Nov 16, 2022
Ok, let’s get one thing out of the way: there is no official ‘lesbian haircut,’ and queerness isn’t determined by coif. Having said that, there are a few quintessential lesbian styles — and a lot of them rhyme with ‘schmundercut.’
So if you’re ever lucky enough to stumble across one of those elusive establishments known as a lesbian bar, there’s a good chance you’ll spot more than a few of the styles listed below. And for anyone after a more masc, andro, butch or otherwise gender-non-conforming hairstyle, we’ve got a few tips to help.
Also, a PSA to any straight cis men reading this: you’re welcome to borrow some ideas, but just know that queer women are almost definitely going to wear it better (looking at you, Bieber).
Source: Ruby Rose on Instagram
Depending on your generation, this one might be better known as the ‘Devon Sawa’ — or maybe even the ‘Jack from Titanic’. It’s definitely giving 90s, but the length also means you don’t need to get it trimmed quite as often as shorter cuts. Practical.
This one only just now seems to be having a moment, so it’s a good time to perfect your middle part and, ideally, share a single poignant kiss with Christina Ricci.
Source: Hairrari on Instagram
Have you spotted this hairstyle in the wild? If so, it’s very possible that you’ve either found a queer woman, a polyamorous male bartender, or David Lynch.
This style ditches the fade’s gradual transition between the longer hair on top and the shorter hair on the bottom, creating a more dramatic look. If you’re worried about accidentally channelling Macklemore, just wear the longer portion a bit wilder or messier.
Source: RockThatBuzz on Instagram
This side-shave undercut variation used to double as a kind of Bat-Signal for queer women, although its rising popularity among the straights has somewhat diluted that function.
Still, it’s been around forever, probably since it’s the best of both worlds — long and super-short. Also, it wins bonus points for being a quick way to feel kinda like a valkyrie. After all, undercuts add a bit of edge to just about any hairstyle. Go ahead and add it to a wolf cut, why not? Or check out Kristen Stewart in Happiest Season for a subtle undercut-inspired look that won’t shock your mum.
Source: Coral Lobera on Instagram
A buzz or super-close crop can be a hot yet low-maintenance look (well, aside from the frequent trims), but it’s an even bolder look if you add a vibrant pop of color. No wonder it’s a favorite among some of the most daring queer folk.
Source: Queer Cuts on Instagram
The gentleperson’s cut. This classic number never really goes out of style and is our favorite form of combover. The top is longer and the sides are faded, but some people play with the exact lengths or add line details to make the look their own.
Source: Ashley Gavin on Instagram
What’s under there? Where’s the part? We’ll never know, because this style uses an ever-present snapback to say, “I may like my hair long but I’m still extremely queer.”
It’s a cute look, yeah, but the most important part is that it can save a ton on pomade and/or dry shampoo.
Source: Hairrari on Instagram
Wanting a more femme look? Maybe you just want to take transitional steps to a shorter cut? This short choppy bob is popular for a good reason. It’s low-maintenance yet versatile, which makes it easy to style into different looks. Just beware of the asymmetric grow-out.
Source: Sarah Wall Industries on Instagram
As proof that cisgender hetero guys take more cues from the ladies’ hairstyles than they sometimes admit, this style was named after a mistress of King Louis XV and popularised throughout history by women, including Marie Antoinette, Bette Davis, and the Gibson Girls of the 1890s.
Of course, it’s famously appeared on a few men, too — from Elvis to Zayn Malik. But, for queer women, it’s also a great way to look a little dressier without relying on the side comb mentioned earlier.
Source: Hairrari LA on Instagram
Before the undercut of the 2000s helped women queer-code themselves, the mullet was a fixture of lesbian culture in the 1980s. And ignore the ‘business in the front’ stereotypes and jokes because, when done right, a mullet on a woman can be super hot.
Today’s version is a slightly less dramatic lesbian hairstyle and can be combined with a faux-hawk look to create something a little soft, a little edgy. Party on.
Source: Gifer.com
Whether you present masc or femme or something different altogether, the first foray into shorter cuts can be a formative experience. A soft pixie might be a game-changer for straight-passing ladies, while more masc-presenting women sometimes say they finally feel like themselves.
Of course, some people find that their first cut doesn’t always hit the mark, but that initial chop can help you convince stylists or barbers that, yes, you really do want a shortcut. That makes it easier to polish it into what you want. And here’s the beauty of a full chop — they grow way faster than longer cuts, so you won’t have to wait very long to correct anything if you aren’t totally happy the first time around.
No matter what you’re after, there are a couple of rules of thumb.
Robyn is the CEO & Founder of HER. Find her on Twitter.
