The Karen Haircut

The Karen haircut has quickly become an internet meme, popularizing its form with millions of views and memes. It typically consists of an inverted bob with bold highlights and side-swept bangs. Its wearer can exude strength while making others uncomfortable with its appearance.

Avoiding Unflattering Colors

When opting for the Karen haircut, it’s best to avoid adding brassy orange hues or washed-out bleaching. These colors appear unflattering regardless of your complexion.

The Inverted Bob

The inverted bob is one of the more iconic Karen haircuts. It features layers with longer front layers than back layers and often includes side-swept bangs to complete its classic appearance.

Aggressive Karen Look

Karen may opt for a more aggressive look by adding spikes at the back and chunky highlights. This style is best suited to rounder facial structures as it will broaden out features and make them look wider.

Ringlets and Loose Waves

Karen often incorporates ringlets into her hair. This style adds texture, volume, and frames the face, emphasizing the eyes. If you’re not ready for full-on ringlets, try opting for soft loose waves instead.

Side-Swept Bangs

The side-swept bangs haircut resembles the popular Karen look and is popular with women looking to age. It features short back hair with long side-swept bangs framing the face. Celebrities like Lisa Rinna often opt for this cut to showcase their personalities.

Avoiding the Karen Look with Blonde Highlights

Blonde highlights are popular among contemporary women, but too much blonde can create the Karen look. The sharp contrast between dark roots and light highlights becomes too apparent. It’s best to choose warm tones for the highlights to complement the skin color.

Alternative Styles

If you don’t want to look like Karen, there are other styles that evoke edge without spikes. Consider trying a faux hawk, undercut bob, or high bun with relaxed edges.

Blonde hair with Brown Highlights

Blonde hair with brown highlights exudes Karen vibes. This combination of a dark base and blonde highlights looks fabulous on long locks, but shorter or medium length locks should steer clear from this look. Choose warm tones for the highlights to complement the skin color best.

Origins of the Karen Cut

While its origin remains unclear, the “Karen cut” is often associated with reality TV star Kate Gosselin from Jon