Issue #519 Mon 4 Aug
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — August 4, 2025
A tidy grid for a Monday morning. These puzzles reward a patient eye and a steady hand.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
The sharp metallic scent of citrus and talc, accompanied by the low, rhythmic hum of steel against hair.
Personal grooming and professional hair care.
PLACES FOR A PROFESSIONAL GROOMING SESSION
Spangram 4 hints · 10 letters
The connector word
A single compound noun.
10 letters.
Starts with B, ends with P.
BARBERSHOP
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 A (10 letters)
- 2 C (4 letters)
- 3 C (8 letters)
- 4 C (4 letters)
- 5 R (5 letters)
- 6 T (7 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 AF (10 letters)
- 2 CA (4 letters)
- 3 CL (8 letters)
- 4 CO (4 letters)
- 5 RA (5 letters)
- 6 TR (7 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 hints · 10 letters
A theme word
A stinging splash applied to the jawline once the work is finished.
10 letters.
Starts with A.
Starts with AF.
AFTERSHAVE
Theme word 2 of 6 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
The nylon sheet that keeps loose ends from falling onto your shirt.
4 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CA.
CAPE
Theme word 3 of 6 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
Spring-loaded metal blades used to shorten hair in quick, mechanical pulses.
8 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CL.
CLIPPERS
Theme word 4 of 6 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A plastic tool pulled through tangled strands to ensure an even length.
4 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CO.
COMB
Theme word 5 of 6 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
A single, incredibly sharp edge that demands a steady hand to avoid a nick.
5 letters.
Starts with R.
Starts with RA.
RAZOR
Theme word 6 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
A handheld power tool used to clean up the hairline around the neck and ears.
7 letters.
Starts with T.
Starts with TR.
TRIMMER
Spoiler zone
Complete Strands answer
Open only the solution you want to see. Each answer stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the spangram
Reveal all theme words
- AFTERSHAVE
- CAPE
- CLIPPERS
- COMB
- RAZOR
- TRIMMER
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on August 4, 2025. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for August 4, 2025, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on August 4, 2025?
NYT Strands on August 4, 2025 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 6 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the August 4, 2025 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 10 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "B" — the hints above ease you toward the rest one step at a time, without spelling it out.
What is the theme of NYT Strands on August 4, 2025?
We keep the theme under wraps here so nothing is spoiled — but the ladder above walks you into it, starting with the puzzle's overall vibe. Want it stated outright, with the spangram and all 6 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 10-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 10-letter spangram