Shaggy Pixie Cut with Side Bangs

@hannatayhair

Q&A with style creator, Hanna Taylor
Hairstylist @ DNa Lab Organic Hair Chemistry in Frederick, MD

How would you describe this look?

This cut is a modern shaggy pixie. With shag haircuts coming back into style I wanted to create a similar edgy feel for shorter hair. My favorite thing about this cut is the fact that it’s versatile – she’s able to switch up her parting any way she wants and she’s able to style it shaggy and edgy or even more controlled.

Any advice for someone considering it?

This shaggy pixie is a fun haircut to rock but it does require more maintenance than longer haircuts. For anyone considering a pixie, I would be ready to come into the salon every 4-6 weeks for a maintenance haircut.

Product will be your best friend, so be sure to find a texture product you love. A product I’m obsessed with right now is a texture paste called Sandcastle from R+Co. I take a pea sized amount, rub it in my hands, and work the product through the base of the hair. It gives so much volume, control, and texture, and its a great product for a short haircut like this.

Edgy Undercut with Hair Design

@mckenzie.pmts

Q&A with style creator, Mckenzie Roy
Future Professional @ Paul Mitchell the School in Farmington Hills, MI

How would you describe this look?

I describe this cut as edgy and modern. I think that it’s different and eye-catching without being super in your face and avant-garde. I love pairing an edgy cut with a natural color so the cut can really shine through.

Any advice for someone considering it?

Go for it! Short hair can definitely save you time in the morning and money on products. To style this look, I used Paul Mitchell Invisible Wear Pump Me Up Texture Powder and Undone Texture Spray. However, the only possible downside to a cut like this is that it can be a lot to maintain. Depending on how short you like the sides of your hair to be, you may have to get your haircut every 3 weeks or more.

Beachy Messy Hair

@christiandomingos

Q&A with style creator, Christian Domingos
Hair Artist @ Salon B in Dartmouth, MA

How would you describe this look?

This look is something very low maintenance, textured, and beachy! The cut is very long and flowing therefor resulting in lesser maintenance as well keeping everything all one length gives it that boho style! I did do the color as well. I love how muted the roots are and how she has that pop of color around her face and her ends. Making it looked like it was kissed by the sun. I love the style as well. Keeping all the curl through the mids keeping those ends nice and straight. My favorite thing about it all is that it’s timeless! Sunkissed hair is something that will always be in trend! Which I think is awesome to invest in.

Any advice for someone considering it?

Always ask for something low maintenance, lived-in, and textured. Nice and bright around the face and ends and muted at the root. A light texture spray is your best for products or dry shampoo. Filliping your heads upside down after curling to get that windblown effect. Also touching up pieces on 2nd-day dirty hair is the best! Running your ends with a flat iron if you feel like it’s too curly is another great trick! A look like this is perfect for anybody because I usually tell my clients to imagine spending the day at the beach and how your hair would get kissed by the sun is exactly what I love to mimic!

Short Platinum Angled Bob

@kalrissa.luxesalon

Q&A with style creator, Kalrissa Taylor
Owner @ Luxe Salon in Sycamore, IL

How would you describe this look?

This look is a cool, dimensional platinum blonde with a soft textured bob. I love the balance of edgy color and soft haircut. This style makes you stand out but in a conservative way, which I love!

Any advice for someone considering it?

I would consider this color to be a slightly high maintenance color to maintain the bright, cool tones you see here. Once you achieve the desired level of blonde (be advised this will not safely happen in one sitting unless you are already blonde), I recommend a babylight every 12 weeks and a tone refresh every four weeks to ensure you never look dull.

A strengthening product wardrobe is a must to keep the blonde hair healthy! My recommendation is the Eufora Beautifying Elixirs line which heals and styles at the same time.

This haircut is perfect for all hair types! It will make fine hair look thicker and can be cut to make thick, bushy hair lay softer. A Root Lifter and Smoothing Cream are must-have products. My favorites are Eufora Boost and Behave!

