hair story: undercutting cassie

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We first noticed this edgy hair style among the bohemian coolsters of Brooklyn New York ages ago.  It’s true origins are that of the metal rock and Goth scene.  But in recent years, R&B singer and model Cassie Ventura has given this look more visibility. The singer, most known for her hit single Me & U, has been rockin’ an undercut (also known as shaved sides) since 2009.  Recently, several other celebrities have joined her undercut clique, namely, Jada Pinkett and Willow Smith, Rosario Dawson, LaLa Anthony and even Tyra Banks.

The look itself, immediately makes one think: rebellious rockstar.  But having sported the look for about four years, Cassie has been able to show just how diverse and feminine this typically masculine style can be.

the big half-chop

cassie_ventura_new_haircut

In 2009 Cassie debuted her new ‘do via her Twitter page saying, “Sometimes in life, you need a change … Something deeper than what you thought you were capable of … Something that displays the ‘I don’t give a f—‘ attitude that was always present, but never showcased … & something that will shock your mother, but make her call you a ROCK STAR.”

Undercuts can vary based on how low you cut and how much you cut.  Cassie opted for a full shave of almost half of her whole head.

always on edge

cassie_undercut_bun

An undercut gives almost any classic hair style a little something extra.  There’s really no escaping the bad-ass-ness of this cut (bullet earrings aside), even with simple styles.  On more laid back days, Cassie has been seen with her hair pulled up into a bun, creating a look that teeters on the edge of elegant and, well, edgy.

femme fatale

cassie_shaved_sides_beachwaves

Although the undercut is considered a unisex look, there’s always concern that with half your head shaved, it’s hard to let your inner glamazon shine.  Cassie, however, is proof that a half-shaved head absolutely can be glammed up. On red carpet occasions, the beauty often fills the other side of her head with luscious shiny beach (or old Hollywood body) waves.  She tops things off with femme fatale make up and statement jewelry.

Un’ruly tip: If you’re locks need a little length, don’t hesitate to add a few clip-in extensions for volume and drama.

cassie_undercut_bun_bangs

Cassie further played up her feminine side and reduced the edge just a little with this up-do, by adding what we believe is a clip-in bang.  Up-do’s and bangs on their own scream femininity; added to an undercut, they soften the look by taking away some attention from the shaved side.

take it all the way

cassie_undercut_with_braid

A partially shaved head is a dramatic look. Why not take drama as far as it can go?  This version of Cassie’s cut takes a few cues from its rock and roll roots by channeling a mow hawk, topped with an Elvis Presley “bang.”  The rest of her hair is tied into an elegant braid.  Dark “spiky” eye make up does the rest of the work, bringing the fiery look home.

***

An undercut is a statement cut.  It’s a look that’s always special no matter how you wear it.  Although taking the plunge and committing to a hair style like this can be a little intimidating, the versatility of the undercut shouldn’t be underestimated.  Almost all the styles that can be worn with a full head of hair can be created with a half head of hair.

We’ll be taking a deeper look at undercuts all this week.  So be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates.  In the mean time, we’ll leave you this oldie but goodie…

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Team Unruly
Team Unruly
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