by Victoria Wurdinger
Experts spill their best tips for tress success
We asked 9 stylists from across the country for their best short hair tricks, from finding the right cut & color to styling ‘dos and don’ts, plus their fave night looks. Here’s what they had to say!
Stylist Basics
8. Avoid using a brush while blow-drying, says Jet Rhys of Jet Rhys Salons in San Diego, CA, as it will create a puffiness and a dated feel. “Instead, use your fingers and some lightweight gel.” Turn the dryer on low and keep it moving around the head to create even heat throughout. You can let hair air-dry, provided you keep your fingers off! “The more you play with your hair, the bigger it will become, and you’ll pull out the definition,” Rhys says. “Once hair is dry, you can lightly massage it into place.”
Making the Cut
17. “Nothing brings short hair to life like layers”, says Rhys. Whether your stylist details them with a razor or scissors, they’re ideal for adding definition and interest.
Night Moves
29. If you have a pixie and your hair is fine and flat, you’re in luck, as the cut lends itself to texture and lift, according to Jet Rhys. Just add a thickening spray at the roots–Rhys likes Samy Fat Hair “O” Thickening Spray–then blow-dry with your fingers for crown fullness; to finish, pinch a texture paste into the ends.
Bang-Up Ideas
“Bangs are as important to your cut as the LBD in your closet!” says Jet Rhys of Jet Rhys Salon in San Diego, CA. Here are a few of the stylist’s top fringe tips:
33. When cut straight across, fringe makes your eyes look more intense.
34. Little bangs are very “now” with short cuts. Ask your stylist for extra-short ones that fall into tiny, uneven pieces for a super-sweet look.
35. Feeling a little bored with your style? Play with your bangs! Create a twist by pulling them up and pinning them to one side, then mist with hairspray. Or, sweep them up and away. To do, work a dime-sized dollop of gel into damp fringe, then blow-dry straight back and mist with hairspray.