Modern Messy Bob for Older Women

 @hannah.at.virtue

Q&A with style creator, Hannah
Hairstylist @ Virtue Vegan Salon in Columbus, OH

How would you describe this look?

This is a tousled messy bob. I love the piece-y fringe paired with the strong shape of the bob. Those elements work really well with her fine, wavy hair texture.

Any advice for someone considering it?

For this bob, we cut a line with no layers or graduation. This method works well for finer hair. If you have medium to thick density, I recommend texturizing or adding “internal layers”.

Styling is key to get the tousled look here, especially if you have naturally straight hair. Using a flat iron or curling iron to produce waves and finishing with a texture powder or spray is key.

This look is very low maintenance if you have naturally wavy hair. It works best on longer or more narrow faces due to the heaviness of the cut overall and the widening effect the fringe has on the face. Having said that, the right style and attitude always override the “shoulds” and “should nots” when it comes to face shape. In other words, if you own the cut, you can rock it!

Long Trendy Beach Waves

 @tg_hairstudio

Q&A with style creator, Tino Gabaldon
Owner / Hair Artist @ T.G. Hair Studio in San Diego, CA

How would you describe this look?

This look is a modern twist on the mid-length haircut with the ever so trendy beach waves. I know a lot of clients say they don’t want the soccer mom look, so I always show my clients how to create the loose curls that can last a few days. I think it even looks very sleek flat ironed straight, just not air-dried straight if you want to avoid the soccer mom look.

I love the way her color shines and makes her hair look very healthy, as well as the lived-in look of her curls.

Any advice for someone considering it?

This look pretty much works for anyone, regardless of their lifestyle. It especially works well for those who don’t wash their hair every day because all you do is throw is some texture spray or beach day spray (one of my favorites is by UNITE Hair) and curl away with a 1-inch curling iron or wand. The curls might be a little tighter the first day, but second-day curls always look the best because they are a little looser and more natural-looking.

As far as the color goes, we actually did a level 1 black which definitely does not look good on all skin tones, but it worked perfectly for her tone. Overall, the color, cut, and style worked perfectly for this specific client. The cut and styling could work for many different clientele.

Youthful Chic & Textured Blunt Cut

 @longhairswagg

Q&A with style creator, Reagan Kaalekahi
Educator & Senior Stylist @ Chromatique Salon in Bellevue, WA

How would you describe this look?

This haircut is modern, chic and textured. If you haven’t had short hair, get ready to feel sexy and sassy because you will turn heads with this look!

It’s a very detailed style with a broken outline and very textured layers for maximum movement.

Any advice for someone considering it?

If you’re used to having a ponytail, kick those hair bands to the curb because you won’t need them anymore. This a great length. Although it may feel a bit short in the beginning, it will quickly grow on you and you will love it.

Medium Length Texture

 @hairby_nicole

Q&A with style creator, Nicole Jansen
Stylist / Colorist @ Hair Theatre Salon in Kirkwood, MO

How would you describe this look?

My favorite thing about this modern hairstyle is all of the built-in texture and the diversity of it.

Any advice for someone considering it?

I really love this cut on clients with naturally straight or wavy hair because it instantly gives so much shape and texture to the hair. I think it is a great length for most people. It is short enough to complement and bring some attention to the face, but it still has enough length that clients can play with it and rock different styles.

Textured Shag

 @godiegogordon

Q&A with style creator, Diego Gordon
Hair Artist @ Chris McMillan Salon in Los Angeles, CA

How would you describe this look?

I would describe this style as a textured shag. When performing the cut, I used a combination of point cutting, slide cutting, and texturizing shears. My client has very thick, coarse and straight hair, so I had to take out a lot of weight to create a cut that will work well straight or waved as the picture shows.

My favorite thing about this style is the bangs. They’re at that length where it looks like maybe you had short bangs and they kind of grew out to that perfect “around the eye” length.

Any advice for someone considering it?

