Chances are that during winter you got lazy or needed to save cash, so you skipped your regularly scheduled haircut appointments. Whoops. And now you're hiding behind a hat or defaulting to a ponytail (you're so not alone). All split ends aside (don't even get us started on our roots), it's finally time to hit the salon. But here's the dilemma: Should you tell your stylist "I'll have the usual," or "I'm ready for something new"? Tough call, but if the latter is where you're headed, the next decision is whether you want just a subtle update or if you're ready for a drastic haircut.
If you're game for something different, but not dramatic, Erin Anderson, co-owner of the Woodley and Bunny Salon in Brooklyn, N.Y., has fresh ideas about how to jazz up your current haircut (or lack thereof). And if you're ready for a total haircut overhaul, Anderson has fashion forward haircut trends to share with you too -- some that are hot for spring, and others based on the haircuts she's currently giving. She says that her clients (which include celebs Chlo� Sevigny and Milla Jovovitch) are making really bold moves with their hair lately. So if you�re also ready to take the plunge and try a totally new haircut, her advice will help you learn how to ask your stylist for the specific look you're after, and how to style your new cut using a few of her fave hair care products.
Read on to get her tips and inspiration from these photos of celebrity hairstyles to help you decide on the best new look (dramatic or not!) for your hair. And remember: "At the end of the day, extreme or not, the hairstyle should complement the person and should be altered or adjusted to suit. If you see an extreme cut, use it as a guide and find a way to incorporate it, not just replicate [it]," says Anderson.
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Haircut Updates: If you have long, one-length, straight hair, try �
Adding bangs and long layers and "bring up the length to the collarbone," says Anderson to freshen up your style.
As seen on: Reese Witherspoon Best for: Straight or wavy hair How to ask for it: Keep in mind, longer hair typically looks best with longer fringe -- "No baby bangs," Anderson exclaims. Also, ask your stylist to cut the side layers "a bit shorter to hug the face."
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If you�re growing out a bob, try �
Spicing up the grown out bob by cutting the back a bit shorter.
As seen on: Gwyneth Paltrow Best for: Straight or wavy, medium-thick hair How to ask for it: Ask that your stylist not create a graduated cut, but instead to cut "more of the underneath (nape of the neck)," says Anderson. It doesn't have to be exposed, "you can leave longer hair coming down over [the shorter area] too if you are continuing to grow it out," she adds. The nape of the neck is always going to grow longer, but you don't have to sacrifice your hairstyle (this solves a potential mullet problem) while you're growing it out. You can also ask for layers and fringe to frame the face if you want more of a change.
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If you�re growing out your bangs, try �
Changing up the shape or style of your bangs, until they blend with the rest of your hair.
As seen on: Jessica Alba Best for: Straight or wavy hair How to ask for it: Anderson suggests asking your stylist to change the shape of your bangs -- maybe by making them heavier (so they look more styled), even as you continue to grow them out. Alternately, you can simply have your stylist cut them in a different way. For example, she could make a deep side part, sweeping your bangs to one side and then cut them.
Anderson also says that growing out your bangs is a great opportunity to play with fun accessories like headbands, scarves, bobby pins, etc. So don't always feel like you need to reach for the scissors to make a subtle change in your style.
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If you have long, curly hair, try �
Letting your stylist play around with proportion and shape, and don't be afraid to let the curls be free and a bit uneven -- curls should be fun and somewhat haphazard looking.
As seen on: Vanessa Hudgens Best for: Curly hair of all lengths How to ask for it: We know that mullet has a negative connotation, but reference that shape when you consult with your stylist. Why? You want your curly hair to have more bulk on top so that the bottom is not as heavy. For upkeep, Anderson recommends using "an ocean spray" like Sachajuan Ocean Mist, $28 on wet hair and to "let hair air dry" then "use a medium-sized curling iron in big sections to create loose waves."
Chances are that during winter you got lazy or needed to save cash, so you skipped your regularly scheduled haircut appointments. Whoops. And now you're hiding behind a hat or defaulting to a ponytail (you're so not alone). All split ends aside (don't even get us started on our roots), it's finally time to hit the salon. But here's the dilemma: Should you tell your stylist "I'll have the usual," or "I'm ready for something new"? Tough call, but if the latter is where you're headed, the next decision is whether you want just a subtle update or if you're ready for a drastic haircut.
If you're game for something different, but not dramatic, Erin Anderson, co-owner of the Woodley and Bunny Salon in Brooklyn, N.Y., has fresh ideas about how to jazz up your current haircut (or lack thereof). And if you're ready for a total haircut overhaul, Anderson has fashion forward haircut trends to share with you too -- some that are hot for spring, and others based on the haircuts she's currently giving. She says that her clients (which include celebs Chlo� Sevigny and Milla Jovovitch) are making really bold moves with their hair lately. So if you�re also ready to take the plunge and try a totally new haircut, her advice will help you learn how to ask your stylist for the specific look you're after, and how to style your new cut using a few of her fave hair care products.
Read on to get her tips and inspiration from these photos of celebrity hairstyles to help you decide on the best new look (dramatic or not!) for your hair. And remember: "At the end of the day, extreme or not, the hairstyle should complement the person and should be altered or adjusted to suit. If you see an extreme cut, use it as a guide and find a way to incorporate it, not just replicate [it]," says Anderson.