If there is one haircut that can make a career it most definitely is a perfectly cut short style. The list of celebrities that have chopped their locks range from Michelle Williams (pictured above) to our newest pixie-cut celeb, Anne Hathaway. Whether you’re making a career or just in need of a change, the idea of shedding that many inches is terrifying! Each photo I see of those great cuts tempts me to do the same but my lack of knowledge has always derailed my plans. I decided to get the facts from two professionals: Rodney Cutler and Ted Gibson, in order to help myself and others take that plunge.
Anne Hathaway’s latest hair: pixie
Unfortunate as it may be, there are some limitations to pulling off short hair. One of the biggest is the texture of your hair. Both these stylists advise that fine to medium hair is the best for shorter cuts, but thicker hair can also work. Depending on your type of hair, a short cut will more closely mimic certain celebrities.
Cutler describes that if you have wavy or curly hair this cut will have texture similar to Halle Berry, but fine or straight hair will give off a more Jean Seberg sleek vibe. One last caveat: Gibson warns to avoid this cut if your hair is coarse, unless it is chemically treated.
Halle Berry
Jean Seberg
The next aspect to consider is your face shape. Most face shapes work really well with shorter cuts, especially oval or round faces, like Ginnifer Goodwin. One shape that needs length to be, “sexy and current,” according to Gibson, is an oblong face. It’s also
really important to make sure your hairstylist knows what they are doing. In the end, even if you have the perfect texture or face shape, your stylist must tailor the cut to your individual looks. Both stylists suggest utilizing pictures of pixie haircuts when you go to your own stylist.
Ginnifer Goodwin
It is easier to show an example with a picture than to just explain, as words can sometimes be misconstrued. If you say ‘pixie’ and want more length the end result might not be ideal, putting both you and your stylist in a bad place. To help, Ted Gibson broke down the three most current and trendiest short cuts:
Overlay – shorter on the sides with longer length on top that lies over the sides
Pixie – same short length all the way around the head
Shag – many layers with hair cut above the chin and a bit longer in the back
Evan Rachel Wood sporting the ‘overlay’ cut
Elisha Cuthbert rocking the ‘shag’
Once you get that fabulous cut it is important to plan how you want to go about maintaining the look. If you love the length and want to keep it short you will have to get it cut more often, so it keeps the shape. On the other hand, if the cut is not for you, growing it out can be more challenging. Gibson recommends using bobby pins or headbands to keep longer pieces out of your face, as sometime hair in your face can make you want to re-cut your locks. Although these tools help, creating that perfect ‘grow-out’ look can be challenging.
Victoria Beckham
Emma Watson
According to Cutler, you need to decide if length is your main priority. If that is the case, “the most logical way is…to grow out the top first.” He does warn that a length-focused frenzy can put you at risk of “joining the mullet family.” Just be careful and make sure you consult your stylist.
Changing you hair truly makes one feel like a new person, but these drastic measures need to be considered carefully. It is important that you trust your stylist but also that you are truly committed to the cause. Both stylists suggest that shorter cuts are a great way to get rid of damaged hair and to minimize your beauty routine. As Cutler says the “objective with short hair is to make it effortless; a great haircut and the right products should set you up for consistent good hair days.”
So, jump on that bandwagon and see what comes. Who knows, maybe it will change your life?!?
– Yiannoula Choros
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