When I styled this cut, I prepped wet hair with Unite Lazer Straight mixed with SachaJuan styling cream. I blow dried with a round brush, pulling the brush up around the crown area to create volume. I curled with a 1 1/2-inch barrel Marcel iron, alternating directions to create separation within the curls. After waving the hair, I ran my fingers through her hair to create a more unpolished look.

I prefer hair to look as if it’s the second day. I used Oribe texture spray to roughen up the texture all over, and Keving Murphy Powder.Puff along the roots. Together, these two products create tremendous volume, texture and grit so your client can walk out looking like she’s effortless yet wild.

This look is for a client who wants to keep some length while still having fun with volume, texture, and layers. If you’re going to rock this haircut with your natural texture and you have wavy hair to medium curly hair, products will be your best friend. On wet hair, apply SachaJuan Styling Cream, along with Unite Hair Mousse Medium Hold and L’Oréal Mythic Oil. It’s important not to comb out your curls or run your fingers through your hair.

I encourage clients to have fun and play around with the length of your bangs to add some style and personalize your look.

Platinum Blonde Pixie Cut

 @zane.hairdressing

Q&A with style creator, Zané Zvinkle
Freelance Hairdresser @ La Coco Beauty Salon in Ramsgate, UK

How would you describe this look?

This look is creative, fun, and definitely more stylish. It really shows off the strong personality of the client.

My favorite thing about this look is that when your lifestyle gets so busy and active, it’s simple, quick and easy to style, and also gives you that celebrity look.

Any advice for someone considering it?

This hairstyle would work for clients who live a busy lifestyle but still love to look stylish. The short framing fringe gives that chic look and works great for longer face shapes. It works great with fine and straight hair, as well as hair that has texture.

Starting with wet hair, blow dry it to lay the way you want it. Once dry, play with some texturizing paste and style.  Messy or smooth, anything goes!

Elegant Short A-Line Bob

 @hair_byalexandra

Q&A with style creator, Alexandra Grace Bellerby
Artistic Director @ Tara Rose Hair & Beauty Salon in Abu Dhabi

How would you describe this look?

This easily achievable and pretty bob has been created with a longer cut at the front that tapers in sharply toward the back. It is, in not so many words, an elegantly long a-line bob with graduated side-swept bangs.

Cafe Au Lait blonde pieced with randomly placed Pastel Lilac slices creates a little more of an edgier look, yet it still has a neutral tone to it that can be worn by almost anyone. It is the perfect combination between cut and color, which is why I love this technique the most.

Any advice for someone considering it?

This look is great for those who have finer, naturally straight hair. When you have hair that’s fine, darker roots can give the appearance of added fullness and volume. If you have a round face, you can use side bangs for adding sharpness to the face shape.

I would only recommend this color to clients who can commit to frequent visits to the salon for maintenance. I would also recommend this color to clients who have healthy hair because, in order to achieve the pastel tones, you must have a near white canvas to color over. The color is not designed to last all that long, but pastel dyes are usually mixed with a very low peroxide so they are safe to apply frequently.

In between appointments, use professional hair care products at home. A gentle sulfate-free shampoo will suffice. Redkin or Kevin Murphy are my absolute favorites!

Squared Off Neck-Length Blonde Bob

 @ashleyatimmortal

Q&A with style creator, Ashley Geesaman
Hair Cutter @ Immortal Beloved in Washington, DC

How would you describe this look?

In the simplest terms, this is a very modern, squared off bob with slight texture. A concept like this is inspired by futuristic looks, basically anything space-related.

I always think of Scarjo’s pink bob in Lost in Translation or Mila’s bright orange bob from The Fifth Element in terms of shape. I love how every year there could be some version of this haircut and it would work.

Any advice for someone considering it?

Depending on the texture, the products will definitely vary. This model just happens to have amazing hair and need just a bit of Oribe Straight Away. If someone has much finer hair, I would suggest a thickening product like Oribe Thickening Spray, as well as something with a smoothing quality.

This is definitely a statement look, but still quite versatile for a range of people. Depending on what you do with the color, it could be a bit more conservative. A squared off bob suits most face shapes as it’s not round so it doesn’t really create issues with someone feeling full in the face.

