Stack Hairstyle & Wedge

Q: How is the stack hairstyle different than the wedge? I have asked dozens of people and nobody has answered me back, please help me. I just got a medium length wedge and my husband likes the stack better. I am trying to find out if I can let it grow out into the stack.

A: Well, the biggest problem with trying to advise you in this situation (and the one most likely to be the cause for your lack of responses) is that these hairstyles are often different depending on the region and even specific salons you visit. Hairdressing terms (specifically the names for the hairstyles) are often subject to variance depending on where you are and who uses the term.

Even the use of the term “medium length” can mean wildly varied lengths since concepts like “short” and “long” are relative to what someone is accustomed. I mean, let’s say that someone who has hair to the middle of her back might consider a shoulder length style to be “short”. Someone whose hair is cut in a chin-length bob might think a shoulder-length style is “long”. The point is that when you’re trying to describe a hairstyle you have to use absolutes. You need to use clear-cut terms that accurately describe the style without potential for misinterpretation.

That being said, and in an attempt to try and answer your question I can tell you that the most common traits of the “stacked” style are an angled weight line (and cutting line). The style is typically a bob cut which angles upward sharply toward the nape of the neck. The hair at the nape area is steeply layered and styled to increase the volume in that area. The foreground of the style is generally characterized by long, sweeping curves framing the face.

In contrast, the wedge cut uses a horizontal weight line that is generally in line with (or within an inch above or below) the top of the ear. The hair below this weight line is layered in what is similar to “stacked layers”. It should also be noted that the weight line of the wedge most commonly falls at the length of the fringe, and may angle downward slightly to follow the curve of the crown area in the back of the head.

You honestly should have no problem shifting to a stacked cut from a wedge, but it may require that you allow the hair to either grow sufficiently to enable you to create the new look in one cut or that you have your stylist assist you in creating transition cuts which allow your style to gradually “morph” into the style you want.

You should look through magazines until you find the stacked style you would like to have, and show this photo to your stylist. If your hair is not currently of sufficient length to create that style, then you can discuss “transition” styles and set a gameplan to reach the goal you have as quickly as possible.

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See also:

Medium hairstyles

Advice for hairstyles