A Karen haircut is a short hairstyle resembling a side-swept bob, popularly associated with middle-aged white women who exhibit traits of entitlement, rudeness or racism.
The Karen haircut first gained widespread recognition through a viral “speak to the manager” joke on Reddit in 2014. Since then, its use as an insult against middle-aged white women who behave in an entitled manner has spread all across the internet.
It’s a bob
A bob haircut is a timeless classic, popular among women of all ages and can be styled in various ways to suit individual preferences and styles.
Karen is a term commonly used to refer to middle-aged white women who tend to be entitled, rude, and/or racist. Karen first emerged in a viral meme called “Can I Speak to the Manager?,” although recently has become widely recognized online.
Karen has also come under scrutiny for various racist incidents. For example, in one incident she called police to falsely report that a Black man was threatening both she and her pet dog in Central Park.
Although Karen may not be an evil person inherently, her actions are disturbing and must be condemned. She uses her name to conceal her harmful actions and downplay their gravity rather than highlight them.
If you want to make an impression with your new hairstyle, consider selecting an edgy bob. There are numerous ways you can add an element of flair, from bold colors or undercuts, choppy layers and asymmetrical fringes – the possibilities are limitless! Make sure it suits both your personality and sense of self.
It’s a spikey bob
The Karen haircut is a side-swept bob with chunky highlights and spikey back hair, popular among older women as it requires minimal upkeep or maintenance to look its best.
But if spiked hairstyles aren’t your style, there are other ways to channel edginess without resorting to spikes. Kate Gosselin from Jon & Kate Plus 8 is an iconic example; her iconic bob stands out among all styles as an embodiment of edge.
Karen often appreciates striking colors. Bold, chunky hues tend to go well with her bob or pixie cut hairstyle.
Karens have become known for sporting the timeless hair style of blonde with brown highlights, which not only emphasizes their natural beauty, but will help others recognize you instantly as Karen.
If you are considering giving this style a try, be aware that it might not be ideal. With too much volume in its shape and appearance resembling that of a wig. Instead, try wearing your hair slightly longer or adding soft layers to break up its bubble effect.
It’s a tiger stripe bob
The Karen haircut is an iconic style in America that features short, spiky layers at the back with chunky highlights and often pairs them with an asymmetric fringe.
Style Notes: A popular style among women with dark hair, the ponytail was even worn by Kate Gosselin and other reality TV stars such as Kim Kardashian.
Be it the original tiger stripe bob or its less extreme versions, this style can make you appear tacky and outdated. Luckily, there are numerous great alternatives that will ensure that you remain looking current.
To avoid looking like Karen, opt for a shorter bob with soft layers that start at an appropriate level. Or try a micro bob for an elegant French hairstyle sure to flatter any face shape.
Brassy hair can be an indicator that your natural tone is being mismatched; to avoid this scenario, select highlight shades that complement your skin tone when selecting highlighters.
Some Karens choose to enhance their lively and striking personalities with red and blonde highlights that aim to stand out. These intentional unnatural highlights aim to attract attention to their fiery locks.
It’s a vintage bob
There are a variety of vintage hairstyles you can try, but one of the most favored methods is creating a bob haircut. This chin-length style can work for women with both short and long locks and can easily adapt to fit any face shape.
Consider opting for a bob with finger waves, which are popularly associated with 1920s styles. They look fantastic on thin or fine hair, and can be styled in multiple ways to create an authentic vintage aesthetic.
Brent Daniel Basore of @brentdanielbasore created this stunning French bob inspired style featuring short length, weight line and bangs but added texture by layering his back hair for texture. It’s a soft natural look that’s easy to style while looking absolutely fresh!
A classic bob is perfect for anyone who prefers short locks without going through the hassle of shaving their locks regularly. Its low maintenance requirements and chic appearance will remain timeless in 2023.
Claire Holt recently gave her locks a modern bob haircut that will elicit jaw-grazing waves of seduction! Proving this hairstyle to be timeless and chic.
It’s a layered bob
Layered cuts offer the ideal bob hairstyles. Layers add dimension, texture and movement while making styling it effortless and easier than ever.
A layered bob haircut can be flattering on any face shape and hair type, regardless of lifestyle or fashion preferences. It’s especially great for creating movement in their locks.
If you’re seeking a bob haircut, be sure to request a layered cut from your stylist so they can adapt it according to your individual personality and style. Choose whether to layer parts of the cut for increased volume and texture or all over.
Not limited to traditional layered bobs, you can experiment with other variations of this classic frame haircut such as medium layered bobs, messy layered bobs or even beachy layered bobs.
The origins of the Karen haircut remain obscure, though its popularity can be traced to 2014 when people began wearing “speak to the manager” hairstyles as jokes and memes. Today, “Karen” haircuts are used as pejorative terms against middle-aged white women whom are perceived to be rude or demanding.
It’s a flipped bob
A flipped bob is a haircut style featuring longer front locks than back locks. It provides an eye-catching yet low maintenance side profile.
No matter if you’re an old-timer or just want something fresher and age-appropriate for yourself, the classic bob is always a stylish and age-appropriate hairstyle choice. Not too short nor too long, it makes an excellent option for women with straight locks that is difficult to manage.
Karens love pixie cuts with side-swept bangs that fall forward, usually combined with chunky unblended highlights for added drama. This haircut allows them to showcase their personalities without needing a comb through!
A bob can be worn with any color of hair, but blonde is one of the best options. This natural-looking hue complements every skin tone while drawing focus to your eyes.
If you’re a blonde Karen, keep your highlights simple and avoid bold or vivid hues. A contrasting brown shade can add visual interest without being overbearing; and adding texture and sweetness through balayage adds texture and sweetness to your locks as well.
It’s a plastic bob
Plastic bobs are one of the most sought-after Karen haircuts, featuring layers with razor-sharp edges that look stiff as board and smooth as glass. While this popular Karen cut can easily go wrong if not properly maintained; hot tools, quick blow drying times or excess oil use could all cause the style to look too stiff or even choppier than intended.
Tiger Stripe bobs are another classic Karen haircut, featuring dark and light brown locks with bright highlights (or all pink as seen on Kate Gosselin). It is one of the hottest trends right now in hair world, but too much volume in your crown could give off Karen vibes. To prevent this from happening to you, make sure not to cut too much off; otherwise it could give an unnatural, dissatisfied teen look with side-swept fringe. Additionally, layers can make you appear unnatural.
