Is Your Hairstyle Girl-Cute Or Boy-Cute?

Stemming from the popular "are you dressing for the male or female gaze?" TikTok trend, the debate over whether certain styles or looks are considered "girl-cute" or "boy-cute" has once again taken off on social media.

The concept is simple: Do you want to style yourself in a way that is seen as attractive to men or to women?

And this time around, it's all about hair styling.

Therefore, if you have been craving a change but aren't really sure what to do with your hair, check out our recommendations for trendy hairstyles with a focus on who exactly you're aiming to impress.

The "Girl-Cute" vs. "Boy-Cute" Trend Explained

The terms "girl-cute" and "boy-cute" can be a little confusing to someone who doesn't follow social media trends. For example, you may think that dressing or styling yourself in a "girl-cute" way means you have to be ultra-feminine or wear pink and frills. And you would be forgiven for assuming that "boy-cute" refers to a more masculine or androgynous appearance and hairstyles that can be called unconventional, bold, or edgy.

However, these assumptions are not entirely accurate. Emphasis on "entirely" because some parts do mean exactly what most of us would think they mean, while others couldn't be further from the truth.

"Girl-cute" and "boy-cute" are not a particular style but rather an aesthetic that you might dress or style yourself to attract the attention of the same or the opposite gender. Dressing girl-cute is likely to get you a compliment from a fellow female like “Cute skirt!” or “I love your eyeshadow!” whereas dressing boy-cute is more likely to make a guy do a double-take in your direction.

Now, we're not saying that every time you do your hair in a certain way, you are trying to attract attention, as many of us put effort into our appearance because it makes us feel better and not for anyone else. However, this trend is partly popular because of the differences between men and women, which is why it involves a specific type of "cute" meant to be eye-catching and appealing to either demographic.

Girl-Cute Hairstyles

The term "girl-cute" often refers to styles that are considered traditionally feminine, intricate, and trendy. These hairstyles may involve more complex styling techniques, such as elaborate braiding, curls, or the use of hair accessories, which are details that are more likely to catch the attention of other women than men.

"Girl-cute" hairstyles often incorporate current fashion trends and typically require more time and effort to create, which is yet another thing a woman is more likely to understand and appreciate.

The focus for "girl-cute" hairstyles is almost always on the details, creativity, and a sense of individual expression rather than being practical or low-maintenance.

Here are some trendy hairstyles that can be considered "girl-cute":

Braids

Braiding hair has long held a special place in feminine culture and tradition. This intricate craft transcends time and mere aesthetics and has served as a bonding activity between women and girls for centuries. From a young age, many women recall sitting between their mother's or sister's knees, their hair gently woven into elaborate patterns over the exchange of stories, life lessons, and shared experiences, which strengthen emotional bonds. Therefore, braids are not only visually stunning but are more likely to be appreciated by other women for their creativity and skill, making them the ultimate "girl-cute" hairstyle that will always be on-trend.

Textured Styles

Styles that embrace texture, such as crimped (or mermaid) waves and voluminous, teased styles, can also fall into the "girl-cute" category. They're versatile, eye-catching, and trendy, perfect for those who love experimenting with their look.

Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs are one of the most requested hairstyles, and we certainly don't see them going away anytime soon. So, if you want to snag the approval of other stylish women (although not many men), this hairstyle checks all the boxes – it's cute, versatile, and on-trend year-round.

Shag Haircut

The shag haircut is definitely coming back this year, and while this particular style may not be every woman's cup of tea, we can't deny it embodies a certain vintage aesthetic that can be considered "girl-cute."

Chin-Length Bob

Although men might disagree, women find the chin-length bob to be irresistibly feminine because it allows facial features to shine while creating an elegant and chic look. A popular choice for women of all ages, this particular bob style adds a fresh twist to the classic, and besides looking adorable, it's also super easy to maintain and can be worn in many different ways, including curly, tossed, or straight.

Piecey Pixies

Piecey pixies feature short hair with longer, piecey bangs. This hairstyle offers a modern twist to the classic pixie cut and is currently trending on TikTok, which means we can expect to see a whole lot more of it in the coming months.

Hair Accessories

The use of hair accessories such as statement hair clips, decorative bobby pins, or stylish headbands adds an element of fun and creativity to any hairstyle. These can transform even the simplest hairstyles into a more elevated look and are unquestionably one of the biggest trends from 2023 expected to follow us into 2024.

Boy-Cute Hairstyles

On the other hand, "boy-cute" hairstyles tend to lean toward styles considered attractive by men. This aesthetic usually emphasizes simplicity, natural beauty, longer lengths, and a certain level of effortless charm. These hairstyles might be less intricate, featuring more straightforward cuts and styles, and often require less maintenance and styling time compared to "girl-cute" hairstyles.

Now, by all this, you can probably conclude that there are similarities in both aesthetics, which is why placing certain hairstyles in a strictly boy-cute or girl-cute box is not always possible. Many women prefer more "boy-cute" hairstyles without necessarily wanting to appeal to the male demographic. But for the sake of this discussion, let's look at some trendy hairstyles that could be considered "boy-cute":

Sleek Ponytails

A simple, sleek ponytail, whether high or low, can be a classic "boy-cute" style. It's easy, practical, looks nice, and showcases your face without any distractions.

Natural Texture

Oftentimes with the men, less is most definitely more. Embracing your natural hair texture, be it straight, wavy, or curly can be seen as "boy-cute" as the hairstyle is all about showcasing natural beauty without the need for extensive styling or manipulation. This could involve simply letting your hair air dry or using minimal products to enhance your natural hair pattern.

Subtle Highlights

Instead of bold hair colors, subtle highlights that add depth and dimension to your hair is considered more "boy-cute." This hair detail enhances your natural hair color without dramatically changing it, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more minimalistic and understated look.

Long, Loose Waves

This style is often considered classically attractive, especially if you have fuller hair, as it's subconsciously associated with good health, femininity, and fertility. It's also simple yet effective for whenever you want to spice things up for a special occasion but still keep everything polished.

Straight, Sleek Hair

Long, straight hair is another timeless style, especially during winter, as it's often associated with warmth and femininity. It's also relatively low-maintenance and typically well-received, especially by men.

Closing Thoughts

With the many emerging hair trends, there's no shortage of styles to choose from, regardless of your aesthetic preferences. So whether you prefer "girl-cute" or "boy-cute" hairstyles, embrace what makes you feel beautiful and rock it with confidence!

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