Obviously hair texture is the most critical with this shape as you want to avoid triangle hair, unless that’s what the client is wanting. That can be a cool look too!

Cool Boho Braids Ponytail

 @_hairbycara_

Q&A with style creator, Cara Curti
Colorist @ Feathers II in Berkeley Heights, NJ

How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?

I think this look has a cool boho vibe to it, but my favorite part is that it can be worn many ways. It’s a great, flirty festival style that can also be curled up tighter with some flowers or jewels for a gorgeous bridesmaid style.

What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?

All you need to create and maintain this style is a little texturizing spray or some light hairspray like MoroccanOil medium finish.

What type of client would you recommend this look for?

This look works best on someone with longer, thicker hair, but you can really pancake that fishtail if you’ve got less hair to work with.

Bright Beachy Look

 @hairbymand

Q&A with style creator, Amanda Yuhas
Manager / Stylist @ Anna’s Salon Elite in Pittsburgh, PA

How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?

I would describe this specific hairstyle as a lived-in, bright and beachy look. My favorite thing about this style is that it is very low maintenance, yet chic! It is a great daily go-to no matter the occasion.

What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?

To maintain this look, I recommend the Unite Blonda (purple) shampoo to wash with once a week to maintain the bright, icey blonde color. To recreate the curls, I recommend using a 1 1/4-inch barrel iron. Use a texture spray to finish for the piecey, deconstructed look!

What type of client would you recommend this look for?

This type of color and style is for the client who loves an up-to-date, trendy style with very little upkeep. It is great for all face shapes. Anyone with a busy lifestyle would be a perfect fit!

Unicorn Hair Color

 @hairbykaylavee

Q&A with style creator, Kayla Valerio
Stylist & Owner @ Studio V in Attleboro, MA

How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?

There’s nothing I love more than colorful unicorn hair! I really wanted to play around with the Pulp Riot neons and then add a pop of silver toner.

I was teaching a class when I created this look and we decided it reminded us of Lisa Frank in the 90s, and let me tell you. I love the 90s!

What products do you recommend to maintain and recreate this look?

Recreating this exact look will be difficult because every strand of hair is a different color. I recommend being creative and creating your own masterpiece! I used all Pulp Riot color because they are so easy to blend and are so vibrant and beautiful. There is no wrong way when your experimenting with vivids!

As far as maintaining, I tell my clients to use a sulfate/paraben-free shampoo, rinse with cold water, and use lots of DRY SHAMPOO! The less you wash your hair, the more vibrant it will stay.

What type of client would you recommend this look for?

This look is for someone that really wants to stand out and probably someone with a more unconventional job and lifestyle. However, anyone can have unicorn hair or at least a touch of it with peekaboos instead of the whole head. I’m here to make the world a little more colorful one head at a time!

Bold Short Blue Crop

@becs_mk

Embrace your inner rock star with this fearless hairstyle. The funky highlights complete this unique and fun look!

Medium Hair with Long Layers

@donnadstylistsalon

Q&A with style creator, Donna
Salon Owner / Hair Stylist / Colorist @ Donna D’ Stylist Salon in MB, Canada

How would you describe this look?

This is a shag, a haircut that has more layers on top to than the bottom and shorter at the top and longer at the bottom. What I like about this hairstyle is it’s great for everyone. For thick hair, layering the hair removes the bulkiness. For medium to fine hair, layering the hair adds some volume. The hair looks sexy and easy to manage. For coloring, I did a partial highlight and full color on her to add some dimensions and movement. We chose caramel tones for a warmer look that is perfect for summer.

Any advice for someone considering it?

My client’s hair texture is wavy, thick, and coarse. I gave her a lot of layering and a lot of texturizing to achieve fullness on top and create soft layers at the ends.

Her face shape is round, so giving her side bangs and face-framing layers in the front eliminated the roundness of her face shape.

