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    1. Beauty
    2. Hair

    If your hair lacks volume, you need to know about the 'anti-gravity haircut'

    Trouble with a lack of volume? This may be the answer

    Rebecca Fearn's avatar
    By Rebecca Fearn
    Published 17 January 2024 In Features

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Anti-gravity haircut
    (Image credit: Getty Images)
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    I've had fine, flat hair my entire life, meaning any volumising hair product shoots to the top of my wish list. Be it a volumising spray or a curling wand which promises to lift at the root, I'm always on the lookout. 

    But what if there was a haircut for fine hair that worked to enhance volume from the outset, meaning styling therefore-after became a breeze? When I heard about the anti-gravity haircut (or vertical cut) by Alessandro Calvio, I was intrigued. 

    Desperate to discover whether it could add a little extra something to my bob-length hair, I looked into this trending cut some more...

    How does the anti-gravity haircut work?

    Alessandro Calvio, hairstylist to celebrities including Pippa Middleton, Bianca Jagger and Vanessa Kirby, created the anti-gravity haircut to help with volume and shape. Essentially, this is a hair cutting technique unique to others, as it includes vertically cutting hair from the inside of the shape. Calvio cuts with the fall line of hair, rather than horizontally. 

    "Often I see clients who think their hair is fine because it’s flat with no volume, but it’s just because it’s been cut horizontally, which makes it too heavy," he explains. 

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    "It needs to be cut from the inside to create very soft layers, so it supports itself from the underneath. A blunt cut is too heavy and gravity pulls the hair down, whereas cutting from the inside means you can create a blunt effect, but it’s different to cutting straight across, it gives life to the hair."

    A post shared by Alessandro Calvio (@alessandro.calvio)

    A photo posted by on

    The stylist also says that his unique haircut (which has now become a household name at the Electric Space salon in London) provides other key benefits.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    “The anti-gravity cut also opens up the face, so it looks less heavy. Flat hair can make the face look tired, and a blunt cut can look old fashioned."

    He continues: "The light reflects differently when the hair is broken up so it looks fresher, modern, more natural—you’re creating natural movement so you get movement of colour.” 

    In short, this is a cut that not only promises added volume and shape, but also a fresh, modern twist on traditional cuts. Sign me up.

    What to read next
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    How can you get the look?

    A post shared by Alessandro Calvio (@alessandro.calvio)

    A photo posted by on

    As mentioned, the anti-gravity haircut (otherwise known as the vertical cut) is available with Calvio directly. 

    In the UK, he cuts from Electric Space, in central London.

    This style costs £270, so it's certainly an investment, but one that promises to make styling far easier, which could be worth it for those with fine or flat lengths looking for volume and shape.

    How to enhance your vertical cut

    Keep your volume going strong with the following products to boost at the root. 

    Anti-Gravity Haircut

    Living Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray
    £16 AT CULT BEAUTY

    Living Proof's sprays are known for giving hair a new lease of life, and this one not only addresses flat hair, it also adds texture.

    Anti-Gravity Haircut

    L'Oréal Professionnel TECNI.ART Art Volume Lift Force 3 Mousse Spray
    £14.75 AT BOOTS

    L'Oréal Professionnel's unique spray gives mousse a modern twist and makes it cool again. Spritz on damp hair and style for layers of volume.

    Anti-Gravity Haircut

    Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray
    £36 AT CULT BEAUTY

    One of the first volume sprays I personally tried, this is worth its weight in gold. It really does work, so use sparingly!

    Anti-Gravity Haircut

    Hair By Sam McKnight Cool Girl Superlift Volumising Spray
    £25.90 AT SEPHORA

    An easy-to-use, brilliant volume spray designed for damp hair, Sam Mcknight was right on the money when he created this.

    Rebecca Fearn
    Rebecca Fearn
    Social Links Navigation
    Freelance Beauty Journalist and Contributor

    Rebecca is a freelance beauty journalist and contributor to Marie Claire. She has written for titles including Refinery29, The Independent, Grazia, Coveteur, Dazed, Stylist, and Glamour. She is also a brand consultant and has worked with the likes of The Inkey List on campaign messaging and branded copy. She’s obsessed with skincare, nail art and fragrance, and outside of beauty, Rebecca likes to travel, watch true crime docs, pet sausage dogs and drink coffee. Rebecca is also passionate about American politics and mental health awareness.

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