If you’ve ever let your hair grow out only to find yourself stuck with a wide, bulky shape at the bottom and a heavy, flat top, you’re not alone. This is the dreaded triangular grow-out, and it happens more often than you’d think. Whether you have curly, wavy, or thick hair, you’ve probably experienced this awkward phase—especially around the bob-to-shoulder length transition. The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice length to fix it. Let’s dive into what causes this problem, what mistakes to avoid, and how to reshape your haircut for a seamless grow-out. Keep in mind, there are plenty of adorable cuts that are meant to be triangular in shape, French, Italian and A-Line bobs can all be very triangular, but that’s what gives them their iconic shape. We are not talking about those here! This is for people who hate the “bell shape” grow out and want to fix that!
What Causes a Triangular Grow-Out?
A triangular shape happens when the weight in your hair isn’t distributed correctly for your texture, face shape, or length. This can be caused by:
The wrong layering technique for your curls or waves
Too much weight at the perimeter with no internal movement
A cut that was great at a shorter length but isn’t suited for longer growth
Simply too much time between haircuts
The way weight lives in your hair is also influenced by the natural rounds of your head. If layers aren’t short enough or strategically placed, hair starts stacking on itself at the ends—causing that triangle. This typically happens at the awkward bob length when the hair hits around the ears, making the top look flat and the bottom look bulky but can also happen with longer looks that lack movement.
Common Mistakes People Make When Trying to Fix It
The biggest mistake people make is getting frustrated and chopping it all off again instead of reshaping the layers for their current length. If your goal is to grow your hair out while maintaining a flattering shape, a thoughtful approach is key.
Another common mistake is attempting fixes with thinning shears or removing weight in the wrong places. This can actually make the problem worse by creating short pieces that push the bulk out even more. Weight removal needs to be done strategically so that the hair has space to move without creating unwanted volume.
How to Fix It Without Sacrificing Length
Our stylists at MOD Hair Salon use a combination of techniques to fix a triangular shape without losing precious inches. These include:
Internal layering to remove bulk from the right areas
Texturizing and weight removal to encourage natural movement
Razor cutting (by Casey) to create negative space, allowing the hair to land softly instead of stacking up
Choosing the right layering approach based on your desired outcome
Who Struggles with This the Most?
Certain hair types are more prone to this issue, including:
Curly hair (especially types 3a-4c)
Dense and thick hair
Wavy hair that lacks internal movement
Styles that have been growing out for a while without maintenance
How to Maintain a Balanced Shape as Your Hair Grows
One of the great things about the haircuts we do at MOD Hair Salon is that they don’t require constant upkeep. Most of our clients come in every 3-4 months because the shapes we create are designed to grow out beautifully. With the right cut, you don’t have to fight against your hair between appointments.
What Should You Ask for at a Salon?
If you’re struggling with a triangular grow-out, here’s how to talk to your stylist about what you need:
Do you prefer rounded shapes? Ask for round layers that mimic the shape of your head and continue through to the ends.
Want to maintain length while removing width? Ask for a rectangular shape with consistent layering.
Avoid these cuts if you’re prone to triangle hair: A-line bobs, French/Italian bobs, one-length cuts, and long layers that don’t have movement throughout.
What Styles Naturally Grow Out Better?
If you want to avoid this problem in the future, consider haircuts that naturally maintain balance as they grow:
For curly hair (3a-4c): Shorter layers throughout will allow your curls to nest together instead of stacking.
For straight and wavy hair (1-2c): Look for layering techniques like razor cuts, weight removal, and soft texturization to keep length while preventing bulk.
A well-done shag is universally flattering, but it needs to be customized for your face shape and texture. Make sure to seek out a shag expert (like Casey at MOD Hair Salon!) for a tailored approach.
Myths & Misconceptions About Fixing Triangle Hair
One of the biggest myths is that thinning shears are the answer. While they can be useful in the right hands, they’re often overused in the wrong areas—creating short, strong pieces that push the bulk outward instead of removing it. The key is strategic weight removal, not just randomly thinning sections.
Let’s Fix Your Triangular Grow-Out
If you’re tired of struggling with this issue, let us help you find the right shape for your hair. At MOD Hair Salon, we specialize in creating effortless, lived-in haircuts that grow out beautifully and maintain balance over time.
Ready for a transformation? Book an appointment today and let’s get your hair back on track!