Not all haircuts are made equal. The secret to a truly phenomenal chop? Carefully tailored layers. One shape we've spotted has it in spades. We're calling it the ‘A-cut’ because, among many reasons, it's a cut above the rest.

Just like the A-team has an elite set of credentials, so to does the ‘A-cut’. Specifically, it has in-built, body, bounce and volume thanks to its ‘A’ shaped frame that starts with a centre-(or just off-centre)-parting and angles it's way outwards to wider-looking ends via beautifully placed layers.

It's the latest in a long line of alphabet cuts that includes the C-cut (or curve cut, which features curved, gently descending layers lean in and cup the cheek), the U-shaped cut (which knocks the sharp edges off the face framing sections of a haircut) and the V-shaped cut (which tapers to a point at the ends). The consensus with all of them? Using layers to contour hair into a shape that works for you.

Already, we've seen the A-cut remixed into personalised renditions, like the Bell-Bottom Cut, which takes the A-line shape but adds a ‘70s twist with curtain bangs and ’70s styling. But for more inspo, check out some of our favourite A-cut hairstyles below…

The '90s blow-out A-cut

Teensy tiny laters start around lip-length to create structure, before growing gradually longer. But, the styling is what really helps to achieve the kicked-out A-cut baseline thanks to a '90s round-brush blow dry or rollers creating oomph at the ends.

The curly A-cut

Pretty layers begin in line with the cheekbone, then waterfall longer to create a full-looking ‘A’ shaped chop that looks lightweight (even though it's heavy on all that dreamy volume).

The Hollywood A-cut

Sleek, slick and to the point, this centre parted, layered A-cut has jaw-length laters to create the mid-line of the ‘A’ before the longer layers curve and flick at the ends.

The A-cut bob

This is the A-cut, only short and luxe. The blunter shape feels plush, heavy and full. The stacked layers at the back create an A-line bob shape, while the styling barrel-brushed flicked ends again, help to create that width at the bottom.

The A-cut shag

The beauty with the A-cut is that you can nod to the shape with a softer, more shattered frame, like this shaggy A-cut shape that's more heavily layered but still has that funnel shape toward the ends.

For more from GLAMOUR's Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk

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