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
Photo 6/13
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
Photo 7/13
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
Photo 8/13
Worst: Sharon Osbourne
Sharon Osbourne proves you can have too much of a good thing. Her cut has too many layers, which can look frizzy, says Riggio. Adding to the mess? A rainbow of red highlights, which create the illusion of more texture. Less is always more, says Riggio. "If you're going for a whimsical pixie look, ask your stylist for thick, heavy layers," he says.
Image via Paul Hawthorne/Getty
Photo 9/13
Best: Reese Witherspoon
Moms don't always have to opt for above-the-shoulders styles. Reese Witherspoon's medium-length hairstyle is simple and youthful, says Williams. The trick is to ask your stylist for long layers — which create movement around the face — to keep the cut from looking boring. Bonus: Styling this type of cut is easier than you think. "Blow dry your hair with a large round brush and if you have time, touch up the ends with a flatiron," says Williams.
Image via Mike Marsland/WireImage/Getty
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.
