We’ve all seen it – the memes of screaming moms in supermarkets and middle aged women demanding a refund. Interestingly enough, almost all of them seem to have the same haircut. You know the one we’re talking about – the short bob with bangs flipped over one side of the face.

Now, unless you’re looking to build a reputation as a demanding soccer mom, you’re probably not heading to the salon to ask for this haircut.

The short, highlighted bob isn’t the only karen haircut out there, however. There are a couple of other, similar Karen haircut styles that any woman in her right mind should avoid. Here are six Karen haircut styles that you’ll definitely want to say no to.

What is a Karen Haircut?

Named after the stereotypical “Karen” character, known for her demanding and often unreasonable behavior, this haircut has become a symbol of entitlement and a way to mock those who exhibit Karen-like qualities.

In general, the Karen haircut features a short, angled bob with chunky layers and a deep side part. It also features dirty blonde hair, marked with brown highlights or blonde streaks. While it may look trendy and chic to some, it also carries a lot of negative connotations which is why it’s best to steer clear of this style.

If this description still isn’t ringing a bell, think of Lisa Rinna. Lisa Rinna, while she may not be a bad person at all, has a Karen haircut, which unfortunately means she tends to give off Karen vibes whether she likes it or not.

Of course, Lisa Rinna is not the only celebrity with a case of the Karen cut. This table breaks down a few other celebrities who have fallen into the Karen cut caveat.

Name of Celebrity	Karen Haircut
Jennifer Lawrence	In 2013 Jennifer Lawrence went for an unfortunately cut bob, which resembles the Karen cut without the spiky back.
Kate Gosselin	Kate Gosselin is the original Karen and was a reality star who rocked this cut on John and Kate Plus 8 for years
Anne Hathaway	After filming Les Miserables, Anne Hathaway opted for a pixie cut Karen cut. Luckily for her, the Karens still weren’t a popular meme at the time.
Emma Thompson	Emma Thompson has a smoother version of the classic Karen haircut, but it still resembles a meme from certain angles

Where Did the Karen Haircut Meme Come From?

The Karen haircut meme first gained traction on social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok. It started as a way for people to poke fun at entitled individuals who demanded to speak with the manager at every inconvenience.

As the Karen cut meme spread, it began to take on a life of its own. People started using the term “Karen” to describe anyone who displayed unfortunate behavior:

1. Entitled
2. Demanding
3. Rude
4. Petty

The Karen cut, therefore, became a visual representation of this stereotype, serving as a way to identify and make fun of those who embody these qualities.

However, it is important to note that not everyone who gets the Karen cut does so with the intention of embodying the negative stereotype. Many individuals simply find the style appealing and choose it for its trendy and fashionable look. It is crucial to separate the haircut itself from the negative connotations it has acquired.

The Karen cut has also influenced the hairdressing industry. Some salons now offer the Karen cut as a specific hairstyle option, capitalizing on its popularity and the demand for this particular look. Hairdressers have also developed variations of the Karen cut, providing clients with different options to suit their preferences.

7 Most Common Karen Haircuts

Whether you love it or loathe it, the Karen cut has become an emblematic hairstyle that reflects societal attitudes and challenges our perceptions of beauty and identity. Here are the top 7 most common Karen haircut looks.

Karen Cut	Description
The Karen Bob	The inverted bob is a cut that’s longer in the front and shorter in the back and is cut in layers. It features blonde highlights and the back of the hair is cut short and choppily.
The Long Bob	The long bob is much like the inverted bob except that it doesn’t feature the short, choppy layers in the back.
The Karen Pixie Cut	Another classic Karen do is the pixie cut, which involves a boy cut that’s chopped close to the head.
The Layered Cut	The layered Karen cut is usually hair that’s short and has been cut with too many layers. This can give the impression that you have a Karen cut, even if you technically don’t.
The Blunt Bangs Karen Cut	When your bangs are side-swept and cut too sharply, they can resemble the classic Karen bob.
The Karen Updo	Hair that’s tightly pulled back into an updo can start to resemble the Karen bob, leading to unwanted connotations.

Karen Bob Cut

The Karen bob cut is a hairstyle that has gained the most attention in recent years. It’s characterized by its short, blunt haircut that falls just below the chin.

Many people opt to add layers or texture to the cut to create a more personalized look. Additionally, the length of the bob can be adjusted to suit individual preferences. Some individuals prefer a shorter bob that sits right at the chin, while others may opt for a slightly longer variation that grazes the shoulders.

The “Long” Bob

Another style that you should definitely think twice about is the Karen Long Bob. While it may seem like a safer option, the long bob still carries traces of the Karen cut’s essence. Opt for a more unique and personalized style instead. Consider adding some layers or experimenting with different lengths to create a look that truly reflects your personality. Or, you can swap out the typical blonde highlights for a brown balayage instead. Whatever you choose, have some fun with your look and move away from the classic Karen style!

Karen Pixie Cut

If you’re daring enough to rock a pixie cut, be careful not to fall into the Karen trap. While pixie cuts can be edgy and fashion-forward, they can also be mistaken for the dreaded Karen cut if not executed properly. It’s all about finding the right balance and avoiding any Karen-like associations.

A few people who have rocked the pixie cut in the past without going full Karen mode include:

• Katie Holmes
• Charlize Theron
• Emma Watson
• Claire Delevinge

The Layered Karen Cut

Be cautious of the length and thickness of your layers if you want to avoid unintentionally giving off a Karen vibe. Too many layers can create a choppy and outdated look, so it’s important to strike the right balance. Consult with a professional hairstylist who can guide you on the best layering technique for your hair type and face shape.

You can also add to your layers by going for a peekaboo hair look. This style involves colorful highlights hidden beneath the top layer of hair, so that when you pull your hair to one side, the colorful layers beneath are revealed. This can be a fun way to add some spunk to your look and move away from the Karen style.

Blunt Bangs

Blunt bangs can be a fun way to switch up your look, but they can easily be associated with the Karen aesthetic. If you’re considering bangs, it’s best to opt for softer, side-swept bangs instead. This style is more modern and versatile, allowing you to frame your face without falling into the Karen stereotype.

The Karen Updo

Another style to avoid is the “Can I Speak to the Manager?” Updo. This hairstyle, characterized by tight, pulled-back hair, resembles the infamous Karen haircut.

Instead, embrace looser, more effortless updos that exude confidence without the entitled vibes. A few ways to go about this include:

• messy buns
• braided updos
• a chic ponytail

These styles are not only trendy but also give off a more relaxed and approachable vibe.

The Karen Bowl Cut

This style is reserved for only the most aggressive Karen’s, and resembles a teenage boys first haircut. Avoid this haircut at all costs, even if your hairdresser tells you it’s “trending”.

Don’t Be a Karen, Get Your Hairdo Right

Remember that a haircut is just one aspect of your overall appearance. Your fashion choices, makeup, and attitude can all contribute to how others perceive you. By cultivating a strong sense of self and projecting confidence, you can redefine the Karen cut and challenge any preconceived notions associated with it.

So, whether you’re considering getting a Karen haircut or simply curious about its origins, it’s essential to make an informed decision that aligns with your personal style and values. And remember, trends come and go, but your individuality is timeless.