I advised her not to wash her hair every day, so I recommended a dry shampoo by Goldwell. For styling, she always blow-dries and irons her hair, so  I recommend Kerasilk Bodifying Mousse for volume. It already has heat protection, and it’s a sleek spray to use with the flat iron. For finishing, I recommend volumizing hairspray for a light hold and Kerasilk accentuating finish creme to define the ends. The last product was the Hair Perfume by Goldwell for keeping the hair freshly scented all day.

The Long Ombre Hair Color

Nothing screams new and fresh like an ombre! If I were told to close my eyes and say the first thing to describe the most current hair trend, it would be ombre. This is a clear example of how color creates texture all on its own.

How to Style:

1. Apply a small amount of oil to clean, damp hair.
2. Blow dry with a paddle brush.
3. With a large barrel iron, take vertical sections and start winding the iron away from your face. I always start curling at the root, working my way down the length of the hair. Also, allow the iron to set the hair longer on the roots than the ends. This will allow for the curl to gently open towards the ends so you don’t end up with ringlets!
4. Shake out with your fingers to break up the uniform curl, unless that’s what you’d rather have. In that case, brush through hair with a paddle brush to lock the set together.

Face Shape and Hair Type:

Again, anyone can wear this look. It complements all of us gals!

Recommended Products:

I recommend Moroccan Oil for this as well. They have two formulas, regular and light. Now everyone can use the oil they need to polish their locks!

The Undercut Mohawk

Another trend that has swept the runways and won us all over is the “punk” movement. Nothing goes better with that new studded handbag than this bad boy! I love how the softly textured top is juxtaposed with the clean, edged lines on the side.

How To Style:

1. Start with a volumizing product on clean, damp hair.
2. Wrap dry from left to right with a vent brush to create lift.
3. With your flat iron, smooth horizontal sections, moving forward towards your face. When you reach the tips of your hair, give it a slight bend back to create that kick.
4. Apply a finishing wax or pomade for separation and shine.

Face Shape and Hair Type:

This cut is ideal for someone who has more of a square face shape. The length concentrated on the top of the head directing up and away elongates the shape of the face. Texture doesn’t really matter as each different type of texture will simply give this look its own character.

Recommended Products:

Depending on your texture, you would use a gel or volumizer as your working product. Gel for more unruly, thick hair and a mousse/blow foam for fine hair. When it comes to gel I like to use Alphaparf’s Semi di Lino Gel. For the finer haired ladies (like myself), Kevin Murphy’s Body.Builder is the way to go when it comes to a mousse/blow foam. As for wax, use Kevin Murphy’s Night.Rider for a stronger, matte hold or Osmos Shaper for a softer, shinier look.

The Pixie Cut with Side Bangs

Strong yet soft, the pixie has always swept me off my feet. The new spin on this model is the disconnection between the shorter sides and the longer top. We no longer want our pixies to lay flat, but to rise to occasion!

How To Style:

1. Moving from left to right, wrap dry clean, damp hair with a vent brush.
2. When hair starts to become dry, begin lifting the crown with the vent brush towards the ceiling.
3. Apply a small amount of wax all over and direct hair to desired side. Then start piecing out sections to enhance movement.

Recommended Products:

Osmos Shaper is perfect for this soft, textured look.

Face Shape and Hair Type:

Oval face shapes can pull any look off, however they truly are best suited for the pixie. Typically medium to fine texture is recommended for this look as well. If you have curlier hair, you might want to think about a texture treatment to relax those precious curls before cutting them this short.

The Shattered Chin-Length Bob

The classic bob has so many variations and this one is amazing. Just look at the movement and texture created here. A soft, sweeping fringe really sweetens up this classic look.

 How To Style:

1. Start with a working product on clean damp hair.
2. Wrap dry from left to right with a vent brush.
3. Use a round brush in vertical sections once hair is dry for more contour towards the face.
4. Piece out the interior with a wax or pomade to create the shattered effect.

 Face Shape and Hair Type:

I feel like any face shape is complemented by this look. The soft lines diffuse any square or heart shaped faces while the fringe fills out any triangular shapes.

