chop cut features hair that is styled forward toward the face, with possibly some fringe bangs. It creates a chic, Parisian vibe.
So whether you prefer a pixie, shaggy, bowl, A-line, or French chop, there are lots of ways to customize your chop cut style. Work with your stylist to determine which variation flatters you most!
How much does a chop cut reduce hair length?
Chop cuts can range from moderately to very dramatically short, so the amount of length reduction depends on your starting length and desired final length.
On average, here is how much length is removed for different starting lengths:
- Short hair (chin length) – 1-2 inches removed
- Medium hair (shoulder length) – 3-5 inches removed
- Long hair (bra strap or longer) – 6+ inches removed
For short hair, a chop cut may take off just an inch or two to create that blunt edge. With shoulder length hair, 3-5 inches is often removed to achieve a shorter chop cut styled around the jaw and chin.
For very long hair, removing 6 or more inches can be dramatic, taking hair from well past the shoulders to above the shoulders. This more dramatic reduction in length can allow someone with long locks to experience a whole new short style.
Regardless of your starting length, your stylist will determine the appropriate amount of reduction to achieve the chop cut look you want. Don’t be afraid to take length off – chops look best when they remove some substantial weight.
What products work best for styling chop cuts?
Chop cuts look best when they maintain cleanly defined, blunt edges. The right products can help achieve this look:
Sea salt spray
Sea salt spray adds texture and body to chop cut styles. Mist it on damp hair before drying. It helps create that undone, piecey look.
Matte styling cream
Matte styling creams smooth flyaways and control frizz. They also help separate strands for texture without shine.
Strong hold hairspray
Quality hairspray is key for keeping those straight edges in place and preventing wispy ends from ruining your chop’s shape. Use hairspray liberally.
Gel or pomade
Gel is perfect for slicking chop cuts neatly into place, while pomade offers shine-free control. Either product will tame unruly strands.
Texturizing powder
Use a dusting of texturizing powder to add grit and separation to chop cut strands, creating an undone finish.
The combination of sea salt spray for texture, a matte cream for control, and strong hold hairspray for structure offers the perfect trio of chop cut styling products.
How often do you need to get chop cuts trimmed?
One perk of chop cuts is that they do not need trimming as frequently as layered cuts. However, some maintenance is required. Here are general guidelines for chop cut trim frequency:
- Pixie chop cuts – Every 4-6 weeks
- Short chop cuts – Every 6-8 weeks
- Medium chop cuts – Every 8-10 weeks
- Long chop cuts – Every 10-12 weeks
The shorter the chop cut, the more often it will require trimming to prevent the blunt edges from becoming wispy. Longer chop cuts can go a little longer between trims.
Ask your stylist to recommend a customized trim timeline based on your individual hair growth rate and how strictly you want to maintain the precision of your chops. Some people enjoy allowing their chop cuts to grow out into a shaggier, softer look before their next trim.
What professionals are best at cutting chop cuts?
Not every stylist is experienced with the skill of executing precision chop cuts. Look for these professionals:
- Edgy salons specializing in short cuts and fashion-forward styles
- Stylists with portfolio pictures of chop cuts they have done
- Barbers experienced in cutting very short men’s cuts
- Hairstylists known for their mastery with shears and razor cutting
Quality shears and razors are a must for achieving clean chop cut edges. Research stylists carefully, looking closely at their previous chop cut work. Be very clear about your expectations for your ideal chop cut. Quality styling is critical to prevent a chop cut from looking uneven or sloppy.
Conclusion
Chop cuts make a bold, artistic statement when cut properly. They require precision cutting and products that enhance texture and structure. While chop cuts are edgier than typical layered cuts, they can be adapted to suit your facial features and style preferences. If you are looking to go shorter and more graphic, a stylish chop cut may be the perfect option. With the right stylist and maintenance regimen, you can rock choppy, blunt edges with confidence and flair.