Meet the Trending Haircut That Defies Boundaries – Cut

*Editor’s Note: This articles has been shared with approval from Great Clips.

Hairstylist Sandra Leal believes hair is a powerful way to promote equality and authenticity, allowing individuals to break free from the labels and boxes imposed by others. In 2023, inspired by her child, Alex, Sandra pursued a deeply personal project—creating a trend haircut designed to defy gender stereotypes. Her passion and vision paid off; Sandra’s haircut has been selected by Great Clips, Inc. as the winning trend cut for the 2025 “Advanced Techniques and Trends” training program.

 From January through August 2025, stylists who work for any Great Clips salon can take a two-hour virtual, cut-along workshop to learn the Great Clips trend cut: “The Alex.”

As a 25-year beauty industry veteran and member of the Great Clips education team, Sandra – and her colleagues – are responsible for developing and delivering a powerful skills training program that serves over 30,000 stylists who work in franchised Great Clips® salons across North America. The Advanced Techniques and Trends competition invites Great Clips education team members to create a fresh, new haircut,
outlining the entire process to create the cut. A technical advisory committee then reviews the submissions and chooses the most intriguing, relevant haircut that has the potential to sharpen the skills of Great Clips stylists.

“Great Clips is committed to exciting and energizing stylists by introducing them to new haircut trends, cutting tools, and styling products,” says Great Clips Director of Education Sue Aderhold. “We offer a world-class training program designed to help stylists advance their skills and, consequently, their careers.”

A trend cut is born.

For Sandra, the competition has been a defining moment in her life. 

“When I joined a Great Clips salon in 2019, I fell completely in love with educating and training stylists,” she says. “Taking on this project pushed me beyond what I thought I was capable of. My haircut collection is called ‘Beyond Boundaries,’ and it’s not by chance. It’s born out of a journey of unconditional love, growth, and self-discovery, and honors the lessons I’ve learned from my child. Alex has taught me to bravely and unapologetically embrace one’s true self, refusing to let the world define us, but rather to go beyond boundaries and uncover who we are truly meant to be.”

The Alex puts a creative twist on a classic fade, featuring a unique, curved part that marks a disconnect between the faded back and sides, and the textured top.

 Hallmarks of the award-winning trend cut include:

 The back and sides are cut with an under-fade that descends to a customized hairline featuring sharp, bald corners or a soft, rounded shape.
 The top is layered using 90-degree elevation and several razor techniques to emphasize texture and movement.
 The top is disconnected from the faded back and sides to create a texturized, floating weight line which complements the customized hairline.

Training for stylists at all skill levels

Stylists employed at any of the more than 4,400 independently owned Great Clips salons in the U.S. and Canada have access to Great Clips University, a robust digital platform that offers cosmetology and barbering technical training, along with one-on-one virtual coaching. Hundreds of live, virtual classes are offered every month to help stylists advance their skill sets and careers.

“At Great Clips® salons, we want customers to feel comfortable,” Sandra says. “The Alex haircut will help stylists make true connections with customers, empowering and supporting them to embrace their individuality. Authenticity is crucial for a great life!”

All Great Clips® salons are owned and operated by third-party franchisees. Franchisees, not Great Clips, Inc., are responsible for all hiring and personnel matters at individual salons.