Recommended Products:

Osmos Shaper is perfect for this soft, textured look.

Shag Cut with Side Swept Bangs

Short, chunky layers sliding into soft ringlets of length — this look has it all! I feel like this style has so much to offer. One could pull the length up for a “short haircut” effect, or blow out the ends for a long, fuller look. There are two words for this modern haircut — texture and versatility!

How To Style:

1. Apply a working product throughout hair.
2. Wrap dry from left to right with a large round brush.
3. When dry, work vertically around the head towards the face.
4. Pull your brush through the length and wind the hair around the brush vertically. Allow the hair to cool for a moment, then unwind the brush. Work away from your face on both sides and around the head.
5. Polish with a light pomade.

Face Shape and Hair Type:

A medium to thick density of hair is required for this look. If it’s is too fine in density, it will not have a strong enough length. If you have a curly texture, you might consider a Keratin treatment to collapse the bulk.

Recommended Products:

According to the texture of your hair, use a gel with an oil cocktail for rougher textures and a volumizer for finer hair. Osmos Shaper is great as a polish on the ends for separation and shine.

The Graduated Bob with Bangs

Here is another bob variation that redefines one of the classics. The graduated bob shows off so much texture. Accompanied by a trendy swing fringe, this haircut highlights so many focal points that it will compliment just about anyone!

How To Style:

1. Apply a working product throughout the hair.
2. Wrap dry from left to right with a paddle or vent brush.
3. If your hair is a rougher texture, then flat iron vertical partings forward.
4. Apply wax or pomade for separation and shine.

Face Shape & Hair Texture:

The graduated bob is better for triangular and oval face shapes. Unfortunately, for those who have square or heart shaped faces, this cut could widen the jawline. Typically the purpose of a bob like this is to build weight in the back. For this reason I would suggest this cut for ladies with locks that lean towards the medium to finer side.

Recommended Products:

When your hair is on the finer side of things, I recommend the Kevin Murphy Anti.Gravity. It’s not just a volumizer, but a styling lotion as well. The Osmos Shaper is perfect for lightweight separation and shine.

Super Short Layered Pixie

This short, layered diddy packs a big punch in the texture department! There is so much movement accentuating all of the right features.

How To Style:

1. Apply a volumizing product from roots to lengths.
2. Wrap dry from left to right with a large round brush.
3. As the hair dries, turn the brush vertically and start to style hair forward using vertical sections.
4. In the crown, use horizontal sections for extra height.
5. Use a light wax or pomade for separation and shine.

Face Shape & Hair Texture:

This style is great for oval, triangular and heart shaped faces. The heavier top balances out narrow foreheads and wide jawlines. Medium to fine densities works best for this style because thick hair can easily turn into the dreaded “mushroom” look.

Recommended Products: When your hair is on the finer side of things, I recommend Kevin Murphy Anti.Gravity. It’s not just a volumizer, but a styling lotion as well. The Osmos Shaper is perfect for creating lightweight separation and shine.

Big Natural Hair

Last but definitely not least, we have the natural state. These days it is refreshing to see more and more African American women embracing their natural texture. After years of relaxing, weaving and pressing their natural texture into a molded form, it is about time their curl has its day!

How To Style:

1. Shampoo and condition with your favorite moisturizing set.
2. Comb conditioner through with a wide tooth comb and rinse.
3. Scrunch hair dry as wrapping with the “turban” method pulls too much on the curl structure, hindering its bounce.
4. Apply ample amounts of a curl defining cream and oil cocktail.
5. Scrunch through product and air dry.

Recommended Products:

When it comes to unruly locks, I prefer the Sarya Key line. It is made with a superior quality shea butter. Not only does it weigh down rough cuticles, but it actually “feeds” the hair as well. Their shampoo and conditioner are perfect for the fussiest of locks!

Face Shape & Hair Texture:

This is for all African American women. No matter the length or face shape, it feels good to go “au natural”!