What is the Korean Hush Cut—and How to Style It

You don’t have to live in South Korea to know that the Korean “hush cut” is having a major moment in the beauty sphere. This trendy layered hairstyle—known for its whisper soft layers and airy texture—is all over TikTok and Instagram right now. Though it gives “just woke up like this vibes,” the cut actually requires quite a bit of precision and skill. If you find a stylist that can nail it, though? You might just revel in the best haircut of your life. 

What Is the Korean Hush Cut? 

The Korean hush haircut is a lightweight, layered hairstyle that prioritizes soft texture and longer, face-framing pieces. It gets its name because it’s a subtle, more “whisper of a cut” versus a bold and choppy statement style.  

“It’s designed to frame the face with soft feathered layers, starting around the cheekbones or chin. It’s usually accompanied by wispy curtain bangs, so when you pull your hair back, you can utilize these wispy face-framing pieces and fringe to add a romantic feel to your style,” explains Kristina Dunn, stylist and owner of Dark Dahlia Salon in Sola Salons. 

Though the hush cut originated in South Korea and was made famous by celebrities in K-Pop and TV dramas, it has enjoyed a global breakout thanks to its gorgeous look, personalization potential, and versatility. 

“Whether you’re working with collarbone-length hair or waist-grazing strands, straight or wavy textures, this cut adapts beautifully,” says Aaron Grenia, stylist and co-founder of IGK Hair Care. “It flatters the face without overpowering it, making it easy to style but never boring.”

Why the Hush Cut Is So Tricky to Pull Off 

Like many hairstyles with nuanced layers and built-in texture, the hush cut requires a skilled stylist to pull it off well. The whisper-light layers must be done precisely, and the person’s entire face shape and hair texture really needs to be taken into consideration, too. 

“Unlike trendier layered cuts that skew edgy or choppy—think wolf cut or Y2K shags—the hush cut is defined by its softness,” Grenia tells us. “It’s less about drama, more about balance: volume without bulk, layers without harsh lines. Everything should feel weightless and flowy—like it grew in that way.” 

If you love the look of Korean hush cuts, it’s important to find someone who understands the nuances of the style, is familiar with your type of hair texture, and is confident about their ability to create the look.  

Grenia says, “Look for someone who understands how to cut for movement and not just shape. The magic of the hush cut lies in its subtlety, and it takes a light hand to get it just right.” Bringing a picture will help a ton, but keep in mind the style will be tailored to your hair type and length. 

Tips for Styling the Korean Hush Cut

If you get a hush cut, follow these expert tips for styling at home. 

Lean Into Your Texture 

To style a Korean hush cut at home, texture is your best friend. Grenia recommends using a texturizing product, like the IGK Beach Club Touchable Texture Spray, to “instantly bring those airy layers to life adding movement and grit without stiffness.” 

Play Up Your Volume 

Boosting volume is a definite do with a hush cut. Use a thickening mousse at the roots and rough dry for some nice lift, Grenia advises. A blow dry cream can also boost shine, bounce, and texture. 

Try Different Styles

One of the perks of this style is that it looks so good even when your hair’s up. “You don’t necessarily need the bangs to accompany the rest of the layers, but they’re definitely one of my favorite parts of this cut,” Dunn says. “I also love that it adds style to your ponytails.” Just pull down those chin-length layers and the bangs for a soft, breezy vibe.