Trying to grow out your hair and want to avoid the awkward stage? There may not be a magic potion, however, according to Rodney Cutler, owner of Cutler/Redken Salons and celebrity stylist, the right cut and style can make growing your hair look purposeful.
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Going from a pixie, like J Law, to a bob is the most natural route for kicking off growth. Keep hair at the nape of the neck short initially, as hair on the top of your head grows out. This process takes about 6 to 8 weeks, and will will take you to a Michelle Williams type look.
When this look grows out and begins to get heavy, that is when you allow the hair at the nape of the neck to grow out too. Being careful of heaviness on top, go for trims every 6 weeks. Advice your stylist to incorporate layers into the hair which helps to blend the top and the back. Now you are an Alexa Chung. Your hair has choppiness and structure.
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You need a bob that creates movement as hair grows from your jawline onto the collar bone. During this growth period, natural, wavy styling will create the illusion of a purposeful “cut.”
For those with a natural wave… wrap 1 1/2 inch sections of your hair around your finger and blow dry. This will create a natural buckle. Don’t over indulge the hair with product, instead, use a super light spray like Redken Fashion Waves 07 to keep the waves in tact, without looking stuck.
For those with straighter hair… wrap hair around a 1 inch curling iron, section by section in an “s” like form (i.e. Twist half way around flat iron to the left, twist half way around flat iron to the right.) Finger comb out the hair and apply Redken Wind Blown 05 Finishing Spray for a natural hold.
From BANGS and BEYOND: Besides a pixie, bangs are often the most difficult style to grow out
To begin the process, ask your stylist to create a whispy bang by sweeping the hair to either side of your face and and cutting on an angle each way. This will lighten up the hair and allow it to move more naturally.
**HINT: If you cut the corners a bit shorter it will help pop the cheek bones and eyes.
For short hair… if the length of your hair is short, like a choppy bob, growing out the bangs is easier. Blend bangs into the hair at the ends and allow them to grow with the shortest of your layers.
For long hair… don’t worry that you have a strong cut line from bang to length. Don’t layer the hair all the way up to the bangs, instead allow them to grow to the hair. Once the bang is 2 inches from the shortest layer length, blend via layering.
Bob lengths with bangs, like Emma Stone, Keira Knightley, Freja Beha and Alexa Chung, are all great references for segwaying from the bob and and bang looks of late.
Photos: Getty Images