The Shangri-La Is The Sabrina Carpenter-Inspired Cut Taking Hair Trends By Storm

Although Sabrina Carpenter has been in the industry for a while, she hit big in the summer of 2024, first with "Espresso," then with "Please, Please, Please." Even now as the summer shifts into autumn, Carpenter's status as "It" girl remains and because of this, she's impacting both fashion and beauty. From her baby doll blush look to her white chrome manicure, trying to get enough of Carpenter feels impossible.

But of all the ways the pint-size pop star influences trends, her hair is currently making the biggest waves — it's an iconic cut with an equally iconic name. "The Shangri-La haircut is a mid-length cut with long layers and curtain bangs, giving it a soft, flowy feel," celebrity hairstylist & ELEVEN Australia co-creative director Joey Scandizzo exclusively tells Women. "What makes it different from a shag is that it doesn't have as many face-framing layers, which makes it way easier to style day-to-day." As Scandizzo explains, the reason Carpenter's version in particular has become so popular is because it's so effortlessly chic. "Plus, those curtain bangs work so well with the layers. It's a great option if you want something that looks stylish without needing too much upkeep."

If you're looking to switch up your look for the fall without having to sign up for a cut that requires a lot of maintenance, then the Shangri-La might be the hairstyle for you. It's one of those get-up-and-go cuts that makes everyone look like a sultry bombshell — a vibe that the upcoming shorter, colder days can really use.

What's great about the Shangri-La cut is that it allows for artistic freedom, so make sure you ask your stylist to cut it in a way that's best for you. As much as curtain bangs are all the rage and are an essential part of this specific cut, it doesn't mean they can't extend past your brow. So if you're not ready to go short in the front just yet, then keep your bangs on the longer side. 

The Shangri-La cut is a great way to spice up straight hair because it's all about long layers which, of course, result in volume. "If you want to try the Shangri-La cut, ask your stylist for long layers and curtain bangs with minimal face-framing," says Joey Scandizzo. "You want movement, but nothing too heavy or choppy." While choppiness can certainly look good, because this cut is all about summoning your inner bombshell, long layers are necessary to keep that free-flowing energy going. 

Sometimes the most fun way to pay homage to a celebrity and their haircut is to go all in, with both cut and color. Granted shades like platinum and luminescent blonde aren't for everyone, but if you've had dark hair all your life, then it's a good way to shake things up. Also, blonde is a shade that everyone should try at least once, if only to see if the adage about blondes having more fun is actually legit. 

If there's no way you're ready to go platinum, then consider softer, more natural colors to complement your Shangri-La cut. It only makes sense that if you're going for the "It" cut of the moment, you experiment with colors too. With autumn officially here, shades like cinnamon and amber hair are great directions in which to take your look. 

As easy as the Shangri-La cut can be to rock, and as versatile as it can be with any type of hair texture, you still have options in the way you style it. "You can style it sleek or just let it air dry for a more relaxed, easy-going finish," says Joey Scandizzo. In other words, how your stylist does it is just one example of what you can do with this cut — as long as you have the right volume-enhancing products to lift your roots. Scandizzo also advises that in addition to the right products, getting regular trims is the best way to keep this cut looking fresh.