Audrey Hepburn may have made the pixie famous, but Michelle Williams' modern interpretation is a refreshing take on the style. Williams raves that when it comes to cuts, this is as low-maintenance as it gets.
For a cut that requires no heat and little product in between touchups, Williams says to "ask your stylist for a slightly longer version of a pixie with side-swept bangs."
Image via Ethan Miller/Getty
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Worst: Kate Gosselin
Although her brood of eight plus her marriage troubles kept her in the spotlight, it's Kate Gosselin's reverse mullet that will live in infamy. The biggest problem with the look? Hairstyles should have one theme, otherwise they look un-coordinated and unbalanced, says Riggio. "The bangs are far too long and the spiky top would need a can of hairspray for hold."
Image via Michael Kovac/FilmMagic/Getty
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Best: Michelle Obama
The First Lady's breezy bob has been a source of inspiration for women across the globe. Her versatile cut has been pulled back in an elegant chignon, worn loose and wavy, or smoothed down extra sleek. "Her look is proof that moms can switch up their style easily if they have a great cut," says Williams.
To mimic Michelle Obama's signature look, Williams says to "ask your stylist for minimal to no layers. And when styling, add volume at the roots first before smoothing out the rest of your hair."
Image via Kevin Winter/NBC Universal/Getty
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Worst: Hillary Clinton
The media has closely followed the Secretary of State's diplomatic speeches and ever-changing hairdos. The former first lady has made a few mistakes (who could forget the scrunchies?) in her hair history, but it is her Carol Brady-esque flip that tops the no-no list.
Let's be honest, hair flipping hasn't been cool since Farrah Fawcett's last high kick on TV. A flip might seem like an easy way to add texture, but "it can age you and make your look seem dated," says Riggio. Keep your look modern by skipping any short hairstyles that curl up and out.
Image via Olivier Morin/AFP/Getty
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Best: Victoria Beckham
No one can wear an asymmetrical bob quite like Victoria Beckham — but that doesn't mean moms shouldn't try. When taking the plunge, be sure your edgy slant isn't too blunt. "Ask your stylist for a classic a-line bob that is slightly piecey," says Williams. "The sophisticated cut is simple to style — just flat iron and go." Plus, the cut will eventually grow out into a cute lob — no need to visit the salon again for at least six weeks.
Image via Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for IMG
It almost seems like a rite of passage: become a mom; get a bad "mom cut." You know the one — the short hairstyle that's way too short and not flattering for your face shape. The one you got on an "I need a change!" whim.
Hey, we get it. You're suddenly busier than you've ever been, which means zero time to create polished, bombshell waves. So what do you do? You tell your stylist to chop it all off and give you a short cut that's a cinch to wash and go.
The problem is that "wash and wear" short hair can be really tough to pull off, says James Williams, head stylist at Canale Salon in Beverly Hills, Calif. The secret is getting a short hairstyle that works with your hair's natural texture. Guy Riggio, a Los Angeles-based Sally Hershberger stylist agrees, adding it's also important to get a cut that really works with your face shape.
"Shorter cuts are easier to manage if you find the perfect style for your face shape," says Riggio. "And that can take a lot of trial and error."
Skip ahead to see the 12 best and worst mom haircuts.
Maybe that's the excuse for Kate Gosselin's reverse mullet, Sharon Osbourne's feathered mess, or Katherine Heigl's granny bob?
Thankfully, some moms have sailed through new mommyhood without getting the prerequisite awful short haircut. Just look at Michelle Williams' youthful pixie, Reese Witherspoon's effortless layers, and Michelle Obama's chic bob. Short hairstyles don't get much better than these.
So, to celebrate Mother's day, we decided to take a fun look back at some of the most famous triumphs and cringe-worthy mishaps in mom-haircut history. Plus, we chatted with Riggio and Williams about each look, so when you fit in a visit to the salon in between play dates and nap time, you will know exactly what to ask for — and what to tell your stylist to never do to you.
